Should you go camping over the August bank holiday weekend?
Planning to go camping in August but worried about availability and crowds?
Camping over bank holidays or during school holidays is a must for many travellers. Whether you’re travelling with kids or aiming for a romantic getaway, Campsited offers a huge variety of campsites in France.
If you imagine long strolls along cobblestone streets and staring at the Eiffel Tower when thinking of a holiday in France, you are unlikely to find crowds during August as many locals head out of town, but it is likely to be very hot. In fact, anywhere, outside of the festivals and celebrations, public life is generally quiet during the August bank holiday and indeed for most of the month of August in France, as the majority of banks, post offices, stores, and other businesses opt to close their doors. However, that does mean that typical holiday destinations will be crowded. Regardless of where you choose to stay, we suggest booking well ahead of time to ensure you find accommodation. You’ll find an array of options for your August holiday on Campsited, but don’t delay.
Advice for August bank holiday caravan breaks
We all need a break in the heat of summer, so it seems logical to take advantage of a three-day weekend. Here are some tips to help you along if you choose to go camping in August.
Book in advance
Camping over the bank holiday weekend could involve some availability issues. To avoid this, we suggest planning your trip at least a month in advance, to ensure you don’t miss out on the opportunity or have to settle for what might not be your ideal campsite.
August weather
The weather in France in August is some of the best Europe has to offer and it is the perfect time to go camping, especially over the bank holiday weekend which falls mid-month. One thing to note is there’s still a good chance of rain during August, so pack a couple of light, weatherproof items just in case.
Camping near Lourdes
Lourdes, in southwestern France, is a popular town to visit on this ‘Assumption of Mary’ bank holiday, with thousands of pilgrims flocking to popular Catholic shrines from all over the world. The waters of Lourdes have been credited with a variety of miraculous cures throughout the ages. Lourdes has been famous for over 150 years, since a young girl claimed to see visions of Mary, the mother of Jesus, there in 1858. Now, there are shrines throughout the city that attract millions of visitors every year and thousands of pilgrims during the August bank holiday celebrations. Take the opportunity to experience this magical day with locals and pilgrims.
Campsites with swimming pools
August is bang in the middle of summer in France and as such, it’s about the perfect time of year to go swimming. Take the time to research properly and book your stay at one of the campsites that has a swimming pool or two, to make sure you’re always able to cool off if you need to.
Fine wine and food
If you’re a foodie travelling to France over the bank holiday weekend, consider looking for campsites in or around Bordeaux, the capital of what’s largely considered one of the world’s top wine regions. Bordeaux offers a significant gastronomic scene with an array of wines and delicious food to choose from.
Medieval history anyone?
There doesn’t seem to be a better time of year to explore the medieval than during the Assumption of Mary celebration. If you’re interested in this kind of scene, campsites situated in the Loire Valley in Dordogne are a great place to start your exploration from.
Special offers
Camping over the bank holiday weekend and trying to stay on a budget? Check out our two pages dedicated to last-minute deals and general promotions on campsites in France, accessible via the top menu.
Travelling with kids
If you’re travelling to France with kids over the bank holiday, consider booking one of the campsites that offer activities for the kids. Many of our campsites have dedicated children’s play areas, clubs, and pools to choose from. Since you’re heading there in summer, why not book a campsite with a water park and let your kids enjoy it!
Relax and enjoy
You’re escaping the hustle and bustle of the city lights over a long weekend, don’t book your holiday near a city. Take the time to explore your options and book one of the campsites in a remote area, offering you ample opportunity to sit back and relax, regather your thoughts, and be refreshed at the end of your stay.
Borrow equipment
If you’re not a regular camper and you’re missing a couple of things for your trip, ask friends or relatives if you can borrow their stuff. Don’t waste money on something for a single trip that you may not use again. If you enjoy your trip and want to make a habit of it, then invest!
A couple of benefits to August bank holiday open-air breaks
Getting away from our everyday lives is always a good thing, even if only for the chance to gain a new perspective. Here are a couple more reasons to take the trip.
Bond with the family
Taking the time out over the long weekend for you and your family is a great way to reconnect. We’re often so caught up in our day-to-day lives that we forget about the people around us. Camping over this bank holiday weekend means experiencing new things with the whole family. Swap stories, exchange gifts, roast marshmallows over the fire and watch the bond between all of you grow stronger and stronger every day. This may be just the thing you need!
Appreciate nature
Outdoor games like scavenger hunts and hide-and-seek, or playing sport outside, gives kids the chance to experience a world beyond the schedules and stress of daily life. Encourage them to take note of their surroundings and to appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells of nature around them.
Be health-conscious
Getting away from our everyday lives in urban environments and escaping to nature brings with it a whole host of benefits. Breathing in fresh, unpolluted air and being in nature brings with it the reminder that there’s more to life than our day to day living and working. Our bodies and minds need to be looked after, we need exercise, fresh air, the sound of the wind whistling through branches of trees, we need these things to feel better – to feel alive.
Increase mindfulness
Camping in the great outdoors doesn’t only promote a more physically healthier lifestyle, it also gives us the chance to reflect on important things in a much quieter environment. The more time you spend in the company of trees, walking through nature, the clearer your thinking is likely to be.
New experiences are good for you
Getting out of our comfort zones, our everyday surroundings, helps us recognise new parts of ourselves, it helps us grow in awareness and understanding. Spend time experiencing new things off the well-trodden track and watch yourself blossom.
Let’s tackle some specific questions about taking holidays in August
What are the best activities to do in nature?
Camping and hiking go hand-in-hand for many of us. What better way to explore your natural surroundings than by taking a stroll through the forest, along the beaches, or up into the mountains? If you’d rather not walk, you can always opt to rent a bicycle instead.
Are there campsites with activities for kids?
Yes, you’ll find a variety of campsites that offer all sorts of activities for the kids to enjoy. Activities include children’s clubs, water parks, finger painting, playgrounds, bike tracks and much more. Furthermore, in July and August in particular, many campsites have organized classes and other activities for children.
What do you do if it rains while you are camping?
Always make sure that you bring rain gear with you, even in August in France. Avoid camping in lower areas or near a drainage path, and consider putting up a dining tarp as a cover. You can still enjoy your time by playing indoor games, or just put on a raincoat and splash about.
Can I camp with small children in August?
Kids love learning and they love the outdoors; and nature is a beautiful place to teach them new things. Make sure to plan effectively to avoid being out at the hottest times of day and bring along sun protection, water, snacks and toys, and you’ll have a wonderful time with your little ones!
What are the best things to do at night?
Camping activities during the evening are top-notch, especially in August. They include karaoke, quizzes, discos and the usual restaurants and bars. Or if you prefer a quieter evening, there is always the option of a good board game while roasting marshmallows on the fire. Play, dance, enjoy the warm summer evenings.
Book your camping getaway well in advance and don’t miss out!
