Holidays at a campsite in the off-season: why September and October are the best months
When the hustle and bustle of summer dies down and the start of the new school term clears the main roads, a new season begins for travellers. In September and October, the coast, the mountains and the countryside regain their natural rhythm. Going camping in the off-season means choosing to travel against the grain: temperatures remain mild, the countryside changes colour and life finally slows down.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, in a campervan, with friends or to work remotely in the countryside, discover why early autumn offers the ideal conditions for a stay at the intimate properties of the Pausado Group.
1. Mild weather, perfect for exploring the countryside without suffering from the heat
The summer heatwaves give way to bright, mild days. This is the perfect time of year for lovers of outdoor activities, cycle touring and walking.
- In the Luberon and the Alpilles: The hills can be explored on foot or by bike without the stifling heat of July. From the Camping Le Luberon in Apt, you have direct access to the routes of the Véloroute du Calavon and the trails through the ochre quarries. Just a few kilometres away, the Camping Les Chênes Blancs in Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt offers a wooded setting perfect for exploring the Regional Nature Reserve of the Luberon. Near the Alpilles, the Pegomas Campsite in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
allows you to set off straight away on foot towards the paths of the ridges, the olive groves and the ancient site of Glanum. Further east of the massif, the cliffs of Orgon at Camping La Vallée Heureuse welcome climbers and hikers at the foot of routes featuring minerals that are spectacular. - In Ardèche: The landscapes of volcanic origin and the forests of chestnut trees around of Ludo Camping in Lussas take on shades of tawny brown. A chance to go hiking on the Coiron plateau or to explore the Ardèche Gorges in a state of absolute tranquillity.
- Around Lake Léman and on the Côte Bleue: The gentle lake atmosphere can be enjoyed by bike from the Camping Le Relais du Léman to Messery. Along the Mediterranean coast, the Camping Les Tamaris in Martigues allows you to explore the Customs Officers’ Trail of the customs officers and the calanques of the Côte Bleue with a breeze from the sea that’s invigorating and water that’s still pleasant.
2. Swimming pools heated and swimming relaxing to make summer last longer
Travelling out of season doesn’t mean you have to give up the pleasures of the water. To ensure optimal thermal comfort when the mornings get cooler, the majority of campsites in Pausado keep their swimming pools are kept heated to a temperature of around 26°C.
After a day out, a quiet swim is one of those rituals we really enjoy:
- Swimming at a leisurely pace against the backdrop of the cliffs at La Vallée Happy.
- Heated pool beneath the pine forest at Camping Pegomas or at Chênes Blancs.
- Heated swimming pool at the Relais du Léman, ideal for alternating between Alpine walks and relaxing in the warmth.
The Léman Plage exception: the lake on the horizon
Located in Haute-Savoie, the Camping Le Léman Plage in Excenevex offers a different kind of experience: no swimming pool, but right by the water’s edge. In September, Excenevex’s famous natural sandy beach is free of its summer crowds. It’s the perfect base for visiting the neighbouring medieval villages of Yvoire and Nernier, listed amongst the most beautiful villages in France, on the shores of Lake Geneva.
3. Heritage sites and authentic villages, without the crowds
The off-season makes visiting cultural hotspots a whole new experience. Gone are the days of wasting time in traffic jams, packed car parks or endless queues.
In Arles, an unmissable destination for art and history, the Camping City places you right on the doorstep of the historic centre. You can explore the Roman amphitheatre, visit the photography exhibitions and stroll along the banks of the Rhône on foot or by bike, all with ease.
The same sense of tranquillity can be found in Provence’s most famous villages:
- Stroll through the shaded squares and savour the art of living in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence from the Camping Pegomas.
- Stroll amongst the colourful stalls at the farmers’ markets in Apt or Martigues, have a leisurely chat with local producers and savour the harvest or regional cuisine without the crowds.
4. Comparison table: Which Pausado campsite is best for your late-season holiday?
To help you choose the kind of atmosphere that suits your holiday plans for September–October:
| Establishment | Destination | Setting & Atmosphere | Swimming facilities | Top activities in the late season |
| Le Luberon Campsite | Apt (Vaucluse) | Hills, proximity to the town & ochre colours | Heated outdoor swimming pool | Cycling (the Calavon Cycle Route du), Apt market, hiking |
| Les Chênes Blancs Campsite | St-Saturnin-lès-Apt (Vaucluse) | Forest of oaks, very peaceful | Heated outdoor swimming pool | Unwinding, mountain biking, visiting hilltop villages |
| Camping Pegomas | Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (Bouches-du-Rhône) | A park full of flowers, with a Provençal family atmosphere | Heated outdoor swimming pool | Culture, a stroll through the village, ancient heritage |
| La Vallée Heureuse Campsite | Orgon (Bouches-du-Rhône) | Rocky cirque, unspoilt nature | Large heated swimming pool | Rock climbing, hiking in the Alpilles, a sense of tranquillity amidst the rocks |
| Camping City | Arles (Bouches-du-Rhône) | Urban & tree-lined, close to the town centre | Heated outdoor swimming pool | Art exhibitions, Roman monuments, walks in the Camargue |
| Les Tamaris Campsite | Martigues (Bouches-du-Rhône) | Sea view, rocky coves | Heated outdoor swimming pool | Coastal path, fishing, the picturesque harbours of Martigues |
| Le Ludo Camping | Lussas (Ardèche) | Valley green, foothills of the Ardèche | Heated outdoor swimming pool | Autumn walks, mountain biking, exploring charming villages |
| Le Léman Plage Campsite | Excenevex (Haute-Savoie) | Lakeside, sandy beach | Direct access to Excenevex beach | A visit to Yvoire and Nernier, stand-up paddleboarding, walks around the lakes |
| Le Relais du Léman Campsite | Messery (Haute-Savoie) | A 4-hectare wooded park | Heated outdoor swimming pool | Walks by the lake, cross-border visits, relaxation |
FAQ: Camping holidays in September and October
Are all the campsite facilities open in the off-season?
The vast majority of leisure facilities (temperate pools, reception areas, sports grounds) remain fully accessible. Some summer entertainment programmes come to an end, giving way to a calmer atmosphere that is ideal for relaxation.
Is the weather suitable for camping in a tent or a campervan?
Yes. In the south of France, as well as around Lake Geneva, daytime highs often range between 20°C and 25°C in September, and remain mild in the sunshine in October. Just remember to pack a light jumper for the cooler evenings and mornings.
Do you need to book your pitch or holiday accommodation in advance?
Although it is less busy than in the height of summer, the late season is popular with those seeking peace and quiet and with backpackers. Booking in advance via the campsite’s own website guarantees you the best pitch or mobile home at the most competitive rates.
Fancy a break in the countryside or by the water before winter sets in? Check availability and book your late-season holiday directly on the websites of the Pausado Group campsites.
