Just a bit of advise wanted. We are looking at going to northern France this year and just can't decide on which campsite to go for so thought someone out there could help.
I quite fancy the Huttopia sites, probably the Senonches one. We will be going approx 8th august for 1-2 weeks. I quite liked the idea of renting the tent for 1 week as you don't need to take anything with you. We do have tent and everything that goes with camping.
If someone could give thoughts on that campsite but if anyone has any other campsites nearish to Paris that would be great.
I have 3 kids so i know they would love a pool and stuff to do.
Look forward to hearing your advice.
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This site http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=6405 is South of Paris, at the village (and palais) of Fontainebleau. Small site, has a pool, crazy golf, etc, and isn't that pricey. Also rents out various types of accomodation. Near to a rail link to Paris.
Planning to stay there later this year, but haven't been there yet.
We've stayed at the Huttopia at Rambouillet, but just for an overnight stop. The facilities (sanitary blocks, etc) were excellent, but it's a very shady site, and wouldn't be my first choice for anything other than a short stay. I would imagine Senonches to perhaps be the same.
We've also stayed at the site mentioned by Arthurdent (above) and I'd agree with him, it's a good base for Paris. There is some train noise, but it doesn't seem intrusive during the night. The site also takes Touring Cheques, so you could save about 7 euros per night (Touring Cheques are £11.90 per night, for two people, tent (or car and caravan, or motorhome), awning, and electricity. There would then be a supplement on top. The site normally charges about 20 euros plus supplements for the children. I think they also do 7 nights for 6 cheques, so even more of a saving - and they appear to accept them all season, but I'd check first just to make sure.
There are Camping Cheques (www.campingcheque.co.uk) and Touring Cheques (www.touringcheque.co.uk). The latter is part of 'Eurocamp' so has big organisation backing. Generally both are used in what sites consider low season, but this is not always the same in France as in England, and generally you can use them for some part of July and the latter half of August at a lot of sites. Courtilles de Lido is one Touring Cheque site which according to the brochure will accept them all season. As this is quite unusual I would definitely ask the question if you decide it's worth ordering some.
Both come with a brochure listing all the sites, as well as information about each site (dates, facilities, etc.,) and directions how to find the site. Huttopia sites accept Camping Cheques but Rambouillet only up until 29th June, and then after 29th August, and Senonches only after 29th August until their closing date.
It's definitely worth considering a later August holiday if you can, another year, as you can then take advantage of some of these 'discount' schemes.
If you do decide to rent a tent,, try to book with Canvas Holidays. Their tents are far better than keycamp, etc and when we went with them extremely clean and looked after, not like when we went to Domaine de Drancourt last year. Lovely site but the tents were not well laid out and were absolutely filthy. I was very disappointed.
I am having to change my plans as my kids passports have expired and it will cost me £150 to change the 3. So we are going back to Newquay, been there for the past 3 years. Going back to Trencreek, liked the site and the walking distance to Newquay.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Sorry to hear that - what an additional expense! Newquay is (or was) lovely though. Years ago (late 1960's, early 70's) we all used to go to Newquay for our holidays, every year for about four years. I remember the pubs down there. We generally stayed at Holywell Bay, four young (at that time) couples - doing the surfer dude thing!! Still brings back memories!
I have not booked yet but am thinking of it for the last week in August. Got 3 young boys so want lots of outdoors for them but not a massive slog from the tunnel.
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.