Camping in the heart of one of the world’s most visited cities offers travelers an alternative to traditional Parisian hotels.
Nestled within the Bois de Boulogne, just a few kilometers from iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, the Paris campsite managed by Huttopia is drawing families, tourists, and return visitors who are opting for a more economical and nature-focused experience in the French capital.
Originally opened in the 1950s, the Paris campsite underwent significant modernization after Huttopia took over management in 2011.
The site now features 120 wooden accommodations, 300 pitches, a playground, and a recently added restaurant. The facility is open year-round and can accommodate up to 2,500 guests, with occupancy nearing full capacity between Easter and All Saints’ Day.
According to Nicolas Rousseau, the campsite’s director, the site offers “a bubble of nature in the 16th arrondissement.”
Its proximity to the city is one of its main draws, with a shuttle service providing access to Metro Line 1 via Porte Maillot, making it convenient for visitors to explore the city’s central districts. “It’s an ideal entry point to discover the city, but many Parisians are still unaware of its existence,” he told Affiches Parisiennes.
Travelers are increasingly looking to camping as a cost-effective response to rising hotel prices in Paris, particularly following the 2024 Summer Olympics. The Economic Observatory of Parisian Tourism reports average hotel rates have climbed to €200 per night.
By contrast, the Paris campsite offers motorhome pitches from approximately €40 and chalets for six people ranging from €150 to €200 per night, depending on the season.
Anne and Richard Merveilleux, who traveled from Brittany for the Tour de France finish, chose camping over hotels or furnished rentals. “Hotels and furnished accommodation have exploded since the Olympics.
Camping is the right compromise,” said Richard. “People are surprised when we tell them that we are camping in Paris!” added Anne.
The campground is not only serving international tourists such as the De Ruiter family from the Netherlands and return visitors like Sigrid and Günter Spiegel from Germany, but is also attracting attention during major events at the nearby Longchamp racecourse.
Despite a lingering reputation tied to the broader Bois de Boulogne area, visitors report feeling secure. “We had been told about it, but here, we are out of the way, well protected,” said Anne.
For outdoor hospitality operators, the Paris campsite presents a case study in adapting rural-style accommodations to urban settings, balancing affordability with access to culture, and offering travelers a family-friendly alternative amid a competitive and high-priced lodging market.
As tourism operators continue to innovate to meet demand in high-cost destinations, similar urban-integrated campgrounds could gain traction globally.