The beautiful Languedoc-Roussillon region of France boasts a huge variety of landscapes and around 300 days of sunshine in parts of it. The region is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and is divided into five départements (counties) – Aude, Gard, Hérault, Lozère and Pyrénées-Orientales. Languedoc is a dramatic region, complete with stunning beaches, clear rivers and canals and lakes to undertake all sorts of watersports in. Making it the perfect region for a French camping holiday.
Inland you’ll find majestic forests, the edge of the Pyrenees and medieval villages to explore. There really is something for everyone here and, because the natural attractions are so stunning, you’ll be able to explore on any budget.
You could happily spend an entire holiday here by the seaside – Montpellier is a beautiful seaside town with lovely beaches and a gorgeous town to explore. Or take a snorkel and mask to Banyuls sur Mer – a marine reserve with an amazing variety of sea life. For an action packed day, hire a canoe from St Bauzille-de-Putois near Ganges on the banks of the Hérault. You can travel down the river at a mainly leisurely pace (encountering a few rapids along the way!), swim, snorkel, explore the riverbanks and hunt for crayfish. You can also arrange for a minibus to meet you downriver to take you back to your car.
At Thuès, visit the Gorges de Caranca – a complex of narrow walkways and ledges above breathtaking drops (not one for those with vertigo!). Or visit one of the ‘grands sites de France’, the Cirque de Navacelles, where the river Vis has carved a great horseshoe-shaped canyon out of the rock. Afterwards, you can wander down into the canyon and picnic by the waterfall next to the village of St Maurice-Navacelles.
The forest set sculpture park, Le Vallon du Villaret at Lozère merges art and adventure, with nature trails leading through the forest and interactive art installations dotted around en route. For a more high-octane forest experience, take the kids to Argelès Aventure in Argelès-Sur-Mer. Here children as young as five can climb the high rope trails and swing down zipwires, whilst there’s even a tiny circuit suitable for kids of between two and four years old. Animal loving children will adore the Reserve Africaine de Sigean, a safari park complete with lions, ibex, brown bears, zebras, elephants, chimpanzees, ostriches and many more species. And at the seaside resort of Le Grau du Roi there’s a wonderful Seaquarium with sharks, rays, eels, octopus, jellyfish, seals and sea lions. Children are encouraged to get involved in many interactive aspects.
You can take the Eurostar to Lille and then a TGV train to Montpellier, Bézier, Narbonne or Perpignan. Alternatively, you can take your car on the Eurotunnel and then take the Motorail train from Paris to Narbonne, although this is an expensive option!
Flights are available from the UK to Montpellier, Carcassonne or Perpignan with low cost airlines such as Easyjet and Flybe.
Family friendly campsites
Gard, Le Grau-du-Roi, la Marine
Close to the resort of Le Grau-du-Roi, Camping La Marine campsite has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. The pool complex is a real draw, with its waterslides and children's pool, and there are plenty of activities available such as football, volleyball, boules and table tennis. Evenings onsite can be enjoyed at the onsite restaurant or round the communal BBQs.
Gard, Le Grau-du-Roi, Abri de Camargue
Camping Abri de Camargue is less than 1 mile from a beautiful beach and is a lively campsite with a fantastic community spirit. The site has an indoor and outdoor pool, table tennis, boules, a games room, playground and a kids club. You can also hire bikes to explore the on site bike trail and horse riding and water activities are available nearby.
Pyrenees-Orientales, Canet en Roussillon, Mar Estang
Mar Estang Campsite is only 100 metres from a beautiful white sandy beach and is situated next to a nature reserve. The facilities are modern and well kept, with a highlight being the amazing pool complex - complete with multiple pools, water slides and paddling pools for the little ones. During high season there's a fun packed entertainment programme running through the day and into the evening, and the site has a fantastic restaurant, bar, snack bar, takeaway and even a bakery for all your food and drink needs.
Pyrenees-Orientales, Argelès sur Mer, Roussillonnais
Camping Roussillonnais sits at the foot of the beautiful Albères Mountains and is just two miles from the lovely village of Aregelès-sur-Mer. The site has direct access to a sandy beach, where you can enjoy swimming and soaking up the sun. There's a multi-sports ground and table tennis on site, and tennis, sailing and horse riding are all available a short distance away. During high season there's also a children's club and evening entertainment with karaoke and theme nights.
