With a 2/3 French clientele, campsites in France are far from the clichés conveyed by popular imagery and the cinema. The good-natured atmosphere, WiFi access and grocery shops are no longer enough to satisfy this increasingly demanding flow of regular and occasional tourists. With the emergence of ecotourism, the French are asserting their concern for the carbon footprint of their holidays, but are also keen to access as much entertainment as possible. As a result, the camping sector is constantly evolving to renew its offer, and it is no longer rare to see travel agencies proposing comfortable stays.
Glamping: an emerging trend with potential
Glamping (a contraction of glamour and camping), a concept that first appeared in the UK in 2007, consists of staying in atypical accommodation that respects nature, but with facilities and services comparable to those of large hotels. If at the very beginning, this type of accommodation was mainly found along the coast, it is now flourishing everywhere. Wooden huts, chalets, barges, trailers, African lodges, teepees, giant barrels, yurts or transparent bubbles... These unusual holiday accommodation options are becoming more and more popular. These "ready-to-camp" solutions are ideal for a family or couple stay. Here, there are no shared toilets, but private bathrooms, sometimes even a spa, a sauna, a hammam, and a kitchen with all the amenities.
By the sea, in the mountains or in the countryside, glamping accommodation is available everywhere, from 100 to 200€ per night. For a night out of the ordinary!
Why is there so much interest?
The French love camping, that is undeniable. It is an economical, eco-responsible way to stay, and far from impersonal. 63% of campers choose this type of accommodation because they feel it represents the best value for money. But the added value of glamping is really the combination of nature, freedom and adventure with the comfort of home. No more pitching your own tent! From now on, you put your suitcase down, take a deep breath and enjoy. All this in an exotic, cosy and luxurious, but environmentally friendly setting. No need to queue for a shower, glamping has everything close by. While the accommodation is often built with natural materials, its operation is also in line with the philosophy of limiting the environmental impact of tourism. These accommodations are often autonomous in terms of energy and water production, nothing is lost and everything is transformed. To get the most out of your glamping experience, it is advisable to disconnect and let go. The advantage of this type of accommodation is that it allows you to recharge your batteries in the fresh air while spicing up your camping trip.