Contents
- The Atout France classification: How does it work?
- Lot sizes: measurable differences
- Sanitation facilities: where the disparities are most significant
- Shared Services and Amenities: More Comprehensive 5-Star Services
- Guest Services and Languages Spoken: A More International 5-Star Experience
- Digital Technology and Reservations: A Shared Standard
- Environmental Commitment: A Distinctive Feature of 5-Star Ratings
- In Summary: Summary Table
- 4 or 5 stars: Which one should you choose for your vacation?
The Atout France classification: How does it work?
The ranking of French campgrounds is issued by Atout France, France’s tourism development agency, based on an official evaluation grid. Each campground is inspected by an accredited organization that verifies, criterion by criterion, the site’s compliance.
The rating system distinguishes five categories, ranging from 1 to 5 stars. The 4- and 5-star categories correspond to high-end establishments, where the standards are significantly higher than those for 3-star properties. However, there are real differences between these two top categories, and they are worth examining in detail.
The evaluation grid assesses several dozen criteria grouped into broad categories: facilities, services, accessibility, environmental practices, and hospitality. Some criteria are mandatory, while others are optional but contribute to the overall score.
Lot sizes: measurable differences
This is one of the first criteria visible on-site. The average size of open campsites —those intended for tents, trailers, or RVs without permanent accommodations—is specified in the guidelines.
- At 4-star campsites, the average size of sites for motorhomes and travel trailers is set at 89 m².
- For 5-star campsites, this area increases to a minimum of 100 m², with sites that can be as large as 114 m² depending on the layout.
In practical terms, this difference means more privacy and living space around your home. Less crowding, more comfort in your daily life.
Sanitation facilities: where the disparities are most significant
This is undoubtedly the area where the differences between 4- and 5-star ratings are most pronounced. The standards impose additional requirements as the category increases.
Restrooms for Children and Infants
- In 4-star hotels, child-friendly toilets are required. Child-height sinks remain optional.
- In 5-star hotels, children’s sinks are required, as is a baby bathroom equipped with a bathtub and a changing table.
Thermal Comfort in Bathrooms
- In 4-star hotels, heating in the sink, shower, and toilet areas is optional.
- In a 5-star hotel, all three areas must be heated without exception.
Drying Laundry
- In 4-star hotels, a washing machine is required, but a dryer is optional.
- In 5-star hotels, both a washing machine and a dryer are required.
These additional requirements ensure a higher level of comfort and hygiene, which is especially appreciated during the off-season or when traveling with young children.
Shared Services and Amenities: More Comprehensive 5-Star Services
Both categories share a solid common foundation: a fully equipped sports field (tennis, volleyball, or similar), a bar open during the season, and on-site dining or a snack bar. These amenities are required for 4-star properties and above.
What sets a 5-star hotel apart is the consistency and quality of its services:
- The bar is open all season long, with no exceptions.
- The restaurant industry follows stricter standards.
- Common areas (swimming pool, relaxation area, playgrounds) are subject to additional requirements regarding size and equipment, proportional to the campground’s capacity.
Guest Services and Languages Spoken: A More International 5-Star Experience
This is a criterion that is often underestimated, but it is indicative of the overall level of service.
In 5-star hotels, the front desk staff must be fluent in at least three languages, including English (which is mandatory), compared to two mandatory languages in 4-star hotels. For international families or foreign travelers, this ensures smooth communication from the moment they arrive. The website must follow the same principle and be available in two and three languages, respectively.
Digital Technology and Reservations: A Shared Standard
In this regard, 4-star and 5-star properties are on equal footing: 24/7 online booking is mandatory in both categories. This criterion reflects changing consumer habits and the need to offer round-the-clock availability to vacationers, regardless of when they search for accommodations.
Environmental Commitment: A Distinctive Feature of 5-Star Ratings
This is one of the most telling indicators of how hotel standards have evolved.
- In 4-star hotels, the use of regional, organic, or fair-trade products is encouraged but remains optional.
- For 5-star properties, this requirement becomes mandatory. These establishments must include these products in their food service or grocery offerings.
This criterion reflects a broader philosophy: a 5-star campground is distinguished not only by its facilities, but also by a more responsible approach that is deeply rooted in its local community.
In Summary: Summary Table
4 or 5 stars: Which one should you choose for your vacation?
A 4-star campground already offers a high level of comfort and service: spacious sites, sports facilities, dining options, and bilingual staff. It’s a great choice for a comfortable vacation, offering excellent value for your stay.
A 5-star campground goes above and beyond in every aspect: larger spaces, heated restrooms suitable for all ages, trilingual staff, and a formal commitment to the local community. It’s designed for those who want a stay without compromise, where hotel-style comfort meets the freedom of the great outdoors.
In both cases, the Atout France certification guarantees that these commitments have been verified on-site by an independent organization —it is not simply a self-declaration.
Good to know: The rating is valid for five years. A campground may therefore display a star rating that is several years old. Feel free to check the date of the most recent rating directly with the campground.
Would you like to see these criteria put into practice? Discover the differences between Romanée’s 4- and 5-star campgrounds—properties that embody these standards through experiences rooted in their local regions.
Source: Classification Guidelines for Campgrounds and Residential Recreational Parks — Atout France.
Published on June 17, 2026