Ask for a pitch in the old part of the site - bigger pitches and better segrated. Also pitches by the park can get very noisy but ideal if you have kids.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I agree with Helenmb re Domaine de la Foret, it's a superb spacious and quiet site although it is a drive to nearest beach.
Have you camped in Brittany? there's a good choice on near-beach sites here, it's a hop from Roscoff and personally I found it prettier and less commercialised than the Vendee region plus weather-wise it's no different (but the Brittany gulf de morbihan tourist info. guys reckon this area has it's own sunny microclimate). We visited the Vendee region once and although the campsite (domain de la foret) was lovely, we much preferred S Brittany as the villages were beautiful. On the Vendee trip we took a late ferry to Roscoff, stayed in a hotel an hour from the port and drove next morning (a Saturday) to the site, the traffic was horrendous, particularly round Nantes and we felt, with our littliest in tow, it wasn't worth the headache to head just slightly further South ... we'd have been happier in either Brittany or going the whole-hog to Biarritz for the ''guaranteed' sun. Also ... I do go on!..... we now always book the Pont Aven ferry on the Plym-Roscoff route as it's so much better equiped than the others. If you can cope with the added expense, the commodore 4-berth cabin has a balcony and it makes the crossing such a treat and so relaxing.
Couldn't agree more - Domaine de la Foret is really lovely and we are going back there again this year but I suspect we will be drawn back to Southern Brittany again soon. It is just so pretty, lovely beaches, rolling countryside, perfect for young families. Plus we have been to France every summer since 2002 to a variety of areas including the Dordogne, the Aveyron, Languedoc and the best weather we have had was two weeks near Vannes when we didn't see a cloud in the sky. I know this is not always typical but you can't guarantee the sun anywhere in France.
Susie
------------- Live every day as if it's your last - don't waste it
We are off in June and spent a fortnight touring on bikes in 2006. Western Brittany -Penmarch - was beautiful but the weather wasn't great. It was ok but we were looking for a little more sun. We then went down to Camping des druides near Carnac and the weather was superb!! Sun all day and sat outside til 11 o'clock. Also did a bike tour of the Loire at the same time of year previously and once again the weather was awesome! So this is the reason for trying to go a little further south. there seems to be 3 sites in the running at the moment - Les Escuriels, Pomme de Pins and Le Pin Parasol. Just read a post regarding transition day and its things like this that as previously childless adults we took for granted but now OMG!!! We were hoping to do a tour initially for a month in a camper, now we have trimmed it back to a fortnight over three or four sites in a huge tent, but now think we may end up at one or two sites and do little day trips in the car on preferably on the bikes. Who would have thought the amount of extra planning involved when you have mini-me crawling around your feet?!!!
Can highly recommend Les Ecrueils in Jard Sur Mer. We wnet three years ago when my lo was 11 months old, it really suited us as it was quiet. (we went the last two weeks of Aug) lots of nice beaches within cycling distance, great Super U nearby too. Pluus an indoor pool if weather not so warm.
Matty - I note you're going in June - have you looked at the Camping Cheques (www.campingcheque.co.uk) or Touring Cheques (www.touringcheques.co.uk) websites? There are some super sites offered in the Pays de la Loire and the Vendee, many of which are likely to be reasonably quiet in June (it's just not peak season in France, so makes a huge differerence to the 'ambience' of sites). Additionally, with only a 'little me' you'll only pay £10.30 for Touring Cheques, or the same if you order them together with a ferry from either Camping Cheques, or the Caravan Club - or £11.70 if you only want the cheques. This is for a pitch, two people with tent, caravan or motorhome, awning, and electricity. It's hard to beat - and there do appear to be some nice sites, although it's not an area I'm familiar with.
Les Ecuriels (mentioned above) is one of the Touring Cheque sites, taking cheques up until the end of June. Camping La Foret in the Pays de la Loire has direct beach access - and only 63 pitches (with two pools) - might just be worth taking a look at these websites to see if there's anything that fits your bill.
thanks val indeed we have the freedom camping vouchers from the Caravan and Camping club and have just looked to see if Les Ecureuils doesn't offer the discount scheme. :(
Have also noticed that they don't like charcoal bbqs. How flexible are they in this respect?
The other option for value for money is La trevilliere nr Bretignolles-sur-mer. Looks like a reasonable site a bit further up the coast. Any comments out there? Great value at £8.90 per night!! We also take on board the fact that it is likely to be quiet in most places as we are on hols whilst most other people aren't!
thanks for the link meerkat. Looks like a good site.
Regarding the touring cheques are they the same as the freedom camping offered by the C and C club or do we buy them separately? We have already bought the freedom camping cheques so will Les Escureils accept these event tho the brochure sayds they don't?
Just an update - bought some touring cheques today and as well as £10.25 per night Les Esccureils offer 7 nights for the price of 6, so BARGAIN !! Thanks for all the advice. I think we will try a week at Jard Sur Mer and then go to La Trevilliere a bit further up the coast for a week...until of course someone comes up with a better proposition!!!! :)
Great - I do like to hear of people getting a bargain. We've bought Touring Cheques for the first time this year (having always used Camping Cheques and ACSI) - and the special offers do make a really great deal! Camping Cheques also offer 7 nights for 6, or 14 nights for 11 on some sites!
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: Camping in the Vendee region
