Where to go camping in France in August
To help you choose your destination, we have selected some of France’s most beautiful regions and their best-preserved corners, ready to be discovered during your August camping holiday.
Pas-de-Calais: Desvres forest and the Audomarois marshes
After discovering the natural wonders of the Opal Coast, take some time to explore inland, particularly Desvres forest.
With its dense woodland and peaceful trails, this forest is a haven for walkers and nature lovers. It offers a welcome change of pace from the livelier seaside resorts during the summer holidays.
Another beautifully preserved landscape awaits near Saint-Omer in the Audomarois marshes. Here, you can explore a maze of waterways by boat, surrounded by greenery and the gentle sounds of the countryside.
Normandy and the neighbouring coast: Bois de Cise and the Seine Valley
Near Ault, just beyond the Normandy border, Bois de Cise is a quiet wooded cove surrounded by chalk cliffs. Its peaceful, untamed atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for a walk away from the crowds.
In the Seine Valley, follow the Route des Chaumières, a scenic route winding between villages known for their traditional thatched cottages. This picturesque drive offers a glimpse of rural Normandy far removed from the usual tourist itineraries.
Brittany: the Crozon peninsula and Huelgoat forest
Although the Crozon peninsula is a popular destination, there are still quieter corners to explore, including the Anse de Dinan. Here, dramatic cliffs rise above the sea, creating spectacular coastal views.
For a deeper immersion in the Breton countryside, head to Huelgoat forest. Its mysterious rock formations and shady walking trails make it particularly appealing to anyone fascinated by Celtic legends.
Whether you prefer coastal walks or woodland adventures, Brittany offers plenty of memorable options for an August camping holiday.
Pays de la Loire: the Loire islands and the Brière marshes
Less visited than the Loire Valley’s famous châteaux, river islands such as Île de Chalonnes and Île Batailleuse provide an idyllic setting for a day outdoors. Footpaths and viewpoints reveal a quieter side of the river, with landscapes that are especially enjoyable when explored on foot or by bicycle.
Near La Baule, the Brière marshes invite visitors to discover vast reed beds aboard a traditional flat-bottomed boat. This peaceful wetland is also an excellent place to observe local wildlife.
Ardèche: the Ibie Valley and the Bois de Païolive
Instead of heading straight to the Ardèche Gorges, consider exploring the Ibie Valley.
This small, unspoilt valley offers a quieter alternative, with beautiful natural landscapes and riverside spots that vary with the season and water levels.
The Bois de Païolive is equally captivating. Known for its unusual limestone formations and winding woodland paths, this remarkable forest is perfect for walkers looking for somewhere atmospheric and slightly mysterious.
Burgundy: the Morvan and the Rochers du Saussois
The Morvan Regional Natural Park is a peaceful destination of lakes, deep forests and characterful villages. It is particularly well suited to anyone searching for quiet walking routes away from the busiest summer destinations.
For more dramatic scenery, visit the Rochers du Saussois. These limestone cliffs overlook the Yonne Valley and are popular with climbers as well as visitors who simply want to admire the views.
Together, these locations reveal a different side of Burgundy, where outdoor adventures and peaceful countryside take centre stage.
Vendée: Mervent-Vouvant forest and Pointe d’Arçay
Mervent-Vouvant forest is a large wooded area ideal for holidaymakers who want to reconnect with nature. Its shady trails and lakes provide a refreshing setting for a peaceful summer escape.
Further towards the coast, Pointe d’Arçay is a protected natural area south of La Tranche-sur-Mer. Known for its distinctive sandy landscape and rich birdlife, it offers a quieter perspective on the Vendée coastline.
Its natural surroundings make it an appealing destination for anyone looking beyond the region’s busiest beaches.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: the Bauges mountains and the Sioule Gorges
Less famous than some of the major Alpine destinations, the Bauges mountains offer beautiful mountain scenery, quiet walking trails and traditional villages.
This regional natural park is an excellent choice for campers who enjoy fresh air, open landscapes and an unhurried pace.
Further west, in Auvergne, the Sioule Gorges are known for their steep cliffs and clear waters. Depending on local conditions, you can enjoy canoeing, fishing or simply walking through the surrounding countryside.
How to prepare for a camping holiday in August
A camping holiday in France in August requires a little forward planning. As this is the height of the summer season, campsites across the country can become very busy, so booking your pitch or accommodation well in advance is strongly recommended.
Once your booking is confirmed, make sure you have everything needed to cope comfortably with the summer heat: a parasol, lightweight and breathable clothing, and a cool box to keep food and drinks fresh.
The weather can still be unpredictable, even in August. It is therefore worth packing waterproof clothing and planning a few indoor activities to keep children entertained if the rain arrives.
All that remains is to wish you a wonderful camping holiday in France this August!
