There seems to be a way to get the best of both worlds when visiting Paris (or the Loire, come to that!). There are numerous campsites around Paris, but many seem to be overwhelmed by young backpackers. A new idea has been developed called “Huttopia” at Versailles which is an environmentally friendly and peaceful retreat (“campsite” seems an inappropriate term). with a variety of log cabins, timber-clad purpose-built gypsy caravans, and novel ridge tents made from wood and canvas – all in the middle of a forest.
“Being a camper primarily means looking for a direct and simple relationship with nature; it is also the pursuit of a little adventure and total freedom only limited by the constraints of nature and the determination to find a certain authenticity contrasting with daily routine.Camping in the countryside…. being content with preserved comfort with more simplicity than at home, shopping at local markets, living without the phone or television on protected campsites in the heart of nature, just relaxing or going mountain-biking or canoeing… In a word, living simply and directly is what Huttopia offers you.”.
I adore Paris, but you have to admit it can be tiring, so being able to escape back to somewhere more in touch with nature sounds enticing – a chance to re-charge your batteries before another expedition into the city. And with the centre of Paris only 20 minutes or so away by RER Train – and Versailles only 5 minutes away – you really don’t have to miss anything!
There is another Huttopia in the Loire Valley between Angers and Tours by the lake at Rille (37 Indre et Loire, Centre).
For more info and to check availability at thie Versailles “campsite” see Huttopia
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