France is a country of varied landscapes that attracts lovers of nature and wild camping every year. Are you planning to go wild camping in France and looking for the best spots? Check out in this article our recommendations for a successful wild camping in France!
Is wild camping allowed in France?
The difference between bivouac and wild camping
When we talk about wild camping in French, we’re talking about both bivouacs and wild camping, which are quite different. Bivouacs are in fact a form of wild camping, but they take place in tents for one night, generally in hiking areas. Wild camping, on the other hand, is most often practiced by motorized people (in motorhomes, converted vans, caravans and even cars), who stay in the same place for several days.
French law does not make a difference between wild camping and bivouac camping. However, in some places, one may be tolerated and the other not.
French legislation on wild camping
According to decree no. 2015-1783, “camping is freely practiced, outside the right-of-way of public roads and thoroughfares, with the agreement of whoever has the use of the land, subject, where applicable, to the owner’s opposition“. It is therefore forbidden to camp on private property without the owner’s consent, as well as on public roads. The decree also prohibits camping within 500 meters of a listed historic monument, on the seashore, in parks or nature reserves, and within 200 meters of a drinking water catchment area.
Town councils and municipalities can also issue by-laws prohibiting camping in certain areas. But keep in mind that the ban must be explicitly displayed on a sign. Be aware that you can be fined up to 1,500 euros if you decide to camp in a prohibited area.
We advise you to find out more about the regulations governing wild camping, in particular from the official websites of natural or regional parks. You should also be aware that the municipalities of tourist towns and cities are putting in place stricter controls.
The best regions for wild camping in France
🏔️ The Alps
A mountain range stretching for over 1,200 km, the Alps are a popular destination for lovers of idleness and breathtaking scenery. You’ll discover several magnificent natural parks such as the Parc national du Mercantour and the Parc naturel régional du Vercors, perfect for outdoor activities!
Wild camping is highly regulated in the Alps, especially in the nature parks, so be sure to consult the official websites during your trip to keep up to date with the latest regulations!
🚐📍 Take a break at Spot de Nicolas, in Saint-Geniez (04), from where you can admire the mountain ranges, or Spot de Luca, located in Larche (04). At an altitude of 1,697 meters, this village is considered the highest in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department!
⛰️ The Ardeche
A top destination for nature lovers, the Ardèche is renowned for its famous Gorges, which are among the most beautiful in Europe! If you’re looking for a 100% nature destination, you’re in for a treat! Please note, however, that wild camping is fairly restricted in the Ardeche Gorges.
🚐📍We recommend you the Spot de Antoine, located in Montpezat-Sous-Bauzon (07) for a short, relaxing break!
🌋 The Auvergne
With its volcanic landscapes and numerous lakes, the Auvergne is the ideal place if you want to experience wild camping in France!
🚐📍Drive first to the charming Spot de Bernard, in Saint-Jacques-des-Blats (15), where you’ll enjoy a beautiful view and a moment of serenity. Then, head for the Col des Supeyres Spot (63), where you’ll have the opportunity for some great hiking!
🌲 The Aveyron
With the Parc naturel Régional des Grands Causses and its famous Gorges (Gorges du Tarn…), you’ll love wild camping here! Sumptuous landscapes with vertiginous cliffs await you!
🚐📍 After your visits, we suggest the Spot de Mael, located in Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux (12), right in the middle of the forest, or the Parking Comprégnac (12), with a splendid view of the Millau Viaduct!
🌊 Brittany
Brittany has it all, with its wild, natural landscapes. Île d’Ouessant, Côte de Granit Rose, Presqu’île de Crozon… there are so many magical places to discover!
🚐📍Drive to Spot Beaussais-sur-Mer (22), for a short break on the coastline, where you can admire the kitesurfers. For a superb view of the ocean, don’t hesitate to visit Cléden-Cap-Sizun spot(29)!
🌾 The Cévennes
It’s one of France’s largest nature reserves, much appreciated by hikers and lovers of deserted spaces! If you’re touring the region, you’re bound to come across Mont Lozère. Indeed, it is quite simply the highest point in the Cévennes (1,699 meters above sea level! ).
🚐📍 You can take a break at Eric’s Spot, for example, to admire the breathtaking panorama of the Cévennes from Mont Lozère (48).
🌲 The Landes
Pine forests, endless bike paths and wild beaches, the Landes is an excellent destination for wild camping in France!
🚐📍Please head for the Spot de Daniel, in Saint-Michel-Escalus (40) for a stopover in the middle of the forest, or the Spot Saugnacq-et-Muret (40), in the heart of nature!
🏔️ The Pyrenees
Located in south-west France, the Pyrenees are one of the top destinations for nature lovers! As far as possible, avoid camping in the Pyrenees’ national and nature parks ( Parc national des Pyrénées, Parc naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises…) but rather in the villages located in the surrounding area.
🚐📍 Immerse yourself in the heart of the Pyrenees by parking at Parking Aspin-Aure (65), or at Spot de Matthieu, in Sainte-Engrace (64) where you’ll also be nestled right in the heart of the mountains.
☀️ The Provence
A top destination for lovers of paradise beaches and idleness, Provence is also a place where you can enjoy wild nature like you’ve never seen it before! As summer approaches, we advise you to get away from the coast and enjoy the hinterland instead!
🚐📍For a quiet stopover, choose Spot de Berteau, in Châteauneuf-du-Pape (84), or Spot de Juliette, in Mérindol (84), located on the banks of the Durance.
⛰️ The Savoie
With its lakes and mountain peaks, Savoie is a highly attractive tourist destination, particularly for winter sports enthusiasts. In summer, Savoie is just as interesting for the many hikes and walks it has to offer, in the heart of picturesque landscapes.
🚐📍For an outstanding panorama during your wild camping in Savoie, we recommend you the Marie & Bruno’spot. Another spot where you can enjoy the mountain atmosphere is Gérard’s Spot, located in Beaufort (73)!
Bonus: discover the itinerary that includes all the spots for your wilderness camping in France right here!
Discover also other itineraries shared by the community for a trip in France such as “Discovering France by motorhome: the best addresses“, “Wonderful trip to Brittany in motorhome“, and much more!
Did you like the experience of your itinerant trip offered by CaraMaps and the advice from the community? Share your best anecdotes and photos from your trip with the 100% collaborative CaraMaps app.
Follow us also on our Instagram page @caramaps where you’ll discover incredible spots, and on our Facebook page where you’ll find new areas, new itineraries and news from the motorhome world every day!
Also check out our other blog posts: “The best service areas in Spain 🇪🇸“, “Motorhome rules in France in 2023” and many more!