After deciding on a route and assuming I'll be travelling solo, the next question is:  should I bring camping gear?  I prefer what I think of as "camping light" in Europe.  Unlike most in Canada, French campgrounds seem to always have showers, are usually close to services, and sometimes even have their own restaurants.  So sleeping in a tent and eating out is a viable option so no need to carry cooking gear.

On the one hand, if I camp, accommodation costs would be much lower, especially when considering the per-person cost.  On the other hand, it's extra stuff to carry and time to set up the tent, inflate the sleeping mat, etc. and then pack it all up in the morning.  Oh yeah, and dry the tent if it gets wet by rain or condensation.

Then there's the question of whether or not campgrounds will be open through September and October and, if they are, do they accept tents?  Some are really just camping-car parks at any time, while some others don't accommodate tents except in high season.  So how many nights would I have to camp to make it worthwhile to carry the equipment?

I guess I don't really have to answer that until I pack.