Gitavesnois

Gitavesnois is a peaceful and welcoming nature-focused campsite and glamping destination set within the Avesnois Regional Natural Park. Nestled over three and a half acres of secluded woodland, this verdant site is perfect for travellers seeking a slow, nature-immersed escape in northern France.

Whether you’re with family, a partner, or friends, Gitavesnois offers a range of accommodation options including campsite pitches, yurts, cabins, studios, microlodges, and even a lodge tent — all surrounded by lush greenery and wildflowers.

Camping pitches at Gitavesnois are generous, shaded spaces set into woodland, making them ideal for tents, campervans, or motorhomes that want to feel part of nature while still enjoying a bit of privacy. Guests can relax on grassy ground with the option of picnic tables, chairs, and even a barbecue setup available if needed.

Facilities are thoughtfully designed around simplicity and sharing: a communal summer kitchen tucked beneath the trees provides a place to cook and dine al fresco among birdsong, while well-kept dry toilets and a sanitary block offer the necessary comforts after a day outdoors. For travellers arriving without equipment, Gitavesnois can provide tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, and even bicycles — making it ideal for both seasoned campers and those trying camping for the first time.

Connectivity is modest by design: some areas offer Wi-Fi, but the emphasis here is on slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Shared facilities are close to all pitches, and the woodland setting creates a sense of peaceful isolation without being far from essential services.

Food lovers can enhance their stay with Gitavesnois’s on-site services, including a continental breakfast, picnic lunches, and evening meals featuring seasonal local produce — all available by prior booking so you can relax without cooking if desired.

Every sunset here is spectacular: on clear evenings the woodland opens up to views of wide skies where colours spill across the horizon, making it a photographer’s dream and a nature lover’s haven.

Gitavesnois is located just a five-minute drive from the rural village of Willies, where you’ll find a few local shops and cafés offering a taste of authentic northern French village life. The site’s position in the Avesnois Regional Natural Park makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider countryside: **hiking trails weave through gentle bocage landscapes, woodland paths, and pastureland rich in biodiversity.

Cyclists will appreciate that Gitavesnois is around 2.7 km from the Scandibérique, the French section of the EuroVelo 3 cycle route, which links Trondheim in Norway to Santiago de Compostela in Spain — a huge bonus for cycle tourists and long-distance riders.

A short 10-minute bike ride from the campsite brings you to this scenic route, but even closer is the Val Joly leisure area, which offers water-based fun like kayaks, pedalos, and paddleboards on Lac du Val-Joly as well as walking circuits and panoramic viewpoints.

Another nearby gem is the village of Liessies, with the Parc de l’Abbaye de Liessies and the striking ruins of a Benedictine abbey offering a mix of heritage and natural beauty. There are also museums and ateliers in the region showcasing local arts, crafts, and traditions if you want to combine nature with culture within a short drive.

Just a little further afield, you’re within easy reach of Belgium’s hospitality and beers — perfect for day trips into laid-back towns like Sivry-Rance or Fourmies.

Gitavesnois operates with a focus on simplicity, nature, and welcoming hospitality, so if you’re used to large commercial resorts, expect a more laid-back, quietly charming experience where the beauty of the environment is the star. The campsite is open roughly from 13 March to 15 November, giving you plenty of time across spring, summer, and autumn to enjoy outdoor activities and seasonal events.

The site has a pet-friendly policy (dogs are allowed), but like many natural camping areas, you should keep them under control to protect wildlife and ensure all guests feel comfortable. As the communal facilities are modest and centred around shared use, it’s helpful to arrive with a sense of outdoor community spirit — respect for nature, quiet hours, and shared spaces makes everyone’s stay more relaxing.

Reservations for extras like breakfast, picnics, and evening meals must be arranged in advance, so plan these before arrival to avoid disappointment during busy periods. If you’re bringing bicycles, Gitavesnois is an “Accueil vélo” (Bike Friendly) site, meaning hosts are well prepared to support cycle tourists with services tailored to riders’ needs.

Sanitary facilities include dry toilets and a shared kitchen area, and while some pitches are non-electric (typical of woodland campsites), the overall setup is spotless, well-cared-for, and highly rated by visitors for cleanliness and hospitality.

Be prepared for some remoteness: the setting is in a quiet rural area, not right next to large supermarkets or nightlife, but that’s exactly what makes Gitavesnois a peaceful retreat where you can reconnect with nature, enjoy starry nights, and truly unwind far from city crowds.