Those who want to experience rural France, would do well to book a holiday at one of the many campsites in Central France. These beautiful, well-maintained campsites are often surrounded by beautiful countryside. In a mostly hilly landscape, forests, rivers, meadows and even volcanoes (Puy-de-Dôme) come together. Castles, country houses, farms and villages, often with rich historical value, are beautiful testimonies to the former stateliness of France. Unwind and enjoy Central France in all its beauty.
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Camping in Central France: peace, space, and rugged volcanoes
The departments and regions of Central France, often unspoiled by mass tourism, are wonderful places to relax. The Limousin, the Auvergne and the northern part of the Midi-Pyrennées offer a unique experience where rural beauty and historic architecture are never far away. The sparsely populated French countryside is worth a visit for many reasons.
If you think of Limousin, you'll think of cows. These famous cattle graze on beautiful green meadows wherever you look. They drink water from the rivers and lakes that are plentiful across the region. The forests at campsites and in the surrounding areas ensure plenty of shade. Another recommendation is a day trip to Limoges, or an adventurous day out to one of the caves or castles nearby.
The Midi-Pyrénées is a region with several interesting 'départements'. Two of them are Aveyron and Lot. In this beautiful area, you'll find castles and country houses in a rugged natural landscape. The lake of Pareloup, a huge recreational lake, is a real find if you love water sports. Get to know the region by mountain bike or car.
In the Auvergne, you'll discover a breath-taking landscape. You'll find rugged castles and rustic villages in an oasis of green. Clermont-Ferrand is a larger city in the region, and it's more than worth a visit. Something really unique in France is the spectacular volcanoes in the Puy-de-Dôme département. The large volcano with the same name as the département is almost 2000 metres high, and offers unparalleled views of the immense green valley surrounding it. If you're fascinated with volcanoes, you should definitely visit the Vulcania theme park.
At the campsite
You'll find everything you need at campsites in Central France. The friendly staff are ready to help make your holiday a success. Many campsites have swimming pools where you can really relax. Extensive amenities, including tennis courts, jeu de boules courts, saunas, recreational rooms, are available virtually everywhere, and entertainment is often offered in English too .
Many campsites offer excursions too, such as horseriding, canoeing, fishing or caving. If you prefer peace and privacy, a small-scale campsite might be for you. Whether you feel at home in a tent, or you want to enjoy the luxury of a SunLodge or mobile home, the campsites in Central France are great for everyone.
Historical setting
Your camping pitch in Central France is often not far from beautiful buildings. Regions like Auverge and Limousin are famous for their royal past. The traces of that can still be seen today: castles, palaces, churches, country houses and farms of different sizes.
- The castle of Castelnaud
Walk up from the historic village, looking for the castle. Once you've arrived at the outside walls, you'll have a magnificent view of the Dordogne valley. Inside, all sorts of weapons and equipment are on show. Tip: you can have a unique view of the castle from a canoe on the Lot River.
- Abbey church of Sainte-Valérie
This beautiful abbey church is situated in the village of Chambon-Sur-Voueize. This wonderful building, with its square bell tower dates back to the 9th century. There are many special relics kept here. It's one of the most important Roman buildings in Limousin.
Make sure you ask about interesting excursions at your campsite. They often know where the best excursions are, and what's really worth a visit. Come and see the beautiful countryside and the culture that Central France has to offer for yourself.
