Highlights of an open-air holiday in winter
Camping in winter is a little bit magical – with unique sights, experiences and activities you just don’t get the rest of the year.
Winter sports in France
France has several impressive mountain ranges, including the Alps, Pyrenees and Massif Central – which each have lots of towns, villages and resorts which are great winter bases – but also many smaller ones. So you will have no shortage of places to practice winter sports in France. There are hundreds of locations to ski, snowboard, snow-shoe and toboggan. And of course there are seasonal ice rinks in most of the bigger towns and cities.
Winter events & Christmas markets in France
Many seasonal events and festivities take place in the winter in France. Visit the La Folie des Plantes in Nantes, one of the most important horticultural exhibitions; the Festival of Lights, a unique Lyonnaise tradition; or the Nice Carnival, one of the world’s major carnival events.
There are a range of Christmas markets in various cities throughout France in the winter months, too. Select a campsite in Montpellier and visit Les Hivernales de Montpellier, which takes place during November and December each year. Or book a campsite in Toulouse and visit the Toulouse Christmas market held in the famous Place du Capitole throughout December.
Mediterranean warmth
While it can be cool, the winter in France is not too cold compared to other countries in Europe, especially in the south. While the nights are cool, you’ll enjoy warm, sunny days ideal for outdoor activities and even outdoor lunches (with a jacket!). Book a campsite in Gironde, in the southwest of France, and enjoy refreshing walks by the Atlantic. Or a stay in Alpes-Maritime for great road cycling and rock-climbing throughout winter.
Have historical and cultural sites all to yourself
Most of the major sights and attractions in France are open all year round and are much less busy in winter. For example you could book a campsite open in winter near a southern city like Marseille to visit the famous Maison de la Boule or MuCEM museum, as well as wandering the Old Port and enjoying the beautiful flower market. Or take a trip to one or more of France’s infamous perched villages – like Rocamadour in Occitanie or Saint Paul de Vence in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur – which are full to the brim of tourists in high season, but will be all yours in low season.
Different nature and landscapes
Winter in France and gain a different and unique view of the country. For example you could book a campsite open in winter in Brittany and really appreciate the seafaring culture of this area in the winter winds: visit St Malo to see the beautiful Château and walk the windy ramparts; and take a trip to Josselin, overlooking the River Oust – a picture-perfect town in winter.
Lingering lunches and divine dinners
France is famous for its hearty cuisine, which comes into its own in the cooler winter months. A soupe à l’oignon gratinée or boeuf bourguignon is the perfect choice for a cold day. If you have your eye on a particular restaurant, you are a lot more likely to get in without a booking during the off-peak season.
Cosy chalets and practical mobile homes
Visiting a campsite doesn’t necessarily mean pitching a tent. Take advantage of a range of accommodation offers available to rent on-site, perfect for the winter months. Choose from different mobile homes, chalets, lodges or cottages, and stay warm and comfortable during the cooler nights.
Benefits of visiting a campsite in winter
There are many advantages to booking a campsite holiday in winter.
Last-minute availability
It can be hard to find time for a holiday, let alone a time when everyone is available. Take advantage of increased availability to book a last-minute camping trip during the winter months. It’s easy to surprise someone or book a special trip for a special occasion (that had almost slipped your mind!) during the off-peak season.
Peace and quiet
Campsites, viewpoints, attractions, museums and historical sites are all notably quieter in the winter. Enjoy a peaceful break from the usual fast pace of life and really take the time to enjoy the outdoors. You’ll also avoid spending time queuing for attractions and get the best views and pictures of famous sights.
Affordability
It is a great idea to holiday in winter if you are working to a tighter budget, as accommodation prices are generally much lower. But you might also get better deals on travel and reduced rates at theme parks like Disneyland, Parc Astérix, Futuroscope and others.
Occupy the school holidays
While the longest school holidays are in the summer, there are several more school holidays throughout the year to be planned for! Plan a camping trip during October half-term or Spring half-term and enjoy a holiday the kids will be delighted with, while paying a lot less than you would during the summer holidays.
