As Val's been taking my name in vain (only joking, Val) I thought I'd better put my penn'orth in.
I've read through all the postings and gather you now are undecided between Canet, Narbonne and Agde.
To confirm Val's posting about my opinion of Le Boucanet: we were there a few years ago and had really nice memories of it. We then went back last September, walked round for about an hour or more, desperately trying to find a pitch, but left. The reason was that the only pitches available were very small, or very sandy. We have a motorhome, so don't do sandy, the small pitches were just awful, would be difficult to manoevre, partly due to, as Val has already said, lots of parked cars on the edge of pitches, partly due to hedges/trees.
Also, as Val said, the number of statics etc has increased hugely, taking up the majority of the beachside pitches. It was nothing like we remembered. We had also recommended the site to a couple on the previous site we were on. They went the day after us. By sheer coincidence we actually met up with them at Le Clerq at Boulogne 2 weeks later (couldn't believe that!). Anyway, they said they only stayed 1 night, as they were so disappointed by the site. We felt awful, having recommended it to them.
We then went to Fleur de Camargue, and that was quite full of mossies. We started looking near (but not by the side of) the stream that runs alongside one part of the site. One chap came out to tell us not to go there at any cost, just before we came, one couple had set up camp there, only to find loads of mossies around, and then had the whole rigmarole of taking everything down and moving pitch. But even further away from the stream, there were loads of mossies, you are on the edge of the Camargue, so not surprising.
Now, of the 3 sites you are interested in, we have only stayed at Neptune in Agde. Twice we've stayed there, the last time last September. We really like that site, they have recently extended it, so there are more pitches and the toiletblock has also been refurbished, and is one of the best I've come across. It has a nice pool too, and it is nice walk down to the beach at Grau d'Agde. That is a nice small village, with shops. The other way is Agde itself, which is lovely.
If you are into cycling, it is brilliant there, as there are loads of cyclepaths.
Can't say we noticed that many mossies there actually, but of the 3 sites I have described, I definitely prefer this one. It doesn't look crowded like Le Boucanet, as the pitches are large enough to accommodate cars, neither are they sandy, and to me there is just more of a feeling of space around you. There are some statics etc, but not on the same scale as Le Boucanet (unless they have added more since last September).
So, that's my opinion, for what it is worth!! Good luck with sorting it all out.
------------- Ina
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Thanks Ina. I think we are going to plan for Agde somewhere, either Champs Blancs or Neptune. Hopefully we'll arrive in Agde early enough to have a good look around and choose the site we prefer. I'd slightly prefer Champs Blancs, I *think* because the pool looks so much nicer then Neptune, but I'm really only splitting hairs and either look like they will be just the job for us. We also have a ACSI card if all else fails.
I'm feeling much happier abnout our decision to shift location slightly West away from the Camargue.
I've been looking on Google maps at Le Boucanet - and though the satellite photos are a few years old they show it as it used to be - ie all the beachside pitches are tourers. Last time we were there (in May last year) a good half were mobiles, and it really makes the site feel so much more hemmed in. You can no longer see the sea wall from the inner pitches either - because the mobiles block the views. I know exactly what Ina means - and it may be even worse this year as they cram in even more mobiles.
I think you just have a 'feeling' that some sites may not be right for you - and this makes you undecided - perhaps that's whats been happening, and it may be that you'll now settle more and enjoy the remainder of your holiday planning.
for what is worth I would choose Neptune, they are very helpful in replying to emails and requests. We had a look at Champs Blanc when in Agde a couple of years ago. For us the location of Champs Blanc made it a no go, its a long way to drive to be next to a bypass and the immediate area isnt attractive whereas Neptune is more attractive (I know what you mean about the nicer pool at Champs though)
What about the Vias site Val recommended, i think it will be nice in low season.
Let us know what you decide.
OH has been itching to go to Fleur de carmague but after showing him Inas reply he soon changed his mind, it would be a nightmare coping with kids and a husband covered in bites.
As an aside we havent changed our plans for over 2 months now!!!! For once I am really set on our sites. First 2 definetly definite, as the 3rd site at Lac du Chalain have assured me there is no need to book even for a lakeside (mossie free apparently) pitch the last week in August we plan to go there unless the weather is poor when we will follow the sun.
------------- Thistledown Easter
Nantcol June
Domaine du Verdon Castellane and Etoile d'Argens Frejus Aug
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Thanks pager33. Only problem I can really see with the Vias site-Domaine de le Dragonniere- is that it's a HUGE site with 500 odd pitches, but only 100 touring pitches, which does make me feel we'd be in a sea of statics, although looking at the map I do see that the camping pitches are all separate. And it's 6kms to the nearest beach and no idea whether we'd have to pay to park every day? Looking at the map it does also appear to be in the middle of nowhere, so not walkable anywhere really. But then it would be quiet I guess.
I have stayed at Ma Prairie at Canet at the end of August and found it a lovely quiet site at the back of Canet. The emplacements were quite large and the family that own the site are very friendly. A quiet road separates the emplacements from the tennnis courts and the swimming pool. We really enjoyed the site and so did our teenage children and found it very easy to go by back routes to other places along the coast and also into Spain. It is a lovely area and very easy to reach the mountains behind Perpignan.
What about even further along to just east of Collioure, les Criques de Porteil? It's a Castels and Camping site, their newest I think, and with it's own steps to a pebbly beach. We're hoping it's good as we've now booked for a week in June have a look at Alan Rogers, they seem to think it's good.
------------- bridie
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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: Opinions on sites Perpignan - Agde please
) I thought I'd better put my penn'orth in.
