France is dotted with spa towns-some well-known, others totally underrated-and many of them are surrounded by gorgeous countryside. That means you can pitch your tent (or park your van), soak in healing waters, then fall asleep to the sound of the wind in the trees. If that sounds like your kind of plan, check out https://www.faire-du-camping.fr, a handy site listing campsites near thermal spas all across the country. Super useful when you don’t feel like hunting down info for hours.

1. Bagnères-de-Bigorre (Hautes-Pyrénées) – For Mountain Air Lovers

First up : the Pyrenees. If you love big skies, hiking trails, and steaming hot pools with mountain views, Bagnères-de-Bigorre is a gem. The Grands Thermes here have that old-school spa charm, but the treatments are seriously top-notch-think rheumatism, circulation, and respiratory stuff. There’s a campsite just a few minutes’ walk from the center, surrounded by trees and birdsong. Bonus : the local cheese is ridiculously good.

2. Dax (Landes) – Chill Vibes and Natural Mud

Okay, Dax surprised us. We didn’t expect much-flat landscape, big town-but wow, the thermal culture here is *intense*. People come from all over for mud wraps and serious spa routines. But don’t worry, it’s not all medical. You can also just dip into the warm waters, wander through the parks, and relax at one of the nearby campsites under the pines. If you’re into cycling, the Landes region is paradise : flat, shady trails for miles.

3. Mont-Dore (Auvergne) – Volcano Views and Sulfur Baths

Camping near an extinct volcano and soaking in sulfur-rich waters ? Yes please. Mont-Dore is in the heart of Auvergne, and it’s got this wild, slightly mystical energy. The spa architecture is beautiful (a bit Belle Époque), and the surrounding forests are made for hiking. The nearby campsite is cozy, with views of the Sancy massif and even a few thermal footbaths if you’re lucky. It’s chill, it’s scenic, and honestly-your lungs will thank you.

4. Lamalou-les-Bains (Hérault) – Small Town, Big Relax

Looking for a quieter, less touristy spot ? Lamalou-les-Bains is tiny but lovely. Located in the Parc Naturel du Haut-Languedoc, it’s surrounded by hills, forests, and little rivers. The spa specializes in neuromuscular treatments, but again-you don’t need a prescription to enjoy the benefits. There’s a local campsite just outside town that’s simple, friendly, and super peaceful. Morning birdsong, evening crickets, and lots of stars. What else do you need ?

5. Aix-les-Bains (Savoie) – Lake, Mountains, and Class

If you like your spa with a side of elegance, Aix-les-Bains delivers. Nestled between Lake Bourget and the Alps, it’s a classic French thermal destination. Yes, it’s a bit fancier than the others, but camping nearby is totally doable. There are a couple of excellent sites by the lake, where you can swim, paddleboard, or just lie on a towel with a book. Then walk into town for your treatments-or a glass of chilled Savoie white. Your call.

Quick Tips Before You Go

• Booking ahead is smart, especially during spring and autumn (spa high season).
• Check if the campsite offers shuttle services to the spa-some do, and it’s a real plus.
• Look into spa passes or “mini-cure” packages if you’re not doing a full three-week cure.
• Bring flip-flops, a bathing cap, and a light robe-many spas require them.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, camping near a thermal spa is kind of the best of both worlds. You get to unplug, breathe fresh air, and still treat your body to something special. It’s not just for retirees (even if they’re often the first to discover these gems). Whether you’re road-tripping, traveling with the family, or just need a break from city life-it’s worth checking out.

So, next time you’re scrolling through weekend getaway ideas, ask yourself : hot springs or hotel ? Or better… tent and thermal bath ?

1. Comporta, Portugal – A Wild Vibe an Hour from Lisbon

Comporta is like that friend who doesn’t try too hard, but ends up being the coolest in the room. Just 90 minutes south of Lisbon, this stretch of Atlantic coast feels raw and real. Think pine forests, rice fields, and long, flat beaches where you can walk for twenty minutes without seeing another soul.

It’s not the cheapest spot in Portugal, but if you go mid-season (May or late September), it’s magic. The sand squeaks under your feet, there’s barely a building in sight, and the seafood rice at a tiny shack like Sal or Ilha do Arroz? Worth the trip alone.

2. Ksamil, Albania – The “Before Everyone Gets There” Gem

Albania’s coast is getting attention — but Ksamil still flies under most people’s radar. Located near the Greek border, this tiny village offers crystal clear waters that honestly remind you of the Maldives (minus the price tag).

Avoid July-August if you really want peace. June and September are perfect. Rent a kayak, head out to the little islets offshore, and enjoy having a private beach for an afternoon. It’s the kind of place you hesitate to post about, just to keep it secret a bit longer.

3. Saleccia Beach, Corsica – A Beach You Have to Earn

This one’s not easy to reach, and that’s exactly why it stays calm. Saleccia Beach in northern Corsica is gorgeous — white sand, turquoise water, no big resorts. But to get there, you’ll need to hike, 4×4, or take a small boat from Saint-Florent.

Once you arrive? Silence. Maybe a few wild cows if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on your picnic plans). No rows of umbrellas, no bars. Just the sound of the Mediterranean and a sense that you’ve gone off-grid — but in a good way.

4. Vama Veche, Romania – Bohemian and Barefoot

Looking for something with more character than comfort? Vama Veche might be your place. This little beach town on the Black Sea is quirky, a bit rough around the edges, but full of chill vibes and no judgment.

You’ll find acoustic guitar jams at sunset, cheap fresh fish, and hammocks between the dunes. The beach isn’t pristine in a luxury sense, but it has soul. Definitely not for party-seekers or those who want polished resorts — and that’s the point.

5. Tjøme, Norway – When You Want Silence, Not Sunburn

Okay, hear me out. Norway. Yes, it’s cold. But in July, Tjøme — a peninsula south of Oslo — gets sunny, green, and oddly Mediterranean… without the madness. Locals call it “the summer island,” but even in peak season, you’ll find quiet rocky coves and zero stress.

Pack a picnic, rent a bike, explore the coast. The water might be chilly, but the silence? Absolutely perfect. And the light — especially around 10pm in summer — is unreal.

Need the sea, but not the crowd?

If you’ve been burned (literally and figuratively) by tourist-packed beaches, these five spots might just restore your faith in seaside travel. None are totally “secret” — what is, these days? — but they all offer space, calm, and a different rhythm. So, which one are you adding to your list?