Imagine sleeping under a canopy of stars with no tent fabric blocking the view. The transparent bubble tent offers exactly this experience, combining the thrill of wild camping with the comfort of a fully equipped room. These inflatable structures sit on wooden platforms in secluded clearings, providing a mattress, bedding, and often a private bathroom just steps away. At night, the forest encircles you in darkness, and the glowing sphere becomes a warm cocoon suspended in the wilderness. Rain patters on the clear walls, and moonlight filters through the trees, creating a luminous halo around your sleeping space. It is camping reimagined for those who love nature but not the restrictions of a traditional tent.
Travellers can try another original overnight. In France, in one of the local parks in northern Roubaix, you can find an opportunity to sleep in special transparent bubbles.
Portable bubble rooms, made from recycled plastics, are the work of French designer Pierre Stephane Dumas. He used following principles in designing: low energy, low material, maximum comfort and maximum interaction with the nature.
Bubble tents look a bit like glass balls for goldfish. The aim of these unusual transparent structures is to get people close to nature as much as possible. But the tents are luxuriously furnished: with wardrobe, tables, chairs, shelves and electric light.
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The Design Philosophy: Low Energy, Maximum Nature
“Many people do not have much opportunity to experience the night under the stars or watch the sunrise and sunset. In the classic tent or caravan it is not possible,” explained designer Pierre Stephane Dumas for the British Daily Mail, while last year featured the bubble tents on the market. “That is why I suggested eccentric dwellings, which will allow candidates to experience these special moments,” he added. The bubble is designed for two adults, but if necessary it can extend with a smaller bedroom for children. Romantics will appreciate the Milky Way on the ceiling. The transparent bubble tent is constructed from a special PVC material that is both durable and fully recyclable. The structure is kept inflated by a low-noise fan that runs continuously, drawing air through a filter to maintain positive pressure inside the bubble. The fan consumes less electricity than a standard light bulb, keeping energy use minimal. The wooden platform elevates the bubble off the ground, protecting it from moisture and providing a stable base. Inside, the floor is covered with a soft carpet, and the walls can be dimmed slightly using a secondary fabric layer that rolls down from the ceiling for privacy during changing or sleeping during daylight hours.
Three Variants: CristalBubble, Semi-Transparent, and BubbleLodge
You can book a bubble tent in three variants. CristalBubble is completely transparent, ensuring round views of the surrounding forest and sky. This model is ideal for couples seeking a romantic night under the stars, with the bed positioned at the centre of the sphere for an unobstructed 360-degree view. For those who want to enjoy more privacy, the semi-transparent alternative features a transparent ceiling only, while the lower walls are made of opaque material, so residents are not visible from the outside. This model suits families or groups who want the stargazing experience without sacrificing privacy. The most luxurious option is called BubbleLodge and rather than a tent or room it resembles a comfortable apartment in which you can have even a bathroom. The BubbleLodge includes a separate sleeping area, a sitting area with armchairs, a mini kitchen with a kettle and refrigerator, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower, sink, and composting toilet. A wood-burning stove provides heating on cooler nights, and the transparent ceiling panel retracts electronically to open the room to the sky. Each BubbleLodge has a private wooden deck with outdoor furniture and a hammock.
Where to Stay: Les Cottages du Parc and Other Locations
The original bubble tents are located at Les Cottages du Parc in Roubaix, northern France, a park estate set within 12 hectares of woodland. The site offers five bubble units spread across the grounds, each spaced far enough apart to ensure privacy. A continental breakfast basket is delivered to your bubble each morning, and a shared shower block with hot water is a short walk through the trees. Since the original launch, the concept has expanded to dozens of locations across Europe and beyond. In France, bubble tents can now be found in the Loire Valley, the Alps, and Provence. In Spain, they are available in the Basque Country and Catalonia. In the UK, glamping sites in Scotland and Cornwall offer similar transparent dome accommodation. Prices for a night in a CristalBubble start at 120 euros, while a BubbleLodge costs from 250 euros per night. The season runs from April to October, with peak rates during July and August. For further details see the official website Les cottages du parc.
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