Esterel Caravaning or Au Paradis des Campeurs: which campsite to choose on the French Riviera?
Two French Riviera campsites, two opposite holidays. Esterel Caravaning, in Agay (Saint-Raphaël), is a large 5-star resort tucked into the hills of the Esterel massif — lively and spectacular: water park, kids’ clubs, evening shows, with the beach 3 km away. Au Paradis des Campeurs, in Les Issambres, is a welcoming 4-star campsite: calm, leafy, open all year, dog-friendly, a 2-minute walk from La Gaillarde beach. The right choice depends on the holiday you’re after.
| Criterion | Au Paradis des Campeurs (Les Issambres, 4★) |
Esterel Caravaning (Agay / Saint-Raphaël, 5★) |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Nature campsite, 7 ha | Large hillside resort, 19 ha |
| Atmosphere | Calm, intimate, leafy | Lively, festive, water park |
| Open | All year round | Seasonal (28 March to 26 September) |
| Beach access | La Gaillarde beach, a 2-minute walk | Agay beach 3 km away (bike, bus or car) |
| Accommodation | Sea-view lodges (spa or private pool by category), mobile homes, pods | Mobile homes (up to private pool), XXL pitches with private hot tub |
| Bare pitches (tent, van, motorhome) | Yes | Caravan & motorhome (no size limit); no tents |
| Shared swimming pool | No | Yes — water park (5 pools, slides) |
| Activities & kids’ clubs | No | Yes — 3 clubs (3 months-17 yrs), shows |
| On-site dining | Azéa restaurant (panoramic sea view), snack bar, grocery | Les Suds restaurant (Maître Restaurateur), bakery, grocery, bar |
| Dogs | Welcome — dog beach 100 m away + forest | Accepted, no breed restriction; beach 3 km away |
| Environmental commitment | Green Key label (local timber, composter provided) | 100% solar electricity; site in a Natura 2000 area |
| Beach & swimming quality | Clear, calm water and peaceful swimming — ~4 km from the harbour, no jet-skis or towed buoys off the beach | Sandy beach of Agay bay, framed by the Esterel’s red rocks — 3 km from the campsite |
| Sunrise, sunset & views | Rolling, open site — both sunrise and sunset; views over the Esterel and Le Dramont from the beach | Set high in the Esterel massif (Natura 2000 area) — panoramic views over the massif |
| Bikes / car-free / train | Bike rental (city, electric, mountain) — free for the whole stay if you arrive by train; bus line 876, “la Gaillarde” stop 50 m away | Regional Varlib bus at the campsite entrance (beaches, Saint-Raphaël, station); Saint-Raphaël-Valescure TGV station 8 km away; electric mountain-bike rental |
| Terrain | Flat, by the sea | Hilly, terraced (steep gradients) |
| Ideal for | Couples, families & independent campers seeking calm and nature | Families wanting a large lively resort with a water park |
| 2026 rates | Pitch rates · Accommodation rates | Upmarket 5★ resort |
Two campsites, two philosophies
Au Paradis des Campeurs
A human-scale 4-star campsite of 7 hectares, built for rest. Sea-view lodges with spa or private pool, mobile homes, pods and real pitches for independent campers — all right by the sea, on flat ground, with no entertainment or loudspeakers. Clear, calm water and peaceful swimming, a 2-minute walk away.
- Open all year round
- La Gaillarde beach, a 2-minute walk
- Green Key label since 2020
- Dog beach 100 m away + forest
Esterel Caravaning
A 5-star resort of 19 hectares up in the hills of the Esterel massif, in Agay. Water park, kids’ and teens’ clubs, evening shows, an award-winning restaurant and XXL pitches with private hot tubs: the address for families who want entertainment and high comfort, 3 km from the beach.
- Water park (5 pools, slides)
- Kids’ & teens’ clubs (3 months-17 yrs)
- XXL pitches with private hot tub
- Open 28 March to 26 September
Where are the two campsites?
Both campsites line the same French Riviera, but in two different areas: Au Paradis des Campeurs in Les Issambres, right by the sea on the Fréjus / Sainte-Maxime side; Esterel Caravaning in Agay, up in the hills of the Esterel massif, about 3 km from the beach of Agay bay. Allow around thirty minutes’ drive between the two (≈ 19 km).
How to choose between them?
Are you after calm or entertainment?
For a water park, kids’ clubs and evening shows, choose Esterel Caravaning. To sleep in peace, right by the sea, with no music or entertainment — and clear, calm water and peaceful swimming a 2-minute walk away — choose Au Paradis des Campeurs.
Travelling with a dog?
Both campsites welcome dogs. Au Paradis des Campeurs adds the forest right next door and a dog-friendly beach 100 m away, both reachable on foot. At Esterel Caravaning, all breeds are accepted, but the beach is 3 km away.
Travelling out of season?
Au Paradis des Campeurs is open all year round; Esterel Caravaning closes from late September to late March.
Camping in a tent, van or motorhome?
Au Paradis des Campeurs offers real pitches for tents, vans, caravans and motorhomes. Esterel Caravaning welcomes caravans and motorhomes (even large ones), but does not accept tents.
See our accommodation See our pitches
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between Esterel Caravaning and Au Paradis des Campeurs?
Which campsite near Saint-Raphaël is open all year round?
Which campsite is closest to the beach?
Which campsite accepts dogs, and which has a dog beach?
Can you camp in a tent or with a large motorhome near Agay?