Camping in the Provence

Provence stretches along the Mediterranean Sea in south-east France and is characterised by Mediterranean landscapes. The region is characterised by sandy beaches and high mountain ranges, so that those seeking relaxation as well as active campers get their money's worth.

Special features of camping in Provence

Modern campsites in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region are often characterised by their proximity to the beach and the mountains. The campsites often have their own access to the coast and boast freshwater swimming pools directly on site. Parents and children also enjoy spending their holidays in the south of France thanks to the many entertainment options and shallow pools. The mix of proximity to the sea and mountain scenery is a favourite at Yelloh! Village Luberon Parc, Camping Les Verguettes and Camping Verdon Parc campsites. One speciality is the tranquil Roumavagi campsite at the foot of the Luberon with its donkey farm.

Campsites in Provence

An unforgettable camping holiday in the region is almost guaranteed given the diversity of the landscape. The marvellous Mediterranean climate, the fragrant lavender, the charming villages and the idyllic scenery are simply unique.

Camping Verdon Parc

On the south bank of the Verdon, a modern campsite awaits its guests, whose location alone is impressive. In addition to the classic pitches, there is also marvellous rental accommodation in the form of bungalows or safari tents, which are particularly popular with families. The pool or of course the Verdon itself is perfect for swimming adventures on hot summer days.

Camping Les Verguettes

A recommendation in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is Camping Les Verguettes with its unique location and beautiful pool area. Several playgrounds and sports fields on the campsite make for an entertaining stay and the pitches offer a fascinating view of the surrounding landscape. In addition to the Verdon Parc and Les Verguettes campsites, there are other interesting places to visit. Roumavagi campsite in the Luberon with its donkey farm, the Yelloh! Village Luberon Parc, Camping Les Rives du Lac with its proximity to the beach and Huttopia Camping Gorges du Verdon.

Journey

Depending on the starting point for the camping holiday, the route from Germany to the destination in the south of France covers around 650 to 1,500 km. Guests travelling from the north or west of the country drive through Switzerland to Geneva. From here, another 300 to 400 km separate them from the campsites in Provence. Holidaymakers starting in Bavaria with a caravan also pass through north-west Italy after Switzerland before finally crossing the border into France at Claviere.

Destinations in Provence

Camping in Provence combines city breaks with nature, as the region between Italy and the Rhone Valley is characterised by sophisticated harbour towns, pristine mountain ranges and long stretches of coastline. Marseille is a popular destination for culture lovers, while those seeking relaxation can cosy up on the Côte d'Azur. The lavender fields have made the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region world-famous.

Marseille

As an important harbour city in Europe, Marseille boasts an extensive harbour where luxurious yachts are moored. The Vieux Port has existed since ancient times and forms the historic centre of the city. From here, visitors can see the landmark Château d'If, the fortress perched on a rocky island. Also on the harbour, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations invites you to take a tour of the glass-fronted building. Another highlight in Marseille is the Byzantine church of Notre-Dame de la Garde on a limestone cliff almost 150 metres high.

Côte d'Azur

Also known as the Azure Coast, this stretch of land along the Mediterranean makes the hearts of luxury lovers and beach holidaymakers beat faster. Fine sandy beaches alternate with bizarre rock formations, while the hinterland is characterised by the mountainous region of the Maritime Alps. Campers look forward to driving along kilometres of coastal roads in their caravan and, with a bit of luck, bumping into a prominent holidaymaker. Sophisticated cities such as Nice also entice you to go sightseeing here.

Gastronomy

The cuisine of Provence is characterised by aromatic spices, sun-ripened fruit and freshly caught fish. Many of the dishes contain olive oil, garlic and aubergines as typical ingredients. Chestnuts, mushrooms and lamb also end up on the plate in delicious creations. Meat lovers choose the hearty boeuf en daube, a beef stew in red wine sauce, in a restaurant. If you want to broaden your culinary horizons, order grenouilles à la provençale, fried frogs' legs. Gourmets can try a dish with truffles, which are particularly common in the Vaucluse region. For a sweet treat, visit a patisserie offering nougat, almond confectionery and candied fruit in artistically designed cakes.

