Blogs

Glamping in France: peace, space and nature in a lodge

19 October 2026 · 4 min read

In this article

Why glamping works so well in France

France has something few other countries can match: an enormous variety of landscapes, all within driving distance of one another. Within a single country, you’ll find the Atlantic coastline, limestone valleys, medieval villages, mountain plateaus and vast wine-growing regions. And that makes it the perfect country for glamping, because glamping is all about the location. It’s about waking up to a view. It’s about sitting outside without feeling uncomfortable.

We’ve deliberately set up our lodges at campsites that understand that feeling. Not anonymous resorts, but places with character, often run by people who’ve chosen to live and work here themselves. You can really tell the difference.

Safari Lodge in the sunshine, with a family sitting at a table on the veranda, two wooden garden chairs and a hammock on the grass — Safari Lodge 2-4P at Camping Kost Ar Moor

Brittany: salt in the air, the beach just round the corner

If you love the coastline, I’d quickly point you towards Brittany. The south coast of Finistère has wide sandy beaches that you’ll never see completely packed in August and which you’ll almost have to yourself outside the peak season. The oceanic climate keeps summers mild, with pleasant temperatures in July and August.

A family at the water’s edge on a beach strewn with shells and pebbles on the Brittany coast — Camping Kost Ar Moor

Camping Kost Ar Moor is situated 400 metres from the nearest beach in Fouesnant and borders a protected nature reserve. The campsite itself features a water park with a large swimming pool, a slide, a paddling pool and a spa area, plus a wellness centre with a private sauna and a Nordic bath at 40 degrees. Bicycle hire, including electric bikes, is available, which is handy for exploring the footpaths and dunes surrounding the campsite. From Bénodet, 8 kilometres away, boats depart from June to September for the Glénan Islands: seven islets surrounded by crystal-clear water.

A family having breakfast with baguettes and orange juice at the table on the veranda of the Safari Lodge — Safari Lodge 2-4P at Camping Kost Ar Moor

Dordogne: castles, canoeing and prehistory

The Dordogne is a region that most people visit once and never forget. Castles perched on limestone cliffs above the river, medieval towns with cobbled streets, and the Lascaux caves just a quarter of an hour’s drive away – it’s almost too much to take in in a single holiday.

Swimming pool with a water feature and palm trees near the yellow buildings — Camping Kost Ar Moor

Camping Les Tailladis, run by the Dutch Hirsch family, is situated in the heart of the Périgord Noir, in the so-called ‘golden triangle’ between Les Eyzies, Montignac and Sarlat. There is a heated swimming pool open from 15 April to 31 October, a paddling pool with a waterfall and a large natural swimming area next to the little river on the campsite. The restaurant serves Périgord dishes that change daily – think local cuisine featuring nuts, truffles and duck dishes – and every week the campsite organises a guided canoe trip on the Dordogne. Beynac Castle is 4 kilometres away.

A turquoise hammock next to the long wooden table with white chairs on the veranda of the Wood Lodge, which sleeps 2 to 6 people, with the woods behind it — Wood Lodge 2-6P at Camping Les 3 Cantons

Tarn-et-Garonne: sunflower fields and medieval towns

Anyone wishing to avoid the crowds whilst still enjoying the south of France will soon turn their attention to Tarn-et-Garonne. This is the heartland of south-west France: peaceful, warm and green.

A family is looking at bicycles with baskets in front of the reception area at Camping Kost Ar Moor, next to the ‘Accueil’ sign — Camping Kost Ar Moor

Camping Les 3 Cantons is set in wooded, spacious grounds, close to the Gorges de l’Aveyron, a spectacular nature reserve that literally serves as its back garden. There is an outdoor swimming pool measuring 15 by 7 metres, and over fifty hours a week of Dutch- and English-speaking entertainment for children and teenagers. With Kammenga Aventura, you can enjoy outdoor sports every day: mountain biking, canoeing, rock climbing and hiking. On Sunday mornings, there’s the famous market at Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, 7 kilometres away.

The Pyrenees: altitude, tranquillity and starry skies

For those truly seeking tranquillity, Camping Les Sapins is in a league of its own. The campsite is situated at an altitude of 1,280 metres on the Plateau de Sault, overlooking the valley and the high peaks of the Pyrenees. Peace, space and nature take centre stage here.

At this altitude, the days are pleasantly warm and the nights cool, and the starry sky is exceptionally clear. You can sign up daily for rafting, canyoning, white-water canoeing, abseiling and caving, led by Dutch-speaking instructors. For children, there are donkey rides and a trampoline. The Château de Montségur, the last stronghold of the Cathars, is 25 kilometres away, and the famous GR107 walking route runs past the campsite.

Which region suits you best?

That depends on what you’re looking for:

Beach and water park: choose Brittany and Camping Kost Ar Moor
Castles, canoeing and fine dining: the Dordogne with Camping Les Tailladis
Sun, adventure and wide open spaces: Tarn-et-Garonne with Camping Les 3 Cantons
High mountains, tranquillity and nature: the Pyrenees with Camping Les Sapins

All our campsites are open from April. They remain open until mid-September or even October, making the early and late seasons good options too, especially if you want to avoid the August crowds.

Glamping in France isn’t just one thing. It’s about choosing the landscape, the region and the atmosphere that suits you best. We’re here to help you make that choice.

We had an amazing 10 days at Les Sapins. Jos and Lia put their heart and soul into making sure their guests are 100% comfortable. We stayed in a chalet which was fully equipped and tastefully decorated and also well-conditioned for the hot days and cool nights. The pool was nice and the surrounding area perfect if you want to get away from it all in a wonderful natural environment.
★★★★★Alan Thompson · Camping Les Sapins

Written byRink-Jan

Owner of Lodge Holidays. For years I have personally selected the most beautiful small-scale glamping sites in Europe. Questions about a destination? I'd be happy to help.

Ask Rink-Jan a question →

In this article

← All articles