The 15 best campsites in Côte d'Azur

The southern French area of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region has it all: the French Riviera's sunny beaches and stylish resorts, the endless lavender fields and stone towns of Provence, stunning marinas, quiet streams with turquoise waters, superb treks, and excellent food.

But what about camping? Camping is a lot of fun, especially on the French Riviera. There are many well-equipped campsites with swimming pools, children’s entertainment, many tourist sites, events, good restaurants nearby, and other interesting things to be discovered. So, do not delay any longer and take a look at these top 15 best campsites on the stunning Cote d'Azur!

Camping Les Palmiers is a family-friendly campsite that offers well-equipped mobile homes and an 850 m2 aquatic complex with slides and a large, heated swimming pool. The campsite is only 300 metres from the beaches and 6 kilometres from Hyères. The campsite has a sauna, hammam, and solarium, among other amenities. During the weekends, the entertainment team provide a variety of activities such as fitness and aqua fun, boules tournaments, hikes and walks, while children can have fun at the children's club (open during the Easter holidays and in the summer) and on the playground.

If you are in the area, make time to visit the Iles d'Hyeres, which can be reached by boat from Toulon, Hyeres, and Le Lavandou, as well as Cavalaire-sur-Mer and La Croix-Valmer. The shorter crossings take about 15-20 minutes from the Giens peninsula, south of Hyeres. There is a legend about the origins of these islands, as is often the case with special places. So, Îles d'Hyères is not an exception. According to legend, Prince Olbianus had four very beautiful daughters. They were excellent swimmers and often swam a long distance off the coast. A pirate ship arrived one day while they were swimming, and their father summoned them to the shore as soon as possible. The pirate ship, however, was faster and overtook them. The prince begged the gods for assistance and protection for his daughters from pirates. The princesses' bodies began to freeze and later turned stone. The Golden Islands of Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Levant were formed by the three princesses furthest from the coast. Just before the fourth princess froze, she managed to grab her father's hand. Finally, she arrived at the lovely Giens peninsula. Everyone believes that these princesses are responsible for the beauty of the peninsula and the three islands.

The Bagnis family has been creating unforgettable camping experiences on this beautiful stretch of French Riviera in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez since 1951. Camping des Mûres is a 4-star campsite with a "vineyard" side and a beachside with direct sea access. The campsite is located in Grimaud, also known as the Venice of Provence, and from the beach, you will have a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea and magnificent Saint-Tropez.

If you enjoy golfing, do not miss Beauvallon Golf Club. It spans 40 hectares and has a varied 18-hole course that is remarkably well-kept in a beautiful natural setting. Nestled between the sea and the hills, you will enjoy the magnificent panoramic views over the Gulf of Saint Tropez.

Take your family and go to Aqualand in Sainte-Maxime (Avenue G. Rebuffat, Sainte-Maxime). The park is just 8 kilometres away. The park features ten slides, including the X-trem Bowl and the Dark Twist, three swimming pools, and a beautifully landscaped beach. It is close to the Golf Bluegreen Sainte-Maxime golf course and Aventure Famille-Acrobranche, a 2-hectare pine forest climbing park with 6 marked routes of varying difficulty. Moreover, Azur Park is located 6 km away, near Port Cogolin. The amusement park has 35 attractions, including a Ferris wheel, two mini golf courses, one with prehistoric beasts, the Jumping Frog, River Slide, Bumper, and exciting rides like the Sky Rider, Ejector Seat, and many others.

The 60-hectare Domaine de la Bergerie welcomes you for a holiday surrounded by the sweet scents of Provence, between the sea and the hills, under the shade of cork oaks and pine trees. The campsite is close to the medieval village of Roquebrune-sur-Argens, the Gorges du Verdon nature reserve, and Saint-Tropez, in an ideal setting and climate for a relaxing vacation with family or friends.

Domaine de la Bergerie offers a programme of activities centred on wellness for quality relaxation. Here you can take advantage of relaxing in the whirlpool or sauna-hammam. In July and August, the Wellness Area transforms into an adult-only zen space.

The campsite is an excellent location for learning or improving yoga. Yoga has numerous health benefits for both the mind and body. Here you can try traditional and simple Hatha yoga, as well as dynamic yoga such as Ashtanga, Power, and Flow yoga. Yin yoga can help you relax by gently stretching. Thus, you can try meditation and Pranayama sessions for stress management, detoxification, and energy increase.

Finally, discover prestigious wine estates and meet the winegrowers during your stay at Domaine de la Bergerie. You will be able to sample delicious white, red, and rosé wines in Roquebrune-sur-Argens, as well as Saint-Antonin du Var, Lorgues, and Ramatuelle. In addition to wine tasting, some châteaux offer tours of the estate's cellar and even participation in the harvest.

