Renowned for their unparalleled sense of style, the French have long been synonymous with fashion excellence. Whether it's the effortless allure of Parisian chic or the captivating charm of the sun-soaked Riviera, French fashion is an integral part of the nation's identity.
At the heart of this sartorial legacy stand iconic French fashion houses, seamlessly woven into the country's cultural fabric and social tapestry. From haute couture ateliers in Paris to lesser-known gems nestled in various corners of France, each city boasts a unique contribution to the world of high fashion.
While Paris unquestionably takes centre stage as the ultimate destination for dedicated fashionistas, a treasure trove of fashion history is waiting to be discovered beyond the City of Lights.
To coincide with the release of The New Look on Apple TV+,an incredible true story of how Europe's fashion icons Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Pierre Balmain and Cristóbal Balenciaga navigated the horrors of World War II and launched modern fashion,we delve into the rich history of French haute couture alongside a few fabulous campsites for an immersive travel experience.
Quite simply, Paris is the epicentre of French fashion.
There are several fabulous fashion museums, including the Palais Galliera, the Museum of Fashion and Textiles at the Louvre and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
If you time your trip right, you could also soak up some of the prestigious Paris Fashion Week. Held twice a year, usually in February/March and September/October, this annual celebration of cutting-edge fashion attracts designers, models and fashion enthusiasts from around the globe.
Of course, all the most prestigious brands have flagship stores in the capital. From Louis Vuitton to Chanel, Dior and Givenchy, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to the latest fashion trends.
Where to camp nearby
Camping Paris EstFrance, Paris/Ile de France, Val-de-Marne, Champigny-sur-Marne
This site is on flat land beside the River Marne with 450 pitches, 76 of which are occupied by mobile homes and chalets to rent. The 220 touring pitches are on gravel and are separated by hedges. All have electricity (10A) but water has to be fetched from the toilet blocks except for the 32 serviced pitches which have taps and waste water points. There is also a large area of grass pitches for camping where there are water points but no electricity. It is very much a short-stay site and it can be noisy late at night with groups staying here, although it appears to be well run.
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Camping de ParisFrance, Paris/Ile de France, Paris
Included in our guides:
2019
A busy site and the only one within Paris, set in a wooded area between the Seine and the Bois de Boulogne. The site is quite extensive but nevertheless becomes very full with many international visitors, with noise well into the night, despite the rules. There are 459 pitches of varying size (including mobile homes) of which 313 are marked, with electricity (10A), water, drainage and TV aerial connections. An improvement and development programme including a new toilet block and restaurant was carried out during the winter of 2014/15. Reservations are made for pitches – if not booked, arrive early in season (mornings).
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Louis Vuitton
Established in 1854, the brand is renowned for its innovative trunks and bags, and its commitment to craftsmanship. Louis Vuitton's iconic monogram canvas (created to combat counterfeiting) has become one of luxury fashion's most recognisable symbols.
The brand's ongoing dedication to artisanal excellence is exemplified by its atelier and gallery space in Asnières-sur-Seine, where special orders are meticulously crafted.
While in the capital, don't miss Louis Vuitton's iconic store on the Champs-Élysées. While there isn't a museum specifically dedicated to the brand, the Fondation Louis Vuitton (designed by Frank Gehry) in Bois de Boulogne is a Parisian architectural marvel hosting cutting-edge art exhibitions.
Chanel
A true Parisian institution, Chanel was launched in 1910 by Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel.
Known for timeless classics like the Little Black Dress, Chanel No. 5 fragrance and the Chanel suit, the brand has left an inimitable mark on fashion not just in France but around the globe.
The brand's flagship store on Rue Cambon in Paris (where Coco Chanel once lived) remains a symbol of elegance and luxury. The brand also occasionally hosts exhibitions on its history and designs from the store — a must-see for any budding fashion historians.
Lanvin
Lanvin is one of the oldest French fashion houses still in operation. Founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin, the brand gained recognition for its intricate mother-and-daughter designs.
After beginning her career as a milliner in 1885, Jeanne took inspiration from her daughter Marguerite and launched a children's clothing collection.
She acquired premises at 22 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré eight years later – where a boutique remains. The brand went from strength to strength, and Jeanne later opened shops in Biarritz, Cannes, Le Touquet and Deauville.
While Lanvin has evolved over the years, it's maintained its commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. Interestingly, the brand is also credited with introducing the first sportswear collection in 1923.
A stunning town on the Normandy coast (known as the "Monaco of the North"), Granville enjoys beautiful views over the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. Perhaps it was panoramic vistas like this that inspired Granville's most famous son, Christian Dior.
