Campsites near Nice: French Riviera breaks for frugal types
Now, Nice is known for many things – the fab beaches, the colourful Belle Époque buildings, the fab food, the gorgeous shimmering light favoured by artists…
What it’s not so much known for is having a decent range of good-value places to stay – but that’s where Nice campsites come in to play. Scattered along the coast and around the countryside are some splendid options for French Riviera camping breaks, from simple motorhome pitches to fully-equipped lodges for comfy family hols.
Not that it’s all about the money, of course: pick a campsite near Nice and you’ll get a much greater dose of fresh air and coast/country views than you’d get from a stay in town (nipping into Nice for a stroll by day, stargazing out in the open by night… it’s almost like getting two holidays for the price of one, non?)
Ready to explore the idea of a Nice camping stay? Read on and we’ll guide you through the process of picking your ideal spot.
Nice campsites for quiet times or cracking family hols
Camping around Nice has all sorts of options for all sorts of travellers: those planning to pitch a tent, those trundling around in a campervan or caravan, and those who’d rather travel light by moving in to a rental tent or static caravan.
Whichever of those categories you fall into, it’s up to you to assess what sort of Nice camping break you’d like, then pick the facilities/style to match (using the filters on the left to help focus in on the right place).
Want to mix up your city forays with some properly quiet rural time? Check out peaceful Nice campsites, wildlife havens and perhaps some gentle activities like pétanque and fishing. Keen to keep the non-stop fun running (possibly for the benefit of les enfants rather than the grownups)? Zone in on kids’ clubs, swimming pools, play areas and evening entertainment.
There’s some excellent food to be had down in Nice and the surrounding towns and villages, so eating out should be on the schedule as much as possible. It’s not likely to be possible all the time though (unless you’re blowing the whole budget on satisfying your stomach) so have a think about those times you want to eat on site. Staying in a lodge with a kitchen is a good option, but so is delegating responsibility to an onsite restaurant or café…
All the top days out for your Nice camping break
Smart holidaymakers have been making a beeline for Nice since the 16th century… and with good reason. Nice is so lovely it’s worth spending several days strolling around the city, starting with a climb up Castle Hill, the passing by the Place Massena and ambling through the Vielle Ville (with plenty of stops for coffee/cake/cocktails along the way, bien sûr).
Give your wanders more of an arty feel by dropping in to museums dedicated to modern art and the works of Matisse and Chagall, or potter among the plants at Parc Phoenix or Parc du Mont Boron. And can you even say you’ve been to Nice if you’ve not had a walk on the seafront Promenade des Anglais? (‘Non’ is the answer.)
Which brings us to the coast… and what a coast it is, packed with gorgeous beaches and full of colour (the name Côte d’Azur didn’t happen by accident, you know). Once you’ve seen Nice, set off for some of the other swanky resorts along the coast (Saint-Tropez, Monaco, Cannes and Antibes are your top picks here) or seek out the quieter corners around Èze-sur-Mer or Cap-D’Ail.
If it’s all getting a bit warm down at sea level, head up into the hills of the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park for strolls around waterfalls or along forest trails, or seek out local vineyards for wine-based wanders. There are several waterparks along the coast too if you’d rather cool down by taking the plunge.
Using Nice as a stopover ahead of a ferry to the islands of the Med? Browse our campsites and holiday parks on Corsica and Sardinia to pick your next place to stay.
