...and we had a brilliant time at Domaine Des Forges, despite the best efforts of the weather
I've posted a site review.
Here's the story, with lots of pics.
We originally booked a premium tent pitch for our new BL6 anticipating my third and final stay courtesy of the NHS. In the event, due to complications, we decided to retain all the other elements but switch to a static so I wasn't wrestling with a big heavy tent. Huge thanks to Lisa at Alan Rogers Travel Service for sorting this out for us.
We've done the Calais to Vendee drive before and this time elected for the Brittany Ferries overnight crossing to St Malo. We specified an outside cabin and in the event it turned out to be right in the bow making for an interesting evening in the choppier side of the Channel
After a very nice boeuf bourgignon avec frites and a bottle of Medoc (a young man by the till had another bottle for us to sample first - a nice touch I thought) we got off to sleep and awoke early to a much calmer sea as St Malo hove in to view.
All worked great. Here's some pics:
Quick breakfast on the boat then a leisurely drive down to the site. What a pleasure the French roads are in the Vendee area. Most were virtually empty by our standards, and many seemed new. We arrived at the site at 12.30 and were asked to come back to check in as the staff were at lunch. Bit odd when you've been travelling but hey ho we thought, we're in France. So we had lunch outside in the courtyard till they ambled back.
Here's what you see entering the site:
Due to the late change to the accommodation they could only supply a "Confort" in week 1, then we switched to a "Premium" just round the corner in week 2. Both were immaculate.
If anyone is considering this type of holiday, here's some pics:
Confort unit:
Premium unit:
The first week we were next to a lovely young couple from Woking in a Hi Gear Ghobi who were on a Castels "premium" touring pitch, complete with table, chairs, water, drainage, fridge, and EHU. This is the empty pitch.
and this is where we would have been originally:
The site is very much two halves. These photos are of the older section west of the pool. East is a newer section where the large pitches are less shaded. We saw several newcomers checking out the allocated pitch in the older part but then opting for the more open newer area.
Whilst we were there they designated an area for what might be seasonal safari style canvas tents, branded Cabanon. OK but not as stylish as those at Garangeoire (more on that site later).
The new part has a touch of the Stalags with the wood statics but is better in the middle. We've taken a note of pitch numbers for next year.
Here's the village restaurant:
When we visited it was 32c and when the maitre d' lit a fire, we thought he'd gone mad. But it turned out to be for my steak.
On the food front, here's a bhaba de rum I had elsewhere:
What with that and regular tartes aux pommes avec creme de Normandie, it's no wonder we put weight on
Someone asked about the water slides. They were finished in our second week. Here you go:
Some more assorted pics:
Mrs G in La Rochelle:
Himself in mad dogs and Englishmen mode:
Sauveterre beach - many folks feel the coast is the main point of the Vendee:
More assorted pics:
The fragrant Helen
who then managed to drop me out of the frame on my very first windsurfing attempt. We had strong words over that, I can tell you:
On the way to the coast one day we swung by Garangeoire to see what the fuss is about. Not for us, but I can certainly see the attraction if you've got kids:
Their version of a Castels brand premium pitch:
Due to timings we opted for the evening fast boat from Cherbourg and stayed UK side in Southampton:
"We are sailing...."
As we are period drama fans (TV, not the wife's monthlies) we caught Highclere on the way home, where they film Downton Abbey:
That's it. Weather was fab the first week, but very mixed in the second. We're tenters (usually) so upping sticks and moving on isn't an easy option. We loved the site and hope to return next year but might take the school hol price hike and go later.
Hope this wasn't too boring.
Post last edited on 10/07/2012 12:50:22
------------- Mike
My advice is worth no more than the price paid for it
Prague May/Jun 2017
Lake Annecy Aug 2017
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Thank you for the pictures of the watersides. I will now have to go and buy extra swimsuits for the kids, as they will wear out the backsides of them constantly.
Had wondered where they were going to put the slides.
Also can't wait to go back to Les Menhir had a lovely meal in it last year.
Quote: Originally posted by Nee-Naw Nee-Naw on 10/7/2012
Thank you for the pictures of the watersides. I will now have to go and buy extra swimsuits for the kids, as they will out the backsides of them constantly.
Had wondered where they were going to put the slides.
Also can't wait to go back to Les Menhir had a lovely meal in it last year.
I thought it was you who'd asked Nee-Naw, but wasn't certain. I think they'd got it finished for 01/07 on, as we noticed a definite increase in activity everywhere in the second week. Might even be the french schools break up then, not certain.
I think we'll return to DDF. We have thought about further south but from St Malo it's such an easy drive, and the site is perfect for us. Might go a bit later though and take the price hit. I'm planning already
------------- Mike
My advice is worth no more than the price paid for it
...Big thanks for very informative pics of pitches ( you know what impresses a girl!!) will def consider DDF after seeing those i too am post op but luckily have OH & DD to put up tent while i sit a nurse a G&T- just waiting for doc's all clear on 26th of this month then i'm booking a ferry.....ANY ferry will do- need some sun and some france!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by TheBiddicks on 10/7/2012
...Big thanks for very informative pics of pitches ( you know what impresses a girl!!) will def consider DDF after seeing those i too am post op but luckily have OH & DD to put up tent while i sit a nurse a G&T- just waiting for doc's all clear on 26th of this month then i'm booking a ferry.....ANY ferry will do- need some sun and some france!
Hope you get the
I was on excused duties for the lifting and carrying but recovered brownie points by doing all the driving. It was a joy.
Incidentally, a couple of reviews have said it's not a Castels site any more. That's strange, as all the bumf we got showed it as Castels, their signs are up, and it's still on the Castels site and DDF's own site. Maybe it's only just happened. Could explain the Cabanon tents which were nothing like anything at Garangeoire.
------------- Mike
My advice is worth no more than the price paid for it
Great post and super pictures, enjoyed it very much. More people should do it (me included).
For your info regarding the safari tents (they do look a bit cramped) but this is one of the cabanon tents at Le Paradis in the Dordogne which I think is a much more inviting position. We also saw the Eurocamp safari tents at Garangeoire but we thought they do not look anywhere near the quality of the Cabanon (in our opinion of course).
John
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Back from the Vendee, with pics (lots)...
i too am post op but luckily have OH & DD to put up tent while i sit a nurse a G&T- just waiting for doc's all clear on 26th of this month then i'm booking a ferry.....ANY ferry will do- need some sun and some france!
