69% of the French plan to go on holiday this summer: This is one of the results of the study Europ Assistance which publishes for the 19th consecutive year summer holiday plans around the world, via its IPSOS barometer, and looks at the changing habits of the French in 2019. And an ecological trend is taking shape: taking into account the ecological footprint of travel conditions the choice of destination for 17 % of Europeans. This is good news that tends to bring camping back into fashion, but ... in a chic and natural version. So, how about a little stay in a tent?
Ahe French people are in full support of their country... and are choosing green and disconnected holidays, a choice of national holidays which has the highest rate in Europe and among all the countries surveyed. As the study states, taking into account the ecological footprint of travel conditions the choice of destination for 17 % of Europeans. In France, more than one French person in ten (15 %) has already taken part in ecological tourism, based on the discovery of and respect for nature, by avoiding tourist activities that are harmful to the environment (particularly transport).
READ IN UP' : Become Voy'acteurs! Or travel according to your values
39 % of the French would be interested in this approach and 16 % of them consider that the ecological footprint of a trip plays an essential role in the choice of their destination. Seasonal rentals are the preferred method of accommodation for the French. So why not a tent? But not just any tent...
READ IN UP' : Globe-Setters: the new community of inspired travelers
The trend is towards "chic" camping: glamping
There is more than one way to camp: in a recreational vehicle, in a municipal campground or in a tent in the middle of nature.
Glamping: this name, invented by the Anglo-Saxons, results from the contraction between glamour and camping. It's a far cry from sleeping bags on the ground, from the noise of the pool and the neighbours, ... And in recent years, a new generation of campsites has been on the rise: direct contact with nature, but with an increase in comfort and the need to really recharge one's batteries, cutting out the bad habits of everyday life and immersion in nature. Between luxury and authenticity, between glamour and nature.
Old Domain of the mills in Noirmoutier
A good (em)placement
This concept has put some entrepreneurs on the spot. From major investment funds are setting their sights on this sector which has been popular in the last ten years or so due to the move upmarket.
Alain-Dominique Perrin, the creator of the Cartier Foundation, former CEO of Cartier and the Richemont Group, had destined one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Noirmoutier, in 2007, for a hundred white canvas tents with wooden terraces like tipis, facing the Atlantic. 5-star services: heated swimming pool, wellness area with spa, hammam, relaxing massages, not forgetting the bar-restaurant, a children's club, but also piano-bar and shows, room service. With the ONF, Alain-Dominique Perrin is passionate about the holm oaks and cypresses of Lambert: 2,500 trees are planted. He had some of the pitches removed and rebuilt communal sanitary facilities in premises imitating Noirmoutrine houses. Miele washing machines are made available. And decides to rent refined tents with bathrooms, in beige, white, turquoise and grey tones.. "For those who want an experience close to nature but comfortable and without pitching a tent." he explained to back then.
"Le Domaine des Moulins" was sold to the group. Sandaya early 2018. The concept of "luxury" has since somewhat disappeared ...
A bed in the meadow
Nomadic habitats taking root
It is a real search for a connection with nature. Comfortably installed in their canvas and wooden accommodation, holidaymakers live as close as possible to nature without ever harming it since all the facilities - tents, tepees, yurts, lodges - are part of a 100% Sustainable Development approach.
A bed in the meadow
This is the case of the concept " A bed in the meadow "A real disconnection from the city since there is no electricity in these "tents" on the farm. Eco-chic camps of about 45 square metres built on a thick solid wood floor and equipped with real beds and hot water. Heating is provided by a wood stove and candlelight (See list of locations).
A bed in the meadow
At camping Le Havre In Regnéville-sur-Mer, in the Manche region, the owners offer accommodation in tents, in a Natura 2000 classified site. But a luxury tent, very confortable : a real bed (mattress and box spring), carpets on the ground, and above all space under a tent from 25 m2.
Camping Le Havre
They have also just renovated a common room, called the refuge, with fridge, hob and library. They also want to encourage campers to be eco-responsible by offering organic meals, water awareness and compost for waste. Even breakfasts are provided every morning for those who wish to do so. Conviviality combined with nomadism! (Contact : 06 80 74 99 68)
Have a good holiday!
- Other glamping locations (not exhaustive) :
Glamping Tepees in France in Ranville, north-west of the Charente (16): three real navajo tepees in the middle of the fields. 8 meters high and 50m2 large, these tents offer real comfort: large bathroom, king size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, and the most careful decoration.
Contact: 05 45 91 07 34
Family EcolodgeIn Burgundy and in the Loire Valley (45): perched or floating hut, gypsy caravan, yurt or lodge tent for large tribes.
Contact: 02 38 31 83 20
Campsite La SorguetteIn L'Isle sur la Sorgue, at the gateway to the Luberon: lodge tent, teepee, traditional Mongolian yurt... for a stay in the middle of nature by the river.
Contact: 04 90 38 05 71
The cabins of Kermenguy, at the Château de Kermenguy in Cléder in northern Finistère (29): perched huts and comfortable tents 8 kilometres from the beaches.
Contact: 06 62 13 91 37
- For a choice, depending on your destination and your budget location abracadaroom.com
Anything to add? Say it as a comment.
Why not enjoy unlimited reading of UP'? Subscribe from €1.90 per week.