Pyrenees-Orientales, Le Barcarès, L'Oasis
Camping Oasis is located less than a mile from the Mediterranean coast, and 5 miles of stunning beach where you can go diving, water skiing and kitesurfing. The campsite has a fantastic pool complex with an outdoor heated pool, paddling pool and water slides and a beautiful sun terrace where adults can relax while the kids play. You can hire a bike on site and there's also a treetop adventure park close by that the whole family can enjoy.
Herault, Sérignan, Etoile de Mer
Camping l'Etoile de Mer is just a short walk from the beach, where you can try your hand at water sports or explore the beautiful seaside resort of Cap d'Agde. The site has a fantastic pool complex, with an outdoor pool, spa area and water slides. During high season there are a variety of activities to take part in including sports, quizzes and dinner dances, and there are site-run children's and teenagers' clubs to allow the adults time to relax.
Pyrenees-Orientales, Argelès sur Mer, le Neptune
Just 500 metres from the beach, Camping Le Neptune is a small campsite close to the resort of Argelès-Plage. There's a pretty pool complex with water slides and a children's pool, as well as boules, table tennis and volleyball on offer. Kids will enjoy the mini-club on site or you can hire bikes to explore the surrounding area.
Herault, Sérignan, Mas des Lavandes
Less than a mile from a beautiful beach, and close to the seaside town of Valras-Plage is the lovely Camping Mas des Lavandes. The site has a stunning pool complex, complete with pools, water slide, paddling pools for the little ones and jacuzzi for the grown ups to relax in. During the high season there's a free shuttle bus to the beach, a variety of activities for the kids and evening entertainment to keep the whole family happy, including dance shows, salsa evenings and karaoke.
Herault, Vendres, Palmira Beach
Near to the seaside resort of Vendres-Plage is Camping Palmira Beach campsite. The beach is only a short walk away, but the kids will no doubt want to spend time at the fantastic swimming complex, which is complete with a pirate's ship! There's an onsite children's club and plenty of activities such as boules, table tennis, a games room and even horse riding for the whole family to enjoy.
Pyrenees-Orientales, Torreilles, Mar i Sol
With direct access to gorgeous golden sandy beach, Camping Mar I Sol has everything you need for a wonderful family holiday. Kids will adore the pool complex, with its multiple pools, water slides and aqua play areas for little tots, while adults will love the spa and its range of treatments. There are a huge range of activities available during the day, and the whole family is sure to be entertained by the onsite cabaret shows and themed evenings. Nearby Perpignan is well worth a visit!
Pyrenees-Orientales, Argelès sur Mer, Front de Mer
Camping le Front de Mer is just a short walk from a beautiful beach and is home to a fantastic pool complex, complete with three pools, waterfalls, water slides and a jacuzzi. There's also a sauna and steam room for the adults to relax in. The excellent facilities also include a restaurant, bar and snack bar and there's a children's club and evening entertainment during high season.
Pyrenees-Orientales, Le Barcarès, Croix du Sud
Just 600 metres from Barcarès beach, Camping Croix du Sud is a beautiful site shaded by pine and olive trees. The campsite is great for active families with organised sporting tournaments, aqua gym and rafting excursions all on offer. There's also a lovely pool complex complete with water slides. During high season there's a children's club and evening entertainment on offer and there's also the choice of a restaurant, pizzeria and snack bar to keep everyone fed.
Herault, Marseillan-Plage, Les Méditerranées - Beach Garden
Les Méditerranées is a beautiful campsite with direct access to a lovely beach. Kids will love the excellent pool complex, on site activities and the wide range of entertainment. The site is also a real foodie haven, with a restaurant serving delicious regional specialities and a local market visiting the site once a week. You can even order breakfast to be delivered directly to your emplacement!
