Campsites in September and October: where to go for a few days?
KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER
When to go: September and October are ideal for a short two or three-night campsite break, whether by the coast, in the countryside or in the mountains. Destinations include Brittany, Normandy, the Bay of Somme, Anjou, Auvergne and the Narbonne area.
Which accommodation to choose: For an autumn campsite break, choose a mobile home or chalet suited to the weather. Check the heating, facilities and which services are still available.
How to plan your stay: Choose an easy-to-reach destination, plan one main activity each day and check availability for your dates, as opening periods vary between campsites.
Where to camp in September and October?
Coast, countryside or mountains: start with what you feel like doing and how far you want to travel. For a two-night break, staying closer to home gives you more time to enjoy your destination.
Here are six ideas from across our network to explore, depending on what you fancy and availability for your dates.
Enjoy the fresh air on the northern coast
In Brittany, choose one area and take your time exploring it. In Cornouaille, combine coastal walks with visits to local harbours. Around the Gulf of Morbihan, enjoy a waterside walk before wandering through the streets of Vannes. For a few days away, it is better to enjoy one stretch of coastline than spend hours driving. Pack a windproof jacket and keep an indoor option in mind for rainy spells.
In Normandy, near Honfleur, combine town and countryside during your short break. Explore the Vieux Bassin on foot and take time to wander through the surrounding streets. The next day, enjoy a change of scenery with a walk in the local countryside. It is a good option if you enjoy both strolling and walking, without planning a long hike every day.
In the Bay of Somme, make time for wildlife watching. Walk around the bay, visit Saint-Valery-sur-Somme or Le Crotoy, or spend some time watching the birds. There is no need to pack your days with activities. For a crossing or walk in the bay, go with a guide and check the tides. Watch wild animals from a distance without trying to approach them.
Explore Anjou or Auvergne
Around Angers, combine city sightseeing with time outdoors. Start your day at Angers Castle before exploring the historic centre. The next day, choose a walk or cycle ride along the Loire to suit your ability. It is a great option if you enjoy variety during a short break. Back at the campsite, use your accommodation’s kitchen to prepare dinner with local produce picked up along the way.
In Auvergne, in the Sancy mountains, plan your days around the weather and how energetic you feel. A walk, a village visit and a stop for something tasty can easily fill your day. Keen hikers can choose a route suited to the conditions. At higher altitudes, be prepared for cold and wind: returning to warm accommodation is all part of the pleasure.
Explore Mediterranean landscapes around Narbonne
In Narbonne, start with a walk along the Canal de la Robine before heading into the historic centre. The next day, enjoy a change of scenery around Bages and its lagoon. Take time to explore the village and its lagoon landscapes. This destination is ideal for combining heritage with time outdoors. Keep half a day free to extend a visit or follow a recommendation from your hosts, rather than filling every moment.
Which destination suits you?
What you fancy | Destination to explore | Ideas for two or three days |
|---|---|---|
Walking by the sea | Brittany | Choose Cornouaille or the Gulf of Morbihan and combine coastal walks with exploring a town. |
Strolling between harbour and countryside | Normandy | Honfleur, the Jardin du Tripot and a walk in the surrounding countryside. |
Watching the scenery and birdlife | Bay of Somme | Saint-Valery-sur-Somme or Le Crotoy, followed by a guided nature experience. |
Combine heritage and cycling | Anjou | Angers, followed by a cycle ride along the Loire. |
Walk through forests and explore the mountains | Auvergne | A walk in the Sancy mountains and a day exploring the local area. |
Explore a town and its lagoons | Narbonne area | Narbonne and the Canal de la Robine, followed by Bages. |
These ideas are not an exhaustive list. Browse our campsites open in September and October to see the stays available online for your dates.
September or October: when should you go?
In September, longer days give you more time for outdoor activities than in October. When the weather allows, enjoy breakfast or dinner on your accommodation’s terrace. If you are not tied to school holidays, consider a midweek break.
In October, autumn colours gradually appear across the regions. Plan longer outings earlier in the day, then leave time for a visit or an evening in your accommodation. Heated accommodation makes it easy to enjoy this slower pace in comfort.
The best time depends on what you fancy: more time outdoors in September or a more autumnal break in October, with activities suited to your destination.
Mobile home or chalet: which accommodation should you choose for a few nights?
For a short camping break in September or October, both mobile homes and chalets offer the comfort of fully equipped accommodation. The best choice mainly depends on the layout, the facilities provided and what you need during your stay.
So, don’t rely on the name of the accommodation alone: a chalet is not necessarily better insulated or better equipped than a mobile home. Before booking, check whether there is heating, the number and layout of the bedrooms, and what is provided on site, such as bed linen, towels or kitchen equipment. For a stay of two or three nights, these little details can make a real difference and help you pack lighter.
As a couple, a compact, well-equipped accommodation may be more than enough for a few days away. With a young child, check whether a cot or high chair is available and consider the bedroom layout. Finally, if you are travelling with your dog, make sure pets are allowed in the accommodation you choose and check any specific conditions or additional charges.
Two or three nights: enjoy your stay without rushing
When planning your short camping break, choosing one base and one main activity per day is a good starting point. On the day you arrive, settle in and go for a first walk nearby. The next day, take the time to discover the place that inspired your trip. Before you leave, allow time for a coffee, a short walk or a little local shopping.
It is also worth having a backup plan in case it rains: a museum, a visit somewhere indoors or simply some time to relax in your accommodation. Check opening times before setting off, as some attractions adjust their hours depending on the season.
Once you are there, ask the campsite team which walk they recommend, where to find local produce or which places are suitable to visit with a young child. A recommendation based on the day’s weather can save you a lot of time searching.
Before booking your off-season campsite
A few checks will help you set off with all the information you need:
- Your dates and length of stay: search directly for two or three nights to see the available accommodation.
- Accommodation comfort: heating, bedding and useful facilities for your stay.
- Available services: welcoming guests does not mean the swimming pool, restaurant or activities operate as they do in summer.
- Arrival and departure: check the arrival options, especially if you are travelling after work.
- Booking conditions: deposit, cancellation terms and whether pets are welcome if you are bringing yours.
Your questions about short campsite breaks
Can you book a mobile home for two or three nights?
Yes, short breaks are available depending on the campsite, dates and accommodation. Search using your preferred length of stay. If your dates are flexible, compare weekday and weekend arrivals too.
Are all campsite facilities still open in October?
Not necessarily. Facilities may have different opening dates and times from the accommodation. If a particular service matters to you, check with the campsite that it will be open before booking.
Should you plan all your activities in advance?
Leave some flexibility for walks and spontaneous outings. However, check in advance for guided trips or visits that require booking. Once you arrive, your hosts can suggest other local experiences.
Can you bring your dog to a mobile home or chalet?
Some accommodation welcomes dogs, but conditions vary between campsites and accommodation types. Check that your chosen accommodation accepts your dog before completing your booking.
How about a few days away?
A waterside walk, a village to explore, dinner made with local market finds: in September and October, a few days are enough to enjoy that holiday feeling. As a couple or with a young child, choose somewhere within easy reach and a mobile home or chalet where you can relax after a day out.
