In summer, the dream is a vacation by the sea! No need to go under exotic coconut trees, France is particularly well supplied with charming coasts, both on the Mediterranean side with the magnificent Côte d'Azur and on the Atlantic side, without forgetting the beaches of Normandy to the north and the coast of Corsica to the south

Why camping by the sea?

Choosing a campsite by the sea is the assurance of a stay in nature, of a total change of scenery compared to the rest of the year, of a stay of relaxation, sun and resourcefulness, with your feet in the sand and the sea. There are many campsites located by the sea. These campsites were the pioneers of the campsites after the introduction of paid vacations. Some holidaymakers are faithful from generation to generation to this or that campsite on the Côte d'Azur where they return every year with their habits and their neighbors who meet year after year. Shared barbecues, children playing together, it's a big family in these friendly campsites by the sea.

What can you expect from a seaside campsite?

That it be... by the sea! Taking the car every day to get to the beach, even if it's only a few kilometers away, is a real obstacle course, between the preparations, the gathering of the troops and the traffic jams. Even if the sea is just a stone's throw away, the presence of a water park is always appreciated, for its playfulness, or even a simple swimming pool. And of course, you need shade. So make sure that the pitches are in a pine forest and the rentals are air-conditioned if possible, which is most often the case in 5-star and 4-star campsites.

What are the 7 best campsites by the sea in France?

Here are a few hand-picked suggestions... Of course our selection is not universal! Many other campsites by the sea in France deserve to be in this Top 7. We have made this selection in order to highlight campsites of different regions and styles that have all been tested and validated by the Petit Futé.

By choosing a campsite in Le Lavandou you are sure to enjoy a magnificent environment. The Pramousquier campsite is a pleasant and affordable 2 star campsite which offers terraced pitches on a park with a view of the sea and the island of Levant. We recommend the bungalows with covered outdoor terrace and garden furniture or the mobile homes with semi-covered outdoor terrace with garden furniture. More atypical, the BB tents: Canadian tent on stilts for 2 to 4 people. Friendly atmosphere, only 400 m from the fine sandy beach of Pramousquier

The campsites in Fréjus have half a dozen 5-star campsites, just a few 4-star campsites and a few very affordable campsites. We have selected one in the 3 star category simply called the Fréjus campsite, even though it is located 6 km from the sandy beaches of Fréjus. To compensate, this campsite has a green setting in a 7 ha domain, with a superb view on the Roquebrune rock. The aquatic area includes a paddling pool for children, a main pool, a special pool dedicated to the 3 water slides, without forgetting a covered and heated pool, depending on the weather. Numerous animations, supervised by specialized animators, are organized from April to September

The campsites of Cassis and its surroundings allow you to take advantage of the proximity of a charming village and port and of course the creeks and coves. Only one campsite is located in the town itself. Les Cigales, a modest 2-star campsite, is more friendly and quiet than other larger and more luxurious campsites. It offers basic services, but has the advantage of being located a few minutes walk from the sea and of being very affordable, in a very popular area, close to the creeks. You are in the shade of the pine forest. Playground for children, grocery store and snack bar.

The campsites in Hyères are mostly 4 star campsites. This picturesque town facing the islands of Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Levant is a very charming landscape. The 4-star campsites are in the majority here and are of high quality. The Parc et Plage campsite has developed an original concept of open-air hotel, entirely pedestrian, favoring calm and serenity. Facing the Golden Islands, 80 m from the beach, 300 m from the village of l'Ayguade, this natural campsite offers new generation luxury mobile homes, with terraces from 9 to 40m2, located on landscaped plots, without opposite, in a 5 ha park. Free activities for all ages are organized during July and August.

The campsites in the Vendée with Les Sables d'Olonne and a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean renowned for its beauty are numerous in the top of the range and in the 3 star category. The Pomme de Pin campsite with its 4 stars is a jewel with direct access to the beach and a Premium Area with private spa. We love the beautiful infrastructure and the charming welcome. Superb aquatic area with 500 m² sand lagoon, swimming corridor, 500 m² heated pools, paddling pool, water games, 70 m long water slide. Lodging tents on stilts. Entertainment, wellness area, restaurant.

The campsites in the Bay of Arcachon are numerous and of good quality. Les Viviers-Siblu village campsite invites you to a superb vacation. In the heart of a huge pine forest, you have the choice between pitching your tent, renting a mobile home, a cabin or a Coco Sweet. The campsite is built around playgrounds and a superb supervised aquatic complex. The sea tickles the summer guests on the side of the pool on an almost private beach. Bicycle rental, canoeing, miniature golf, free children's clubs, entertainment...

With the campsites in Corsica, you are never far from the sea. Camping des Îles, which has just received its fourth star, is the southernmost campsite in France which, in spite of its idyllic location, offers more than affordable rates and a family welcome. A very beautiful site at 4 km from Bonifacio and 900 m from the beach of Piantarella and its famous kitesurf spot. From this beach, you can cross on foot on the sandbank to the island of Piana, a protected breeding place for seagulls and other migratory birds