The campsite is located near the Gorges du Verdon and its magnificent lakes (15 to 30 km). Discover a unique water park hidden in the middle of a sublime 17 ha oak grove, three sensational slides, two heated swimming pools, one of which is semi-covered, a water play area for toddlers, and a whirlpool bench for children.

Explore the incredible Gorges du Verdon canyon, which has breathtaking scenery and the most turquoise water you have ever seen (due to tiny rock particles known as glacial flour). The Gorge du Verdon is an ideal spot for wild swimming. The canyon is about 25 kilometres long and 700 metres deep. It is such a lovely place that it is worth staying for a few extra days to take in the hiking trails, beaches, and villages.

Following Verdon's path, you will come across the first lake, Castillon. It is located 800 metres above sea level, between the village of Saint-André-les-Alpes and the Castillon-Demandolx dam. With a surface area of 500 hectares spread over 8 kilometres, it is the second largest lake in the Verdon after the Sainte-Croix Lake. The largest, however, is Lake Sainte-Croix, which is crossed by the Verdon. This Verdon Lake is between the Galetas Bridge and the Sainte-Croix dam. It is a popular tourist destination in the summer and plays an important role in the production of electrical energy. There are also well-equipped beaches and very beautiful hiking trails that need to be discovered.

Camping Tikayan Les Cigales is located near the village of Le Muy in the heart of Provence, between the Massif des Maures and the Massif de l'Esterel. Take advantage of the 16,000m2 unique aquatic area, which has 9 swimming pools, giant slides, a waterfall watering a lagoon, a paddling pool, a traditional swimming pool, a thalassotherapy pool, and many others.

Visit the must-see Croisette in Cannes. This 3-kilometre-long promenade that borders the Mediterranean, made famous by the Cannes Film Festival, was built in the mid-1800s to meet the demand of wealthy holidaymakers who spent the winter on the Côte d'Azur. The Croisette has preserved prestigious hotels with views of the Cannes beach since this time. Croisette provides the iconic backdrop for daily film premieres and A-list parties, so head there to catch a glimpse of George and Amal Clooney, and the rest of the stars of world cinema.

If you want to spend more time in nature, go hiking and explore the Massif des Maures, which has 150,000 hectares of cork oaks and chestnut trees and is Var's largest forest area. It should be noted that it covers nearly a quarter of the department between Hyères and Fréjus. Its diverse landscapes provide an ideal setting for hiking and biking.

Since 2011, this campsite has been rated 5 stars, making it the first in the Var to do so. This idyllic setting, between the Mediterranean and the Esterel mountains, is ideal for family vacations. Enjoy your camping holiday just 10 minutes from the beautiful Mediterranean beaches and take advantage of the campsite’s aquatic area with 5 swimming pools, water slides, racer slides and lots of water fun.

Do not miss Saint-Raphaël, just a few minutes drive from Esterel Caravaning. It has been a popular tourist destination since the nineteenth century. Saint-Raphael, with its historic district and Belle Epoque mansions, as well as its various ports and beautiful beaches, is one of the most well-known coastal towns on the French Riviera. Moreover, the Corniche d'Or (a road that runs along the Mediterranean Sea's coasts) is a spectacular sight (48 km). With a backdrop of blue and crimson, it is without a doubt the most beautiful route in France that can be discovered both by car and by bike.

Apart from its fascinating history, Saint-Raphael is also known for its natural wonders, delectable cuisine, and unforgettable entertainment. As a result, when visiting this town on your French Riviera vacation, make sure to see as much as it has to offer.

The campground is conveniently located between Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Discover the Zen aquatic area reserved for adults and its swimming pool to unwind away from the hustle and bustle. It is the ideal location for a peaceful disconnect! Extend the sweetness in the soothing whirlpools, whether as a couple or with friends. With golden sand and turquoise water, Saint-Aygulf beach is only 10 minutes away by car.

Do not miss Saint-Tropez, which is just 32 km away from the campsite. Since the late nineteenth century, it has drawn the wealthy and famous. Today, the picturesque peninsula is known for its exclusive beach clubs, million-dollar yachts, and fine dining, as well as olive groves, a cobblestoned old town, and rugged coastal hikes. Saint Tropez's port is full of tiny fishing boats, yachts, colourful houses, and, of course, many chic cafés, so it is well worth a visit. It can be quite an experience to sit in one of the cafes at Saint-Tropez harbour and simply people-watch! Moreover, the beaches in St. Tropez are just spectacular, and the water is a beautiful turquoise colour here. Tahiti, Moorea, and Plage de Pampelonne are the best beaches in the area.

Thus, if you are interested in history and art, go to the Musee de l'Annonciade. The building (the former Chapelle Notre-Dame de l'Annonciade, now a museum) dates from the 16th century, and the museum houses a large collection of post-impressionist paintings. If you enjoy art, you should know that the collection includes works by Matisse (six), Signac, Bonnard, and many other artists who lived in Saint-Tropez at the end of the 18th century.

