The concept of unusual camping
What is an unusual campsite?
An unusual campsite is distinguished from traditional campsites by the originality of its accommodation and environment. Instead of sleeping in a traditional tent or mobile home, you'll find atypical structures such as tree houses, caravans, yurts, transparent bubbles or even hanging tents. The aim is to offer a unique experience, often in harmony with nature, allowing you to get away from it all and experience a different adventure, far removed from the standards of traditional camping. This type of holiday allows you reconnect with nature while enjoying an original and sometimes more comfortable setting.
The elements that make a camping experience unique
A unique camping experience is based on several key elements. The atmosphere plays a major role, whether you're immersed in an exceptional natural setting, such as a forest, a mountain or by the water, creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. The activities on offer, such as hikes, swimming, evenings around the fire or nature workshops, provide an opportunity for sharing and adventure. Finally, atypical accommodation, such as yurts, cabins or hanging tents, adds a touch of originality and comfort, transforming each night into a memorable experience, in total harmony with the environment.
Why opt for an unusual campsite rather than a traditional one?
Opting an unusual campsite rather than a traditional one means choosing to get off the beaten track for a unique, immersive experience. Unlike traditional campsites, which are often more standardised, unusual campsites offer original accommodation, such as tree houses, transparent bubbles or caravans, enabling you to reconnect with nature in a new and often more intimate way. The atmosphere is often calmer and more exotic, providing a real break from everyday life. What's more, the activities on offer are often more closely linked to the environment, allowing you to experience authentic moments and create unforgettable memories. In short, unusual camping offers a tailor-made adventure, combining comfort, originality and total immersion in nature.
What types of unusual accommodation are available in the PACA region?
Tree houses
Ideal for those who want to get away from it all at three heights, these cabins offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside and total immersion in the forest.
Yurts
Inspired by nomadic traditions, yurts offer a warm, original sleeping environment that's also close to nature.
Transparent bubbles
For a night under the stars, these transparent accommodations offer a panoramic view of the sky, creating a magical experience, while being protected from the wind and rain.
The caravans
Charming and colorful, the gypsy caravans offer a cosy, bohemian setting, perfect for a romantic break or a family holiday.
Hanging tents
A unique adventure experience, where you can sleep in tents hung from trees, for complete immersion in nature.
Safari lodges and tents
More luxurious than traditional tents, these structures offer superior comfort, with cosy beds, bathrooms and often a terrace to enjoy the scenery.
Troglodyte houses
Some regions of the PACA region, notably the Alpilles and Forcalquier, offer the chance to stay in troglodyte houses, dug into the rock, for a truly unusual experience.
All these unusual accommodations offer not only a unique adventure, but also the chance to discover the region from a different angle, in harmony with nature and the environment.
What are the best places to spend an unusual night in the PACA region?
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is full of magnificent and varied places to spend an unusual night, between sea, mountains and forests. Here are some of the must-see sites for a unique experience:
The Verdon Regional Nature Park
With its breathtaking scenery, the Verdon offers unusual accommodation such as perched cabins or hanging tents, perfect for admiring the Verdon gorges and experiencing an adventure in the heart of nature.
The Alpilles
This mountain range, in the heart of Provence, is ideal for sleeping in troglodyte houses or yurts, surrounded by the region's typical landscapes of olive groves and lavender fields.
La Sainte-Baume
This massif near Marseille offers atypical accommodation such as gypsy caravans and wooden cabins, perfect for immersing yourself in nature while discovering the majestic landscapes of this historic region.
The Calanques of Cassis
For an even more unusual experience, spending a night in a transparent bubble or luxury tent in the heart of the Calanques offers uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean Sea and the chance to explore this unique area.
Sainte-Victoire Regional Nature Park
Sleeping in a safari tent or floating hut on the edge of a lake, surrounded by majestic mountains, is an exceptional way to recharge your batteries.
The island of Porquerolles
An unusual night in an idyllic setting in a tent or eco-responsible hut by the sea, surrounded by the island's lush vegetation and heavenly beaches.
The Luberon
This region, famous for its picturesque villages and lavender fields, also offers unusual accommodation such as gypsy caravans and safari tents, perfect for total immersion in the Provencal countryside.
Each of these venues will offer you an extraordinary experience, combining comfort, originality and immersion in the magnificent landscapes of the PACA region.
Environmental impact and respect for nature
Unusual campsites in the PACA region have a limited environmental impact thanks to their eco-responsible practices. Many uses eco-friendly accommodation (yurts, wooden cabins), renewable energy and responsible water management (dry toilets, solar showers). Reducing waste, raising awareness of nature and respecting protected areas are also part of their efforts to preserve the environment. These campsites offer a unique experience while respecting nature.
Which unusual campsites should you choose to visit in the PACA region?
We've selected a few campsites offering unusual accommodation in the PACA region for a night or a weekend, in or near some of the region's must-see places. Let’s guide you...
Ready for a romantic weekend in the Var?
Les Lacs du Verdon campsite **** is located in Régusse, in the Var department, in the heart of Provence, close to the Gorges du Verdon and Lac de Sainte-Croix. It's an ideal place for nature and adventure lovers, with an exceptional natural setting for activities such as swimming, hiking, canoeing and mountain biking. The campsite offers unusual accommodation, such as lodge tents and tree houses, providing a unique experience of staying in the heart of nature while retaining modern comforts. Ideal for a night or weekend of relaxation and immersion in the surrounding landscape, while being close to the crystal-clear waters of the lake and the natural sites of the Verdon.
