Conseils et astuces
In short: there is no “best” unusual accommodation in absolute terms, only the one best suited to what you want at the moment. Here is how to choose between a treehouse, a transparent bubble dome, a safari tent and the other most common formats from our selection of unusual campsites.
It is the most sought-after unusual accommodation, and the most represented in our selection of treehouses. Usually built between 2 and 8 metres above ground, it gives a real feeling of sleeping in the trees, with comfort ranging from very rustic (mattress, no electricity) to fully equipped versions with a bathroom and terrace. Choose it if you are looking to unplug and don’t mind climbing a ladder or stairs. Less suitable for young children or people with reduced mobility.
An inflatable or geodesic structure made of transparent fabric, the bubble dome lets you sleep under the stars while keeping a real bed and often a stove or supplementary heater. It is the accommodation most dependent on weather and season: it shows its full appeal on clear nights, outside the peak summer heat, as the greenhouse effect can make the inside stifling during the day. A good choice for a couple’s break rather than a family stay, as bubble domes are rarely designed for more than 2 to 4 people.
On stilts or a wooden floor, with a stretched canvas, often fitted with proper bedding and sometimes an en-suite bathroom: the safari tent / lodge is the format closest to a conventional accommodation while keeping an unusual character. It is also often the largest in floor area, so it suits families or groups who want to try something unusual without giving up comfort.
These accommodations owe their charm to their history (traditional or travelling dwellings) more than to their architectural originality. The wooden caravan and the tipi are good choices for a first unusual stay: the sense of escape is real without being as radical as a treehouse or a bubble dome, and the space-to-price ratio is usually good.
Bivouac (a tent or hammock already set up on a dedicated pitch) and the barrel / pod are the entry-level formats of unusual camping, to favour if budget matters more than comfort. The trade-off: less indoor space, often without private sanitary facilities.
Three questions are usually enough to point you in the right direction: how many people (alone, as a couple, as a family)? What minimum level of comfort (electricity, private bathroom)? And in which season (a bubble dome in the middle of summer is not the same proposition as in September)? If you are still undecided, our camping quiz matches these criteria with your destination to suggest a personalised selection.
The safari tent / lodge is usually the format best suited to families, thanks to its more generous floor area and comfort close to a conventional accommodation. The treehouse can suit families with older children, provided access (ladder, height) is checked.
Bivouac and barrel / pod are usually the entry-level formats, with less space and fewer facilities than treehouses or safari tents.
Not always: the greenhouse effect can make the inside of a bubble dome uncomfortable in daytime heat. It shows its full appeal at night and for much of the year, but should be avoided during heatwaves without air conditioning.
Campsites marked “Partner” are Aimer Camper members and are shown first. All results match your search.