We're starting to panic a little - have booked a ferry crossing from Portsmouth - St Malo on 1st August for 2 weeks. We know it's the busiest time, but couldn't go any other time. There's just two of us with a tent and bikes on the back of a car.
We had a great time camping around Brittany and the Loire a couple of years ago and thought we'd try the Vendee this year, but have not booked any sites. We have been trying some from the Michelin Guide, but everything is booked solid for those two weeks.
We'd like to stay near the coast, but don't mind if its 10 miles inland.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Should we be worried, or will we find places when we get there? We'd prefer one or two sites for the fortnight, rather than moving every couple of nights. Does this sound at all feasible?
Thanks,
Paul
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Long time since we were 2 with a tent wandering in France but most folk on here seem have agreed that if you are not determined to stay in a special site but are happy to take it as it comes you will find somewhere even at the busiest times - especially if you are prepared to drive 10 miles to the beach.
We are going the same time and have not booked any sites - and we have two toddlers with us...
I'm waiting until we get into France to see what the weather is like before we decide where to go. We will just risk it - I'm sure we will find something.....there are approx 5000 sites in France!
Windlove, the girlfriend and I will be doing just the same and in same sort of area, starting a day or 2 earlier. We did the same year before last in the SE France and had very little problem finding sites. Best advice is to start looking for sites early afternoon if possible, make a few phonecalls and call in to any you drive past. It's far more fun this way asnyway as you will almost certainly end up somewhere exciting and interesting!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
If you want to stay in one of the popular Brit campsites close to the beach then I would say you might have problems - a couple of years ago we went to France a week earlier (mid August) than normal and couldn't find anywhere in our chosen area of the Vendee until the last minute.
We are off to the Vendee, we are staying at Le Pin Parasol, it is about 5 miles from the beach, we went last year and loved it, quite a quiet site, has pools, small shop and take away the website is : //campingpinparasol.free.fr
Thanks everyone for your advice. We're going to chance it, and look when we arrive. Have also decided to drive a little further and go to the Dordogne. May miss the beach, but it sounds so lovely, maybe easier to find availability. Ferry crossing on Wednesday, can't wait!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
If you have a very large tent, it can be worth taking a tiny 2 person for overnighting, or in case you turn up on site and have to take a temporary pitch until the next morning when space may come available when people move off. Lots of French sites are reluctant to turn anyone away, and have overflow areas, but it's no good if you have a monster tent.
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: Help! Campsite availability SW France