The Vallée du Paradis campsite has everything a family could want. From April to mid-October, enjoy a rich entertainment program made both for children and adults and a big aquatic area with slides (entertainment during the Easter and summer holidays). The Vallée du Paradis campsite has an exceptional location on the banks of the Agay river, only 600 metres from the beautiful beaches. It is an excellent starting point for hikes in the magnificent glowing landscapes of the Estérel massif or the wild creeks of the Corniche d'Or.

Do not miss exploring Agay Bay. It's a popular sailing spot, nestled between Cap Dramont and Pointe de la Baumette, leaning against the gleaming Estérel massif. The fine white sand beaches and clear waters here will entice you. Agay inspired great authors such as Albert Cohen and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry; the first set the action of Belle du Seigneur here, and the second said, "Agay is a paradise where even the dust is fragrant".

Visit the Domaine du Clos des Roses and sample its top-tier rosés in this exceptional setting that perfectly fits into the new era of wine tourism. The 36-hectare estate, located in the heart of the small Estérel niche, benefits from maritime influence and is one of the few in France where vineyards are grown on volcanic land.

The campsite is 11 hectares in size and is located by a river in a wooded and flower-filled area with a spectacular view of the Provençal mountains. L'Hippocampe campsite welcomes you to an 11-hectare greenery-filled site on the banks of the Durance River. Come and enjoy the rural atmosphere of this French countryside campsite with direct river access, and simply relax and unwind surrounded by olive trees and lavender fields.

The campsite is about a 1-hour drive from the amazing protected natural area - Verdon Natural Regional Park. It stretches from the calm, horizontal landscapes of the Valensole plateau to the steep verticality of the famous Gorges du Verdon, to the peaceful waters of the big lakes of Castillon, Sainte-Croix, Esparron, and Quinson, where the Alps begin.

Verdon Natural Regional Park's main actions are to protect the territory: a development plan for Verdon's waters, inventory, and restoration of the built heritage replanting of olive groves, and so on. For a perfect day in natural surroundings: have a picnic at the edge of this jewel, rent a pedal boat or kayak, and, of course, do not forget to appreciate the landscape. And, if you go on holiday in June or August, do not miss a lavender sea - The Plateau of Valensole. This 800 km2 plateau, known as the region's granary, is dedicated to lavender and grain production. Lavender is used to make Marseille soap, and it is also distilled for its perfume or therapeutic properties.

The Domaine du Golfe de Saint Tropez campsite is located 10 kilometres from Saint-Tropez and 5 minutes from the sea, between the village of Grimaud and the famous Gulf of Saint Tropez. Come relax with your family in a beautiful, green setting. In the summer, a water park on-site welcomes you with slides, a restaurant, and children's entertainment. Beaches, discos, boat rentals, water sports, diving schools, tennis, golf, and amusement parks are all nearby.

The campsite is close to Sainte-Maxime (11 km). It is a popular destination for Var vacationers. In the late nineteenth century, the town became a well-known resort, and the city retained its distinctive architecture, which is particularly noticeable in its casino building. It is fun to explore the city's charms by walking through its narrow streets or the covered market alleys. Moreover, Sainte-Maxime hosts the traditional Mimosa Festival every year during the first weekend of February, so if you are planning a camping trip during this time, do not miss it! It is the start of a long series of events, such as the Nice Carnaval or the Lemon Festival.

If you are visiting nearby Saint Tropez (12 km), do not miss its colourful and fragrant daily market. Throughout the year, the Saint-Tropez market is held on Tuesday and Saturday mornings in the town's heart, Place des Lices. Food, clothing, decorations, souvenirs, and other items can be purchased. It is a lovely place to take a stroll. More about markets can be read on our blog, Markets in the Côte d'Azur.

The campsite is located on the island of La Barthelasse. It faces the Palace of the Popes and the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge, providing a splendid cultural view. From the gateway of the French capital of theatre, you will also be able to enjoy regular trips on the Rhône River departing from the campsite, via a free river shuttle service that will take you directly to Avignon town centre. The campsite has 300 spacious pitches in a wooded area of 7.6 hectares. Enjoy the idyllic natural surroundings, whilst still being close to the historical town centre.

If you want to tour the island, nothing is better for that than a bicycle: the island is flat and there are many cycling paths! You will be able to buy produce direct from the farm, visit the Manguin distillery or just simply ride through the orchards. Some of the island's banks are classified as natural riches and listed as ZNIEFF, natural zones of ecological, fauna, and flora interest. They are home to nesting birds, hedgehogs, shrews, beavers, badgers, dormice, martens, hawks, grey herons, cormorants, mallards, and diving ducks. You can use the free boat service (cable ferry) or go by car by way of the Daladier bridge. It is a great way to relax for the whole family. 

