This year’s favorites are underrated just because they are labeled “campgrounds.” All of them are wonderful places, lovingly maintained. Places to stay and relax where you feel right at home—casual, restful, and set in a great environment. All the ones featured here would still be on this list even in drizzly, stormy, or dusty weather conditions. Many are also highly recommended for a holiday. In France, campsites offer special accommodations with four walls even for non-campers—often more creative and charming than the classic, old-fashioned mobile home.
Le Champ des Cimes ** in Aubesagne https://www.lechampdescimes.com/
This exceptionally beautiful organic farm offers unique, affordable accommodations. The former chicken coop has been converted and is comfortably furnished. It is a great place to spend time when the weather is bad. There is a sofa, books—including some about the adjacent national park—a projector screen, a ping-pong table, and much more. Yves and Séverine run a small grocery store with organic products and a large refrigerator stocked with beverages. Croissants and baguettes are purchased and delivered in the morning upon request. The two are locals who know every route—by bike and by car—and love nature and the mountains. They have tips for anyone who is interested.
Le Grand Calme * https://www.campinglegrandcalme.com/ in Allemond
The campground is located in the heart of Allemond, not far from famous mountain passes. Road cyclists whiz by on the road starting in the early morning. The friendly owners offered us a spot on the terrace of a small cabin to sit when it was raining. The vegetable garden is tended by neighbors of the village. The small town has everything what the campground does not have: a bakery, a little supermarket, a grocery store with a bar where cyclists gather after climbing the mountain passes, and a swimming pool. The cable car takes you to the ski resorts for a small fee. Alp d’Huez is not far either.
Camping Arc en Ciel **** https://campingarcenciel.com/
A 75-year-old city campground just outside Aix-en-Provence. It still retains some features from a time when people did not pack their entire household into an oversized car. For example, there are plenty of places to sit—such as wooden benches, picnic benches, chairs, tables, and a clothesline. It has been continuously updated and renovated. It has a very family-friendly atmosphere, with a river where guests can fish and a 25-meter pool. The bus stop for the city is right in front of the entrance. However, the small shops—a grocery store, a vegetable and fruit stand, a brasserie, and a rotisserie—right at the campground are sufficient for your daily needs.
If you are going to Barcelonette, then this is the right choise Camping Le Tampico *** https://www.letampico.fr/
Barcelonette is a major intersection—a shopping center with large supermarkets on the outskirts, countless motorcyclists, campers, trucks, and other road users. ‘Camping Le Tampico’ is quietly located on a side street parallel to the main thoroughfare. For motorcyclists and campers, there is a grassy area as well as accommodations. The on-site restaurant is fully booked every day. A nicely furnished lounge is available for inclement weather.
Camping Le Moulin a Vent *** https://www.le-moulin-a-vent.com/ in Cucuron
In the heart of Provence, in the South-Luberon, lies Cucuron, a lively village with a manageable amount of tourism, a bakery, a butcher shop, cafés, restaurants, and more. Nearby is the Windmill Campground. Very friendly owners, some terraced campsites, a library with games and a microwave, excellent restroom facilities, and a bocce court with balls in the center. Plenty of seating and a row of cabins, some with large windows and balconies. Very inviting. Some people might miss having a pool.
Camping Lou Vincen *** at the Rhône https://www.campinglouvincen.fr/
Vallabrègues is a small, unspoiled, and laid-back town with everything you need as well as local live. The campground is great for touring cyclists and anyone else who enjoys spending the night outdoors. For cyclists and hikers, there is a separate area with seating, hammocks, outdoor sofas, and a “historic” trailer. Do not miss the bocce court, although the town’s own court—which is popular with locals—is right next to the campground. Top destinations from here include the Pont du Gard, several castles, and Avignon, which is not far away (by bike or car). Afterward, head to the pool to cool off and then relax on the lounge chairs.
Garden Camping in Vrhpolje, Slovenia
The campground is run by Druzina, who enthusiastically provides us with travel tips, including maps. We highly recommend this campground, as staying there is very hassle-free. The garden camping area is immaculately maintained. The restrooms are stylish and brand-new. If you do not have a (weather-resistant) tent, you can stay overnight in the dormitory on the threshing floor for a small fee. The surrounding area is fantastic for hiking and biking. The tiny village has a bar and a pizzeria. Two kilometers away, there is a supermarket, sports facilities and much more.
Winkelmayerhof, Steiermark, Österreich https://www.winkelmayerhof.at/
It is a real gem. When we arrive, we are greeted with a more than warm welcome. We have a great tent site with lush grass, lounge chairs, hammocks, and hammock seats. There is a common area where we can stay comfortable in case of bad weather. Top-notch restroom facilities and a refrigerator. Plus, donkeys, a horse, goats, a pig, chickens, and an emu quietly going about their business around us. Just around the corner is a bakery, and a kilometer away is a supermarket that has everything.
Camping Les Pouverels in Cotignac * https://mairiecotignac.fr/camping/
A small, cozy campsite in a ravine. Cool drinks are available upon arrival. You can also get something to eat. In the morning, the friendly owner brings croissants and a baguette to your tent. Cotignac has been recognized as a “town with character” and is full of visitors. On the way back to the campsite, there’s a bit of an uphill climbing.
