This is where Alps 2 Alps can help you. A tent that is discreet and pitches quickly is best. There are a few things that will make your wild camping adventure in Austria more of a success. For people who enjoy the mountains and mountain sports, camping in the Alps can be enjoyed in total comfort in both summer and winter. It is the ideal hiking location for experienced walkers, and wild camping is commonly accepted there! In Scotland, because of the Land Reform Act of 2003 you are allowed to camp on most unenclosed land. We do short stays! A quick Google search will do the rest. Wild camping is permitted anywhere in France subject to the permission of the landowner or tenant of the land, and subject to some general limitations. If this sounds like fun then keep on reading! Being prepared and having the right gear is super important for wild camping. One of the great things about the French Alps is that there is a variety of campsites that cater for all types of tourists. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are to be expected when camping in the Alps – even during the hiking season. However, you will still need to ask the landowner permission before camping on private land. If you are going into the mountains, PLEASE do this important vehicle check first. Just as an indication I spent approximately US$18 per day when hiking and wild camping in Switzerland. Ermine. There's more to the French Alps than winter skiing holidays. From travelers looking for an adventure, to ones searching for a relaxing holiday in serene surroundings. If you can only take week off then don’t worry. And of course, take any trash with you, and leave your camping spot the way you found it. Therefore don’t camp in or near villages, someone’s farm, near buildings, or on cultivated land. To the east of the Rhone valley (a line running from Lyon to Marseilles), lies the other great natural area of France, the French Alps and their foothills (the Vercors, the Bugey). Albanians have a habit of ignoring traffic laws, smoking regulations, and pretty much any rule. Nestled among the mountains, it’s the perfect place to unwind. You never know who we might see! As a general rule we recommend having a minimum of a 50L rucksack if you are going for 2 nights or more. This is true, but with wild camping, using discounted train travel, purchasing food from supermarkets and cooking it yourself, you will certainly keep the costs down. Hello there, Me and my partner will be doing a big road trip this summer and although most of the time we will be sleeping on hotels/campsites, we would like to try some spots on the french and swiss alps to wild camp and get the chance to experience the amazing sunsets and sun rises from high above and nothing but us and nature. The Southern French Alps is famous for its white water and kayakers from all over the world come here in the spring and summer to take advantage of the melting snow and glacier ice and paddle amongst the stunning mountain scenery. Unless you are a hardcore experienced wild camper then we suggest avoiding winter time to miss the snow. Weekends are also busier than week days. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Obviously if you just fancy a single overnight stay with a 1km hike from your car then you will need much less kit than a 5 day high altitude trek where you cover 25km per day. Pull up the campervan and pitch the pop-up tent at this collection of incredible Alpine campsites to discover a world of hiking, biking, fresh French baking and epic mountain views – camping in the French Alps is a holiday you'll never forget and, for the very best places to pitch, you've come to the right place. It is s advisable to look for a campsite early enough. Enter your email address to follow Wandering our World and receive notifications of new articles by email. There is nothing worse than realising that you forgot your sunscreen on a 2 day hike when you know it is going to be 30 degrees celcius the next day at 2500m altitude. #29 Best Value of 197 Camping in French Alps. Whilst the medieval, fortified village of Entrevaux is on the doorstep of this campsite as well. It’s a four-star campsite too, so has excellent facilities. Make sure to use a trowel (. So, if there is a wild camping law on the book, no one is paying any attention to it. It may be on public land or on private land, beside a road or well off the road. So read up and make sure you know what to expect in the region or area you are planning to wild camp in. Best Camping in French Alps on Tripadvisor: Find traveller reviews, candid photos, and prices for 197 camping in French Alps, France. Wild camping, known in French as "le camping sauvage", involves setting up your tent, or parking your caravan or motorhome, for a night or two, outside of a proper campsite. We spy a patch of skinny, bell-shaped fungi and then a sprinkling of raspberry plants that we carefully pick and place in our baskets. On the other hand the Alps are so populated that you will find villages near almost all places you want to visit. Wild camping in Switzerland and the rest of Europe. Or you can