France 3 documentary celebrates a century of French camping

France 3 broadcast a documentary titled “Le Camping, un siècle de bonheur français” on 24 June 2026. The film traces camping’s evolution from aristocratic roots to its status as a popular French pastime, highlighting milestones such as the 1936 introduction of paid holidays that expanded outdoor vacations. Actors Karin Viard and Franck Dubosc provide narration, adding humor and historical context. Interviews with campers, campsite owners, journalists and researchers illustrate how technological improvements have turned camping into a more comfortable, sometimes luxurious, activity across regions from the Var to Brittany.

The documentary combines archival footage, personal photographs and on‑site reporting to showcase the social and cultural significance of camping in France, which now hosts around 7 000 sites and leads Europe in campsite numbers.