Following the success of the Cool Camping UK guides, their long-awaited French cousin has now been launched. A glossy yet practical manual, Cool Camping France highlights the very best of French camping, from Romany caravans and tree houses to volcanic eco-sites and Alpine seclusion. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned camper, this book and a great value SeaFrance crossing are all you need for the perfect break in France.
We at SeaFrance have come up with our favourite sites from the book, all of which are within three hours’ drive of Calais and so are perfect for a weekend trip, or longer holiday:
For the romantic camper: Koto Cabana, near Le Mans
In the gardens of a 19th century château near Le Mans, visitors will find a tree house high up amongst the branches of ancient sequoia and cedar trees. A cosy mixture of Swedish design and French chic, Koto Cabana is the ultimate in luxury camping with its own toilet and a Captain’s bell for summoning room service.
For the first-time camper: Huttopia Versailles, near Paris
The idea of Huttopia is to provide an authentic natural environment, as little altered by human hands as possible. The campsite has a range of permanent accommodation, including spacious, beautifully designed huts and snug Romany caravans, plus five person fixed tents available for hire. The location means that there is plenty to do and makes for an unusual take on the weekend away in Paris.
For the cultural camper: Hortus, Le Jardin du Sully in the Loire
Hortus sits just downstream of one of the Loire’s historic gems, the Château de Sully, a mid-14th century castle where Joan of Arc was held captive in 1430. It also boasts a theatre built specifically to stage the plays of Voltaire, who was a regular visitor in the 18th century. The site also caters for kids with its own play area and funky inflatable swimming pools.
For the family camper: Les Tipis du Bonheur de Vivre, near Le Mans
This campsite will fire any child’s imagination, as it is themed around the Sioux Indians. Not only do guests sleep in tipis but they are able to try out bows and arrows, tomahawks, tanning hides and fishing as well. In the unlikely event that this is not enough to entertain the kids, the site also organises activities including climbing, tennis, canoeing and local excursions.
For the active camper: Domaine du Haut des Bluches
Surrounded by the stunning Vosges mountains, the Domaine du Haut des Bluches is perfect for the outdoorsy camper. Nearby La Bresse is a well-known winter sport destination, but it also has over 180 miles of marked walking and cycling paths, plus activities such as horse riding, fishing and golf. The very adventurous can even try a hang-gliding lesson at a nearby centre!
SeaFrance Dover-Calais Ferries is offering all Cool Camping France readers a free bottle of wine with any return crossing booked before the end of January 2009, using the code printed in the guide. To buy a copy of Cool Camping France, visit coolcamping.co.uk
