Every January 1st, a bold and cheerful tradition comes alive on French beaches: the New Year's Day swim. Whether it’s 5°C or 15°C outside, thousands of swimmers dive into chilly waters to kick off the year in style. This festive event, where many dress in costume, is also a celebration of renewal, courage, and togetherness. For motorhome travellers, it’s the perfect opportunity to combine a winter adventure, local spirit, and self-contained travel.
And with CAMPING-CAR PARK, you can enjoy the moment with complete peace of mind, thanks to a network of secure, year-round motorhome sites strategically located right where these iconic swims take place.
On the Côte de Nacre, the New Year's Day swim in Lion-sur-Mer is a highly anticipated event. In 2025, hundreds of bathers gathered there for a refreshing dip in the English Channel, in a festive, intergenerational atmosphere.
Where to stay?
With your Access Card or Digital Pass, you can easily access the sites and make the most of essential services. The Privilege Pack even guarantees you a reserved pitch—a real advantage during peak travel periods.
In Brittany, some bathers brave the Atlantic even in winter! Between Le Vivier-sur-Mer and the beaches of Saint-Malo, New Year's festivities bring together sea lovers and tradition. It is always a spectacular sight.
Our recommended sites:
Along with your stay, take advantage of great local deals thanks to the Digital Pass: discounts at partner shops, easier access to tourist attractions... convenient and cost-effective!
In the North, bathers don't let the cold stop them! In Malo-les-Bains, the New Year's swim is an institution. A carnival atmosphere, music, wacky costumes, and smiles keep the cold at bay.
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These sites allow you to enjoy the spectacle without any parking stress. With the Privilege Pack, book your pitch in advance and enjoy the experience completely worry-free.
Renowned for its friendly, festive atmosphere, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie hosts its own New Year's Day swim every year on its Vendée beaches. It’s a popular gathering where locals and visitors come together to dive in and celebrate the new year.
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For the very first time, the seaside resort of Biscarrosse in the Landes hosted its own New Year's Day swim in a festive, welcoming atmosphere. Set right by the ocean, this destination is a magnet for lovers of nature and invigorating fresh air.
Where to stop?
To fully enjoy this unique experience, here are some special tips for motorhome owners:
Whether you love quirky traditions or are simply looking for an unforgettable New Year, the January 1st Polar Bear Plunges are a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. And by choosing CAMPING-CAR PARK sites, you'll enjoy a dependable, comfortable, and ideally located network to experience this event in the best possible way.
🚀 Ready to dive into the new year? Book your site with your Access Card, unlock the benefits of the Digital Pass, and travel with complete peace of mind thanks to the Privilege Pack. Experience absolute freedom, even in winter.