Herault, Agde, Le Cap Agathois
Camping Le Cap Agathois is located only 2 miles from the sea, and offers a perfect mix of activities and relaxation. There are two swimming pools and three water slides, along with a separate children's pool. The site has a lovely children's playground and offers activities such as volleyball, archery and football. There's also a bar / restaurant and shop for all your eating and drinking requirements.
Herault, Lattes, Eden
Camping Eden is a relaxing campsite, located just 2 miles from a beautiful beach. There's a fantastic outdoor pool with water slides and a children's pool, alongside a children's playground and site-run children's club. The site has direct access to a river where fishing is permitted, and there's also boules, table tennis and a tennis court to keep everyone happy. And there is a great restaurant, a bar, a takeaway, a snack bar and a small grocery store to keep the family fed.
Pyrenees-Orientales, Argelès sur Mer, le Bois de Valmarie
Just 100 yards from a beautiful beach, Camping le Bois de Valmarie is a small and relaxed campsite, with terraced emplacements and stunning views over the bay of Argelès. Kids will love the lagoon-style pools linked by waterfalls, and are guaranteed hours of fun on the water slides! The superb restaurant offers locally caught fresh fish and there's a lovely bar with terrace where you can sit and enjoy the view. You can also hire bikes on site to explore the local area further.
Pyrenees-Orientales, Torreilles, Calypso
Located next to Torreilles beach, Camping Calypso is the perfect site for water babies. As well as the beautiful beach, the campsite has a superb pool complex, with two swimming pools, water slides, jacuzzi and a dedicated water play area for toddlers. You can relax with refreshments from the bar, snack bar or takeaway, or enjoy a game of boules while the kids make use of the playground. Bike hire is available to explore the local area further.
Pyrenees-Orientales, Sainte Marie la mer, Sainte-Marie
Camping Sainte-Marie-La-Mer is just 2 miles from the gorgeous white sandy beach of Sainte Marie in a peaceful, natural setting. On site the kids will adore the excellent pool complex, complete with water slides. Adults can enjoy a relaxing massage, while the children have fun at the children's club. Or why not try your hand at mini golf or visit the mini farm with ponies, llamas and goats?
Aude, Villerouge la Cremade, Pinada
Set in nine acres of gorgeous pine forest, Camping Pinada campsite is the perfect place to relax with family. Kids will love the swimming pool complete with water slides, or why not visit the lake (only 3 miles from the campsite) where swimming and fishing are permitted? Enjoy a drink at the terrace bar, or treat the kids to crepes and ice cream from the on site creperie. There's also a children's playground, boules and table tennis to keep everyone occupied.
Herault, Sète, le Castellas
Set in a lovely pine forest, with direct access to a long golden beach, Camping Le Castellas is a family friendly campsite near to the pretty town of Sète. The large pool complex with its numerous water slides and several pools is sure to be a hit with the kids, whilst the surrounding sun terrace and loungers provide a relaxing spot for adults. During high season there's a huge range of evening entertainment and you can try out activities such as horse riding and water sports nearby.
Herault, Palavas Les Flots, le Palavas
Camping le Palavas has direct access to a long, white sandy beach and is the perfect place for water lovers! As well as the Mediterranean on your doorstep, the site has a lovely heated outdoor pool and a selection of amazing waterslides. At the beach you can hire pedalos and jet skiis and take to the water for the day. There's also great on-site entertainment with a variety of shows and discos.
Pyrenees-Orientales, Argelès sur Mer, La Coste Rouge
Camping La Coste Rouge is less than half a mile from the sea and is located near to the foot of the Albères Mountains. There's a fantastic outdoor swimming pool with water slides as well as a children's pool and paddling pool. There's a site-run children's club and the family can all enjoy dance nights, karaoke, table football, a games room and pool tables. Enjoy a drink from the bar / restaurant or snack bar, and take advantage of the free shuttle bus to the beach.
Pyrenees-Orientales, Canet en Roussillon, Fontaines
Camping Fontaines is located next to the stunning Canet-Saint Nazaire nature reserve and is only 2 miles from the beach. It's a perfect site for families that enjoy the outdoors - there's even an on-site mini farm where kids can feed and pet the resident animals. There's a lovely swimming pool and kids pool, and boules, table tennis and volleyball are also available. The site has its own bike trail to explore, or you can explore the nature reserve and lake, which is home to over 200 species of birds.