The Huttopia Fontvieille *** campsite is located in Fontvieille, a charming Provencal village in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, in the heart of the Alpilles nature park. It is close to the famous town of Arles and about 20 minutes from the Camargue, offering an exceptional natural setting for lovers of nature and history. The campsite offers unusual accommodation such as lodge tents and Nordic baths, providing an immersive outdoor experience with modern comforts. These atypical accommodations allow you to make the most of the Provencal environment, while having access to quality facilities for an unforgettable stay.
An unusual night in Provence at La Sainte-Baume campsite, one of the most beautiful spots in the Var
Domaine de La Sainte-Baume campsite **** is in Nans-les-Pins, in the Var department, at the foot of the majestic Sainte-Baume Mountain. This campsite is ideally located in the heart of the Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park, offering an exceptional natural setting of oak forests, gorges and cliffs. It is just 30 minutes from Aix-en-Provence and close to hiking sites such as the famous Sainte-Baume Sanctuary. The campsite offers unusual accommodation such as canvas bungalows, tree houses and yurts, allowing visitors to enjoy a unique experience in harmony with nature. These unusual accommodations in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region are fully equipped to guarantee comfort while offering total immersion in the Provencal landscape. Ideal for nature lovers, this campsite allows you to recharge your batteries while taking advantage of the region's many attractions.
An unusual night with private jacuzzi at Le Ceyreste campsite
Camping Le Ceyreste **** is in Ceyreste, a typical village in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, in the Bouches-du-Rhône département. Nestling in the heart of nature, between the hills and the Mediterranean Sea, just 5 kilometres from the beaches of Cassis and its calanques. When it comes to unusual accommodation, the campsite offers a unique experience with original options such as tree houses, tent lodges and colorful gypsy caravans. These unusual stays combine comfort and nature, offering total immersion in a wild and relaxing setting. These choices are perfect for those looking to escape the ordinary for a weekend and experience a novel adventure while enjoying modern conveniences.
Cheap holidays in PACA
Camping Sainte-Victoire ** in Beaurecueil is ideally located in the heart of Provence, at the foot of the majestic Sainte-Victoire Mountain. Nestling in an exceptionally natural setting, this campsite offers uninterrupted views of the wild landscapes and surrounding forests of the Sainte-Victoire Regional Nature Park. When it comes to unusual accommodation, the Sainte-Victoire campsite offers unique options such as tree houses and lodging tents, ideal for those seeking an immersive experience in the heart of nature. These accommodations combine comfort and originality, allowing you to take full advantage of the beauty of the landscape while still being close to modern conveniences.
Le Cézanne Montagne Sainte Victoire campsite in Puyloubier Le Cézanne campsite, located in Puyloubier, is in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, at the foot of the famous Sainte-Victoire Mountain. This campsite enjoys a privileged location between vineyards and unspoilt countryside. It is close to the hiking trails of the Sainte-Victoire regional nature park, ideal for lovers of outdoor activities, while being just a few kilometers from the charming Provencal villages of Aix-en-Provence and camping Le Cézanne offers unusual accommodation: lodge tents and wooden cabins, perfect for total immersion in the natural environment while offering practical facilities for a pleasant and original stay.
Atypical accommodation in the PACA region - Le Var less expensive
Camping Les Mimosas *** is located in Le Lavandou, a popular destination on the Côte d'Azur in the Var, right next to the Mediterranean Sea. The campsite is ideally located, just a short stroll from the beaches and picturesque coves of Le Lavandou, offering easy access to water sports activities and waterside relaxation. The natural setting, between hills and coastline, allows you enjoy to a peaceful environment while being close to the island of Porquerolles. In terms of unusual accommodation, Les Mimosas offers original options for those looking for a unique experience, such as colorful gypsy caravans, tent lodges and tree houses. These accommodations offer modern comforts while allowing total immersion in the surrounding nature, creating an unforgettable stay in an idyllic setting.
Unusual stay in the Lubéron Massif
The Val de Durance campsite **** is located in Cadenet, a charming village in the Lubéron massif in the Vaucluse, in the heart of the PACA region. It enjoys a privileged location, on the banks of the River Durance, surrounded by hills and natural landscapes typical of Provence. Just a few kilometers from Aix-en-Provence and other emblematic sites in the region, this campsite allows visitors to enjoy a calm, green setting while being close to hiking trails and picturesque villages. Camping Le Val de Durance offers unusual accommodation, including wooden cabins, tent lodges and gypsy caravans. A unique and immersive experience in a natural and comfortable environment. Whether you're staying with family or friends, these unusual accommodations in the PACA region are perfect for those looking to get away from it all and reconnect with nature.
A family weekend or a romantic night in an unusual location
Camping Le Mas **** is located in Martigues, a charming Provencal town often referred to as the "Venice of Provence", because of its canals and picturesque landscapes. Close to the Mediterranean Sea, it offers easy access to beaches and water sports. It is also just a few kilometers from the calanques and the region's remarkable natural sites, while being well connected to the tourist attractions of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. Camping Le Mas offers unusual accommodation, such as tent lodges and wooden cabins, providing a unique experience in the heart of the Provencal countryside. These accommodations combine comfort and originality, allowing campers to recharge their batteries in the heart of nature while enjoying all the comforts needed for a pleasant and memorable stay.