I must admit talking about this thread to my OH got us thinking about the Languedoc and the Cote d'Azur. For years we used to go 'East' - to visit our friends in La Croix Valmer, and stayed at various campsites in that area and along the coast, or inland. Our last visit was a few years ago, and after thinking about the lovely coves (and Gigaro beach, mentioned in another post), it's given us a nudge to go back again!
We do like the 'un-manicured' feeling of the Languedoc, which hasn't been prettied up much - so the towns and villages have a much more 'lived in' feel, rather than a cluster of holiday accomodation(s), and we like the wildness and the wildlife. We also like the fact that it tends to be considerably cheaper than the eastern end, and you can still get a good three course meal for 10 euros, sometimes including wine - which probably wouldn't pay for one course further east.
So, perhaps this year, eastern end one week, western end another.............!
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Our friends live just up the hill from Gigaro - it's within an easy walk of their house - and I spent many days playing on the beach there with my son when we lived there for a few weeks! That particular area is probably on of the quietest bits of the Riviera, but still heaving in peak season. It's lovely, though, in September/early October, or in May, when the crowds have gone, or haven't yet arrived.
We are thinking of somewhere in the hills behind Frejus this year - end of May into June. Maybe Les Cigales or one of the other ACSI sites. Wondering about weather, cost, traffic - and wanting to avoid "resorts" and "developments." We aren't really sea-sidey people (even though we have a wild beach at the end of our road,) but it would be nice to get some sea air sometimes somewhere undeveloped.
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The weather will more than likely be lovely! The traffic will be increasing, but still bearable, parking might be difficult down by the beaches - so if you're going, go early! Finding a quiet cove is not difficult, even down there, but you may need a good local map and be willing to come up against some dead-ends (when someone has put a villa right in the way of what you expected to be a footpath!). On some stretches you can park right down by the beachfront, and yet still within walking distance find yourself a little spot between two rocky outcrops!
We're holidaying in May/June, and you never know, if we get tempted we might just be back in that area which was such a regular haunt for so many years!
Thanks Val ..... the beach bit isn't that important (and people would pay good money NOT to see me in speedos.) Its the sea air and light and views that we like. But most time will be spent exploring the villages behind the coast. This will be our first go with ACSI, so it will be interesting.
Just make sure that any site you're on is far enough away from the autoroute. In those hills road noise can be 'trapped' and seem louder than it is nearer to the road! When you're exploring around you'll perhaps hear what I mean - in some areas at least.
Some of those villages are lovely - but the roads can be very winding in them thar hills! We made the mistake (once only) that instead of taking the D25 up to Le Muy, we thought we'd cut the corner off and go via La Garde Freinet and on to Le Cannet - BIG mistake, and one of the only times I've been travel sick with the caravan on the back! My goodness, that's a winding old road!
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Les Tournels is a long hike from the beach. My boys hired bikes from the site to cycle down by a rough track but thats obviously not practical at the ages yours are. There is a small supermarket within walking distance but thats about it. You need to drive to get anywhere else really
On the plus side it had a lovely pool which has now been further improved and lots of facilities for kids, including a visiting circus (at least for the couple of years when we were there).
Le Muy was on the list of possibles..... Les Cigales or Leï Suves. They seem to be the sort of sites we like best. Luckily we will have the trailer tent, so towing isn't so bad on wiggly roads. We know northern Provence/Drome quite well (and REALLY LOVE it there) so it will be interesting to compare.
Now thinking of trying to do it all with ACSI or camping cheques to save cash, and leaning towards the western side for the smae reason. Has anyone been to Dragonniere?
Thanks for all the top tips
Gerry
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We have - a BIG site, lots going on, quite nice camping pitches, though most of the site is statics. Several pool areas, mostly fine, sanitary blocks OK on the bit we checked out. Friendly reception, about two kilometres to the beach, and used to offer free children with Camping Cheques or some kind of package - check out it this is still the case.
We went to the Etoile d'Argens a while back. It's a lovely site and they are really nice people. They have a little boat that takes you to the beach in high season but I don't think the traffic will be that manic the first week of July. It all kicks off after Bastille Day on July 14th really.
Hi, we took 3 kids aged 7,10 and 11 to the Languedoc last year, our first time in france, it was lovely, we stayed on the Yelloh sites. the kids loved it, Le Brasillia is right on the beach and is brand new site, everything you could think of was on it.
wasnt windy at all we stayed for 10 days end of July Beginning of August.
We've always used Camping Caravanning Des Aubredes at Puget-sur-Argens. It's near the motorway, but we've never been bothered by noise. Toilet blocks could do with a revamp, but otherwise, the site is nice. Small bar, swimming pool, children's play area. Mid-week barbecue organised by the site - take your own food to BBQ (no charge at all) - free Rose wine for all BBQers.
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: south of france dilemma!
