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A traditional, upmarket campsite – with no caravans or bungalows – in the grounds of an elegant Auge château, where (if you book) you can dine three nights a week. It has a gorgeous heated pool, crêperie , bar, grocery and games room. No karaoke nights here; instead, they stage open-air classical music recitals.

Hard to believe, but this peaceful campsite tucked away on an island is only a short drive from Dieppe. There are plenty of indoor amusements, but with the Arques Forest, Varenne R iver and a lake on the doorstep, this is really a place for outdoor types.

This four-star campsite offers large, luxury “pitches”, and wood cabins for five. If you tire of the aquapark, tennis, volleyball and billiards, Mont-St-Michel, Granville and Brittany beckon.

This very large and well-equipped site is just a short walk from Houlgate beach, where you can take sailing lessons and go sea fishing.

This Cotentin beach is the place to come for serious surfing. Pitch a tent, or take one of the well-designed caravans.

Most of the campers here are fresh-air fiends, drawn by the prospect of energetic hikes through the countryside or taxing mountain bike rides. If that sounds too much like hard work, there is tennis, table tennis and a pool on site.

This family-oriented, four-star campsite has a great swimming pool complex, with water chutes, kids’ activities and organized entertainment.

The joy of La Vée is its position – close to Bagnoles and the Andaines Forest (see Forêt des Andaines). Its 250 “pitches” are in leafy surroundings, with amenities including a snack bar, and recreation and games rooms.

With its own bakery, delicatessen, snack bar and visiting traders, you seldom need to leave this large, well-run campsite. Close by, you can gather shells on the sandy beach, ride, play tennis, or relax in the thalassotherapy centre.

This two-star seaside campsite was converted from a lime quarry in 1983. One of the pits is now used for rock climbing; the other has been turned into tennis courts. If you like fresh seafood, catch your own and cook it over a campfire.