France

Sun, sea, the Alps, baguettes, croissants, croque monsieur and for Dutch people it's their go-to camping destination in the summer: France.

 

The country has very diverse landscapes, including various mountains, the paradisiacal south coast and the historic west coast. Of course, a visit to the bustling capital Paris is not to be missed.

Southern France

A central place to camp (or have your Airbnb / Hotel) is Aubignan (Carpentras). Several highlights are within easy driving distance: 

  • Avignon
  • Orange  
  • Nîmes
  • Pont Du Gard
  • Les Ocres De Rousillion 
  • Mont Ventoux 

Gorges du Verdon

The Verdon is Europe's largest canyon with azure waters, carved by a river over a length of no less than 25 kilometers. Ideal to rent a Kayak and discover the canyon. By car on the way to the Verdon?  Enjoy the breathtaking, endless views while driving along the Route des Crêtes.

Monaco

If I wanted to, I could give Monaco a separate page since it doesn't officially belong to France. When you're in the Cote 'd Azur region, its definitely a recommended day trip as the Principality of Monaco is a highlight by itself.

Places to see are the royal palace, the casino, the port with so many (luxury) boats and of course the Formula 1 route. Don't forget to take a walk around the streets (or circuit), as you'll get a better view of what the F1 drivers experience when driving here.

Expensive for tourists? I wouldn't say so! In the small center (near the royal palace) you can score a nice lunch for a good price. If you want to have a coffee on a terrace near the casino, you'll probably know that it won't be that cheap.

The best thing for me of Monaco is the view over the city from the viewpoint, you really see how small the Principality is (2.03 km ²). Did you know that only Vatican City (0.49 km ²) is smaller than Monaco?

Normandy

Perhaps the region with the most history in France: Normandy. The D-Day beaches (such as Omaha Beach) are therefore one of the most visited sites in this region. Other highlights include the cliffs in Étretat and the rocky island of Mont Saint Michel. Pro tip: go early in the morning to enjoy a beautiful sunrise at both places. Golden Hour is well worth waking up a bit earlier!