Five luxury French campsites

Woodland hideaway or child-friendly pitch by the beach? Andy Szczuka chooses life under canvas

Huttopia, Versailles

Within minutes of Versailles and the many attractions of Paris, this campsite offers 180 pitches throughout four hectares of French forest, as well as cabins. A variety of on site facilities and games will keep the family entertained, while communal areas with a wood-burning stove, large terrace and pool area ensure a convivial atmosphere. The region also boasts a wide expanse of forests and nature parks.

Huttopia Versailles, 31 rue Berthelot, 78000 Versailles (00 33 1 39 51 23 61; huttopia.com). Pitches available from €10 per night plus €6 per night per person

Douce Quietude, Côte d’Azur

Situated in 11 hectares of pine forest, this campsite has a sauna and massage room, and has also been awarded La Clef Verte for its environmentally friendly operation.

Douce Quietude, 3435 Boulevard Jacques Baudino, 83700 Saint- Raphaël (00 33 4 94 44 30 00; douce-quietude.co.uk). Pitches from €19

Le Camp, Varen

A secluded site in south-west France, set in leafy surroundings, with a natural swimming pond. River fishing, rock climbing, canoeing and hiking are all available nearby. The picturesque St-Antonin Noble Val is also in easy reach.

Le Camp, 82330 Varen (00 33 6 11 94 33 68; lecamp. co.uk). Yurts and tents from £115 per night sleeping two adults, with an extra £15 payable per night for each extra child

La Ferme Des Aulnes, Picardie

Arranged around a farmhouse, this child-friendly campsite is located near to the beaches of northern France. Outbuildings house a swimming pool and archery range, and there’s excellent hiking to be had in Crecy forest.

La Ferme Des Aulnes, 1 rue du Marais, Nampont St Martin (00 33 3 22 29 22 69; fermedesaulnes.com). Pitches from €21 per night for two people

La Garangeoire, St-Julien-des-Landes

A magnificent estate of 200 hectares on the stones of an ancient Gallo-Roman temple provides the backdrop for this campsite on the eastern coast of France. Aside from the usual amenities and activities, the site provides a base from which to make the most of the nearby woodlands, lakes, meadows, rivers and beaches.

La Garangeoire, 85150 St-Julien-des-Landes (00 33 2 51 46 65 39; camping-la-garangeoire.com). Pitches from €14.50 per night for two people