Many people might consider themselves to be fair weather campers, believing that camping holidays should be saved only for the sunshine of the summer months. But camping in France can make for a fantastic holiday all year round, with each of the four seasons offering something different.
Autumn
Everyone associates the autumn with the leaves turning a wonderful colour, before they eventually fall from the trees completely. It’s also seen by many as the last opportunity to go camping in France, before the colder weather really sets in. Areas such as the Ardeche are simply full of forests, and can promise some fantastic autumn walks, kicking up the leaves as you go. However, why not make the most of the trees becoming bare by attempting some of the forest trails up in the trees at Vert Tige Parc. Safely harnessed, you can take to the trees and tackle any one of the five trails that feature cargo nets, rope bridges, zip wires and various other obstacles. Where better to view the forest at its autumnal best than up in the trees themselves?
Winter
Perhaps the quietest of the seasons in terms of camping in France, winter is actually an ideal time to take a camping holiday. With the campsites less busy, you can pick your favourite pitch and enjoy the peace and quiet. If you particularly enjoy a good snowfall in the winter months, head towards the Alps where you will find skiing and the opportunity for snowball fights galore. Close to the ski resort les deux Alpes, lies the sleepy little town of Venosc. This mountain side town is well known for its crafts and is the perfect place to get in some early Christmas shopping. There are plenty of walks to take around the nearby mountain lakes but if you would rather enjoy the view the easier way, the Venosc cable car will take you up to the heart of les deux Alpes, where you can enjoy the spectacular snowy scenes looking down on the slopes below.
“Camping in France” by Ben Sutherland is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Spring
Spring is an exciting season, with all manner of things that hibernated over the winter coming back to life again. Camping in France is a great way to witness nature waking up, as well as getting yourself back into the swing of going on holiday after a cold and busy winter. To witness spring’s delights fully, head over towards Dordogne to Limousin for a visit to the Parc Animalier de la Colline Enchantee. Set in 12 hectares of greenery, this animal park on the enchanted hill is the perfect place to witness the coming of spring. With a number of farm animals including sheep, cows, goats, swans, chickens and geese, you are sure to see some newborns. As well as farm animals, the park is also home to less traditional species such as kangaroos, ostriches, camels, emus, bison, porcupines, yaks and racoons. A great day out for all the family, a visit to an animal park is a great way to see the spring in.
Summer
The arrival of summer invariably means the arrival of holidaymakers. The number of people going camping in France is no exception to this, but with many areas enjoying warm weather and sunshine during the summer months, it is no surprise that so many people head to France for their summer holidays. For many, summer means the opportunity to enjoy the water that is too cold during the rest of the year. If this is true for you, then head to Lake Annecy. One of the more famous lakes in France and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, this lake is the best place for several different water sports such as sailing, windsurfing and diving. For those who prefer to relax out of the water, pedalos and boat tours are also available. For those who prefer the sea, the lake is encircled by beaches where you can while away hours in the sun.
If you enjoy camping in France, there is no need to leave your visit until the summer. With plenty to do all year round, it is worth braving the elements to see some of the more special things that the seasons have to offer.
Author Resource:-> Lorraine Waddell is the brand and advertising manager of Canvas Holidays, a leading European camping operator that provides the best selection of sites for camping in France (http://www.canvasholidays.co.uk).
By: Lorraine Waddell
