You can actually get other sites in the Pas de Calais area for very much less than Les Bien Assise. They can be difficult to find, but they are around. There are mentions on this website, recently, of alternatives, and it really is worth doing an alternative search. The 56 euros quoted is definitely not 'the going rate' - have a look elsewhere and if you really can't come up with anything then spend the night on the docks at Calais - completely free.
I wouldn't pay 56 euros for 4 nights on site, anywhere, let alone one night!
Quote: Originally posted by jaymac on 26/1/2010
The municipal at Laon was one of the first sites we ever took our van to in France. It's about three hours from the ports so handy for a first night stop and not too far for a last stop too. Some of the pitches are quite big, there's a lake nearby ( so the dog can have a swim) and the town itself is very nice and often overlooked by tourists.
Glad to know I am not the only person to go there! It was Val A (who else?) who suggested it.
Problem with Bien Assise and other Castels sites is that they charge a hefty 10 euros admin fee for booking online. Ridiculous, I know.
Thats not unusual in France and often its more that €10! As I posted above you can book via the Caravan Club which will avoid such a fee. I should perhaps add that you have to either have booked your crossing or travel insurance with the Club to qualify to use the CC service.
We too are confined to school holidays, however on Val A's recommendation last year we went at the back end of August, travelling back beg of September. This meant that the bulk (if not all) of our holiday was done on Camping Cheques.
Admittedly the choice of sites is restricted, but given the savings made a compromise here or there makes it worth it.
We have priced up one site this year however that wants nearly another 150 Euro's on top of the camping cheques to cover the cost of our daughter, tourist tax and a non refundable booking fee. On top of that if we wanted private facilities as we had enquired about another 138 Euro's and nearly 80 Euros for hire of a fridge....the list went on:-)....
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Pumpkin - have you got my 'School holidays' spreadsheet - I've updated all the child supplements for most of the sites for 2010. There are real differences in rates, and it might be worth looking at. There are some nice sites available from 15 August onwards.
I'm just going to look to see if your email address is given - if not, mine is, in my profile, so email me for a copy, if I haven't already sent you one! UKCS names are often very different to the real name - so sorry if I don't recognise you!
When we travelled to the Alps, last summer we could have easily done Dunkerque to Langres in one day and so it could be done without a stop near Dunkerque. We had a few nights at Chateau Gandspette, without prior booking, but were not over-impressed as the pitch was VERY BADLY rutted. Alternately on the way home we travelled from Chalon en Champangne in about 5 hours and then overnighted on the carpark adjacent to the Norfolk Line Booking Office at Dunkeque.
Incidentally I often comment if I consider a site is expensive in my reviews so you may well be speaking about me. As has already been said price for pitches on French sites DO vary wildly and it is certainly NOT directly proportional to the quality of the site!!! We've stayed on some lovely sites at low prices and been offered really poor pitches at expensive prices. In the case of the latter we drive away unless we're desperate!!
Though we have to travel in late July/August, we're both teachers, we generally manage to find reasonably priced sites, even though we rarely book, other than phoning ahead on the day of arrival.
Quote: Originally posted by Tim and Cary on 28/1/2010
Hi
We had a few nights at Chateau Gandspette, without prior booking, but were not over-impressed as the pitch was VERY BADLY rutted. Regards Tim
Apparently the reason they no longer take twin axle vans in the high season now because they tend to churn up the pitch! On a couple of pitches they have laid plastic matting which the grass grows through. Only problem with that is that I witnessed one motorhome trying, and failing, to get up on chocks because his wheels were spinning on the plastic! I have suggested to the owner of Gandspette that he should visit a Caravan Club site with hardstandings!
Try this http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=6355 it is just off the motorway and was very near Cite du Europe for your shopping. We paid 11 euros with ehu last year. It is very handy for the tunnel as it is 1 junction away.
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Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
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: The going rate
