Famed for its white-chalk cliffs and WWII beachheads, Normandy is also a hugely popular camping destination, with family-friendly camp sites dotted all across the region.
Even if the classic camping experience isn’t for you, there are also a huge choice of camp sites in Normandy featuring slightly more upscale facilities – including glamping tents and cabins. But whether you’re happy to pitch your own tent or would rather something a little more luxurious, one of the common features of the region’s camp sites is that they are invariably surrounded by gorgeous scenery. We’ve picked out 5 of the most charming, family-friendly camping spots that Normandy has to offer.
Camping La Capricieuse Yelloh! Village Normandie
Just a few minutes’ walk from Sword Beach in Luc-sur-Mer, La Capricieuse combines a delightfully peaceful seaside setting with plenty to keep families occupied. The site’s spacious camping pitches come with private heated bathroom facilities, while those looking for extra comfort can choose from a range of cottages sleeping up to eight. There’s also a large heated aquatic area with indoor and outdoor pools, water games and a jacuzzi, plus children’s clubs, playgrounds and activities. Add a restaurant, bar and bakery, and it’s easy to see why so many campers come here to enjoy some relaxed days by the coast.
Le Château de Monfréville
For a more traditional – and unusual – camping experience, Le Château de Monfréville may well fit the bill. The site features just 25 tent pitches in the grounds of a Normandy château, all within easy reach of local landmarks and places of interest including the D-Day beaches, Bayeux and Mont Saint-Michel. One of the biggest draw is that cars are kept away from the camping meadow, which has the benefit of leaving children free to explore without parents having to worry. On-site recreational facilities include a swimming pool, ping-pong table and a handful of resident animals, while hot showers, fridges, freezers and summer bakery deliveries add comfort and convenience to the guest experience. There are also two converted-barn cottages for families who favour a little more comfort.
Château de Lez-Eaux
Set in 12 hectares of parkland near Granville and the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, Château de Lez-Eaux provides – just like above – another rare chance to camp in the grounds of a bona fide château. Pitches range from 100 to 200m², with options for tents, caravans and motorhomes, while mobile homes, chalets and treehouses offer more comfortable alternatives. Families are particularly well catered for, thanks to a large indoor and outdoor water park, playgrounds, sports facilities and summer activities. A fishing lake and beaches a short drive away add to the appeal.
Camping Sous Les Étoiles Normandie
A former farmstead surrounded by open fields and mature trees gives Camping Sous Les Étoiles Normandie a distinctly rural look and feel – making for an authentic camping experience. The family-run site is located in Saint-Martin-des-Besaces, well placed for visiting the D-Day beaches, and boasts a wide choice of pitches for everything from traditional tents to large caravans and motorhomes, all spread across more than five hectares of land. Families with little ones can make use of the games room, swings, pétanque and table tennis, and for child-friendly dining Le Cowshed Bar & Grill serves simple, seasonal meals – not to mention local cider for adult tastes. Modern shower facilities, an outdoor kitchen and plenty of green space complete the site’s practical set-up.
Les Îles
Situated close to Granville and a handy base for trips to Mont-Saint-Michel and the Channel Islands, Les Îles is in many respects a quintessential family holiday park. With picture-postcard Normandy countryside all around you,. traditional campers can pick from serviced pitches, including options with private bathroom facilities, and there are also smart chalets and mobile homes for those who prioritise space and comfort. The real centrepiece attraction here is the large heated aquatic area with indoor and outdoor pools, plus waterslides – always a major hit with kids. Adults can also get some respite thanks to the dedicated children’s clubs, and there’s also a mini-farm, playgrounds, a fishing lake and an on-site restaurant.