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Mountain Camping in France: the French Alps, Pyrenees and Vosges
Camping in the French mountains and Alps means hiking trails on your doorstep, mountain lakes nearby and a landscape that differs greatly from region to region. France has several mountain ranges for this: the Alps with Mont Blanc, the Pyrenees on the border with Spain, the Vosges in the north-east and the Massif Central with the volcanoes of the Auvergne.
The ranges differ in height, character and best time to visit. This page summarises what you should know about the four regions, so you can better place and compare the mountain campsites in the list below.
The French Alps
The Alps are France's highest mountain range. Mont Blanc reaches 4,810 metres, and in the Savoie and Haute-Savoie region there are other high peaks such as the Grande Casse at 3,855 metres. Numerous mountains rise above 2,000 metres and invite hiking tours.
The landscape changes quickly: from lakeshores such as Lac d'Annecy, through green alpine meadows, to rocky massifs and glaciers at greater heights. Besides hikers, cyclists, water sports enthusiasts and golfers are out and about.
According to travel and camping portals, July and August are the busiest months, but they also offer the widest choice of open campsites, hiking routes and mountain railways.
The Pyrenees
The Pyrenees form the border with Spain. The ADAC camping guide PiNCAMP lists 216 campsites on the French side. It describes majestic mountain landscapes as a backdrop for hiking and exploring nature.
PiNCAMP names June to September as the best time to go: in July and August the conditions are suitable for hiking and swimming, while in September the trails are quieter and the landscape takes on autumn colours.
Typical activities are mountaineering and climbing, mountain biking, white-water rafting, thermal baths and hikes over passes. Places mentioned as bases include Luz-Saint-Sauveur as a spa town, Saint-Lary-Soulan as a hiking and cycling centre and the medieval town of Foix.
The Vosges and the Massif Central
The Vosges are a lower mountain range. Its highest point, the Grand Ballon, stands at 1,424 metres and on a clear day offers views over the Rhine plain, the Black Forest and as far as the Alps. The Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park was founded in 1989 and covers 2,920 square kilometres. It has an extensive network of waymarked hiking trails and is also known for mountain biking, climbing and paragliding.
In the Massif Central, the volcanoes of the Auvergne shape the landscape. The Chaîne des Puys, with around 80 volcanoes in the Volcans d'Auvergne nature park, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2018. The Puy de Dôme, the highest peak in the chain, stands at 1,465 metres, and the chain itself sits on a plateau at about 1,000 metres. Besides hiking trails, there are several lakes.
Altitude, season and weather
As a general rule: the higher a site is, the cooler the days and nights and the shorter the season usually is. With tents and tent accommodation you notice this more than with mobile homes and chalets. On high hiking routes, snow can lie until late in the season, which is why summer is the best time for tours there.
Mountain weather can change quickly. Before setting out, check the current forecast with weather services or tourist offices and pack equipment for changeable conditions. Specific climate data depend heavily on region and altitude.
Many mountain sites only open seasonally. Some sites in ski regions are also open in winter. Check the opening times for your travel dates.
Getting there and comparison tips
In the mountains, the approach often involves hairpin bends and gradients. With a caravan or large motorhome, you should check the route in advance. These points help when comparing mountain sites:
Altitude of the site and region (Alps, Pyrenees, Vosges or Massif Central)
Opening times and season, including autumn or winter
Access and pitch size for caravans and motorhomes
Type of accommodation: tent, pitch or equipped rental accommodation
Proximity to hiking trails, mountain lakes or swimming facilities
Reviews from other guests on peace and quiet, sanitary facilities and terrain
What to do: ideas and a day-by-day plan
This section presents ideas for days out in three French mountain regions: the Mont Blanc area, the Pyrenees and the Auvergne volcanoes. Each region stands on its own, so choose one massif to suit your location and combine the day plans. Cable cars depend on the weather, so check operating times in advance.
Nature & landscape
Cirque de Gavarniehalf a dayA glacier-carved rock amphitheatre in the Pyrenees, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with walls 1,700 metres high and the tallest waterfall in Europe. An easy path leads from the village of Gavarnie to its foot in about an hour.
Pont d'Espagne and Lac de Gaubehalf a dayA historic bridge with a waterfall near Cauterets in the Pyrenees National Park. It's about 1 hr 15 min on foot along the GR10 to the lake, or take the chairlift in summer; views of the Vignemale.
Puy de Dômehalf a dayThe highest volcano in the Chaîne des Puys, with a 360-degree panorama over around 80 volcanoes. Reach it on foot, by shuttle from Clermont-Ferrand or on the Panoramique des Dômes cog railway.
Puy de Pariou, Puy de la Vache and Puy de Lassolashalf a dayVolcanic cones of the Chaîne des Puys with paths linking the volcanoes. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Culture & sights
Cauterets1-2 hoursA spa town at around 950 metres with 19th-century architecture and an old wooden station from 1904 that now hosts events. Traditional berlingot sweets are sold by the confectioners.
