Why not go on a family camping holiday to enjoy the great outdoors? Camping is a rewarding experience, especially at a Huttopia campsite. Go there with your eyes closed!
Known for their canvas and wood tents and comfortable chalets, Huttopia campsites also offer pleasant pitches for pitching a tent. Justine and Valentin from @destination.aventures tested the Les Falaises campsite in Normandy with Romy, 4, and Mia, 9. Here are their practical tips for getting started with family camping with ease!
1/ Were you used to or on the contrary reluctant to go camping with your family?
Since I was little, I’ve been rocked by long journeys crisscrossing campsites in France in a trailer tent with my parents. For me, camping means peace and quiet, the chance to make lots of friends, and water fights over the dishes, but that was 20 years ago. My husband, Valentin, had no experience of camping with his family and, above all, a lot of prejudices.
The idea of a lack of comfort put him off. But isn’t family all about compromise? Luckily, he agreed to first experience the joys of vanlife with our super van, called “Ginette the Van,” fitted out with the utmost comfort. But I admit, it’s not “real” camping. There was a gap before trying a pure camping experience.
THE FAMILY TRAVEL REVIEW
For those who are more reluctant, try a family vacation first with tents already set up or in a van, the opportunity to see the quality of the infrastructure!
Choose your destination from over 50 sites in Europe in Nature Campsites or Forest Villages with “ready-to-camp” tents by the sea, countryside, or in the mountains in the Alps. All campsites are also equipped with spacious and shaded pitches for pitching your own tent or installing a van or campervan.
2/ Which destination should you choose for a first experience in a tent with the kids?
Finally, Valentin accepted the challenge of returning to the origins of camping. We were all excited at the idea of going on vacation this time without “Ginette” and staying in our own tent like real little Robinson Crusoe characters.
No need to go far, Normandy, 3 hours from home, was a wonderful break to unwind. We arrived just in time for dinner while watching the sunset. A dream!
Situated high up, this nature campsite is surrounded by fields. The view of the English Channel and lush green landscapes is breathtaking. The site lives up to its name with its white chalk cliffs, a true delight with the sunshine on this beautiful June weekend.
GOOD TO KNOW THE ADVANTAGES OF HUTTOPIA
Access: 1 hour from Rouen or Le Havre, 2.5 hours from Paris, 3 hours from Lille.
To the east, Fécamp is a 15-minute drive away, and to the west, in 30 minutes you are in Étretat, known for its famous natural arches, in the land of Arsène Lupin.
Check the weather so that this first family experience in a tent doesn’t turn into a watery mess. In case of bad weather, be aware that Huttopia resorts also offer numerous indoor activities.
Huttopia Les Falaises Campsite is open from late March to early November, making it ideal for spring, summer, or autumn breaks. Check out the opening times for each Huttopia campsite, depending on the destination.
3/ How to organize a first camping initiation with the family?
Staying at a family campsite to get back to basics still requires a bit of preparation: trash bags, sponge, laundry bag and string for drying clothes, sleeping bags, and toiletries. Huttopia sent us “The Perfect Camper’s Checklist” and the essentials not to forget before our departure. From the moment we book, we feel truly supported, including in the organization. A real plus for novices!
We took some of the equipment out of our van (dishes, sleeping bag, etc.) and asked our friends and family for the inflatable mattresses and tent. The camping spirit is also about sharing, and we wanted to instill this in our luggage.