Doinitinit - very interested in the site in Ars en Re you mention. The only review I can find for this says you cannot swim from the beach near the site as it is too rocky - is this the case? The beach you see from the campsite gallery looks easy to swim from. We love ile de re and have gone to the municipal in La Couarde the last couple of years. We haven't come across this site but would be interested as long as you can swim as without a pool, it would be pretty much a necessity. The other thing mentioned on the review were long queues for showers. Would love to hear more ...
------------- lizzie
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We were out of season when we stayed there - 2nd week of June, and the weather was not brilliant so we did not actually swim, but are sure that the beach was sandy rather than rocky.My partner waded in a fair way with our dog, and he doesn't remember there being any rocks.
We found the shower and toilet blocks to be very clean, and modern, and were little used whilst we were there, but of course it could be very different in high season! There was even a doggy shower which we found extremely useful for our water baby golden retriever!
Have you tried any of the motorhoming or caravanning specific websites as I believe some of them also have review forums?
We like staying in Municipals as they are generally great value.
It depends on what you mean by spectacular scenery. If you want to be right by the sea, and watch the sun set as you wash up, then try Camping Le Cadoret in Fouras (between Ile de Re and Ile d'Oleron). The sea goes out a long way but the sand is wonderful. The small town is very Belle Epoque and you can cycle to the point of the peninsula for a trip across to Ile d'Aix. The whole area is good for cycling.
It was reasonable value for money, with a pool onsite and a boules 'pitch', and a good mini-golf across the road. There was some evening entertainment plus a small bar and shop to order bread.
Here's a google map link to show you just how near you would be to the sea
Lizzie, have a look at this::http://www.holidays-iledere.co.uk/plan/where-stay/campsites/107386-la-combe-a-leau#avis
Franbee, sorry but we like to keep the best to ourselves lol! No, actually we did a whirlwind 2 week run around France and stayed at about 9 different sites., We work full time and just didn't get round to leaving reviews. Will try harder in future!
Thanks for all your suggestions. I'll have a good look at them all.
We have done a fair amount of camping in France over the years but really need to watch the pennies this year. To be fair we have used a mix of municipals and all singing sites.
I guess Im trying to find a bargain that i can persuade all members of our family to like!
Quote: Originally posted by sue.too on 02/4/2013
I guess Im trying to find a bargain that i can persuade all members of our family to like!
you didnt mention the impossible dream when you asked for ideas!!!!
if youre on a budget, have you considered aires next to/overlooking the sea/rivers/lake? plenty of free ones around! although in a small camper you might not have the room (no awnings allowed etc) but a bit of mix and match with an all singing site might help with the finances? i am sure you could get away witha pup tent in some places for the odd night, especially those adjacent to beaches? i am new(ish) to campervanning and have just bought the 'all the aires' book - V useful when planning and have just stayed on a free aires overnight as part of our 'journey', we travelled in the off peak times so saved on the crossing, and stayed about an hour from calais for the night an a free aires WITH toilet facilities adjacent to the town centre, c'est perfect !
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Whilst cycling in the Dordogne two years ago, we came across this one Les cascades and bookmarked it for future use.
It's close to Castlenaud, and hence the most touristy part of the Dordogne ... but about a mile and a half from the main river, on a tributary, with a cycle path going past the entrance ... it's secluded and quiet location (no traffic) was attarctive to us ... yet, a decent pool, and the river ... plus all the Dordogny things to do in that area. And, a lot cheaper than most Dordogne sites.
Quote: Originally posted by lizzie on 01/4/2013Doinitinit - very interested in the site in Ars en Re you mention. The only review I can find for this says you cannot swim from the beach near the site as it is too rocky - is this the case? The beach you see from the campsite gallery looks easy to swim from. We love ile de re and have gone to the municipal in La Couarde the last couple of years. We haven't come across this site but would be interested as long as you can swim as without a pool, it would be pretty much a necessity. The other thing mentioned on the review were long queues for showers. Would love to hear more ...
We stayed there about six years ago ... if you go to the far end of the site, it's completely in the pine woods ... unmarked pitches (no ehu, though there are in other parts of the site) ... we were ten metres from the path that leads directly from the campsite to the beach (25 metres to the sand) ... I don't recall any rocks, and the photos don't show any ... just acres of sand ... I do understand that the amount of kelp/seaweed on the beach can vary, with the ocassional year with heavy deposits, especially if there have been storms ... the year we were there, didn't see any ... might be worth doing a late check on that ... the site is a great location ... and the whole area is terrific for cycling.
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: budget camping challenge
