What is wild camping?
The difference between wild camping and bivouacking
Wild camping refers to camping in the middle of nowhere, in a place that has not been developed for this activity. In practical terms, this means travelling with a motorised vehicle (car, camper van, van, etc.) or pitching a tent in places close to civilisation (car parks, roadsides, fields, etc.) while staying in the same place for several days. However, depending on local laws, this practice may be prohibited, governed by specific rules or limited to bivouacs.
Bivouacs, on the other hand, are characterised by their temporary and minimalist nature. Bivouacs are light campsites set up for one night in the wilderness (forests, mountains, etc.), often to meet a practical need such as shelter from the elements. This "light wilderness camping" is generally authorised at night, from sunset to sunrise, with just a ground sheet and a sleeping bag, under the stars.
Bivouacs are particularly popular with hikers, mountaineers and mountain bikers who find themselves far from hotels, gites or campsites and have no choice but to set up camp in the wild.
It is important to note that bivouacs are generally made without shelter, i.e. without a tent. In fact, bivouacking with a tent is considered to be camping in the wild and can therefore be penalised if it contravenes the regulations in force.
Wild camping in your motorhome
The law does not prohibit you from sleeping in your car, camper van, van, etc. You can therefore park your vehicle in a parking space (except in communes that specifically prohibit parking on public roads). You can therefore park your vehicle in a parking space (except where local authorities specifically prohibit parking on the public highway), as long as you stay for a maximum number of nights (generally 7) and do not use the space around the vehicle as a living area: camping in town or in a car park is prohibited, so you will not be able to take out the garden furniture, a cooker, roll out your awning (or the pop-up roof on your van), etc. You will have to leave your vehicle in the car park for the maximum number of nights.
In nature, it's the same principle: you can sleep in your motorhome on private land, if you have the owner's permission, or with the permission of the local council, but always without displaying camping equipment.
However, you should be aware that you cannot park your motorhome in all the places where freedom camping is prohibited (see below), or in any national or regional parks.
Advice on wild camping
If you're thinking of bivouacking or wild camping, here's a golden rule: arrive late and leave early. Be respectful, use common sense and take care to preserve the flora and fauna.
Here are some practical tips for a successful experience:
- Respect the environment and the neighbours, if there are any; protect the flora by avoiding damaging it and be attentive to the fauna present on the site. Keep noise levels low so as not to disturb the environment or any neighbours.
- Reduce your set-up: use lightweight, space-saving tents.
- Keep the site clean: before going to bed, put away all your belongings, including bottles, rubbish and furniture, to prevent your camp from looking like a squat.
- Be discreet and temporary: settle in late at night and leave early in the morning to limit your impact. Avoid staying more than one night in the same place.
- Ask for permission: if you want to camp on private land (a field, plot of land, etc.), contact the owners or farmers to obtain their agreement. This avoids being woken up by the gendarmerie.
- Leave the place spotless: before you leave, remove all traces of your visit. For example, fill in the holes used as toilets and take your toilet paper and rubbish with you. Your aim: to leave the place cleaner than when you arrived.
Places where bivouacs and wild camping are prohibited in France
In France, regulations make no clear distinction between wild camping and bivouac camping. In principle, these practices are authorised wherever they are not explicitly prohibited. However, this is where things get complicated, because the prohibitions are many and varied.
These restrictions are not there to constrain campers, but to protect:
- Environment: preserving fragile ecosystems and limiting human impact.
- Paths and forests: maintaining their natural state and preventing nuisance.
- Local communities: respect for the living environment of local residents and prevention of intrusions.
To avoid any problems, it's essential to find out about local regulations before you set off. These rules are designed to reconcile your need for adventure with the preservation of the places you travel through.
In particular, camping is prohibited:
- In woods, forests and parks designated as nature reserves, and in sites protected as part of the natural heritage,
- On roads and highways,
- By the sea,
- Less than 200 metres from a point of water collected for consumption,
- Less than 500 metres from a classified heritage site, or a site awaiting classification, including historic monuments, parks and gardens, etc.
