Hi,
Not been on here for a while.
We're off to France in a couple of weeks. Nothing booked, just waiting to see what the weather's doing.
If needed we're prepared to travel as far as the Spanish border (or just just inside Spain), either Mediterranean coast or the Atlantic coast, and as far East as Montpellier.
We'll have our 20 year old son with us. Not bothered about entertainment but ideally bars and restaurants in walking distance. A pool would be great. Would love somewhere walking distance to a beach. We also love history, picturesque towns, walking, lakes and rivers as well as the coast. Oh, and it can't be too expensive!
Not asking for much, am I? 😂😂😂
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There are lots of sites in that area in France, trouble is it is still the peak season until the end of August so you will have to check availability rather than turning up on spec.
I know I'll get some stick, but Millau? Riverside site along the Tarn or the Dourbie, at 13 euros per night after the 23rd August, and reasonable prices before that. Walking distance into the town, with a good market, and a historic centre. Loads of picturesque villages all the way up the Tarn (and Dourbie, and Jonte), plenty of lovely walks along the rivers. It's a working town, and less than picturesque apart from the setting at the bottom of the valley, but it's the centre of a wonderful area of France.
Thanks Val. We've visited the Millau area a couple of times and we do really like it there, although never stayed within walking distance of millau. We've also been to the Dordogne several times and we're just looking at other areas that we're not so familiar with.
Why not try a municipal? They are usually in, or close by, towns. This time of year they can often offer use of the municipal swimming pool too. Lezignac Corbieres comes to mind, although it's a good many years since we were there and it may no longer be a municipal. However, it's within walk of the town and has a pool and tennis courts at the entrance. There's lots to see and do in the area too.
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
Not really Southern France and not coastal, but have you considered the Auvergne?
It has plenty of lakes, rivers, hills/mountains and interesting towns and villages.
We like Vichy - full of history but with shops, restaurants etc and very attractive redeveloped riverside areas and parks, and of course, the waters. There is even a riverside beach in July/August.
We can recommend the Camping de la Croix St. Martin (9/10 from reviews on here) - lovely owners, fairly low-key but with a pool etc. It is an ACSI site, €19 from the 26th August.
Further afield, there is the Chaine des Volcans (the volcanic mountain range - try a trip up the Puy de Dome), Volvic (as in the water), Clermont-Ferrand with its cathedral built from black volcanic stone and the Michelin factory if you fancy a city trip and numerous other places.
Post last edited on 05/08/2024 08:52:06
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Try the southern part of Drôme around the Enclave des Papes, Valreas,Grignan and Nyons (our favourite for old town and cafes) Lots of ACSI and municipal sites. A better and sunnier climate than on the Med and wonderful vinyards and generally not so crowded. Avignon,Orange and Vaison la romaine are all close by.
A bit further east than Montpelier - as SGTHomas says Vaison la Romaine has a site very close to town. Lots of wine villages around - we like it a lot but have only ever been out of season. The area around Le Barcarès has lots of sites - some walkable to the beach but they may well be booked up. How about inland - we discovered Camping La Bonnette at Caylus two years ago; smallish with a bar and restaurant open to locals and lots of very old villages within a short distance - town walkable but uphill!!
Hi,
We love Millau, working town or not, it’s interesting & several good sites within walking/cycling distance.
Camping La Coutiliere is just outside Fontaine de Vaucluse with lots of shops/bars/restaurants & close to Isle de La sorgue, small family owned site with a pool & on the river; very laid back & peaceful.
Camping La Voconce is outside Vaison La Romaine (cycling distance) & on a river, very scenic & relaxing.
Camping Les Sablons , on the coast, where we are now, complete contrast in that it’s busy with lots of facilities & right on the beach but it’s a favourite!
Fiona
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by SGThomas on 05/8/2024
Try the southern part of Drôme around the Enclave des Papes, Valreas,Grignan and Nyons (our favourite for old town and cafes) Lots of ACSI and municipal sites. A better and sunnier climate than on the Med and wonderful vinyards and generally not so crowded. Avignon,Orange and Vaison la romaine are all close by.
It is where the gentry go, rather than Millau
What Stuart said! Once again, demonstrating his good taste and sense of distinction. But I quite like the grittiness of Millau; and Jean-Philippe and Lise are most excellent hosts at Huttopia Millau.
If you’re after the feast of ascension on 15th Aug, things start getting quieter as the French families start thing of La Rentrèe.
I’m still on the hunt for a good site on the Med; if you’ve got transport, the Municipal at Loupian is a delight; and has also been recommended by Stuart in the past! For the lad, a trip into Montpellier is great, sat with a glass or a coffee in the Place de la Comedie watching the world, and the trams, go by.
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: Inspiration for Southern France
via mobile 04/8/2024 at 6:44pm
