Au Vieux Campeur Geneva
Your ultimate destination for high-quality outdoor gear, from hiking boots to climbing ropes. Expert advice and a vast selection for every adventure.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better service
Au Vieux Campeur Geneva
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better service

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Your ultimate destination for high-quality outdoor gear, from hiking boots to climbing ropes. Expert advice and a vast selection for every adventure.
"A true adventurer's paradise with top-tier equipment and knowledgeable staff."
Call Ahead for Availability
If you're looking for a specific item, call ahead to check stock. Staff can often hold items for you. :telephone_receiver:
Bring Your Old Boots
For boot fitting, bring your old hiking socks and insoles for a more accurate mold. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Extensive Outdoor Gear
Entire store
Discover top-tier equipment for every outdoor pursuit, from hiking boots to climbing ropes. A true adventurer's paradise.
Specialized Book & Map Section
Book and Map Area
Find detailed maps and guides for your next trek, offering invaluable planning resources for explorers.

High-Quality Apparel
Clothing and Footwear Aisles
Explore a curated collection of durable and functional outdoor clothing and footwear from premium brands.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gear Up for Adventure
Expert Advice is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Call Ahead for Availability
If you're looking for a specific item, call ahead to check stock. Staff can often hold items for you. :telephone_receiver:
Bring Your Old Boots
For boot fitting, bring your old hiking socks and insoles for a more accurate mold. :athletic_shoe:
Explore the Map Section
Don't miss the extensive collection of maps and guidebooks – a treasure trove for planning your adventures. :world_map:
Quality Over Price
Expect higher prices than discount stores, but the quality and durability of the gear are excellent. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Call Ahead for Availability
If you're looking for a specific item, call ahead to check stock. Staff can often hold items for you. :telephone_receiver:
Bring Your Old Boots
For boot fitting, bring your old hiking socks and insoles for a more accurate mold. :athletic_shoe:
Explore the Map Section
Don't miss the extensive collection of maps and guidebooks – a treasure trove for planning your adventures. :world_map:
Quality Over Price
Expect higher prices than discount stores, but the quality and durability of the gear are excellent. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Au Vieux Campeur is praised for its extensive selection of high-quality outdoor gear and knowledgeable staff, making it a go-to for adventurers. While prices are on the higher side, the durability and brand selection are considered excellent. Some visitors note inconsistencies in service, but the overall community feel and product range are highly valued.
"The shop is part of a chain with various sales points across France. Their offer is wide across many outdoor disciplines, and quality/brands selection is somewhat higher than you would expect from a wholesale distributor.
The store manager Fabien was very helpful in checking product availability over the phone, and putting the item I was looking for aside for me."
Theo Sarvia
"We just discovered this wonderful outdoor supply store called “Au Vieux Campeur”. They have 16 locations in France. Hiking, kayaking, climbing, swimming, cycling, outdoor clothing, boots and shoes. Great high quality brands and a huge book/map section."
A.R.F.
"Just want to say a big thank you to Corinne for her help getting me organised with gear for our GR5 trek. She was knowledgeable, showed us different products and patient while we tried items on and made decisions.
The shop is big and had a lot of good quality items."
Rachael Carter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Au Vieux Campeur Geneva is accessible by public transport. Several bus and tram lines stop nearby. Check the local Geneva public transport website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Parking may be limited in the area, so public transport is often recommended.
Parking availability can be challenging in the vicinity of the store. It's advisable to check for nearby public parking garages or consider using public transportation to avoid parking hassles.
Opening hours can vary, especially on weekends and holidays. It's best to check their official website or call the store directly for the most accurate and up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Yes, Au Vieux Campeur has an online shop, though some users have reported issues with its design and customer service responsiveness. For immediate needs or personalized advice, visiting the physical store is recommended.
Yes, Au Vieux Campeur is a well-established chain with multiple locations across France, known for its extensive range of outdoor equipment.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Au Vieux Campeur is a retail store, and there is no admission fee to enter. You can browse their extensive selection of outdoor gear freely.
While specific discount programs aren't widely advertised, keeping an eye on their promotions or signing up for any available newsletters might offer savings. The quality of the products often justifies the price.
It's possible that some stores offer this service, but it's not consistently highlighted. Calling the store directly to inquire about reserving items for pickup is your best bet.
Return policies can vary. It's always best to inquire about their specific return and exchange policy at the time of purchase or check their website for details.
