To late for camping in France?
 

I'm heaading to the French Alps and Grenoble region 10-18th Sep' and hoping to to camp most of the time. I know french campsites are fairly regimented with their open / closed seasons. Anyone know roughly what I can expect as it might be judged late in the season. I'll be gutted if I take a tent round france for no reason at all!

Cheers

Rich

The local town councils run camp sites in most towns. These stay open outside the summer tourist months. There are plenty of books in the shops listing opening times - available both in UK and France.

Might be cold though...

Simon

hello, you can do free camping anywhere also, no ?

The French holiday season closes at the end of August but campsites remain open until at least the end of September. It's a really good time to travel because the roads are quieter and the weather is still great but not too hot to ride during the middle of the day.
Some sites may have reduced on-site facilities ( pools may not be heated, shops may not be stocked ), but you shouldn't have any problems finding sites that are open.
Every town in France has at least 1 municipal campsite and there are plenty of private ones too. They're even graded like the hotels. It's a great part of Europe for riding bikes. Have fun
Frank

[This message has been edited by hyawj (edited 12 September 2005).]

just got back from france today, weather was terrible, but i generally managed to find somewhere to free camp not everyones idea of fun but cheap, its really easy in france compared with other countries, the alps were fantastic, i rode from dole (near dijon) to geneva, fantastic road!

hope it helps.

I got back from a trip to Mataro and Barcelona on Wednesday. Although the weather got a 'bit damp' on the way back on the whole it was a good ride.
Saw plenty of big bikes heading toward Spain, not sure whats on down there but must be a treffen at least.
Go for it, camping in France anytime is ok, just depends on your outlook and what you're expecting regarding facilities. Later is lesser but not neccessarily worse, if you know what I mean. You'll have some quieter (and surely safer) roads to play on. Get your hands on a Caravan Club book that includes France for very good information regarding available sites and opening times. Otherwise, go as you please and accept whatever turns up.
Happy riding.
George

Not for an englishman !

Cheers

Matt