Wild swimming: Campgrounds in France

Camping La Chapelle

• Family site on the Gartempe river, a 10-minute drive from Guéret
• Wolves of Chabrières 15 minutes’ drive; Jardin LACORE one hour
• Dogs welcome; wild swimming and fishing; playground; launderette

La Colline Vagabonde

• Secluded and peaceful adults-only glamping with lovely views
• In the Cévennes National Park, an International Dark Sky Reserve
• Breakfast included; swim in the river next to the site

Go Alpine

• Wooden Nordic Lodge 250m from the ski lifts in the heart of Paradiski
• Self contained Alpine accommodation for 4/5 people

Villa Séverine

• Spacious pitches 15 minutes' walk from Préty and the Saône river
• A 10-minute drive to Tournus, 30 minutes to wine village Saint-Véran
• Pool, deckchairs and kitchen facilities on site

La Voix du Ruisseau

• Cosy well-furnished yurts in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park
• A 15-minute drive to fortified Boussagues; Béziers 50 minutes
• Next to two streams, with mountain and forest views all around

Camping Le Gabitou

• Peaceful, relaxed riverside campsite in the spectacular Gorges du Tarn
• La Malène and Cévennes National Park both 15 minutes’ drive
• River beach and bar, canoe and paddleboard rental, pétanque court

Camping du Lac de Grolejac

Camping les Arches

• Peaceful site with mountain views near Saint-Jean-le-Centenier
• Next to the Claduègne river for a natural swimming area in summer
• 40 minutes' drive from Vallon Pont d'Arc for canoe trips

Village de Chalets

• Chalet village edging Lake Mansigné in Pays de la Loire countryside
• Zoo de la Flèche and Château du Lude both 20 minutes’ drive
• Watersports and tennis at neighbouring Base de Loisirs de Mansigné

Camping Portes d'Ariège

• Leafy family campsite edging the Ariège River in the Midi-Pyrénées
• Pamiers five minutes’ drive and La Ferme aux Bisons 25 minutes
• Swimming pool, bar and restaurant; fishing and kayaking on the river

Domaine de la Baleine Bleue

• Luxury eco-lodges on a woodland estate in the Charente-Maritime
• Aubeterre-sur-Dronne 35 minutes’ drive and Jonzac 45 minutes
• Micro-farm with animals ranging freely; fishing and boating available

Camping Le Clos des Peupliers

• Family site in central Lozère, 15 minutes' drive from Mende
• In Barjac village; a 50-minute drive to Gorges du Tarn or Aven Armand
• On the edge of the river Lot and access to fishing; seasonal pool

Les Hameaux de Miel

• Peaceful hilltop site in a Limousin forest
• A handy 300 metres from Miel lake for waterslides, fishing and pedalos
• Two pools on site, plus pétanque, ping pong and multisports court

Camping Les Cigales

• Peaceful shaded site set between a lake and a river
• Climbing in Orpierre and hang gliding in Laragne-Montéglin
• 27-metre outdoor pool and private access to the river

Ferme de L'Oadie

• Peaceful site on a Drôme organic farm five minutes’ drive from Die
• Horse rides available; Via Ferrata Chironne half an hour’s drive
• Pre-pitched bell tents and communal kitchen; farm produce for sale

Le Moulin des Oies

• Peaceful family campsite on the Ria Étel at Saint-Cado in Brittany
• Alignements de Carnac 20 minutes’ drive; Quiberon Peninsula 35 minutes
• Private sea-water pool and beach; restaurant and evening entertainment

Camping de Moncontour Active Park

• Lakeside site near historic Moncontour
• 45 minutes' drive to Futuroscope and 90 minutes' drive to Puy du Fou
• Next to a 10-hectare lake with a watersports centre and miniature golf