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Historians are more interested in a social construction, or even in an ideal-type than in succesive deconstructions of a practice of nature. Several traditions have been influencing campers’ behaviours in France since the end of the Great War. Each of them bears marks of a definite sociocultural milieu, like scouting that developed under the influence of the Good Will mission. Moreover, together with the Club alpin français and other climbing clubs the Touring Club de France takes an active interest in open-air leisure activities. From the 50s camping with the family becomes normal practice. While the proportion of stays with the family or friends decreases, camping becomes a mode of accomodation that enables people to spend their holidays in more distant places.