wild camp as you traverse the French Alps – we explain more on that, and the rules for free camping further down this article. The bad news, is technically wild camping in the French Alps is not allowed under French law, unless permission has been granted from the land owner. Pull up the campervan and pitch the pop-up tent at this collection of incredible Alpine campsites to discover a world of hiking, biking, fresh French baking and epic mountain views – camping in the French Alps is a holiday you'll never forget and, for the very best places to pitch, you've come to the right place. Just grab a glass of local wine and enjoy. Most tents have a clip at the top in the centre inside which is a good place to hang a small LED lamp which you can use when it gets dark but you still want a fully lit tent. An Alps hiking book like this one will help you decide. … Wild camping in France – especially by bike – can not only get you away from it all, it can also save you money, too. The only time you might have trouble finding a wild camping spot is on the beach in the summer. We strongly recommend that you use the below checklist and tick everything off as you pack your rucksack. It is s advisable to look for a campsite early enough. Extra caution should be taking for wild camping in Switzerland. This is where Alps 2 Alps can help you. French Alps and Rhone valley area. Required fields are marked *, Mountain Biking in Samoens and Le Grand Massif. Enjoy relaxing in an alpine meadow or take an exciting boat ride on one of … For cooking, use a storm cooker. So, you’ve done some wild camping in the UK and now you’ve got a taste for it. Like many rugged and wild rural areas around the world, there are flora and fauna to be aware of. Thankfully there are many campsites in the region, and wild (free) camping is also an option too, although it’s not technically legal – more on that further down this article. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). Staying in the Alps in winter During winter, the mountains and the Alps … Wild camping is a bit of a grey area in France but it is generally tolerated with occasional doses of enthusiasm as long as you leave no trace and you do not stay around your campsite after 9am the following morning. In Estonia, wild camping is permitted by law - yay! It is even possible to bring super light weight chairs that can be disassembled in less than a minute and be packed up very small. However be sure to check in advance about conditions at higher altitude. The first few practicalities are things that are important whether you end up wild-camping, in mountain huts, or on a campsite. A space-saving. Canoeing and kayaking are top of the list, and you can hire both and take them down the river into nearby spectacular gorges. Therefore a tent like this one would be a great investment for someone planning to hike and camp in the Alps. Here are some of our favourite motorhome wild camping spots in the French Alps. On some aspects of this, French law is … The country is full of wild places where you can easily camp. That means you can only camp inside a camp-site, where you will find tourists, services and everything you need. More tips on wild camping for motorhomes. It’s highly likely they will have at least one campsite near by. Which is a little hard to get when hiking and camping in a mountain range. Mobile homes and family tents can be rented. When you return off the hill come and put your feet up at one of our chalets and enjoy a little bit of luxury. Camping in the french Alps. Leave no trace of your stay, remove any of your litter off the mountain, and make sure you are packed up before 9am each day. 66 reviews #30 Best Value of 197 Camping in French Alps. Tips For Wild Camping In Austria . Free parking . Make … Best Campsite in French Alps . Snow should then be expected at 2000m around mid-October. Generally most of the snow has disappeared from 2000m and below by the beginning of June. There’s a heated pool for those who want the water but in a more relaxed style too. More than half of the entire French wolf population are thought to be concentrated in the Southern French Alps. Refuges are essentially basic high altitude mountain chalets where you can rent a room or bed in a dormitory for the night. The Swedish brand Trangia make fantastic storm cookers that are virtually indestructible. Camping guests can travel to nearby Interlaken for free by bus or boat, and enjoy lots of fun water activities from any of the three camping beaches. Rolling hills and impressive valleys will make your holiday in the Alps an adventure that will be hard to forget. The site is beautifully maintained, and with the rugged wilderness and ancient forests surrounding it, there’s no doubt there’s a romantic feel to this place too. Corsica. The site sits on the banks of a river and has a variety of water-based activities available to patrons. The night-sky set against snow-capped peaks is one hell of a view as well. Mountain views of the Alps. There is no better way to experience these wonders of nature than to be out in the wild taking in the glorious alpine