Nantes Camping, the only five-star campsite in the city of Nantes, is reporting strong performance for the summer 2025 season, with August occupancy projected at 96% and a higher-than-expected turnout in July.
According to site director Luc Bonnaud, demand is so strong that the facility has had to turn away as many as thirty motorhomes on some evenings.
Located along Boulevard du Petit Port, the site is situated just minutes from downtown Nantes and benefits from easy access to public transportation, making it a popular option for both domestic and international travelers.
The site’s appeal has been enhanced this year by several developments aimed at improving guest experience and attracting a broader clientele.
Among the most visible upgrades is the renovation of the site’s open-air café, now operating under the name Le Bivouac.
“We have abandoned the classic restaurant format to find a more relaxed atmosphere, closer to the camper spirit,” said Bonnaud.
According to Ouest France, the space now serves simplified fare such as burgers, pizzas, and homemade desserts, including the regionally known Nantes cake. It operates daily from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. during high season and is open to both campsite guests and local residents.
Additional enhancements include a relocated playground now adjacent to Le Bivouac, allowing parents to keep an eye on children while dining, and the introduction of a small petting farm that hosts goats through the end of September.
These additions reflect a broader trend among outdoor hospitality operators who are diversifying their offerings to cater to families and experience-seeking travelers.
Accommodation options on site range from Comfort to Unusual, with nightly rates between €60 and €250. Of the 145 total pitches, 99 are designated for rental cottages, chalets, and cabins, while 46 are caravan sites and 15 are dedicated motorhome spaces via Camping-car Park.
This year, the campsite has noted a shift in its customer base: “This year, 45% of foreigners are renting, a record,” Bonnaud said, also acknowledging a decline in domestic visitors.
Entertainment is a central part of Nantes Camping’s appeal. The site organizes nightly activities and hosts a summer market every Tuesday featuring approximately 30 local artisans and creators.
One such event recently drew nearly 300 attendees. Regular themed evenings, such as bingo nights and mussel feasts, are also popular among guests.
Set on seven wooded hectares, the campsite has also prioritized environmental initiatives.
Holding a Green Key certification, Nantes Camping has installed individual water and energy meters in each rental unit, converted all lighting to energy-saving bulbs, and is considering replacing some motorhome spaces with facilities for cycle tourists arriving via the Loire à Vélo route.
“This campsite is the green lung of Nantes,” said Bonnaud.
Operating year-round with 47 staff members during peak season, Nantes Camping plays a notable role in the local tourism economy.
As Bonnaud describes it, the site offers a quiet, wooded retreat within city limits: “You don’t think you’re in Nantes: you’re in the woods, it’s quiet, and that’s what people like.”