Camp du Domaine *****

Family time at Camp du Domaine with our two teenage children (both aged 15)

• More than just a campsite – a true holiday home
• A beachfront location unlike any other: the campsite stretches right across the bay of Bormes-les-Mimosas, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
• Everything families need for a carefree stay: sports facilities, convenience shops and several restaurants all within the campsite.
• Plenty to enjoy for every age: from morning beach workouts to relaxed evenings with entertainment.
• The perfect base for exploring the French Riviera: secluded coves, traditional markets, boat trips and coastal cycling routes are all within easy reach, with countless attractions just beyond the campsite.

As soon as spring arrives and the temperatures begin to rise, we always set aside time for a family weekend away. It has become a tradition over the past few years—a chance to leave everyday life behind, slow down and simply enjoy spending time together. This year, our priority was obvious: sunshine. That is exactly why we chose Bormes-les-Mimosas and Camp du Domaine.

Over the Whitsun weekend, we packed up our camper van and headed south with our two 15-year-old teenagers, full of excitement. The trip certainly did not disappoint. Our pitch was right by the sea, with uninterrupted views across the stunning Bay of Bormes-les-Mimosas. Within moments, we had that unmistakable feeling of having arrived somewhere special—a place where you immediately want to stay a little longer.

The campsite faces east, which meant every morning began with a spectacular sunrise over the Mediterranean. It was so beautiful that we happily got up early just to watch it before heading straight to the daily beach workout organised by the campsite.

Barefoot on the sand, with the fresh sea breeze on our faces, every breath felt like a small luxury. We honestly could not have imagined a better way to start the day.

Afterwards, breakfast became our favourite family ritual: flaky croissants and freshly baked bread from the campsite bakery, coffee in hand and uninterrupted views of the sea. Occasionally, a few seagulls would settle nearby, keeping a curious eye on us from a respectful distance—a small but charming part of the morning.

We really did not need anything more. Even better, the weather was on our side throughout the weekend: cloudless blue skies and glorious sunshine. For us, it felt like something special; here, it almost seemed to be part of everyday life.

The entire weekend was wonderful, but our favourite experience was undoubtedly the bike ride. We hired four e-bikes directly from the campsite, and even our teenagers—who are not usually the biggest sports enthusiasts—absolutely loved it.

Our route followed a safe cycling path built along a former railway line, taking us from Bormes-les-Mimosas towards Le Lavandou and on to Pramousquier. Along the way, we stopped time and again at small coves with crystal-clear water—perfect for an impromptu swim or simply to pause and take in the scenery.

As we continued, the route led us through gentle vineyards just before reaching Saint-Tropez, offering a refreshing change from the coastal views. After a short stroll through the town, we cycled back to the campsite.

The ride lasted around an hour and a half, including plenty of stops to swim, admire the landscape and simply enjoy the moment. It was a day filled with fresh air, exercise and shared experiences—and thanks to the e-bikes, it was comfortable and enjoyable for all of us.

Still in cycling mode, we decided to spend another day exploring the beautiful Île de Porquerolles. It could not have been easier: the ferry departs just 500 metres from Camp du Domaine, and we were able to take our bikes on board.
The crossing takes less than an hour and feels almost like a mini cruise. From the water, Bormes-les-Mimosas reveals itself from an entirely different perspective, with spectacular views of the coastline.
As an unexpected bonus, we were lucky enough to spot two dolphins swimming alongside the boat—a magical moment that captivated all of us.
The island itself is simply enchanting. Wild beaches, winding paths and unspoilt nature invite you to explore at your own pace. We also visited the Fondation Carmignac, which turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the trip. Its contemporary art collection blends beautifully into the surrounding landscape, and even our two teenagers—who usually wander through museums with little enthusiasm—were genuinely fascinated. That alone says a lot.

We also took the time to explore the hidden gems of Bormes-les-Mimosas and Le Lavandou. Narrow winding streets, bustling market stalls, colourful houses, charming little squares and shady corners—everywhere we went, we felt that unmistakable Mediterranean atmosphere. Wandering without a plan, browsing local shops, picking up a souvenir here and stopping to admire the view there was all part of the experience.
One evening, we treated ourselves to a memorable dinner at Les Tamaris in Le Lavandou. Just a ten-minute bike ride from Camp du Domaine, the restaurant sits opposite Plage de Saint-Clair, one of the area's most beautiful beaches.
There, we enjoyed a bouillabaisse that none of us will forget any time soon. For our teenagers, it was their very first taste of this iconic Mediterranean speciality, and they loved it. It was one of those evenings where everything came together perfectly: delicious food, sea views and wonderful family time.

One of the things we appreciated most about Camp du Domaine was that, even after our daily excursions, our teenagers always found something new to do. They had plenty of opportunities to stay active, try different activities and meet other young people.
One of the highlights for them was the football tournament organised at the campsite. It was a great way to make new friends, and before long, they were bumping into some of the same people again on the beach later in the day.
Football was only the beginning. For the first time, they also tried archery. Their arrows did not always fly exactly where they had intended, and their aim provided us with plenty of laughs, but their enthusiasm was infectious. Watching them challenge themselves, discover new skills and grow in confidence was a joy.
Moments like these are what make a stay at a well-equipped campsite so memorable. There is always something new to experience, whatever your age.

Our time at Camp du Domaine seemed to fly by. Three days filled with sunshine, the sea, nature and unforgettable family adventures passed much too quickly.

This really is a little oasis, far removed from everyday life, where everything comes together perfectly: relaxation, outdoor activities, fresh sea air and quality time as a family. Even while packing up to leave, we already knew we would be back.

Our teenagers would have happily stayed longer to try even more activities, from paddleboarding to the many other watersports available. That will definitely have to wait until our next visit.

There is still so much we would like to explore in the surrounding area: Fort de Brégançon, the picturesque vineyards and the Massif des Maures, the Hyères salt marshes and the coastal town of La Londe-les-Maures. All of these places are within around 30 minutes of the campsite, making the region an endless source of new experiences.

But if there is one memory that will stay with me above all the others, it is the sunrise over the Mediterranean. Some moments simply stay with you forever.

 
Anonymous interview conducted by the Camping Direct editorial team following a Whitsun stay at Camp du Domaine on a camping pitch booked through Camping Direct.