Hi Sas, it depends on what type of site you are looking for. If you want something quiet with no bar or entertainment then I can fully recommend Bel Ombrage, St Cybranet. If you want an all singing and dancing one then Soleil Plage, Vitrac would be a good bet. It certainly is worth the drive and we returned back only last weekend. We camped overnight in Municipals on the way there and back however you could try the cheap and chearful Formula 1 / ETAP hotels.
Le Moulin de Paulhiac at Daglan is an excellent site with extremely large pitches and plenty for the kids to do. It has a fantastic swimming pool and a nice restaurant and plenty of space to play.
If we are using hotels we usually use the Campanile chain which are ok.
------------- The Chinster.
Some people are just all show. I don’t mind that if the show is worth watching but ….
Nicest site in the Dordogne is this one imho--we go every year--give it a go--you might like it-- its in a nice quiet area as well loads of historical stuff in the area--
------------- Every day should be a holiday!
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Hi Sas - another vote for Bel Ombrage. A lovely site right in the heart of the picture postcard bit of the Dordogne with large pitches and a lovely pool. It does get busy in the height of the season i.e. last 2 weeks of July and 1st 2 weeks of August (roughly) but the rest of the time it is relatively quiet. We have been going there for the last 5 summers and love it. There is no bar or disco but the village tabac/bar and resturant are only 10 mins walk. The owner is very friendly without being intrusive; he only opens for Jun Jul and Aug and normally shuts on or around 5 Sep.
As for the drive its worth it without question. We will be going there again next year probably as part of a Provence/Dordogne exped. I find it the ultimate place to unwind yet ideally situated for the touristy bits i.e. Sarlat, Castlenaud, Beyanc, Roque Le Gageac, St Cyprian and the vinyards of Bergerac and numerous other attractions such as museums, gardens, chateau etc.
A vote for soleil plage - superb location, plenty going on without it being 'in your face', right on the river/beach with a heated pool open to 2100, friendly staff and loads to do within a short drive.
Hi Tethers, The week before last we visited the beach area just outside Soleil Plage and went swimming in the Dordogne dodging the canoes. The kids loved it and whilst there we went for a drive through the Soleil Plage campsite. It looks ideal for older children however personally I prefer a quieter site.
------------- Tony
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The area around Castelnaud-la-Chapelle / Beynac / Roque Gageac is the best without a doubt. Best stretch of river and wonderful castles / views with Sarlat (the absolute jewel of the Dordogne) just 15 minutes drive away.
Campsites : Maisonneuve (Castelnaud) - natural lagoon for swimming, own secluded valley and views of the Chateau from your tent. Gets a bit busy in peak season but outside school holidays it's a real gem.
There isn't a campsite that suits everyone but in my experience there are a wide range of folks suited here. It is my experience that as kids get older some of them welcome the atmosphere of a busy site - and others will want other wise. Last week we were on pitch 1140 but it was great to see a bunch of kids from many nationalities drawn together to play
I'd say it is a medium sized site with great location and above average facilities - but you certainly pay for them so if you don't want them your holiday buget would go further elsewhere. Soleil plage does whet it does very well indeed - but that wouldn't please those who want camping a la ferme
Incidently the beach is not there at the moment - my lad would have trouble standing where he is fishing in my gallery picture , We canoed down from Souillac on Monday and many familiar beaches are under water - We wondered at the effect on the economy of placed like St Juilien where you would expect to see maybe 100 people in a normal year.
The water was certainly higher up than in your gallery image however we still managed to find a small amount of sand just in front of the canoe rentals place at Soleil Plage. We also went on the boat trip from La Roque Gageac up to Castlenaud and in La Roque there is a shop which has tiles on it stating the previous high tides. I note that the highest recorded back in the 1940's was 6 metres higher than the current level !
Enjoy the rest of your time out there.
------------- Tony
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We have driven from Stoke to the Dordogne for 6 summer hols in May-June with Eurocamp or Siblu. Leave at 7pm for a 12ish (out of season just turn up and you get on the next one) Dover ferry. Drive around Paris (Abeville, Rouen, Chartres, Orelans) then on to Sarlat. This is a very popular route for avoiding Paris and only takes an additional 45 mins and saves 30 euros on tolls. This route can also save time depending on the traffice in Paris and whether you get lost. We arrive around 2pm French time. We have 3 young children and have stopped in the past but now prefer to suffer for a little while longer rather than unpack, get food, repack etc. etc. We don't drive very fast and stop quite often. The children are fine since they know they will have a great time when they arrive.
We stay at Les Peneyrals in Salignac. We have never stayed there in high season.
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: nicest area in dordogne?
its in a nice quiet area as well loads of historical stuff in the area--
but it was great to see a bunch of kids from many nationalities drawn together to play