Most modern retail stores aim for accessibility. If you have specific concerns, it's recommended to contact the store directly to confirm their accessibility features.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a comprehensive range of gear for hiking, climbing, camping, cycling, swimming, and winter sports, including apparel, footwear, and specialized equipment.
Staff expertise can vary. While many are highly qualified practitioners, some visitors have noted inconsistent levels of professional advice. It's wise to be prepared with your own questions.
Au Vieux Campeur is known for stocking high-quality, reputable outdoor brands, often considered a step up from mainstream sporting goods stores.
Absolutely! They have a large and impressive section dedicated to maps, guidebooks, and travel literature, which is a significant draw for many visitors.
Yes, trying on boots and clothing is standard practice. Bringing your own hiking socks can help ensure a better fit for footwear.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Au Vieux Campeur is primarily a retail store and typically does not have in-house dining facilities. You'll find numerous cafes and restaurants in the surrounding Geneva area.
While their focus is on gear, some locations might carry a small selection of energy bars or hydration products. For a wider selection, nearby supermarkets or convenience stores are your best bet.
The area around Au Vieux Campeur likely offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants. Exploring the local streets will reveal many choices to suit different tastes and budgets.
Yes, as a comprehensive outdoor store, they typically stock camping stoves, cookware, and related accessories for backcountry cooking.
Geneva has many beautiful parks and lakeside areas suitable for picnics. You can purchase picnic supplies from local shops and enjoy them in a scenic spot after your shopping.
📸 📸 Photography
The store itself, with its vast displays of outdoor gear and the impressive book section, can be visually interesting. For outdoor photography, the surrounding Geneva landscape offers stunning views.
Generally, taking photos for personal use is acceptable in retail stores. However, it's always polite to be discreet and avoid disrupting other shoppers or staff.
The sheer volume and variety of specialized gear, from colorful tents to intricate climbing equipment, can make for dynamic and interesting shots. The well-organized book and map section also offers a unique aesthetic.
While their primary focus is outdoor adventure gear, they might carry some accessories like waterproof camera bags or basic tripods. For dedicated camera equipment, specialized camera stores would be more appropriate.
Lake Geneva, the Jet d'Eau, the Old Town, and the surrounding mountains offer incredible photography opportunities. Consider a day trip to the Alps for breathtaking landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the store itself might not have specific play areas, the excitement of choosing new gear can be a great motivator for kids. The extensive book and map section can also be a fun way to involve children in planning family outings, sparking their imagination about future explorations. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to give staff more time to assist with fitting children's gear.
💰 Budget Travelers
Keep an eye out for any potential sales or promotions. Additionally, the store's extensive selection of maps and guidebooks can be a cost-effective way to plan your adventures, saving you money on guided tours or expensive navigation apps. Consider visiting during sale periods or looking for slightly older models of gear that may be discounted.
🧗♀️ Serious Climbers & Hikers
Hikers will appreciate the vast array of performance-oriented footwear, backpacks, and technical apparel designed for demanding conditions. The detailed maps and guidebooks are also invaluable for planning challenging routes and understanding terrain. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations on gear that balances weight, durability, and functionality for long-distance treks or alpine ascents.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Selection: Gear for Every Adventure
Beyond the core equipment, the store also boasts a significant collection of outdoor apparel, including technical jackets, durable pants, and specialized footwear. This comprehensive approach means you can outfit yourself from head to toe for almost any environment. The book and map section is another major draw, providing invaluable resources for trip planning, navigation, and learning about local trails and wilderness areas.
While the selection is a major advantage, it's worth noting that the sheer volume can be overwhelming. If you're new to a particular activity, don't hesitate to ask for assistance. While some visitors have reported varied experiences with staff expertise, many find the personnel to be highly qualified practitioners who can offer practical advice based on their own outdoor experiences.
The Au Vieux Campeur Experience: Service and Community
However, some visitors have experienced less satisfactory service, noting that staff can sometimes be busy or less attentive, especially during peak hours. This inconsistency means that planning your visit during quieter times, like weekday mornings, might enhance your experience. The store's commitment to outdoor pursuits means many staff members are practitioners themselves, offering a unique perspective on the gear they sell.
Despite occasional service hiccups, the overall sentiment suggests a store that is deeply connected to the outdoor community. The vast selection and focus on quality gear foster a sense of trust among adventurers. It's a place where you can feel confident in the equipment you're purchasing, knowing it's chosen with a passion for the outdoors in mind.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit