In 2022, camping proved to be an extremely popular activity, with over 25 million users choosing to spend a longer or shorter stay outdoors, with family or friends. Of particular note is the fact that France has distinguished itself as the second country in the world and the first in Europe to have embraced this form of outdoor tourism.
France boasts more than 800,000 accommodation places spread across approximately 7,500 campsites in 2023. According to Nicolas Dayot, president of the Fédération Nationale d’Hôtellerie de Plein Air (FNHPA), there are several categories of campsites, including “wild camping”, “declared but undeveloped campsite” and “equipped campsite”. The latter category is particularly popular thanks to the variety of accommodation on offer, including mobile homes, caravans, chalets and campervans, as well as more original options. This development has made it possible to attract new customers, without neglecting the most loyal ones.
The history of the campsite dates back as far as 1898, when it quickly captured the interest of the French people, offering itself as an affordable alternative for holidays. Olivier Sirost, sociologist and writer, quotes the ethnologist Arnold van Gennep, according to whom the campsite, thanks to the improvement of comforts and the use of technologies, has gone from being a precarious and restrictive habitat to a pleasant lifestyle in which one can reconnect with nature. This democratization of camping has helped to overcome social barriers and has allowed everyone to enjoy their holidays.
However, in the 1990s, camping regulations became increasingly strict, leading some enthusiasts, especially purists, to continue their practice in countries bordering France. Despite this, France has become the leading camping destination in Europe and second in the world. Olivier Sirost points out that about a third of campers are foreigners, mainly Europeans. Conversely, in other parts of Europe, such as Spain and Germany, camping either took longer to develop or never reached the same levels of popularity.
But what will be the future of camping in France? Today, overtourism has become a topic of discussion, as camping has become a form of mass tourism, allowing large numbers of people to travel at affordable and competitive prices. However, some fear that this growth could lead to a constant increase in the prices of services and the risk of losing the very essence of camping. Olivier Sirost observes that there is a transition from a festive atmosphere to an organized economy, with more and more campsites trying to obtain stars and offering ever more complete packages.
Furthermore, the campsite faces real challenges related to the environment. Many campsites located near the sea or forests are particularly exposed to the consequences of global warming, as demonstrated by the tragic fire that struck the Les Flots Bleus campsite in 2022. Olivier Sirost warns that 50% of these campsites risk disappearing within half a century, but adequate solutions are needed to ensure the sustainability and attractiveness of tourism in French campsites. Nicolas Dayot adds that it will be necessary to completely or partially rebuild, redevelop, elevate or relocate some campsites to meet these challenges.
In conclusion, camping has undergone an extraordinary evolution over time, going from a niche activity to a mass phenomenon in France. However, as it continues to grow, it needs to face the challenges of increasing mass tourism and protecting the environment. Finding a balance between development and sustainability will be crucial to preserve the charm of the campsite and allow future campers to fully enjoy this unique experience in contact with nature.
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