sunrises and sunsets. A lightweight, There are lots of different water sources in the mountains, but remember to always have plenty of water on you if you’re walking. Our walk coincides with the start of wild mushroom season and the tail-end of berry season. They all tend to have spots for RVs too. Credit: Katja Gaskell. Your email address will not be published. When wild camping in the French Alps you should never make a campfire. Alps 2 Alps offer private transfers to and from the airport or train station, with drivers situated around the premises. The mountains surrounding Morzine, Samoens and Morillon offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe. We advise that you plan in advance where you want to camp for the evening and speak to the landowner if required. Keeping with the Maritime Alps, this family friendly campsite not only has great amenities but it has one very special feature – it’s own private lake! It sits in the foothills of one of the most iconic mountains in the world – Mount Blanc. From breathtaking snowy mountain peaks to the select hillside villages dotted between, the French Alps offer a truly memorable holiday. So we hope you have got you a little bit excited about exploring the beauty of the French Alps in Spring, Summer and Autumn. Hello there, Me and my partner will be doing a big road trip this summer and although most of the time we will be sleeping on hotels/campsites, we would like to try some spots on the french and swiss alps to wild camp and get the chance to experience the amazing sunsets and sun rises from high above and nothing but us and nature. We highly recommend spending 1 week exploring the mountains either wild camping or in the excellent Refuge network across the Alps. We have lots of guests who like to spend 2 weeks in the mountains during their holidays in the French Alps. Our walk coincides with the start of wild mushroom season and the tail-end of berry season. Just remember to respect the rules of wild camping in the French Alps and make sure you gain any required permission before you pitch your tent. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Let's go Snowshoeing. For a full breakdown of the law please click here. We tell you our favorites, and why, next! Camping Spots Go Camping Camping Hacks Outdoor Camping Camping Outdoors Camping Activities Chamois Dangerous Animals Museum Animals in the Alps - Mountain Animals and Where You Can Find Them For mountain and wildlife enthusiasts, there are many animals in the Alps to spot. Camping French Alps The sun shines almost all year round here so it is not surprising that the Alps are one of France’s most popular holiday destinations. This zone offers plenty of very attractive mountain scenery, ranging from the dry terrain of the Verdon area of Provence , to the eternal snows of Mont Blanc. Camping French Alps The sun shines almost all year round here so it is not surprising that the Alps are one of France’s most popular holiday destinations. Several of them lie close to the most popular hiking routes too, allowing walkers to enjoy a day’s walk in stunning surroundings, knowing they can have a dip in a heated pool at the end of the day. Camping by the Clarée River. See prices and availabilities. From breathtaking snowy mountain peaks to the select hillside villages dotted between, the French Alps offer a truly memorable holiday. While the rules are a little tighter in Estonia, wild camping is a great opportunity to explore this little-known country. This towering snow-capped mountain range is the jewel in France’s crown, and it’s natural beauty is complimented perfectly by the quaint mountain villages that lie within in. The best spots for Wild Camping in France for Motorhomes. Details & rates You might have had a week of cooking for yourself with a portable gas burner so a 4 course meal with wine cooked by your chalet chef will be a welcome change. DaysAway Adventure Vans. I spent a few nights bivying in wales last winter and loved it. Your email address will not be published. Wild camping in the ALPS: We LOVE wild camping in the mountains- we've done it in Switzerland, Scotland and of course in Norway. They have several hundred kilometres of graded footpaths and Grand Randonnées – GRs. Staying in the Alps in winter During winter, the mountains and the Alps … Enormous cascading waterfalls, vast open expanses and imposing mountain peaks are all within walking distance of our fabulous mountain towns. Make sure you have a durable, rainproof tent that can survive heavy rain. To the east of the Rhone valley (a line running from Lyon to Marseilles), lies the other great natural area of France, the French Alps and their foothills (the Vercors, the Bugey). You’ve got so much of a taste for this type of camping, in fact, that you’re now looking to do some wild camping adventures in mainland Europe.But hold on one minute mate, is wild camping in mainland Europe even allowed? Wild camping, known in French as "le camping sauvage", involves setting up your tent, or parking your caravan or motorhome, for a night or two, outside of a proper campsite. Wild camping