Top 5 sights

• Verdon Gorge: The Verdon Gorge starts from the town of Castellane and ends after 20 kilometres in the Lac de Sainte-Croix reservoir. Holidaymakers can explore it by kayaking or hiking.
• Papal Palace: On a tour of the Papal Palace in Avignon, the ceiling paintings in the Chapel of St Jean and the vaulted ceiling in the audience hall are sure to impress.
• Amphitheatre of Arles: The origins of this ancient building date back to 100 AD. Today, the monument serves as a stage for theatre performances.
• Mont Ventoux: After 60 kilometres of winding roads, drivers reach Mont Ventoux, which offers sweeping views of Provence.
• Mercantour National Park: Hikers will find the right challenge here with seven three-thousand metre peaks.

Top 2 insider tips

• Mountain village of Guillaumes: Around two hours from Nice, romantics and those seeking peace and quiet can reach the picturesque Var Valley. This is a secluded region in the heart of the French Maritime Alps. Winding serpentines end at the mountain village of Guillaumes, which remains largely untouched by holidaymakers. The Circuit des Gorges Rouges trail leads hikers along a river through this natural paradise.
• Porquerolles Island: Cyclists take the ferry from the town of Hyères to the picturesque island of Porquerolles, which is characterised by icing sugar beaches, pink houses and turquoise-blue bays. Travellers can relax here under shady pine groves and discover wild flamingos.

Activities and excursions

Campers in Provence combine days at the beach with excursions into the mountainous hinterland, as the diversity of the southern French landscape makes both possible. While surfers and kiters enjoy themselves on the Côte d'Azur, nature lovers are drawn to hiking in the Verdun Gorge, for example.

Water sports

In the French municipality of La Londe-les-Maures in the fine sandy bay of Hyères, holidaymakers can explore the colourful underwater world off the Côte d'Azur on diving trips. Local providers organise tours that lead to wrecks lying dormant on the seabed. Beginners can take an appropriate course, while professionals can hire the right equipment. On the coast of Marseille, water sports enthusiasts can join a kayak tour that takes them on azure blue waves along steep rock faces.

Hikes

Whether coastal hike or summit ascent: In the Bouches-du-Rhône region, active travellers can combine the two. Those with a head for heights will find a route with great views on a hike to Cap Canaille. On the highest cliffs in France, this leads you to the approximately 400 metre-high elevation of the Grande Tête, which rises above the crashing waves of the sea. Haute-Provence also attracts sporty guests to its cliffs. A tour through the 100 metre long Gorge de l'Oppedette promises unique impressions as you hike through a cool oak forest and a rugged limestone landscape.

events

February to March

• Fête du citron: In Menton, also known as the city of lemons, visitors to this lively festival marvel at hundreds of thousands of citrus fruits in the form of sculptures and as decorations on floats. Bright oranges and lemons form artistic patterns on the lawns.
• Carnaval de Nice: The carnival parade in Nice is widely regarded as the highlight of the Provence events calendar. Giant papier-mâché figures and street performers create a colourful chaos.

May

• Cannes Film Festival: Internationally renowned and the highlight of the film industry, this event has been held on the Côte d'Azur since 1946. Every year, world-famous guests are expected to attend and are honoured with the Palme d'Or at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.

July

• Festival d'Avignon: Up to 40 shows and world-famous artists amaze the audience during the Festival d'Avignon. Over 20 venues are transformed into stages for musicians and actors for three weeks at the end of July. Since 1947, performances have impressed audiences within historic walls, such as the Palais des Papes or the Opéra Grand Avignon.

Gastronomy

The cuisine of Provence is characterised by aromatic spices, sun-ripened fruit and freshly caught fish. Many of the dishes contain olive oil, garlic and aubergines as typical ingredients. Chestnuts, mushrooms and lamb also end up on the plate in delicious creations. Meat lovers choose the hearty boeuf en daube, a beef stew in red wine sauce, in a restaurant. If you want to broaden your culinary horizons, order grenouilles à la provençale, roasted frogs' legs. Gourmets can try a dish with truffles, which are particularly common in the Vaucluse region. For a sweet treat, visit a patisserie offering nougat, almond confectionery and candied fruit in artistically designed cakes.

Best time to visit

The neighbouring Mediterranean Sea gives the region in the south of France a pleasant climate, which is generally very dry. In summer, the weather is characterised by high temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius and little rainfall. During this time, the purple-flowering and fragrant lavender fields are a great attraction for camping in Provence. Bathing holidaymakers also take advantage of the Mediterranean climate to swim in the sea at water temperatures of up to 23 degrees Celsius. Even in spring (low season), pleasant temperatures tempt you to hike along the rocky coast or photograph the colourful variety of plants. Holidaymakers come to the south of France in autumn to experience the peak of colourful diversity.