France: Caen to Biarritz

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Biarritz Photo by James Porter

France: Caen to Biarritz

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The stunning sun-soaked coastal region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest in France and encompasses 250km of golden sandy beaches, luscious green countryside, historic towns and alluring vineyards. The diverse landscapes stretch from the Oyster bays of Marennes-Oléron down to the elegant resorts of Biarritz and St Jean de Luz, and to the snow-capped Pyrenees mountains.

The joy of travel isn't just about the destination but also the journey itself. To help with your planning, we've put together two suggested routes from Caen to Biarritz. One is more leisurely for those who have time to explore and the other is a shorter, more direct route, for those keen to get to their destination faster.

Leisurely route

Our suggested leisurely route covers 740 miles via Nantes and La Rochelle with four recommended stopover campsites. Ideal for those tourers who have time to explore the local areas.

Stopover 1: Le Pin Parasol, Pays de la Loire (Club ref: A36) Stopover 2: Seasonova Ile de Ré, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: A49) Stopover 3: Saint-Emilion, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: D08) Stopover 4: Lou P'tit Poun, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: A39)

Stopover 1: Le Pin Parasol, Pays de la Loire (Club ref: A36)

Caen - Nantes - La Rochelle

Stay at: Le Pin Parasol, Pays de la Loire (Club ref: A36)

  • Located in peaceful countryside, Le Pin Parasol is a large family-orientated campsite overlooking the stunning Janunay Lake reserve.
  • Plenty of on-site entertainment and activities, including two pool complexes, five slides and an adult-only spa.
  • The glorious sandy beaches of the Vendée and the busy harbour town of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie are within easy reach.
  • Visit the city of Nantes which is full of interesting landmarks and made famous for its vineyards that produce Muscadet white wine.
  • Use this campsite for a brief stopover or stay for a few days and visit the nearby family attractions such as the Puy du Fou theme park or the Parc Zoologique at Les Sables-d'Olonne.

Visit Le Pin Parasol campsite

Stopover 2: Seasonova Ile de Ré, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: A49)

Ile de Ré - La Rochelle - La Roche Chalais

Stay at: Seasonova Ile de Ré, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: A49)

  • The cosy and relaxed campsite of Seasonova Ile de Ré is located only 200m from a fantastic sandy beach and close to a bird reserve in the nearby salt marshes.
  • Get on your bike and enjoy the wonderful cycle paths to discover the many quaint villages in the surrounding area, as well as the chic port of St Martin de Ré.
  • Visit the renowned port town of La Rochelle.
  • Head over the Pont de l'Île de Ré bridge which connect La Rochelle to Rivedoux-Plage.
  • Before you get to the campsite, stop off at Les Sables-d'Olonne and enjoy the glorious stretches of sandy beaches or take a trip to one of the many museums in the town and learn about the town's long history.

Visit Seasonova Ile de Re campsite

Stopover 3: Saint-Emilion, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: D08)

Ile de Ré - La Rochelle - Saint Emilion

Stay at: Saint-Emilion, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: D08)

  • A pretty fishing lake borders Saint-Emilion campsite with pedalos and kayaks available to use for free, making it ideal for active families.
  • Lovers of wine and history should venture to Saint-Émilion, known for its prestigious red wines which dates back to the 2nd century when Romans planted grapes here. There is free shuttle service from the campsite into Saint-Émilion.
  • Whilst there take a guided tour of the 12th century Monolithic church.
  • The campsite is close to many scenic walking and cycling routes.

Visit Saint-Emilion campsite

Stopover 4: Lou P'tit Poun, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: A39)

Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux - Biarritz

Stay at: Lou P'tit Poun, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: A39)

  • Located near the resort of Bayonne, Lou P'tit Poun campsite is perfect for a quiet, relaxing stay for your final destination.
  • Enjoy the stunning new Aqua Park with Spa, balneo, heated pool and water slides.
  • Discover the local cycle paths, including one that runs to the coast.
  • En-route to the campsite, hop onboard the Petit Train Touristique Bordeaux as it passes through the oldest parts of Bordeaux including the most famous places and monuments.
  • A free shuttle bus runs from the campsite to and from the beach at Ondres during July and August, making getting to and from the seaside easy.

Visit Lou P'tit Poun campsite

Direct route

Our suggested direct route from Caen to Biarritz cover 500 miles, with three stopover recommendations via Le Mans and Poitiers. Perfect for those who are keen to get to their destination quicker.

Stopover 1: Chanteloup, Pays-de-la-Loire (Club ref: L13) Stopover 2: La Motte, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: D33) Stopover 3: Lou P'tit Poun, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: A39)

Stopover 1: Chanteloup, Pays-de-la-Loire (Club ref: L13)

Caen - Le Mans

Stay at: Chanteloup, Pays-de-la-Loire (Club ref: L13)

  • Chanteloup campsite has large open pitches, some of which overlook the lake, ideal for tourers looking for quiet stays.
  • Enjoy a stroll in the 21 hectare forest park with its walled gardens, roses, hydrangeas and fishing lake. 
  • The famous race track and the historic town of Le Mans is less than 30 minutes’ drive away and has 20 hectares of cobbled streets and medieval buildings, surrounded by Roman walls.

Visit Chanteloup campsite

Stopover 2: La Motte, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: D33)

Tours - Poitiers - La Roche-Chalais

Stay at: La Motte, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: D33)

  • Located in a rural setting between forest and vineyards, La Motte campsite is perfect for a peaceful break or as a stopover on the way to Spain and Portugal, just a hour north of Bordeaux.
  • En-route to La Motte campsite, stop by and marvel at the renaissance architecture of the Loire Valley Châteaux, just outside Blois.
  • Visit the town of La Roche-Chalais, just 15 minutes drive away and discover the historic churches and heritage sites or simply wander through the beautiful Aubeterre-sur-Dronne village. 
  • There are plenty of walking and cycling routes along quiet roads and paths, starting directly from the campsite.

Visit La Motte campsite

Stopover 3: Lou P'tit Poun, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: A39)

Bordeaux - Saint-Emilion - Biarritz

Stay at: Lou P'tit Poun, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Club ref: A39)

  • Head to the city of Bayonne, just 30 minutes away from Lou P'tit Poun campsite, enjoy a stroll along the picturesque Nive River or indulge in some gastronomic delights like the infamous Bayonne ham or delicious chocolates.
  • Spend the day at the beach in Biarritz, considered to be one of the most beautiful beach resorts of the French Basque Country.
  • The campsite is less then a hour away from the Spanish border and many visitors enjoy a day trip across to San Sebastian in Spain.

Visit Lou P'tit Poun campsite

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