There's a museum dedicated to Dior's luxurious and feminine designs (reopening in Spring 2024), a quaint fishing port, walks around the headland, cobbled medieval streets and opportunities for sailing around the coast.
Founded by Christian Dior in 1946, the house of Dior revolutionised post-war fashion by introducing the "New Look". Despite Dior's Normandy roots, the brand's first runway show in 1947 was held at 30 Avenue Montaigne, Paris, its current headquarters.
Where to camp nearby
Camping l’ErmitageFrance, Normandy, Manche, Donville-les-Bains
Camping l’Ermitage is in a pleasant and friendly setting, ideal for a stopover or short/long-term stay in Donville-les-Bains, Normandy. Located in the department of La Manche the site is a family establishment that offers many assets, including direct and quick access to the beach, ideal for staying with family, friends and enjoying the pleasures of holidays by the sea. The site is just a few steps from Granville, also nicknamed the “Monaco of the North” and facing an exceptional panorama north of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. Your holiday here will be 50 metres from a beautiful sandy beach where you could spend unforgettable moments with family or friends or go fishing on the coast which has the highest tides in Europe. The site has 300 pitches, of which 197 are for touring units with 10-amp hook-up point, 110 are occupied by seasonal mobile-homes and the rest are used by 3 mobile homes and safari tents available to hire
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Château de Lez EauxFrance, Normandy, Manche, Saint Aubin des préaux
Included in our guides:
2024, 2023, 2022, 2018
Set in the grounds of a château, Castel Camping le Château de Lez Eaux lies in a rural situation just off the main route south, under two hours from Cherbourg. Of the 134 touring pitches, all with electricity (10A, Europlug) and 90 with water and drainage. Most of the pitches are good-sized, partly separated by trees and shrubs on flat or slightly sloping, grassy ground overlooking Normandy farmland and a small fishing lake.
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Biarritz, a coastal city famed for its opulence and elegance, sits on the southwestern shores of France.
Biarritz is also historically significant for the high-fashion superbrand Chanel. Its founder, Coco Chanel, opened one of her first boutiques here in 1915.
The city's reputation as a retreat for France's fashionable elite (particularly during the pre-war "Belle Epoque") played a pivotal role in establishing Chanel as a prominent fashion house.
Today, Biarritz is still glitzy, but it's also a surfer's paradise known as "Little California", with several stunning beaches and an exciting contemporary art gallery. What's not to love?
Where to camp nearby
Camping BiarritzFrance, Aquitaine, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Biarritz
Included in our guides:
2019, 2018
Nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, this campsite in the heart of the Basque country, is ideally placed for you to visit Biarritz and experience all this culture-rich region has to offer. Biarritz Camping is just over 2km from the centre of town, only 700m from the sandy beach, and offers 82 pitches to campers. Pitches are large and partially in shade with electricity (10A) available. There are also mobile homes and bungalow tents available to rent. A bar serving snacks and takeaway food is on site and you'll find restaurants and cafés in easy walking distance. A shop on site sells essentials and fresh bread daily. Activities on site include petanque, table tennis and a children's playground as well as evening entertainment during July and August. Nearby, there is a surf school on the beach, an equestrian centre, golf and a number of thalassotherapy spas which have been popular in Biarritz for nearly 200 years.
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Lyon has long been associated with silk production, earning the nickname the "Silk Capital" of France.
Indeed, the city played a crucial role in the silk trade during the Renaissance and well into the twentieth century. In 2021, this history was celebrated with a show dedicated to the city's silk workshops at the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris. It detailed the pioneering designer's work with seven Lyon-based textile firms.
Today, Lyon is still recognised for its silk industry, with silk museums and winding historical traboules showcasing its silk-making heritage. Don't miss the Textile and Fabric Museum while you're there, displaying over 2,000 years of textile history.
Where to camp nearby
Camping de LyonFrance, Rhône Alpes, Rhône, Dardilly
Included in our guides:
2024
This is a short stay, city site just off the A6 autoroute and within easy reach of Lyon centre. Kept busy with overnight trade, the reception and the café (in July and August) is open until quite late. There are 159 separate numbered plots, all with 6/10A electricity, and 140 of these also provide water and waste water drainage. Those for caravans and motorhomes are mostly on hardstandings on a slight slope, while those for tents are on a flatter grass area. All have shade.
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Although better known as the brief home of Vincent Van Gogh, Arles is also the birthplace of Christian Lacroix.
Launched in 1987, Lacroix created extravagant and theatrical designs. Known for his vibrant use of colour and eclectic patterns, Lacroix's work defied convention with its flamboyant and fun aesthetic. Notable creations include "le pouf" (a short puffball skirt), floral rose prints, theatrical corsets and crinolines.
