What would everyone, in their collective wisdom , consider to be the "peak season" in France. Some-one has mentioned after the 20th of August as being a guide.
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Last year, 2010, we went a week early, on the 15th August, and were able to stay on ACSI/Camping Cheques sites, from the second day with absolutely no problem finding pitches. The municipal site we stayed at on the way down was about two thirds full only, on the night of the 16th. I'd say after the second weekend in August - so French real peak season is only from the weekend nearest to the 14th July, and for four or five weeks thereafter.
After the third weekend in August the Dutch and German families tend to be packing up and going home too, and by the last weekend in August you may find yourselves on a half-empty site!
Come the end of the first week in September and it changes again, with the 'more mature' (shall we say, although we are amongst them!) couples arriving, so sites begin to fill up again - and on some sites this can be quite noticeable.
Come the end of the first week in September and it changes again, with the 'more mature' (shall we say, although we are amongst them!) couples arriving, so sites begin to fill up again - and on some sites this can be quite noticeable.
Post last edited on 02/01/2011 11:33:54
Well now I didnt know that. Its clear then that many people wish to avoid the busy times, whether to save money or just to avoid the crowds. I must admit I dont mind a full site but hate it when local towns and places of interest are loaded with tourists.
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Quote: Originally posted by bigtoe on 02/1/2011
I must admit I dont mind a full site but hate it when local towns and places of interest are loaded with tourists.
.....one of which is you!!
Agree with other posters, we usually come back around the first week in July, then go again around the 20th of August. We left on the 10th of July this year and it was noticeably more crowded with families the last few days.
Quote: Originally posted by bigtoe on 02/1/2011
I must admit I dont mind a full site but hate it when local towns and places of interest are loaded with tourists.
.....one of which is you!!
Hopefully it isnt, or at least we'll try and avoid late July to Mid august.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We always go to France for the last 2 weeks in August and while this would still be classed as high season in a lot of holiday destinations, because it is in UK school holidays, in France this isnt the case. We have always found tourist attractions are busy enough to stop them feeling like a ghost town but not so busy you have to queue
The roads going south are much quieter as everone else is heading north at the end of their hol and campsites are busy enough to have a good feel about them but not so busy you cant tour and take a chance on getting a pitch without booking. You can also take advantage of some of the discount schemes available that Val advises in her post. Forgot to add that you also get high season weather without high season prices as prices at campsites can drop considerably even if you dont use one of the diiscount schemes.
Carol
I have been stewarding a camp site in the Dordogne for the last five years, the busiest periods were between the second week in July until the third week in August. After that it got progressivly quieter. Sadly this year my stewarding days are at an end. The site has changed hands.
Agree with those before me, I think it gets queiter after the third week, after the last bank holiday it starts to empty. The families leave and the older couples, or those with toddlers and babies arrive. We usually go out the 2nd to 3rd week of August and come back the day before the kids start school again. After that last August weekend the prices go right down, but if you're after a site with entertainment + bars then watch what remains open. My parents are in the south west and their sea side town is still pretty busy right into October.
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: France - peak season
, consider to be the "peak season" in France. Some-one has mentioned after the 20th of August as being a guide.
