We're hoping to camp for a couple of weeks slightly to the South of Paris (weather permitting; if it rains we'll head further South!) and we usually prefer smaller, quieter campsites, particularly very 'French' sites rather than English/Dutch all-singing-all-dancing sites.
I've been looking at the reviews but can't quite find what I'm looking for; any of you any suggestions for a campsite in that area?
We're not bothered about going into Paris (we've been many times) but might like to visit Fontainebleau or Versailles if within easy reach ... other than that, thi year, we mostly want to relax!
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...don't know what it might be like now, but then it was quiet and peaceful apart from a few cars (around 7.30am) leaving the site from mobiles. It was also very cheap at the time. We went into Paris, Versailles and also a couple of places along the Loire as day trips. We were there only 6 days as I recall - it was in 1988!
A site I have used several times in the past is at Rambouillet, a lovely site in a forest. However the last time we went it was closed, and has now been reopened by Huttopia.
Have a look at the web site.
We've stayed at Les Courtilles de Lido, which has 180 pitches - maybe bigger than you want, but when we were there it was very French. It is a site which takes Touring Cheques all season, so a pitch for two people, car and caravan, awning, and electricity, will cost just £12.95 per night. It also does 7 nights for 6 Touring Cheques, or 14 nights for 11! There is a little train noise, which shuts off at bed time, fortunately.
It's near to the little town of Moiret sur Loing, which is very pleasant, and has a train link into Paris, and it's also near to the Chateau and forests of Fontainbleau.
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The Loire Valley around Blois and Orleans is just south of Paris and very beautiful with loads of fantastic chateau's. Not quite as manic as Paris. Plenty of campsites in the area, last time we were there we stayed at the Castels Grenouille site near Blois.
We stayed at La Belle Etoile in Melun on the way back from the dordogne.
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=9248
It is very quiet and we enjoyed the two nights we stayed there. We used it as a base for Paris. I would go back but I think it would be too small for us for two weeks. Not enough there for the kids.
I had difficulty finding reviews but there are two on here now.
Quote: Originally posted by franbee on 15/2/2011
A site I have used several times in the past is at Rambouillet, a lovely site in a forest. However the last time we went it was closed, and has now been reopened by Huttopia.
Have a look at the web site.
We stayed there a couple of years ago - lovely situation in the forest. Staff really put themselves out to help us when we got a puncture. Half way between Versailles and Chartres. No entertainment etc.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Anywhere along the Loire but Orleans has plenty to do and is surrounded by sites! We stayed at the minimalist Municipal d'Olivet in a quiet suburb of Orleans (several reviews on here) - easy journey by tram or bike. Lots of culture and restos in Orleans as well as the train station for Paris &c..Not particularly 'French' but not 'British' either!
The above very French in village of Dienville. The area generally is Lacs de la Foret D'Orient. The site is small and not as commercial as others in the area. We loved it, but it was a long time ago, and don't know what it is like at the moment. looking at the web site, it does n't look much different.
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Thanks
Ian
Thank you for your helpful replies. I'd found a couple of your suggestions but the others were new to me. Think we might first take a look at La Belle Etoile and Les Courtilles de Lido, which seem to be either side of Fontainebleau and look like our sort of sites. I'm getting excited now!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Le Belle Etoile http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=9248 takes Camping Cheques up until the 14th July - and again after the 20th August - meaning a pitch for two people, with car and caravan, tent or motorhome, awning, electric hook-up, and one dog, would cost £13.95 per night or 7 for 6 up until the 1st July, or after 1 September. This saves you about 8 euros per night on the normal site tariff
I worked on Les Courtilles Du Lido for a few months when Keycamp were on it a fair few years ago. The owners were very 'French' and was a lovely site, but as it had Keycamp, Eurocamp and Canvas holidays all having units on site it did have big British contingent at the time.
I don't think Keycamp use that site anymore, but as an ex-campsite courier I'd say if you want it be small and have local character avoid the ones the British camping companies have there own units on! I'd guess quite easy to check on their websites these days.
Hi
I'd recommend La Belle Etoile. Lovely quiet site, extremely helpful and obliging dutch family own it. Organised, toilet block clean, washing facilities adequate, pool, play parks, lovely walks nearby, Melun is a lovely place to walk to in the evening, bike hire - have been several times on way south and will definately go back.
Fiona
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: `French` Campsite South of Paris?