While critics initially complained Lacroix didn't understand the clothing that "working women" required, the brand went from strength to strength. In 1989, Lacroix launched a range of bags, jewellery, glasses, ties, scarves and shoes, alongside new boutiques in Arles, Aix-en-Provence, Paris and Toulouse. There's still a boutique in Arles today, at 52 Rue de la République.
Where to camp nearby
Huttopia FontvieilleFrance, Provence, Bouches du Rhône, Fontvieille
Formerly known as Camping Municipal les Pins, peace and quiet amongst the pines is the order of the day at Huttopia Fontvieille. The pitches are all slightly sloping and are separated by hedges. Of the 148 pitches, 57 have electricity (6A), water and waste water points, a further 30 have electricity only. Reception is bright and cheerful with ample tourist information. Try not to arrive during the lunch break as it is forbidden to go on site when reception is closed. There is no shop, but the very pretty, floral village of Fontvieille is 15 minutes away via a forest track. The supermarket is small but adequate.
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Camping de la ChapeletteFrance, Provence, Bouches du Rhône, Saint Martin-de-Crau
Camping de la Chapelette is located in the heart of Provence at Saint-Martin-de-Crau, just 8.1 miles away from Arles and 12.4 miles away from Les Baux-de-Provence. Whilst staying here you will have the opportunity to picnic in a park shaded by hundred-year-old plane trees. Fishing is available nearby (with permit). Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. The Arles Train Station and Les Alpilles mountains are 15 minutes away. A children’s playground and activities are available at the site including volleyball, table tennis and boules.
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Grasse, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, is renowned as the world's perfume capital.
The city has a long history of cultivating flowers for fragrance and remains a hub for producing high-quality perfumes. Chanel still grows the "Mai de Rose" at Grasse (used for their No. 5 fragrance) while Dior set up a laboratory in the town, Les Fontaines Parfumées.
Historic perfumiers such as Galimard, Molinard and Fragonard are still in operation in the town, all offering factory tours and workshops. And if that wasn't enough, finish your visit with a trip to the Musée International de la Parfumerie, a museum dedicated to the history, manufacturing and culture surrounding luxury perfume.
Where to camp nearby
Camping le Parc des MongesFrance, Côte d’Azur, Alpes-Maritimes, Auribeau-sur-Siagne
This small and delightful, family run site is set amongst small trees and oleander hedges that give welcome shade. There are 40 level and grassy touring pitches each with electricity (4/6/10A). Some are on the banks of the Siagne river which provides excellent fishing. A small number of chalets and mobile homes are available for rent. In high season, activities are organised for children and adults, both on site and in the surrounding hills. The swimming pool and pleasant snack bar make a welcome relaxation point after a day exploring nearby Cannes. A regular bus service stops just outside the campsite.
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Camping Caravaning les Gorges du LoupFrance, Côte d’Azur, Alpes-Maritimes, Le Bar-sur-Loup
Les Gorges du Loup is situated on a steep hillside above Grasse. The one-kilometre lane which leads to the site is narrow with passing places. Around 70 pitches are on level terraces (all with electricity 6/10A), shaded by oak and olive trees, some of which are several hundred years old. Some pitches are only suitable for tents and the site roads are quite steep but the very friendly and enthusiastic owners, who speak a little English, can provide 4x4 assistance. A quiet family site, there is no organised entertainment here. There are stunning views over the Gorges du Loup and Gourdon — a hilltop village, recognised as one of the most beautiful in France.
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OK, so it's pretty near to Paris, but what fashion tour of France would be complete without a stop at Versailles?
The opulent Palace of Versailles was pivotal in shaping French fashion during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Here, the luxurious court of Louis XIV set the stage for elaborate and extravagant fashion trends.
Versailles' influence on French fashion continues to be celebrated and referenced in modern design. To name just a few, Louis Vuitton's Spring 2018 collection, Christian Dior's autumn 2014 looks, and Christian Lacroix's 2008 runway show all took inspiration from "Versailles style".
So why not pay haute couture homage and witness Versailles for yourself?
Where to camp nearby
Huttopia VersaillesFrance, Paris/Ile de France, Yvelines, Versailles
Included in our guides:
2023
Huttopia sites are rather different; when the French owners visited Canada and experienced ‘back to nature’ camping, they were so impressed that they decided to introduce the idea to France.
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Planning your own high-fashion French adventure?
From Paris's haute couture ateliers to the coastal retreats inspiring iconic designers, these stunning locations have left their mark on the ever-evolving world of French style.
If you're exploring France's rich fashion history, there's no better way to do it than camping. Take a look at our full list of Alan Rogers campsites in France and start your adventure today.
The New Look is now streaming on Apple TV+. Watch the trailer below.
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