Camping Port Pothuau is a calm and quiet campsite where you will find quality facilities and entertainment. Many hiking trails are available to discover the area. Close by, you will find the Golden Isles: Porquerolles, Port Cros, and Le Levant, ideal spots to discover the beautiful Mediterranean beaches. 

Thus, the campsite is not too far away from Plaine des Maures (67 km), the first natural park in the Var department, to the northwest of Saint-Tropez. It is well-known for its umbrella pines and cork oak trees, as well as its fauna and flora. It shares the same geographical entity as the Massif des Maures and is bounded on the north and west by limestone hills. This magnificent landscape, which is unique in France, is frequently compared to the African savannah. Set against the blue backdrop of the Massif des Maures are parasol pines among pink sandstone outcrops and sparse cork oak scrubland. The Plaine des Maures' unusual Permian geomorphology and climatic conditions have created a one-of-a-kind collection of ecosystems that are home to a diverse array of fauna and flora. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can all enjoy the trails here. However, keep in mind that these trails are not overly maintained and may be rocky or sparse in places.

Located on the island of Barthelasse, Camping Bagatelle offers amazing panoramic views of the Pont Saint-Bénézet and the Palais des Papes. It is a family-friendly campsite where all family members will find fun. The campsite is surrounded by lush greenery, close to the centre of Avignon but away from the city's noise.

Explore nearby Avignon (3 km). Recognized for its architectural beauty and historic importance, the centre of Avignon has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city served as the European Cultural Capital in 2000. One day of exploring could be enough for Avignon, just concentrate on visiting the Palais des Papes and the Musee du Petit Palais. 

The campsite is located not far away from 3 natural parks: Alpilles Natural Regional Park, Maison Du Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon and Camargue nature park. Choose the one you may want to visit or go and explore all of them! In the Alpilles Natural Regional Park (46 km), you will see picturesque villages like Les Baux-de-Provence and Eygalières, as well as major archaeological sites such as the Caisses de Jean-Jean oppidum, the Roman site of Barbegal and the Fontvieille hypogea. Wildlife lovers will be particularly spoilt: around 250 bird species live in this wonderful nature reserve. The Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon (68 km) is located around the Luberon mountain and offers a rich and special fauna and flora as well as a great diversity of landscapes. Here you can admire the largest and rarest birds of prey in Europe. Finally, the Natural Regional Park of Camargue (53 km), is located between the two arms of the Rhone, on the Mediterranean coast. It has a rich territory: wheat fields, pink flamingos, marshes, etc.

The campsite is nestled in the middle of a large natural area, between the Argens river and a long wild beach. Everything is in place for a holiday full of relaxation and fun: direct beach access, children's clubs, entertainment, shops, services... To get to the beach, you just need to walk about 900 metres along the Villepey ponds, which are in an exceptional natural setting.

The campsite is just perfect for families with kids as there are many kids’ activities on site. Children's clubs welcome your children for free, so that they can spend unforgettable moments and make new friends. Having fun at the pool, playing cards, drawing, exploring the surroundings, making friends... Your children will have a wonderful holiday. A team of professional and passionate animators will take care of them both in the morning and afternoon. Many activities, creative games, and sports will be offered every day.

The mini club welcomes the little ones from 4 to 7 years old during the summer and the Easter holidays. Coloring, painting, preparing for a show... While for children aged 8 to 10, the children's club welcomes them to have fun with sports activities, such as the Olympics, or other games, to enjoy the outdoors or the swimming pool!

The teen club welcomes teenagers from 11 to 17 years old during the summer school holidays. They will be able to prepare the program of the day freely and to do activities that they like. And in the evening, everyone gathers for a dance, game, or karaoke night! 

Camping La Plage Du Dramont is located in the Var region's Agay Bay, with stunning landscapes and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. It is just a few steps from Saint-Raphael, facing the small Ile d'Or island. A waterfront campsite in the heart of a maritime pine forest is ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts of all ages. A short distance from the camping is Dramont's narrow pebble beach. The campsite provides modern, comfortable, and well-equipped rentals for a carefree and memorable vacation. No one will be bored with the day and evening entertainment, sports tournaments, and relaxing time by the pool.

Enjoy water sports? As a guest at La Plage du Dramont campsite, you can take advantage of the on-site scuba diving club. Open from April to October, the staff will take you down to explore the Mediterranean seabed. The dives leave from the Port du Poussa, a beautiful little fishing port near to the campsite. So, if you are looking for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience, this is the place to be!

If you travel with kids, do not miss Marineland. The Marineland Park in Antibes (60 km) is a fun and educational way to learn about sea animals. Learn, discover, and have fun at the shows, exhibits, and presentations about the underwater world. A day at the park allows visitors of all ages to get up close and personal with some surprising marine species.