Luxury Camping -The Best Campsite in Europe?

This is not necessarily a bad thing since we bring so many conveniences with us in our caravans and motorhome, and sometimes the basic nature is offset by the location. On our recent trip to the Alps, we camped in a small, simple field in the centre of Chamonix, overlooked by Mont Blanc. But, as much as these adventurous and spectacular locations are great, sometimes it’s nice to treat oneself to a bit of extra luxury.

In the UK, we don’t really classify campsites in the same way we do hotels. So, it often requires a little more work to discover what faculties a site does and does not have. That said, there’s not a huge variation for the majority of camping grounds within the UK, although the same cannot be said for Europe. In Europe, some campsites are rated five stars, with facilities to match, and we have found some superb locations over the years. We have found these sites to have many additional features on the pitches, higher standards, and more options for on-site recreational activities and features. 

Pitch features have included wooden gazebos, decking and outdoor furniture (enough for eight people), a small building containing a toilet, shower and sink, outdoor kitchen sink, outdoor fridge, gas BBQ with full gas bottle, on-pitch water supply and lots and lots of room. The campsite facilities often have gyms, spa treatment salons, multiple swimming pools, several sporting activity areas (e.g. basketball courts, tennis courts, football pitches, archery butts) and several inflatable play areas for younger children. All the ones we have visited also supplied kids’ clubs to give parents a break (to potentially visit the spa), bars and restaurants. Predictably, given the five-star rating, all these facilities are maintained to a very high standard.

However, it is worth noting there is no universal list or standard for a five-star campsite. So, whilst the options exist to indulge in some luxurious camping, it’s worth checking what the site has to offer. We’ve found that sites tend to pitch themselves (if you’ll pardon the pun) at a different demographic, and you should choose the one that best matches your needs. One may have multiple play pools with slides, games, last rivers, wave machines etc., and aimed more at kids and families. Others may be more adult-centric and provide 50m swim lanes, jacuzzis or pools that open onto a cocktails bar. As fantastic as these campsites can be we’ve never found one with all the facilities I mentioned above so you may have to decide what is the most important attraction for you. And, although the standards are always high, there is variation within this field, and some sites where the specifications are even higher.

Which campsite, in our experience, is the highest? The most Five of the five stars? I would have to recommend Le Pin Parasol in North-West France, a couple of hour’s drive from the St Malo ferry. The large size is actually split into two sites. Le Pin Parasol Nature and Sens and Le Pin Parasol Sensations. The former is, arguably, more aimed at adults, and is peaceful, with pool (and toilet) facilities decorated in white marble, wood and palm fronds. The pools have a beach area next to the bar, spa and gym facilities and a more grown-up, calming vibe. The Sensation area is where the other set of pools is aimed at kids, with water slides, water jets, toys and games and has more fun and family feel. We always choose to stay in the Nature and Sens area and visit the marvellous chaos of the Sensation area when we need to. The site is beautifully maintained, and Bex and I can feel ourselves de-stressing as we park up on our pitch.

So, one needn’t drop one’s standards nor give up on luxurious living when one takes to the road in our motorhome and caravans. On the contrary, for the price of one night in a five-star hotel, a family of four can have a week in one of these sites, with far better facilities than any hotel. Sometimes camping can be an adventure, and sometimes it can be the perfect, well-deserved treatment for a post-adventure recovery.