Pyrenees-Orientales, St Cyprien, Roussillon
With a stunning backdrop of the Albères mountain range and only 1.5 miles from a picturesque beach, Camping Le Roussillon is hard to beat location wise. The seaside resort of St Cyprien is only a 5 minute drive from the site, but your kids will probably be hard to tear away from the excellent swimming pool, children's pool and water slide. There's a lovely restaurant, bar and bakery and during high season a children's club and evening entertainment are both on offer.
Pyrenees-Orientales, Argelès sur Mer, le Soleil
Camping le Soleil has a wonderful location - situated behind rolling sand dunes that lead directly onto an uncrowded stretch of sandy beach. It's an ideal base for families, with excellent facilities on site and access to a variety of water sports on the beach. The focal point of the site is its fantastic tropical pool complex and bar, complete with water slides and a spacious sun deck. There's a lovely restaurant and a full programme of summer entertainment, including an underground nightclub for the teenagers! You'll even find a fun fair and go-kart track next door to the site.
Le Lac des Rêves is just minutes away from beautiful beaches and the stylish city of Montpellier, with breathtaking views over the Lac de Pérol - home to a flock of flamingos. On site there's a fantastic heated pool with water slides and splash fountains, boules pitches, beach volleyball courts and children's play areas. Keep refreshed at the restaurant and bar, or enjoy some of the wonderful entertainment during the high season.
La Carabasse is a beautifully maintained holiday park, with a lively atmosphere and great facilities. The park has its own Beach Club, with direct access from the park to the beach, as well as an enormous lagoon style swimming pool with water slides as well as an area for toddlers. There are fun-packed kids clubs and entertainment including karaoke, quiz nights, bingo and musical performances.
Les Sables du Midi is only 800 metres from the beautiful sandy beach of Valras Plage, where young children will be delighted to discover the wooden pirate ship. Back on site everyone will love the fantastic pool complex, with pools, water slides and aquasplash zone. Adults will be able to relax at the Health and Wellbeing centre and enjoy a well deserved massage or relax in the jacuzzi. And why not enjoy a meal at the restaurant or grill or enjoy a show from the entertainment team?
Herault, Sérignan, Maïre
Camping La Maïre campsite is just 10 miles from the historical town of Béziers and only 600 metres from a gorgeous beach. There's a fantastic pool complex with an outdoor pool, children's pool and waterslides and a kids club to keep the youngsters busy, as well as boules, table tennis, a playground and a games room. And tennis courts, mini golf and horse riding are all available nearby.
Pyrenees-Orientales, St Cyprien, Soleil de la Méditerranée
Just 800 metres from a lovely beach, Camping Soleil de la Méditerranée is a great campsite with lots to enjoy. The pool complex is the site's focal point with its large lagoon style pool, water slides, aqua play area and jacuzzi. You can hire bikes on site to ride around the many bike trails in the area. Saint Cyrien port is only a 10 minute walk away and you can enjoy activities such as tennis, horse riding, mini golf and golf in the local area. During high season there's even a free shuttle bus to the beach.
Gard, Allègre les Fumades, Château de Boisson
Set on a steep hillside, Chateau de Boisson campsite is located in the pretty hamlet of Boisson, with lovely walking routes all around. The site has a fantastic pool complex with both indoor and outdoor pools, water slides and a paddling pool. You can try your hand at sports such as tennis or badminton, or relax in the restaurant housed in the buildings of the old chateau. During high season there's a children's club and plenty of family entertainment.
Pyrenees-Orientales, Argelès sur Mer, la Sirène
Camping la Sirène campsite is set amongst palm trees and is only a mile from a beautiful sandy beach. There's a free shuttle bus to the beach, where you can try out a variety of water sports. The highlight of this site is undoubtedly the breathtaking pool complex, complete with a variety of swimming pools, its own palm fringed desert island and enough water slides to keep both big and little kids happy all day. During high season there's a children's club, parties for teenagers and a range of evening entertainment including karaoke and late-night cabarets.
