It takes a forward thinking campsite owner to transform a natural swathe of woodland like this into one of the greatest campsites in the region. While other sites in South East France were mowing their lawns and preening their caravan pitches, this natural woodland wonderland was busy pioneering a concept that, today, every campsite is catching up with… glamping.
Peek through the trees of this nature reserve forest and beyond the dotting of colourful tents and natural, shady pitches, a cluster of humungous safari-lodges looms into view. Close to the limestone scenery of the Parc Régional du Vercors, this settlement was long at the forefront of next-level glamping, with a set of sturdy canvas homes perched on wooden decks in the trees behind an 18th-century inn. The canvas lodges are simply huge; you’ll stretch your legs just fetching a glass of water and families can hang out all day without feeling claustrophobic. Choose between a covered or uncovered terrace porch, then tie back the front flaps to create an open-plan abode filled with double and bunk beds and full-sized wardrobes.
Outside, in the arboreal wilderness beyond, regular campers also capitalise on the fun of pitching in the trees. Spots vary in size, so you’ll need to wander around and find a space the right size for your group. If you’re yearning for the heat of the sun, meanwhile, you can head for the more open pitches beside the grassy meadow. Wherever you choose, the noise of happy campers mingles among the sound of the swishing, breeze-blown leaves and the chirping of the birds that live among them. Expect a healthy dose of wildlife; this is a nature reserve after all.
Once acclimatised, you can explore the park by bike or on foot; or simply take off to make the most of the campsite’s wonderfully home-spun facilities. The open-fronted bar-café is built from wood and has a deliberately rustic feel, encircled by the same style of stick fence that fronts the safari tents. It offers ample refreshments and has a fresh bread and pastry delivery service if you order the night before. Then there’s the swimming and paddling pool for lazing in the sun, a volleyball court and a small playground. If you find time to leave the site, the local villages, hidden in the hills, are certainly a joy to explore. But really you could stay in the woods here for days!
