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Tight budget but craving a change of scenery? Going on holiday to a cheap campsite in France remains largely possible all year round. Between off-peak rentals, last-minute deals, VACAF assistance and lesser-known destinations, good tips are never in short supply.
Here are the concrete levers for travelling for less, without cutting corners on the quality of your stay!
To pay less, the rule is simple: avoid peak season. Indeed, prices drop sharply in April-June and then in September-October, with discounts of more than 40% off-peak compared with the July-August high. The weather remains pleasant across most of the country, and tourist sites are far less crowded!
If you can only travel in summer, two more affordable windows remain:
Keeping an eye on last-minute deals, especially on Wednesdays and Thursdays, can sometimes save you up to 30% on the week!
Some regions combine nature, heritage and moderate prices without skimping on the change of scenery. Several destinations stand out for a tight budget:
Good to know: for a seaside stay without blowing the budget, heading to the Vendée remains one of the best options on the Atlantic coast. Small resorts like Saint-Jean-de-Monts or Longeville-sur-Mer show prices well below those of the Arcachon basin. Southern Finistère and the Pyrenees also offer a genuine change of scenery without spending much!
Assistance schemes dedicated to holidays can bring the bill down very concretely. Two major schemes exist: VACAF assistance and ANCV holiday vouchers.
The VACAF scheme is run by the family allowance funds (CAF). It’s aimed at eligible families under income conditions. The assistance takes the form of a direct payment to the approved campsite: part of the stay is thus funded without complicated steps.
ANCV holiday vouchers, meanwhile, are distributed by employers, works councils or certain social organisations. They’re used at most partner campsites to pay for accommodation, meals or activities. According to ANCV, the scheme benefits several million French people every year. Many campsites clearly display their VACAF approval on their listing, which makes searching easier.
Once the destination and period are chosen, a few habits ease the bill even further. Everyday costs often weigh more heavily than the rental itself, so it’s worth paying close attention.
Here are the habits that really make a difference:
Our tips: watch for last-minute deals from Wednesday for a departure the following Saturday. Campsites then try to fill their vacant pitches and slash their prices. Conversely, if you’re flexible on dates, booking as early as winter often lets you grab early-bird deals with sometimes a firm 25% discount.
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The cheapest region for a holiday in France varies by season. The Limousin, the Jura and certain departments of the Massif Central regularly show the lowest rates. By the sea, the Vendée and southern Finistère remain very competitive, especially outside school holidays.
To get VACAF assistance, you need to be a CAF beneficiary and meet the income conditions set by your fund. The assistance is then paid directly to the approved campsite when booking, with no heavy administrative steps. VACAF campsites are clearly identified on Bon-Plan-Camping.fr.
Yes, travelling cheaply in summer in France remains possible with a bit of organisation. It’s best to favour less touristy regions, book early or watch for last-minute deals, particularly between 20 August and the end of the month. Campsites without a premium water park remain the most affordable.
The cheapest type of accommodation remains a bare pitch on a campsite, far ahead of a hotel or a holiday rental. For a family, a simple mobile home at a three-star campsite also works out cheaper than an equivalent holiday rental in the same region, especially once you factor in meals eaten on site.
The cost of a camping holiday in France depends heavily on the season and the level of comfort chosen. Budget around €15 to €25 per night for a bare pitch off-peak, and €60 to €120 per night for a family mobile home in high season. VACAF assistance can significantly reduce this amount.
