“Ready-to-camp”: How Huttopia is redefining nature escapes with travel advisors in mind

In a world increasingly dominated by digital noise and go-go-go demands, the desire to slow down and reconnect with nature is stronger than ever.

Answering that call is Huttopia, a French company that, for years, has been pioneering a new way to experience the outdoors—offering nature-based vacations that bridge the gap between rustic camping and resort-style comfort.

Founded in Lyon, France in 1999 by Philippe and Céline Bossanne, Huttopia was born out of a passion for outdoor living—and specifically, the couple’s time spent camping in greater Toronto, ON, where the idea for Huttopia first took shape.

“They discovered the art of camping and embracing nature and living outdoors,” said Amélie Brouhard, chief marketing and sales officer for Huttopia North America, speaking to PAX in downtown Toronto recently.  “The company has an emotional link and a connection to Canada.”

More than “glamping”

That link is stronger than ever today. With more than 60 locations across France, Northern Europe, Portugal, and Spain, and nearly a dozen sites in North America, in Quebec, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, California, and Massachusetts, Huttopia has cemented its reputation as a leader in outdoor tourism.

Its model blends the simplicity of camping with the comforts of modern hospitality—what the company calls “ready-to-camp.”

Some might label it “glamping,” but the company doesn’t use that term.

“Premium camping sometimes defines us, but we are neither camping or glamping,” Brouhard clarified. “We prefer ‘unique outdoor gateways, made easy’ – because we make it simple and easy for clients.”

From bare ground to “Trappeur Tents”

Unlike traditional campsites, Huttopia offers a range of accommodations tailored to diverse traveller preferences and budgets.

For purists, there are bare pitches for tents, RVs, and campervans starting from $30 to $40 per night.

But the centerpiece (and main event) of a Huttopia stay is the “Trappeur Tent,” a thoughtfully-designed canvas and wood hybrid structure that blends rustic charm with hotel-like comfort.

“It’s equipped with two bedrooms, a full bathroom, kitchen, running water, wood stove, and electricity,” explained Brouhard. “You have real beds with real mattresses. It’s perfect for families, it can host up to five guests.”

READ MORE: Huttopia-Worldia partnership brings nature-infused travel solutions to trade

One bedroom has a queen-sized bed, another has what’s called a “jazz bed” – a bunk bed, where two kids can sleep on the bottom, and one on top.

There is also a “couples” version with one king-sized bed, Brouhard said.

“You only have to bring the essentials, like your own food,” she said.

Additional options include luxury chalets and cabins, which are available year-round—even in snowy destinations like Sutton and Les Deux Lacs-Laurentides (which just opened) in Quebec or White Mountains in New Hampshire. These insulated stays offer a cozy winter escape near ski areas and hiking trails.

Huttopia’s ready-to-camp concept somewhat mirrors the comfort and convenience of staying at a hotel. There’s an on-site reception with staff, for example, that can advise clients on what to do.

Guests can also expect ready-made beds on arrival, bathroom toiletries, along with cooking equipment and utensils.

Brouhard describes the experience as similar to staying at a resort, but with nature as the central focus. In its marketing, Huttopia might say how its “concierge” are the animals, or how “the spa” is a natural pool (a lake).

“People are really amazed by our product and our guest level of satisfaction is really high,” Brouhard said.

Beyond the tent

Each Huttopia site is built with community, sustainability, and accessibility in mind – with resort-like amenities.

Sites come not only with ready-to-camp accommodations, but also a main lodge, a large pool, a convenience shop and restaurants with French-inspired touches, like crepes and croissants at breakfast.

There’s also a menu of local activities to unpack. “We operate in destinations where there's lots of hiking, biking and other activities,” Brouhard explained. “Not everyone wants to stay on the site. They want to enjoy what's there.”

And there are lots of things to do, for all ages —like crafting for kids and even beekeeping, in select spots.

In North America, some sites are on a lake, with almost private access, like White Mountains (in New Hampshire) and Southern Maine.

In Quebec, Huttopia’s newest site, Les Deux Lacs-Laurentides, sits in Parc Eco-Laurentides, between two pristine Laurentian lakes, just 90 minutes from Montreal, and offers direct access to swimming, canoeing, kayaking and other outdoor adventures.

Some Huttopia sites, like in Southern Maine and Catalina Island in California, offer beach access. Deeper into California, about 2.5 hours from San Francisco, guests can camp in wine country.  

The experiences “check all the boxes,” Brouhard said, from waking up to birds, doing sports, and making s'mores by the fire.

The sites are also designed to preserve the environment. The company uses non-treated wood, solar energy, and dismountable structures that leave minimal footprints.

