11 Eurocamp alternatives in France

Last updated on April 16, 2026

Eurocamp alternatives: family camping holidays that do things a little differently.

Eurocamp is a rite of passage for many families – and for good reason. It’s easy, sociable, packed with things to do, and can make family holidays feel wonderfully low effort. For plenty of people, it’s exactly what they want from a summer break – and kids tend to love it.

But it isn’t the only way to do a family camping holiday in France.

Personally, I tend to prefer places that keep the outdoor, community feel of Eurocamp, but dial things back a little – less sensory overload, more space to breathe, fewer arcades, more nature, and accommodation that feels thoughtful. We often do Eurocamp for a couple of nights to tick off the big-waterpark vibe, but then seek out these calmer alternatives.

Below, you’ll find some of my favourite Eurocamp alternatives – from calm forest camps and small family-run sites to surf camps and eco-retreats – all offering a different take on family camping in France.

And if you’re curious about how Eurocamp actually works, what it’s like on the ground, and why it suits some families better than others, I’ve written a detailed guide to what to expect from Eurocamp.

11 calmer Eurocamp alternatives in France

Huttopia

Huttopia is my go-to when I want an outdoorsy camping holiday, but with the comforts of glamping, and without the overstimulation of classic campsites.

The forest camps have an understated, nature-forward style that instantly slows things down. Accommodation ranges from safari tents to wooden cabins, and while some sites include mobile homes, these have been Huttopia-fied, giving them more character than the sterile white boxes you’ll find on many larger campsites.

There are activities and kids’ clubs, but everything is intentionally low key. Think acoustic music instead of foam parties, family quiz nights rather than karaoke, and nature-themed sessions for children. There are no arcades in sight – and that’s partly the point.

Not all Huttopias are created equal, but in France we’ve loved Arcachon, Lac de Rillé and Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne – places where kids still have freedom and fun, and parents can actually relax too.

All this said, during the summer months, Huttopia gets busy, so the pool areas can’t exactly be called calm!

Ujusansa Family Surf

Ujusansa is one of my favourite family holidays in the world – so much so, we’ve been twice and will almost certainly go back again.

It’s a family surf camp set in a pine forest on France’s Atlantic coast, part of the wider Pine Beach Paradise. Families stay in spacious bell tents and days revolve around surf lessons, free-range play and long communal meals.

Stays include full-board catering with buffets of healthy food, childcare during surf sessions, yoga for parents, and a genuinely lovely community feel. Kids roam safely, parents relax properly, and everything feels easy.

It’s simple, sociable and soulful – a completely different proposition to Eurocamp, but one that still makes family holidays feel wonderfully low effort.

See my full Ujusansa review here (including a discount code).

Auvergne Naturelle

Auvergne Naturelle sits deep in the wild heart of central France and feels like stepping into another pace of life entirely.

Run by a British family, it has just four handcrafted yurts and a cosy cottage, each with private facilities, hammocks and wooden terraces overlooking the valley. Days are spent exploring woodland, paddling in the river, playing in the fairy garden or swimming in the pond.

Evenings revolve around campfires, shared meals and star-filled skies. With bushcraft workshops and a strong sustainability focus, this is a place to really slow down.

Collection Rivages

Collection Rivages is known for its cool, design-led take on camping – but my experience was mixed.

We stayed at Sauvage Quiberon in Brittany where you’ll find chic cabanes, beach houses and a 70s surf-style clubhouse connected by wooden walkways through landscaped grounds. When you’re in the right accommodation, the aesthetic really works.

However, not all units match this look. The more affordable mobile homes are much more basic and sit within a shared campsite area, which came as a disappointment. If you’re tempted, choose very carefully – the experience varies hugely depending on what you book. Read my full Collection Rivages review.

Whaka Lodge

Whaka Lodge is a small-scale, nature-based family retreat that prioritises space, calm and connection.

Accommodation is thoughtfully designed, with room for families to spread out, and the setting encourages outdoor play without overwhelming stimulation. There’s a pool, shared spaces for relaxing, and a friendly, low-key atmosphere.

It suits families who like the idea of camping-style freedom, but want comfort, good design and a quieter pace.

Domaine St Amand

Set in the Périgord countryside, Domaine St Amand pairs space and comfort with an easygoing feel.

Stylish wooden homes sit among gardens, with a pool and a light programme of nature-focused activities. We didn’t stay ourselves, but it looks like a lovely option for families wanting a calm, design-led base with room to breathe.

Camping Mathevies

Camping Mathevies is a small, family-run campsite near Sarlat, with spectacular views across the Dordogne valley.

There’s a pool, a playground, and evening food trucks serving pizza and local dishes. It’s relaxed, welcoming and easy – the kind of place where kids make friends quickly and parents actually switch off. There are other small, family-run campsites like this around France.

If you’re heading that way, don’t miss our Dordogne road trip itinerary, and things to do in the Dordogne with kids.

Camping Paradis

Camping Paradis is a good alternative if you want a classic campsite experience that is fairly similar to Eurocamp, but with a slightly elevated style.

Facilities are plentiful – pools, kids’ clubs and organised entertainment – but the atmosphere is generally more relaxed and stylish than many traditional French campsites. It’s a good option for families visiting the Dordogne who want sociability and ease, without quite so much intensity.

Slow Village Île de Ré

Slow Village is the campsite I’m recommended most often on Île de Ré (we haven’t stayed there yet).

Located in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, this fully pedestrian village is dotted with cabins inspired by local oyster huts. Bike paths replace roads, the pace is unhurried, and everything is designed around easy family living.

There’s a large aquatic area, good food options, and a calm, sociable atmosphere that suits the island perfectly. I’ve read many good reviews of this one.

Riviera Villages

I like the look of Riviera Villages around St.Tropez, but the reviews are mixed, so choose your location carefully.

The brand is made up of three beachside holiday villages with Polynesian-inspired lodges and stylish facilities.

There’s direct access to the sea, private beach space, heated outdoor pools, multiple restaurants and bars, and a full entertainment programme including kids’ clubs in high season. I like the tropical vibe, but I haven’t stayed here yet, so I can’t vouch for them fully. Make sure to read the most recent reviews!

Look beyond the Eurocamp portfolio

One thing to remember about Eurocamp is that there’s no single Eurocamp style. Within its portfolio of campsites, there are some that are calmer than others. For example, Les Castels focuses on smaller-scale, characterful campsites – often in beautiful settings and with a calmer feel.

Like mYou can book direct with Les Castels, which is another tip worth mentioning. Many of the sites used by Eurocamp also rent accommodation directly, often at a lower price and with more choice over location and style – so it can be worth booking through the campsite.

There are also many campsites that are very similar to those used by Eurocamp, but simply not part of their portfolio. For example, we stayed at Airotel Ocean Lacanau, which could easily be part of the Eurocamp brand (the waterpark there is brilliant!).

Nantes Camping is also a good city campsite, and an economical option for visiting the city.