5 cool campsites in France

1. The Alps

Camping Le Grand Champ

167 chemin du Glacier de Taconnaz, 74400 Les Bossons, Chamonix; 00 334 50 53 04 83; campinggrandchamp@hotmail.com

Situated at the foot of the Mont Blanc mountain range, Le Grand Champ offers beautiful views across the stunning Chamonix Valley. Upon arrival, ask for a room with a view, and hope that you can soak in the expansive vistas as well as breathing in the crystal Alpine air.

This is a great place for skiers, although not for the faint-hearted. The majority of visitors are here for the walking, climbing, mountain-biking, paragliding, and rafting, but if you're up for the challenge, you can hire a guide to get you to the top of Mont Blanc.

Or simply order a coffee and sit in the town square looking up…

2. Ardèche 

Mille Étoiles

Mas de Serret, 07150 Labastide de Virac; 00 33 6 50 81 21 40

The beautiful Mille Étoiles, overlooking the Ardèche River, is easily one of France’s loveliest campsites. The forested land, sitting high above a canyon of sparkling, turquoise waters, is fairy-tale-perfect. It's the extra special touches, like the lanterns at night, and posh toiletries in the wash-rooms, that make this campsite really stand out.

Experienced campers who celebrate the great outdoors, who like being active, and who can always opt for a little luxury (a proper bed to sleep on) will get the most out of a stay here. One look at these nomadic Mongolian yurts and fancy family bathrooms suggests that there’s a lot more to this campsite than just the enchanting surroundings.

3. Languedoc

Camping La Cascade

If the views along the Gorges de la Jonte don't make your jaw drop, then the fantastic atmosphere at La Cascade certainly will. The campsite itself is big, but in a good way. Wherever you pitch your tent you’ll get lots of space and lovely open-sky views, either of the handsome Causse Méjean or the fresh, towering pines on the other side.

There's also a sizeable boules court, a small library, a playground for kids, and a badminton net stretched across one field. Next door, there's a waterfall to splash about in, or you can go on a guided hike during summer. Since the site is located within the Parc National des Cévennes, there’s an abundance of activities off site, too.

4. Midi-Pyrénées

Caudet Radha Yoga Centre

32700 Marsolan, Gers; 00 33 5 62 68 87 95; www.radhacaudet.com

Nestled in the Gers countryside, Caudet Radha Yoga Centre is surrounded by the gently undulating patchworks of sunflowers, vineyards, and wheat, which along with the clusters of woodlands, beautiful farmhouses, and that unhurried pace of life, earned it the sobriquet ‘French Tuscany’. This place has ‘peaceful retreat’ written all over it.

The main farmhouse has been converted into a gorgeous home and yoga centre, where weekend and week-long retreats are held. The site it split across two levels and overlooks a valley, so you'll have great views of the surrounding area.

The unspoilt spa town of Lectoure is just five minutes away by car, or take the hour-long drive to Toulouse, to see its abundant churches, cathedrals and quirky space and aeronautical attractions.

5. Pyrénées

Les Tilleuls

Impasse Dom-Fillastre, 76790 Le Tilleul; 00 33 2 35 27 11 61; millet.rosalie@wanadoo.fr

If it’s good old-fashioned French family hospitality you’re after, then look no further. Les Tilleuls has the kind of open, comfortable atmosphere that makes you feel immediately at home.

It’s a singularly attractive site too: enjoying sweeping views over a breathtaking mountainscape, taking in Campbieilh, Coumély, Le Cirque de Gavarnie, and an array of old stone houses. The main camping area has been separated into four tiers, all of which have spectacular views, so there’s no need to fret over bagging the best spot. Just don’t forget your camera!

All five campsites featured here are extracts from Cool Camping France, 2nd Edition, which goes on sale today (April 7)