French Tourism Code

Developed camping and caravanning sites are intended to accommodate tents, caravans, mobile leisure homes and light leisure dwellings. They consist of bare pitches or pitches equipped with one of these facilities, as well as communal facilities. They are operated on a permanent or seasonal basis and are open to customers who do not take up residence there. They must have internal regulations drawn up in accordance with the standard model…

The development of campsites or caravan parks is subject to the impact study defined in article R. 122-5 of the Environment Code, when this is required in application of articles R. 122-2 and R. 122-3 of the same code.

The opening of a serviced camping and caravanning site may only be authorised if it is located in a healthy area and on condition that the facilities comply at least with those determined by the decrees mentioned in article D. 332-1.

The rules relating to the development of a campsite and the installation of caravans are set out in articles R. 111-32 to R. 111-35 and R. 111-47 to R. 111-50, R. * 421-19 et R. * 421-23 du code de l’urbanisme.

Article R. 480-7 of the French Town Planning Code sets out the rules governing restrictions and prohibitions applicable to campsites.

Information, warning and evacuation requirements to ensure the safety of occupants of land located in the zones referred to in article R. * 443-9 of the town planning code are set out in articles R. 125-15 to R. 125-22 of the environment code.

Prefects may, by decree, impose special equipment and operating standards for protection against fire hazards and major natural and technological risks. In certain areas of classified resorts, prefects may only authorise serviced camping and caravanning sites classified as at least “2-star” in accordance with article D. 332-1.

The rules relating to the inspection of sites developed for camping and those on which caravans are located, when they are situated in areas subject to a foreseeable natural or technological risk, are set by the article R. * 443-12 du code de l’urbanisme hereafter reproduced: “R. * 443-12 – The following are authorised to inspect, even unannounced, camping sites and sites where caravans have been or should have been…

With the exception of the persons mentioned in article R. 443-12 of the French Town Planning Code, no one may enter a serviced camping and caravanning site and settle there without the agreement of the site manager or his representative. No-one may remain on the site unless they comply with the site rules.

Except in cases covered by article 432-8 of the French Penal Code, opening or entering a tent, caravan or camping shelter without the permission of its owner or user is punishable by a fifth-class fine.