We've done a few regions- Vendee - good for a first time venture, near lots of beaches etc. La Tranche area is lovely.
Brittany - beautiful but not for us as weather was awful, after paying for the crossing we wished we'd have gone further down.
La Rochelle - Again lovely but further than the Vendee.
This year we did the Dordogne.We thought we'd miss the sea/beach but we really didn't, the river was fabulous and the area outstanding. This has been our favourite so far.
It really depends how far you want to drive and which area you go to as ferry crossings vary and some of the longer ones can be very pricey.
My daughter is 15 and loved it, we're going back next with but she's taking a friend and we're taking our dog too. We stayed on a relatively expensive site this year but most are the same price as the ones here. Some of the pitches and facilities in France are amazing compared to some of the British sites we've stayed on. The atmosphere and general feel is really laid, love the way there are visitors of various nationalities too. You really feel like you're abroad.
I think there's a board on this site with lots of info on travelling abroad.
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To me the French sites seem much more friendly, sit out in the warm evenings, people walk around stop and just talk to you, not being able to speak/understand some of the languages,is no problem as most speak english
Quote: Originally posted by Dedley on 18/8/2009
To me the French sites seem much more friendly, sit out in the warm evenings, people walk around stop and just talk to you, not being able to speak/understand some of the languages,is no problem as most speak english
I agree, you don't seem to get any of the 'brit's abroad' brigade either. We've never had a problem with noisey or inconsiderate campers in France. All the French sites we've been on have had a lovely feel about them.
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only problem we've had, last year' went at the start of the 'French Shooting' season (if it mooves/got four legs/or can fly,shoot it...
So first light/dusk crazy french farmers with guns....
had a few times with lead shot falling out of the sky, still it could have been 'hail storm' falling from sky if we had been in England
I agree with the shorter breaks idea, as much as I love camping I couldn't stay on the one site for more than 4 nights, I would get bored and so would the kids.
I think camping is all about the versatility of stopping here and there for a few nights at a time, it makes it more adventurous to try new places and sites.
As for the weather, I know what you mean, I love camping but I have a massive phobia of thunder and lightening and it does turn me into a bit of a fair weather camper, I worry if its hot during the day incase it thunders at night etc. The rain doesn't bother me though, I think you just make the best of it.
Before you give up, do try a 2-3 night stay somewhere, it will be the decider really if camping is something you can continue with or not, 7 days is a long time in a tent, especially as camping is quite hard work.
last two years have been a total washout (cornwall then devon) this year we stayed closer to home (north yorkshire) it was lovely the weather fine and dry and loads to do we have four kids 16, 13, 10, 7 (my two and OH's two) we did 10 nights and all wanted to stay longer!!
hope you have better luck, must say France does sound tempting though!!
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: Convince me to camp again.
