Why Les Castels Campsites in France are Perfect for Families

Are you considering booking a family camping holiday in France? If so, you need to check out Les Castels campsites! We luckily discovered them at the start of our adventures through France in the campervan with the kids in our VW campervan.

Whilst we did find some other lovely family-friendly campsites in France besides these, it would take a lot to convince us to book anything else now.

We’ll always start our search on the Les Castels website where we’re spoiled for choice with amazing French campsites that are perfect for families, especially if you are camping with young kids. Really, how perfect does Château de Chanteloup look? ↓

Les Castels Château de Chanteloup

What are Les Castels campsites?

Les Castels campsites (château campsites in France) are all located on the grounds of châteaux or castles in France or on a truly exceptional site so from the outset, you know they will be special. But they are so much more than that. They offer a range of exceptional facilities too and the warmest of welcomes.

The concept was started in 1959 when Georges Pilliet founded Les Castels camping France. He thought that some of the beautiful French châteaux would be the perfect spot for campsites and that the additional income would help owners to maintain these beautiful heritage sites that were, at the time, becoming endangered.

Why are Les Castels campsites great for families?

Because the Castels camping sites are family run, they have families in mind. Some will have kids clubs, but not on the scale of some of the larger campsites with music blaring and talent shows. These campsites are quiet (for the most part) and you can enjoy a very peaceful camping experience.

It’s all about enjoying nature in peaceful surroundings. These campsites have huge grounds which families can explore. Families can also get involved in activities like making home made apple juice or picking your own vegetables (Castels la Brévedent).

Where are Les Castels campsites?

They have campsites in the mountains, on the coast and in the countryside. They’re located in some of the most beautiful parts of France near some of the most beautiful villages in France.

There are 26 ‘Camping Les Castels’ all over France so there’s bound to be one close to where you want to go. Take a look at this map to get an idea of where they are (indicated in red).

Map of Les Castels Campsites in France

What kind of camping pitches do they offer?

The Castels campsites are luxury campsites offering top quality facilities. If you’re looking for tent camping in france, they have camping pitches with or without electric hook-up. As the grounds are usually quite expansive, the pitches will be large and spacious too.

We really appreciated this extra space because most other experiences of camping in France resulted in quite small, cramped pitches. This was especially true at some of the popular seaside resorts. We found that there was no room on the pitch once you have parked the car and pitched your tent (or campervan with a drive away awning).

As well as the traditional camping pitches, most of the Castels campings will have fully equipped glamping tents or mobile homes on offer for those who prefer a little home away from home.

Camping by the lake at Chateau de Chanteloup

What facilities will you find at Les Castels camping sites?

The Castels sites are mostly 5 star campsites in France, although there are 3 and 4 star campsites too. Their facilities are excellent (although they may not have as many facilities and activities on offer as larger sites like La Croix du Vieux Pont). They will have kiddy-friendly swimming pools and playgrounds. There is an emphasis on enjoying the natural surroundings and walks around the grounds are encouraged.

The restaurants will be of a high quality (as you would expect in France), but with the added bonus of beautiful surroundings. You may find a spa at certain sites and all of the sanitary facilities will be spotless.

How much do Les Castels campsites cost?

Whilst they won’t come under the heading of cheap camping in France (they are billed as luxury camping in France), they are not as expensive as you might imagine. A night at the Chateau de Chanteloup in July for our campervan cost €45 with electric hook up which was actually cheaper than some of the other sites we stayed at.

Of course, they aren’t cheap in comparison to the Aires de Camping Cars or wild camping in France, but we found these options difficult in the heat of the summer with no facilities.

Final thoughts on Les Castels camping holidays in France

In case you couldn’t already tell, we cannot recommend them highly enough. We visited a few on our six week French holidays in 2020 and cannot wait to explore more!