- On private roads and land, without the owner's prior authorisation.
- in certain areas determined by the municipal or prefectural authorities, in accordance with a decree or the local town planning scheme (PLU). So don't hesitate to contact your local town hall for more information, or to visit the site yourself.
Regulatory signs are posted at the usual access points to prohibited areas.
Places to camp (or bivouac...) in France
Bivouacs in natural areas
In French nature parks, only bivouacs are generally authorised and supervised in order to preserve outdoor activities while limiting the environmental impact.
Why these regulations? Authorisation to bivouac is a response to practical and ecological concerns:
- Safety: avoid the risks associated with night-time traffic, particularly in bad weather or unforeseen conditions.
- Site protection: ensuring that fragile ecosystems are not damaged by prolonged or inappropriate occupation.
The main rules to follow :
- Authorised times: Bivouacking is limited to the night-time period, often from sunset to sunrise. Wild camping is prohibited during the day in most natural areas.
- Location: Keep a safe distance from marked footpaths, park entrances and protected areas.
- Equipment and practices: The use of tents may or may not be authorised depending on the park. Campfires may be strictly prohibited to avoid fires and preserve the ecosystem.
Regulations specific to each park: although bivouacking is often tolerated in national and regional parks, each park applies its own rules. These regulations may include specific authorised zones, restrictions on equipment or bans during peak periods.
To bivouac legally, we recommend that you :
- Check local regulations: each park posts the applicable rules on its official website.
- Use specialised tools: for example, the Le Camping Sauvage website offers a regularly updated map of the regulations governing France's nature parks.
Respecting these rules will enable you to enjoy nature to the full while helping to preserve it.
That's a bit restrictive, isn't it?
Fortunately, there are ways of camping without risking breaking the law:
Homestay camping
Homestay camping is an interesting alternative to wilderness camping, bivouacs and traditional camping. Although it's an old-fashioned way of camping, it's enjoying a resurgence in popularity, particularly among travellers looking for freedom and contact with nature.
Homestay camping brings together landowners who are willing to host guests free of charge or for a fee, and campers looking for a friendly place to spend one or more nights.
Farm camping and natural areas
A form of camping in people's homes, there are many "farm" campsites and natural areas listed, offering holidaymakers the chance to spend one or more nights on their land or in their garden.
- A natural areas is generally located in a natural area, particularly an agricultural one. The surface area of the site may not exceed one hectare, and the maximum number of pitches is set at 30. They are equipped with a minimum of water points, toilets, washing facilities and litter bins.
- A farm campsite generally has a capacity of 6 camping shelters or 20 campers. Their facilities range from the very basic to the very comfortable. All these sites, whether run by farmers or others, must be declared to the town hall, which sets out the arrangements for site maintenance.
To identify them on Campingfrance.com, we don't offer dedicated filters, but you can often identify them when their name is that of a private individual or contains "aire naturelle", or when these sites have no stars.
Traditional camping in serviced campsites
France has campsites all over the country. From unclassified campsites to 5-star campsites, you're sure to find a campsite close to your destination.
Naturally, you will have to pay the pitch rental fee, but you will also find a number of pleasant amenities on site, such as access to drinking water, sanitary facilities (showers, toilets, washbasins)... or even more, depending on the plot you have chosen: a swimming pool to cool off in, a mini-market to restock your supplies, a restaurant to dine in...
What's more, traditional camping is also a guarantee of comfort and safety:
- Demarcated areas to ensure privacy.
- Staff on hand to respond to your needs or to intervene in the event of a problem.
In conclusion :
Although you will have to pay a fee to rent a pitch, a traditional camping holiday guarantees access to facilities that will simplify your stay, while offering moments of relaxation and conviviality.
Serviced campsites are an ideal solution for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors while benefiting from a certain level of comfort and a variety of services. Whether you're travelling in a tent, caravan or motorhome, there's a package to suit you!
If you're looking for a traditional campsite, the Campingfrance website can help you choose the ideal campsite for your stay!