Camping in Northern France

Northern France is one of the most accessible French regions for travellers coming from Belgium, the Netherlands or the United Kingdom. Arriving via Belgium or the Eurotunnel, you find yourself within a few hours in the middle of a landscape that surprises: sweeping chalk cliffs along the Opal Coast, rolling hills in the Pays d'Auge, apple orchards and castle parks in Normandy.

The region has many faces: Flemish architecture in the north, medieval towns such as Bayeux, historic memorials from two World Wars. Add to that fresh seafood straight from the fish market and Camembert enjoyed in its region of origin.

Northern France works equally well as a short break from three days, a stopover on a longer tour of France, or a peaceful family holiday. Motorhome travellers particularly appreciate the short driving distances, the well-developed infrastructure and the ability to explore several regions from a single pitch.

Why choose northern France:

• Short journey from Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK
• Two complementary regions to combine: Côte d'Opale and Normandy
• Ideal for motorhomes and caravans
• Rich history, nature and gastronomy within a compact area

> Book your campsite

The Domaine de la Bien-Assise in Guînes sits at the heart of the Opal Coast: a 5-star campsite set on a sweeping estate, just 15 minutes from the Eurotunnel and the ferry ports of Calais. Mobile homes, chalets and pitches are all available. The heated indoor pool makes the site an appealing choice even outside the peak season.

Right on the doorstep lies one of France's most spectacular coastlines. Cap Blanc-Nez is 18 kilometres away: a chalk headland with far-reaching views over the Strait of Dover. Calais is 15 minutes away, Boulogne-sur-Mer with its medieval old town around 35 kilometres. Between Arras and the Belgian town of Ypres, First World War memorials dot the landscape.

Domaine de la Bien-Assise at a glance:

• Season: spring to mid-September
• 192 pitches: 152 touring pitches, 40 rental accommodations
• Heated indoor pool
• Restaurant La Ferme Gourmande + Bar Brasserie
• Pets welcome

Full details about the site are available on the Domaine de la Bien-Assise page.

Those who wish to explore northern France more deeply will head further into Normandy. Three Les Castels sites are located here, each with its own character, all at 4- or 5-star level.

Château de Martragny is an ideal base for history enthusiasts: the D-Day beaches are 13 kilometres away and Bayeux, famous for its tapestry, is just 8 kilometres. In the evenings, a well-kept castle park awaits.

Families with children will love Château de Lez-Eaux near Saint-Pair-sur-Mer, with its 1,300 m² aqua park and easy access to Granville (7 km) and Mont-Saint-Michel (43 km). Up to two pets are warmly welcome.

Le Brévedent sits peacefully in the Pays d'Auge: the Cider Route, Calvados villages and Deauville just 25 kilometres away. Please note: pets are not permitted at this site.

All three sites and further information about the region can be found on the Camping Normandy page.

Les Castels campsites in northern France are set on historic castle estates and manor farms: with avenues of ancient trees, sweeping parks and a tranquillity that makes itself felt from the very first evening. All four sites are 4- or 5-star certified and run by independent family operators.

In practice, this means heated pools, restaurants serving regional cuisine and accommodation that combines comfort with nature. Whether a mobile home for the family, a chalet for two or a pitch for the motorhome, the offer suits all travel styles. Booking early secures the best choice.

Les Castels was founded in 1959 and is among the most highly rated camping networks in France.

Les Castels campsites in northern France:

• Domaine de la Bien-Assise: 5 stars, Côte d'Opale, Guînes
• Château de Martragny: 4 stars, Normandy, near Bayeux
• Château de Lez-Eaux: 5 stars, Normandy, Saint-Pair-sur-Mer
• Le Brévedent: 4 stars, Normandy, Pays d'Auge

> Book your summer holiday in France

Book all four campsites in northern France directly through the full campsite overview — no surcharges and with a best price guarantee. The season opens in spring, depending on the site. Booking early means securing your preferred accommodation.

If you are planning to travel further west, discover more Les Castels sites on the Emerald Coast on the Camping Brittany page.

> Book your summer holidays in France

Which campsites are there in northern France?

Les Castels has four sites in northern France: Domaine de la Bien-Assise on the Côte d'Opale, and Château de Martragny, Château de Lez-Eaux and Le Brévedent in Normandy. All are 4- or 5-star certified and family-run.

How far is the journey from the UK?

The Domaine de la Bien-Assise in Guînes is just 15 minutes from the Eurotunnel terminal and the Calais ferry ports, making it one of the most convenient campsites in France for British travellers. The Normandy sites are between 2 and 4 hours away depending on your starting point.

Are pets allowed at the campsites in northern France?

Domaine de la Bien-Assise, Château de Martragny and Château de Lez-Eaux all welcome pets. Please note: Le Brévedent does not permit pets. Further pet-friendly sites within the network can be found on the pet-friendly accommodation page.

What is there to do in northern France?

The region offers a wide range of activities: walks at Cap Blanc-Nez, day trips to Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer, First World War memorials between Arras and Ypres, D-Day beaches and the Cider Route in Normandy. Mont-Saint-Michel is reachable from Château de Lez-Eaux in 43 kilometres.

Are there campsites in northern France directly by the sea?

Les Castels sites are not directly on the beach, but are within a short drive of the coast. Domaine de la Bien-Assise is a few kilometres from the beaches of the Côte d'Opale, and Château de Lez-Eaux is 7 kilometres from Granville.

Is Brittany part of northern France?

Geographically, Brittany is not part of northern France, but many travellers naturally include it in a north-west France itinerary. Les Castels also has quality sites there. Discover all the options on the Camping Brittany page.

Is camping in Normandy worth it?

Absolutely. Normandy combines history, nature and gastronomy in one compact region: D-Day memorials, the Cider Route, Camembert villages and the coastline between Granville and Deauville. Les Castels offers three sites in the region, all set within historic parks.

What is the best time to visit northern France by camping?

The shoulder season — May, June and September — offers quieter campsites, mild temperatures and shorter queues at attractions. Peak summer is ideal for families with school-age children. Domaine de la Bien-Assise, with its heated indoor pool, is also well worth a visit on cooler spring days.