Aiguille du Midi with Espace Vertical2-3 hoursThe cable car from Chamonix takes about 20 minutes to reach 3,842 metres. At the top are a viewing terrace, the Step into the Void glass box and the Espace Vertical mountaineering museum.
Temple of Mercury on the Puy de Dôme1-2 hoursAt the summit of the Puy de Dôme lie the remains of the Temple of Mercury, right next to the panorama over the chain of volcanoes.
Active & sports
Hiking in the Pyrenees National Parkfull dayAround Pont d'Espagne and Lac de Gaube there are numerous hikes in the national park. According to the tourism website, the best time is April to November.
Canyoning and via ferrata in the PyreneesThe tourism website lists canyoning, via ferrata, horse riding and mountain biking for the region. Ask locally about operators, difficulty and season.
Paragliding at the Puy de DômeParagliding is listed as an activity at the summit of the Puy de Dôme. Ask locally about operators and conditions.
With kids
Vulcaniafull dayA volcano theme park built into a lava flow, with interactive exhibits, shows, workshops and the Geyser water play area. You should allow at least a day.
Lemptégy Volcanohalf a dayA former quarry where you explore rock formations on guided tours, on foot or aboard a little train.
Panoramique des Dômeshalf a dayA cog railway up the Puy de Dôme, a ride of about 15 minutes, good for short legs.
Aiguille du Midi with children2-3 hoursAt the top there is a 4D cinema for ages 5 and over. Children under 3 are not admitted, and it is not recommended under 5.
When it rains
Vulcaniafull dayThe park combines indoor and outdoor areas; according to tourism websites there is a lot to do inside, including a planetarium and films, so a visit is possible in the rain too.
Royatonic near Clermont-FerrandThe Clermont Auvergne Volcans tourism website lists Royatonic, with thermal baths, sauna, hammam and spa, as a bad-weather option.
L'Aventure Michelin1-2 hoursThe museum in Clermont-Ferrand showcases industrial innovation and appears on the tourism website's list of rainy-day tips.
Sample day plans
Day 1: Mont Blanc massif
Morning
Take the cable car from Chamonix up to the Aiguille du Midi early, packing warm clothing and sunglasses. Visit the terrace, the Step into the Void and Le Tube.
Afternoon
At the top, see Espace Vertical and, with children aged 5 and over, the 4D cinema. In summer there is also the panoramic gondola over the Géant Glacier (extra ticket).
Evening
Back down to the valley for a quiet evening and an early night. Check the weather forecast for the next day.
Day 2: Pyrenees near Cauterets
Morning
Head to the Pont d'Espagne, then on to Lac de Gaube, on foot in about 1 hr 15 min or, in summer, by chairlift.
Afternoon
Back in Cauterets: stroll through the spa town with its 1904 wooden station, try berlingots and admire the 19th-century architecture.
Evening
Dinner in town and a relaxed wind-down in the spa quarter, with nothing more planned after the hiking day.
Day 3: Volcanoes of the Auvergne
Morning
Take the Panoramique des Dômes cog railway up the Puy de Dôme, enjoy the panorama over the chain of volcanoes and see the Temple of Mercury at the summit.
Afternoon
On to Vulcania with its exhibitions, shows and planetarium; the park also has indoor attractions, so it suits rainy weather too.
Evening
A quiet wind-down, or alternatively a short walk to one of the volcanic cones such as the Puy de Pariou.
Campsites that match
335 matching campsites in our database, here the 48 best rated (by stars), grouped by location.
Camping Les AlbèresLaroque-des-Albères · ★★★★PoolHunde erlaubtStrandnäheWi-Fi
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for camping in the French mountains?
For the Pyrenees, PiNCAMP names June to September: in July and August the weather suits hiking and swimming, and in September the trails are quieter. At higher altitudes snow sometimes lies for a long time, so summer is the best time there.
Which mountain ranges are there for camping in France?
The main ones are the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Vosges and the Massif Central with the volcanoes of the Auvergne. The Alps are the highest, with Mont Blanc (4,810 m), while the Vosges, with the Grand Ballon (1,424 m), are considerably lower.
Does it get cold at night in the mountains?
It generally gets cooler with increasing altitude, at night too. How much depends on region, altitude and season. Pack warm clothing and suitable sleeping gear, and ask the campsite about the usual conditions.
Can I take a caravan into the mountains?
In principle yes, but the approach often involves hairpin bends and gradients. Plan the route, check your vehicle length and possible closures, and ask the campsite about access and sloping pitches.
Are mountain campsites also open in winter?
Many sites only open in summer, while some sites in ski regions are also open in winter. Opening times differ from site to site, so check them for your travel dates.
