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Camping Le Bontemps, at Vernioz in the Isere region - at least she was there last year.  We're meeting up with Clare at the NEC in Birmingham in February, so I'll post on here when we get back if there's any change!  Francois actually works for Kawan Villages now, and it's just Clare who manages the site - she was always a glutton for punishment.

One of the photos in my 'gallery' is taken from the old village of Cantobre - looking back down the valley towards the site.

We absolutely love this campsite and have been going there from 1996 until 2006 when the Duponds sold it.  Cant really add much more than has already been said by Val and Huw.

Yes it is off the beaten track and yes it is steeply terraced but that is part of the attraction for us.  We always had an emplacement on the top tier, which is not a problem for us, and we are not spring chickens.

With regards to taking a three year old.  Personally I can think of more suitable campsites.  As I dont think it is particularly geared to tiny people, but obviously that is a matter of opinion.  One of the reasons we have not been for the last couple of years is because my daughter and 2 year old grandson come with us, so we have tended to go to a flatter more child friendly campsite.

Other than that we are completely biased , love everything about it and getting withdrawal symptoms, although for us it will not be the same with new owners but that is a personal thing and I am sure it is still as good as ever

Jill

Thanks again everyone.  We have worked out our route and stopovers (decided to follow Huw's advice and do Chartres and Clermont Ferrand)  However Jill has said something that has been at the back of my mind all along which is that this site and area may not be suitable for the soon to be 3 year old!  Our eight year old is very active, sporty and loves  walking and wildlife etc so it would be perfect for her.  Maisy likes to be just like her big sister and will want to do it all too, on her own!!(there's no way she'll go into one of those carrier things that go on your back) so are worried there'll be some frustration!  Have checked with C & CC and they had availability for end of July yesterday on website, but did not have time to book it today.  Am going to try tomorrow, but having a few doubts now!  Maybe starting to consider a beach site (if available) where we can visit mountains too.  Any opinions ?   Thanks  PS Val Photos look great - really want to go there but want to make right decision!

Perhaps I'd agree, too - although we did go there for the first time in 1983 when the Falkland's War clean-up was going on (which indirectly is how we became friendly with the Duponds - long story).  My son would have been two and a half.  We were in a Canvas Holidays tent - and had a great time, so much so that we've been back loads of times over the years.  

If you think she'd be happier with a bucket and spade, digging on a beach, then perhaps that might be a better option for you - but my sons would have hated it.  It's only recently, since they've become 'surfer dudes' that they've really had anything to do with beaches.

I don't really feel qualified to comment on sites suitable for three year olds now, because it's such a long time ago since mine were that age - and now we just choose sites which suit us, so don't look much at what's available for chldren.  Perhaps others who have young children may have some ideas.

I went there in August last year for two weeks with the 3 kids aged 7/5/1 ...... it is "out of the way", depends what you're after.. the pool area was absolutely fantastic,  it suited all the kids, and even in August was not too crowded .... the kids club was a bit basic,  the "free" organised trips were good, I river dipped TWO snakes, the onsite food was OK (nowt to complain about), and good value compared with the resteraunts in nearby Nant. We did day tripped the coast 2/3 times, which took 60-90 mins .... so depends what you're looking for ... my kids loved the pool, but also loved the beach ... have you thought about Argeles .... not much further down (when you've already driven for days :) www.argeles-sur-mer.com

BTW we travelled from Sheffield, and overnighted at Gandspette and HORTUS, Le Jardin de Sully - 1 Rroute d'Orléans - D60 45600 Sully / St Père sur Loire France
... Gandsepette was Very good, whilst HORTUS was good but in a fantastic location on the loire ....

A little piece of interesting information for any families thinking of going here off season using Camping Cheques. The pitch prices are "all in", for either "up to two people, or "up to 6 people" but whe using camping cheques, they charge a flat rate of E7,50 per person per night if there are more than two of you, irrespective of the age of person.

I'd always assumed that Camping Cheques were the cheapest option off season, even with a family, but obviously not always..

I'd emailed asking what their per head charges were for kids for Whitsun, and got the following reply:

Dear Amanda,

If you bring three children, it’s cheaper to pay the normal camping tariff – till the 30^th of May it is: €26 for a family pitch and till the 4^th of July it is €30,50.

Every extra person with camping cheque = €7,50.

Kind regards,

Thanks for that exessexmum - I'll add it to my information about Camping Cheques in the school holidays!   I know RCN (the new owners) do things differerntly - and their website information is difficult to follow - particularly as they also offer 'RCN vouchers at 17 euros' - which appear to offer an 'inclusive' pitch for certain dates. 

I've added the child supplements to my list! 

Quote: Originally posted by Val A on 19/1/2009

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Thanks for that exessexmum - I'll add it to my information about Camping Cheques in the school holidays!   I know RCN (the new owners) do things differerntly - and their website information is difficult to follow - particularly as they also offer 'RCN vouchers at 17 euros' - which appear to offer an 'inclusive' pitch for certain dates. 

I've added the child supplements to my list! 

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No worries. We may still go for one of our two weeks, and just pay the E30.00 a night, then save our camping cheques for another trip. Alternatively, we may try Les Peupliers Riviere.