Looking at staying at Bella Italia at Lake Garda or La Baume/Holiday Green in Frejus. Cant decide between the 2. Anyone have any experience of the sites or can recommend one over the other? We are just back from la Croix Du Vieux Pont and loved it so wanting to go further afield next trip. Thanks.
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We love the Cote d'Azur, go every year. The only thing that has stopped us from camping at Lake Garda (we have stayed in hotels there several times) is the distance/time factor. But that will be resolved next year!
Bella Italia is a large well organised campsite right on the lake with lots of things to see in the area. The South of France is a totally different experience. We once stayed near Antibes but that was mainly so that we could visit the Grand Prix at Monaco. We have stayed beach side many times at Port Grimuad or the other side of Marseilles.
Was La Croix du Vieux Pont your first experience of French campsites? If so, then you might want to stick to France for next year. The sites you mention are not ones I've been to, but we have been to Frejus and to Lake Garda in the past and stayed at different sites. If you choose Frejus, then consider your dates carefully, because in peak season the traffic there can be horrendous. If you do go, and want a day trip to St Tropez, then try to get a water taxi rather than drive in
Although we loved Lake Garda we did have some ferocious thunderstorms there, and the lake turned from idyllic and blue to nasty waves and quite threatening! We found the pitches generally smaller than we'd been used to in France (we werre with Canvas Holidays then and the tent barely fitted on the pitch, with little room for table/chairs/hammocks etc). We were also 'arrested' by the Italian police, which I must admit put us off Italy somewhat!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Was La Croix du Vieux Pont your first experience of French campsites? If so, then you might want to stick to France for next year.
Yes that was my first experience of both a caravan holiday and in France. I dont know now - i really like the look of both of them - can get France £200 cheaper for same dates (22 Jun-6th Jul 2011) so obviously that may swing it for us but have also always wanted to visit Italy and think it looks beautiful. Decisions, Decisions!!
we love La Croix and have been 3 times ,not camping but in a static!
we went to Lake Garda this May ,but in a chalet tent!
Bella Italia is a huuuuuuuge site apparently,and not sure I would like to be on such a big site,but plenty of smaller sites to choose from and such a pretty part of the world,we will definitely be returning
would love to do South of France next year too,in the area you mention
Been to Bella Italia, South of France and Croix. All very different. Can't really say which is best as it it depends on how far you want to travel etc. Bella Italia is a great site it is huge and very well run BUT Italy is a long way. We have driven there twice and it is a long way at least 2 days of travelling each way. However it is a great country. This year we are driving 'just' to the Loire........basically to save on fuel costs and 2 days of travelling and also because we have found a great campsite which for this year meets our needs. Can't really say which you should chose as very different.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Thanks for the advice - if i go to Lake Garda then i think will just fly there but if do South Of france then will drive. Whats putting me off driving all the way to France is the fuel costs. All in we put £230 fuel in to our car the week we were away at La Croix - not also including tolls so i can only imagine the costs all the way down to Frejus!
I've not stayed at either site, but as regards the area, then personally I would go for Provence - Frejus area, but stay in land a bit. Less crowded and the beach still accessible when you want 'a good fry-up'. We've had some really great holidays in Provence. (We like Italy too, but for us, Tuscany would be our destination).
One of the reasons we havn't been to Frejus/Provence or Italy for a while is the cost (especially the fuel - and having a Disco as a towing vehicle). Now I'm retired (well semi!!) we just don't have the cash (Wife is still working though). But when the mortgage is finished in a couple of years......... we'll be back.
Quote: Originally posted by MrsG26 on 23/7/2010
Thanks for the advice - if i go to Lake Garda then i think will just fly there but if do South Of france then will drive. Whats putting me off driving all the way to France is the fuel costs. All in we put £230 fuel in to our car the week we were away at La Croix - not also including tolls so i can only imagine the costs all the way down to Frejus!
we flew
and didn't even bother hiring a car whilst there,we just used the ferries which was a fab way to see the lake / scenery,hired a speedboat and used our legs! lol
are you using the SUN deals again? we didn't as we got a fab bargain with selectcamp in a chalet tent ( the kids had seen them at La Croix and been nagging to stay in one!! ) but the sun do offer the same site as where we stayed Cisano / San Vito
and of course they offer Bella Italia,Butterfly and a few others
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: South of France or Lake Garda?