in Switzerland and the rest of Europe. Cabin/Campground. I know the alps are gonna be alot colder, down to -20 -30 so we are looking at … Go4awalk.com, a fantastic resource on wild camping, also recommends a couple of spo… Wild camping allows you to do this and we absolutely love it! Tempted to go wild camping elsewhere? Vercors Massif. The tour of Mont Blanc is perhaps the best known trek in the region. We drove until it started to get dark- then we looked for a suitable place to stop. Book your stay. Not only will it be extremely cold but wild camping in the winter in the French Alps brings a whole new level of kit requirements – think crampons and ice axes. Check out our guides to camping in, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Patagonia, Pyrenees, Scotland and many others! Summer Hiking in the French Alps. Wild camping is essentially camping outside of campsites and is all about getting away from the bustling alpine towns and taking yourself away into the mountain wilderness to spend time truly alone with the world. Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. With a brand new tent and camping gear borrowed left, right and centre from my family, we set up camp for five days at the Huttopia Clarée campsite, in the eponymous valley north of Briançon. In Scotland, because of the Land Reform Act of 2003 you are allowed to camp on most unenclosed land. We’ve shown you how camping in the French Alps is a step above the typical camping trip, but getting yourself there doesn’t have to be a hassle. If your idea of a camping holiday in the French Alps includes quick and easy access to fantastic hiking trails, walking paths, and stunning cycling routes, then Huttopia Bourg-St-Maurice would be a great base. However for less serious hikers, campsites are the best option. Here’s a few of our favorites: This campsite in the Maritime Alps is an adventurer’s paradise! We recommend purchasing a ‘buff’ which is a light weight scarf which can double up as a warm hat and even be used as a heat proof towel to handle a hot stove. Five days for a dreamy holiday on the wild side in the French Alps. However the good news is that wild camping is well tolerated here – but only if campers follow a set of general principles: Campsite French Alps France. However don’t treat this as 100% accurate – people might be posting last July’s conditions and putting them on Instagram the following March. However the good news is that wild camping is well tolerated here – but only if campers follow a set of general principles: Wild campers are expected to stay in the same place for one night only, and to camp in a rural place. The wild camping rules in the French Alps are different to the UK. Pool . To camp inside the wilderness is unfortunately forbidden. To begin with it is important that you pack the Ten Essentials: Once you have nailed the Ten Essentials for Wild Camping in the French Alps then the items you take next are really about required personal comfort levels against how much weight you want in your pack. The bad news, is technically wild camping in the French Alps is not allowed under French law, unless permission has been granted from the land owner. See prices and availabilities. A mate and I are planning on going out to the alps around christmas to ski and we are planning on wild camping (student budget). Camping is a very popular pastime in France so there are campsites throughout the French Alps, covering all budgets. The main national restrictions in France stipulate that you can’t camp on the coast, in protected areas of national importance, and on the perimetre of classified historical monuments. As for the bonfire, you'll have to get away from the North American mentality that one cannot camp without making a fire; propane stoves are the way to go for cooking. Camping in the Dolomites: Tips, best campsites, wild camping and more! Fines of 10,000 euros or even more are handed out for wild camping and lighting of fires. In England and Wales it is generally illegal to wild camp although similarly to France it is possible with the permission the landowner. Snow-capped peaks, flower-filled mountains and crystal-clear lakes are the essence of camping in the French Alps - one of the world’s most spectacular outdoor playgrounds and a top location for European walking holidays.It’s the ideal place for indulging in exhilarating activities like hiking and skiing or simply soaking up the views on a more relaxed getaway. The second week can then be spent relaxing in the comfort of one of our catered or self-catered chalets. No experience needed! Along with the normal channels (local tourist office, Bureau des Guides etc), if you are an instagrammer then you can search through hastags (#lacdanterne #tetedebostan etc) and see what the up to date conditions are like in various spots. It may be on public land or on private land, beside a road or well off the road. In the Lake District, the shores of remote Styhead tarn are a popular wild camping spot, and provide a great base for climbing Scafell Pike or Great Gable. 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