Planning a family camping holiday in the South of France? If you’re flying into Perpignan Airport, you’ve probably already discovered two of the most popular Eurocamp sites in the region: Camping L’Hippocampe and Camping Le Bois de Valmarie. This perpignan airport campsite comparison families guide is here to help you choose the right one — and to make sure you arrive there with zero stress.
Why This Comparison Matters for UK Families
Both campsites are firm favourites among UK families travelling from airports like Stansted, Birmingham and Leeds Bradford. They’re both within a short transfer of Perpignan Airport, both offer Eurocamp pre-pitched tents and mobile homes, and both are set near the stunning Argelès-sur-Mer coastline. So how do you choose?
The answer depends on what your family actually needs. Are you travelling with toddlers or teenagers? Do you want a lively waterpark atmosphere or something a little more relaxed? This guide breaks it down clearly so you can book with confidence.
If you’re also thinking about the transfer itself, take a look at our Perpignan Airport Transfer from UK guide — it covers everything families flying from Stansted, Birmingham and Leeds Bradford need to know before they land.
Camping L’Hippocampe: High Energy, Big Fun
L’Hippocampe is located just outside Argelès-sur-Mer, roughly 20 to 25 minutes from Perpignan Airport. It’s one of the largest and most feature-packed campsites in the area — and it shows.
What Families Love About L’Hippocampe
- Massive aquatic park with multiple pools, waterslides and a dedicated splash zone for younger children
- Packed entertainment schedule — kids’ clubs, evening shows and themed nights run all season
- Direct beach access or a very short walk to the sand
- On-site supermarket, restaurants and takeaway options — ideal when you’re tired after a long travel day
- Excellent range of Eurocamp mobile homes and tents, many with private terrace space
Who Is L’Hippocampe Best For?
L’Hippocampe works brilliantly for families with children aged roughly 4 to 14. The entertainment team keeps kids busy from morning to night, which gives parents genuine downtime. If your children are water-obsessed and you want a resort-style feel, this is likely your campsite.
It’s also a strong choice if you’re travelling with another family. The site is large enough that you can all enjoy different activities at the same time, and the social atmosphere makes it easy to meet other families — especially British ones.
Bear in mind that the site can feel busy in peak July and August weeks. If you prefer quieter evenings and a calmer pool area, you might want to keep reading.
Camping Le Bois de Valmarie: Charm, Shade and a Slower Pace
Le Bois de Valmarie is located just a few kilometres from L’Hippocampe, also near Argelès-sur-Mer. The transfer time from Perpignan Airport is similar — around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
What sets Valmarie apart immediately is its setting. The site is tucked into a wooded area, giving it a natural, shaded feel that’s genuinely lovely in the heat of summer. The pace is noticeably more relaxed than L’Hippocampe, which many families appreciate.
What Families Love About Le Bois de Valmarie
- Beautiful natural setting with mature trees providing real shade across the site
- Well-maintained pool complex with waterslides — smaller than L’Hippocampe’s, but rarely overcrowded
- Strong Eurocamp presence with a wide variety of accommodation styles
- Family-friendly atmosphere that feels relaxed rather than full-on resort
- Good facilities including a bar, restaurant and shop
- Close proximity to Argelès town centre and the beach
Who Is Le Bois de Valmarie Best For?
Valmarie is often the preferred choice for families with younger children, particularly those under 5, or for parents who want a proper holiday rest alongside fun for the kids. The quieter environment also suits families who are happy to organise their own days rather than rely on a packed entertainment programme.
Teenagers who want independence tend to appreciate the easier access to Argelès town and the beach, where there’s more to explore independently.
If you’re a couple travelling with one or two young children and you want a beautiful, peaceful base rather than a high-energy resort, Valmarie often wins the comparison.
Hippocampe vs Bois de Valmarie: A Direct Comparison
Still not sure? Here’s a straightforward side-by-side look at the key differences.
- Waterpark: L’Hippocampe wins on size and variety. Valmarie offers a good pool complex but it’s smaller.
- Entertainment: L’Hippocampe offers a full daily and evening programme. Valmarie is more low-key.
- Setting: Valmarie wins for natural beauty and shade. L’Hippocampe is more open and resort-like.
- Atmosphere: L’Hippocampe is lively and social. Valmarie is calmer and more intimate.
- Beach access: Both sites are close to the Argelès beaches — neither has a significant advantage here.
- Best for: L’Hippocampe suits families with active kids aged 4–14. Valmarie suits younger children and parents who want to relax.
- Transfer from Perpignan Airport: Both are similar in distance — approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Getting to Either Campsite from Perpignan Airport
One thing both campsites have in common is that the best way to get there from Perpignan Airport is a private transfer. There is no direct public transport from the airport to either site, and taxis can be expensive and unpredictable when you’re travelling with luggage, children and car seats.
A pre-booked private transfer means a driver is waiting for you at arrivals — no queuing, no stress, no negotiating a fare with tired kids in tow. If your flight is delayed, your driver tracks it and adjusts automatically.
For a full breakdown of what to expect on price, read our 2025 Perpignan Airport Transfer Price Guide. It covers typical costs to the Argelès area including both L’Hippocampe and Le Bois de Valmarie.
If you’re travelling as a larger group — two families, for example — a van transfer is often the most practical and cost-effective solution. Our Van Transfer from Perpignan Airport page explains the options available for groups.
Best Eurocamp Perpignan Families: Making the Final Call
When it comes to the best Eurocamp Perpignan option for families, the honest answer is that it depends entirely on what kind of holiday you’re after. There is no objectively better campsite — only the one that suits your family better.
Ask yourself these questions before you book:
- Do your children need a full entertainment programme to stay happy on holiday?
- Are you looking for a waterpark experience, or more of a relaxed base near the beach?
- Do you prefer a lively, social atmosphere or something quieter and more natural?
- Are you travelling with very young children who need nap times and early bedtimes?
If you answered yes to questions 1 and 2, book L’Hippocampe. If you answered yes to questions 3 and 4, Le Bois de Valmarie is likely your better match.
And if you’re still comparing options across the wider Argelès area, it’s also worth knowing about other popular Perpignan campsite transfers. Our guides to Perpignan Airport to La Sirène Campsite and Perpignan Airport to Camping Le Soleil cover two other top family choices in the region.
Book Your Transfer Before You Book Your Campsite
Here’s a practical tip that many families overlook: book your airport transfer at the same time as your campsite accommodation. Transfer availability fills up quickly in July and August, particularly for families flying on Ryanair routes from Stansted and other UK airports.
Pre-booking gives you a fixed price, a named driver and the reassurance that someone is ready for you the moment you land — regardless of how the journey went. It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re already managing passports, luggage and excited children.
Both L’Hippocampe and Le Bois de Valmarie are fantastic choices for a family holiday in the South of France. Whichever you pick, the most important thing is that you arrive relaxed, on time and ready to enjoy it.
