First posting so here goes. Looking for recommendations for a family friendly campsite for a couple with 2 boys (10 & 5) for next summer. Never driven on continent so looking for a max of 1 hours drive from port, close to beach and preferably with a pool and other activities for the kids. Would really prefer a medium/ small site as don't like mega-sites and i'm looking to go next August for 10- 14 days. I already have an Alan Rodgers guide but the choice is immense so would really appreciate your help (buget approx £250/week for site).
Thanks
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Welcome to UKCS - which ferry port are you using - as this will make a difference to recommendations? Also have you got definite dates in mind, as going in the later week in August can save money on site fees.
Port L'Epine is one site where friends of mine holidayed for many years when their son's were smaller - they loved the coastal setting, the rocky coves nearby, and the friendliness of the site staff. It has a heated outdoor pool, and heated children's pool. They found the beaches nearby had lovely rockpools which kept the boys entertained for ages. It's near to the western ports.
You don't say which port you are going to - obviously that will affect peoples answers. To be honest, there aren't really that many popular beach places (in comparison anyway) to go to within 1 hr of any of the ports - you're more or less limiting yourself to Normandy, which is fine in it's own right, but you'll likely have no better weather there than you would in Devon. Most people would drive at least a little bit in search of some sun. The exception to that is the port of Roscoff in Brittany, but it can be expensive to get to.
Can I say though, once you start driving in France, it really isn't that difficult, and any site within 250 miles is easily reachable within 1 day. Personally, I would recommend using one of the ferries to Cherbourg, Caen or Le Havre, and drive the 250 miles to Brittany. Somewhere like Camping Du Letty in Benodet http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=5461 is always popular, but may be a bit big for you ?
If you really do want to stay close to the channel ports however, around Etretat & Fecamp (near Calais and Le Havre) or around Bayeux (near the ports of Caen and Cherbourg) are nice areas. I stayed at Chateau de Martragny http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=7076 near Bayeux and Caen, which, although it's 15 miles from the beach, might suit you.
Have enough in the budget for St. Malo or Roscoff, no preference either way at the moment though apprecoate St. Malo is cheaper to get too. thinks i may just forget the beaches and look for a site which will suit us all.
------------- Are we there yet?
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
If you can afford Roscoff, then I'd think about the West Brittany coast, or the South Brittany cost around Benodet (1.75 hrs away). Lovely spot. Or St Malo to around Vannes / Carnac.
A good place to start is the campsite reviews.
If you can stretch your drive to 2 hours, their are many nice places on the South coast and the weather might be just that little bit warmer (but not this year )
The area around Benodet is great.
The other thing to bear in mind is the arrival time of the ferry. We take the Poole - St Malo Vomit Comet which arrives at about 8pm, so we stay in a nearby motel for the first night. There are lots to choose from and they are much cheaper than here (Etap, Ibis, B+B, Kyriad, Campanile - they are all nearby.)
For a first visit, you could do worse than stay at the Domaine des Ormes near Dol de Bretagne. It's only 30 mins from the ferry terminal so you don't even need a hotel for the first night. It is a "mega site" I'm afraid but very nice for all that. It's not near the beach but there are some top class beaches within easy reach. Domaine des Ormes reviews.
The first thing I would say is, if you are ok towing from Wales to Portsmouth (or whichever port you are sailing from) then you will have NO problem touring in France. We live in Mid-Wales and we had our first trip abroad (camping - towing a folding camper) last year. Hubby was panic-stricken to say the least, but minutes after disembarking at Le Havre we were onto the Autoroute and that was it for the 4 hours to our site in the Loire (L'Etang de la Breche - great for kids, we've been twice already!).
We have booked a site in the Dordogne for next summer towing a caravan and are facing a 10hr drive - but it is SUCH a doddle driving in France - the roads are great and so well maintained!
Do don't let driving on the continent restrict you to the north of France, especially after paying a fortune for a western crossing!
Have fun planning!
------------- Claire x
Jan 2013 - Skiing, Kühtai, Austria
May - Swiss Farm
Fforest Ffields
Aug - Saumur, France
Oct - Somewhere...
Jan '14 - Skiing, Les Houches
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We have been looking at this site today too. It will be our first trip to Europe with the van. Did you book online or go direct to the site. We are looking at going on 25July for 10 nights so arriving at the site on Saturday 26th.
Quote: Originally posted by 101sal on 05/11/2008
Will the standard 6 amp hook-up be ok for lights and travel hair dryer (for the wife), I make it about 690 watts, is that correct?
6A hookup is 1320W at 220V.
Port de Plaisance is an OK site. Some superb beaches nearby. Reviews here.
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: Newbie - Brittany
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