Starting a Campsite or Glamping Business in France: What You Need to Know

For many people dreaming of a new life in France, the idea of running a campsite, glamping retreat, or yurt business is incredibly appealing.

Picture peaceful countryside, happy holidaymakers, and a lifestyle that blends outdoor living with running your own business. It’s a popular route, and for good reason.

But before you start planning your pitches or installing yurts, it’s important to understand one key thing: planning permission in France is not straightforward, and success is never guaranteed.

Here’s what you need to know before taking the leap.

Understanding the Planning System in France

One of the first things to get your head around is how planning works.

In France, planning decisions are largely made at a local level. This means each commune has significant control over what is allowed within its boundaries.

However, if there is no local planning framework in place, national rules apply instead.

Local Planning Rules: The First Place to Check

Most communes operate under one of the following planning frameworks:

• PLU (Plan Local d’Urbanisme) 

• POS (Plan d’Occupation des Sols) 

• Carte Communale (CC) 

The PLU is the most detailed and commonly used. It divides land into zones such as:

• Agricultural 

• Residential 

• Commercial 

• Natural or protected areas 

Each zone has its own rules about what can and cannot be done.

This is crucial because many local plans specifically prohibit camping or leisure-based developments in certain areas.

Before buying any land or property, you must check these rules carefully. What looks like the perfect site may not be permitted for your intended use.

National Rules: When Local Plans Don’t Exist

If a commune does not have a local plan, national regulations apply. These are known as RNU (Règlement National d’Urbanisme).

Under RNU, planning decisions are based on factors such as:

• Existing land use nearby 

• Distance from towns or villages 

• Impact on the environment 

• Public health and safety 

• Noise and visual impact 

One of the most important factors is proximity to built-up areas. The further your land is from a village or town, the less likely it is to be approved for development.

Key Questions to Ask Before You Buy

If you are considering purchasing land or a property for a campsite or glamping business, there are some essential questions to ask yourself.

Would you still buy it without planning permission?

This is a big one.

If your entire plan depends on running a campsite, you should protect yourself by including a suspensive clause in the purchase contract. This makes the sale conditional on obtaining planning permission.

Without this, you risk owning land you cannot use as intended.

How many pitches do you need?

The size of your project has a major impact on planning.

Small sites are generally easier to approve. But once you go beyond 6 pitches, the regulations become more complex and more restrictive.

You need to balance your business goals with what is realistically achievable from a planning perspective.

What about drainage and utilities?

You will need to demonstrate that your site has:

• Adequate water supply 

• Electricity (if you plan to offer hook-ups) 

• Waste management and drainage systems 

If mains drainage is not available, you will need a septic system. This must meet strict standards and can be costly.

A lack of infrastructure is one of the main reasons planning applications are refused.

What facilities will you provide?

Your plans should include all intended facilities, such as:

• Shower and toilet blocks 

• Outdoor kitchens or communal areas 

• Electricity points for pitches 

You also need to ensure that the local infrastructure can support your plans. If not, you may be required to fund upgrades, which can significantly increase costs.

“Camping à la Ferme”: A Simpler Option

If you are looking to start small, the “camping à la ferme” model may be worth considering.

This allows:

• Up to 6 pitches 

• A maximum of 19 guests at any one time 

Planning is generally more favourable for this type of project. However, recent regulations may still require an environmental impact assessment, or confirmation that one is not needed.

Access and Practical Considerations

Access is another critical factor.

Your site must have:

• Safe and suitable vehicle access 

• Enough space for vehicles to turn and manoeuvre 

If access is limited or unsafe, your application is unlikely to succeed.

Public Access Buildings and Regulations (ERP)

If your site includes buildings that guests will use, such as:

• Shower blocks 

• Games rooms 

• Communal areas 

These fall under ERP (Établissements Recevant du Public) regulations.

This means:

• Fire safety standards must be met 

• Disabled access must be provided 

• Additional documentation is required 

This adds both time and cost to your project, so it is important to factor it in early.

Buying an Existing Campsite

Buying an established site can seem like an easier route, but it still requires careful checks.

You need to confirm:

• All planning permissions are in place 

• ERP regulations have been met 

• The site is operating legally 

If you plan to expand the site, for example by adding more pitches, you may need to submit a new planning application, which could include an environmental impact study.

What About Swimming Pools?

If you plan to include a pool on your site, there are additional rules.

• Temporary above-ground pools usually do not require permission 

• In-ground pools almost always do 

• Safety and filtration systems must meet strict standards 

All of this must be included in your planning application.

Outline vs Full Planning Permission

There are two key stages in the planning process.

Outline Permission (CU – Certificat d’Urbanisme)

This provides an initial indication of whether your project is feasible.

• Requires limited documentation 

• Valid for 18 months 

• Does not allow construction 

It is useful, but not a guarantee of final approval.

Full Planning Permission

This is where things become more detailed.

Depending on your project, this could be:

• Permis d’Aménager (PA) 

• Déclaration Préalable (DP) 

• Permis de Construire (PC) 

This stage requires full plans, drawings, and supporting documents, including ERP details where relevant.

Approval allows you to proceed with your project and is typically valid for three years.

Registering Your Business

Once your project is approved, you will need to register your business in France.

This is usually done through the local Chambre de Commerce.

Common options include:

• Micro-entreprise (self-employed) 

• Limited company structures 

It is highly recommended to work with an accountant, especially if you are unfamiliar with the French system.

Typical setup costs:

• Around €500 for self-employed status 

• Around €3,000 for a company 

If your turnover exceeds approximately €33,000 per year, you will also need to register for VAT (TVA).

Once registered, you will be part of the French system and eligible for healthcare, including receiving your Carte Vitale.

Final Thoughts

Starting a campsite or glamping business in France can be an incredibly rewarding lifestyle and business opportunity.

But it is not as simple as buying land and putting up a few tents or yurts.

Planning rules are detailed, location matters enormously, and the process requires careful thought and preparation.

If you take the time to understand the regulations, ask the right questions, and get the right advice early on, you will give yourself the best possible chance of success.

And with the right foundations in place, you can turn that dream of a French outdoor lifestyle into a reality.

For more advice on the right kind of planning requirement, chat with our expert Tom from French Plans, to get a clear idea on what you need: https://link.samai.app/widget/form/Tjm4Md98VVVm4t96gavq