“The approach is to keep nature untouched,” Brouhard said. “The positioning of our tents is based on where the trees are.”

A natural fit for North America

Huttopia’s North American journey began in Quebec, a decade ago, through a partnership with Sépaq, the province’s national parks agency. The brand brought its ready-to-camp concept to life there, with impressive results.

That success led to the establishment of an official Huttopia site, and the growth continues.

“We just opened Les Deux Lacs-Laurentides in Mont-Blanc and a new location in the Berkshires of Massachusetts,” said Brouhard. “It’s a very important year for Huttopia’s growth in North America.”

Part of the appeal is accessibility. Most sites are within three to four-hour drive of major cities like Montreal, Boston, or New York.

The target market? “People living in cities who want to disconnect,” said Brouhard.

In Quebec, the product may appeal to Canadians choosing to travel closer to home this summer, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with the United States.

Huttopia is also designed for beginners. “It’s Camping 101 – especially for people who aren’t sure if camping is for them,” said Brouhard.

“Nature is for everyone”

Post-pandemic, Huttopia has seen sustained demand for outdoor vacations—but with a twist.

“It’s no longer about having a bubble,” explained Brouhard, touching on the latest trends. “Now, it’s about disconnecting from electronics, finding peace of mind, and reconnecting with yourself and loved ones.”

“COVID was more a reaction – not it’s about being proactive.”

And Huttopia is built for just that. With no Wi-Fi in lodgings (you can, however, connect in the main lodge), minimal cars on-site for child safety, and fresh air in lieu of air conditioning (“Our tents have fans and are always placed in the shade,” Brouhard assures), the experience encourages full immersion in nature.

The company is also seeing growing interest from multi-generational families reliving or passing on camping traditions—now, with added comfort.

And there’s rising demand from the corporate, groups and wellness market.

Many Huttopia sites feature meeting rooms, catering services, and event-friendly amenities for yoga retreats, school groups, and team-building getaways, said Brouhard.

With nightly rates for Trappeur Tents ranging from $150 to $250, and the option to bring pets for a modest fee, Huttopia aims to be both premium and accessible.

“The founders’ vision is that nature is for everyone,” said Brouhard.

Opportunities for travel advisors

That vision now includes a strategic push into the travel trade sector, thanks to a new partnership with Worldia, a platform used by 20,000+ travel professionals. Worldia is already established in Canada with Transat.

What this means is that travel pros can now book full Huttopia getaways for their clients.

“We want to work more closely with the trade,” Brouhard said, noting that travel advisors will receive a commission for booking a Huttopia vacation.

“We've been a little quiet so far, but [travel advisors] have a very strong knowledge of their clientele. Our product isn’t for everyone, but we believe travel advisors can help us find the right clients.”

From all-inclusive to ready-to-camp

Brouhard is relatively new to Huttopia, having joined in September 2024 after more than a decade at Club Med, where she oversaw sales and marketing strategies for all-inclusive resorts.

Her last role at Club Med, based in Miami, Florida, was VP of marketing omnichannel, North America and USA sales, but Brouhard, for years, also held leadership roles in the company's Canadian operations. 

Brouhard’s move to Huttopia felt natural. “I had the chance to experience Huttopia with my kids one summer before I joined, and it was eye-opening—it was so easy and organized. I loved the connection to nature.”

Despite the very different setting, she finds strong parallels between Club Med and Huttopia.

Huttopia, for example, calls its general managers ‘Chef du Camp,” which sounds very similar to “Chef du Village” *the person in charge at Club Med’s resorts). Huttopia’s sites in North America are called villages – just like Club Med’s properties. Both brands are also very focused on offering unique activities.

Club Med’s ski resorts are one-stop ski shops, while Huttopia is a one-stop camp shop.   

“I still feel a bit in my world, but with a different product,” Brouhard said.

Now based in Toronto, she’s part of a small but mighty North American team alongside a COO and CFO in Montreal, all reporting to Lyon.

For Brouhard, joining Huttopia was an opportunity to embrace her entrepreneurial side. “It’s a smaller company, but we’re undergoing a huge transformation,” she said.

Camping...in Paris?

While there are currently no active expansion projects in Canada beyond Quebec, Brouhard said there is huge potential. The company is always on the lookout for new, beautiful, eco-friendly sites.

In the meantime, cross-continental travellers can enjoy Huttopia’s European offerings, including bike-friendly campsites in the French Alps and even “Camping de Paris,” the only campground inside Paris’ city limits (it’s apparently just minutes away from a subway stop).

“After a day of sightseeing in Paris, you can come back to nature,” Brouhard smiles.

That, in essence, is what Huttopia promises—wherever you are in the world.

For more information, click here.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.