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Hi All,

We are travelling down from Manchester end of July for two weeks, Dover to Calais via Seafrance ferries - car, roofbox, trailer, tent, wife and two kids (9 &7). We arrive in Calais mid afternoon and are looking to pitch somewhere within a few hours away from the port just for one overnight stay (to re-charge my batteries), could anyone recommend a decent site that would suit please?

From then on we are looking to head off towards the Vendee / Brittany areas, we weren't thinking of booking just turning up at different sites every 4-5 days or so (we'd like to move around a bit). Any issues finding available pitches for a tent or should we be pretty much okay? I'm realistic enough to accept some sites may be booked and we may need to move to another one however would anyone know if this is not such a great idea? (21st July - 5th Aug).

Have driven around the vendee before (hire car a couple of years ago), but we thought we'd chance taking our own car this time and there's loads of things to consider..........used to be taken by my parents through France to the south when I was a kid in the early 80's, I'm sure they just threw a couple of sleeping bags in the back, cases on top, GB sticker, painted the headlights and were away.....seemed a lot more simpler to me back then...! :-)

Any tips, info would be great.

Thanks Matt.

Hi and welcome to this very useful forum. You will get lots of helpful advice.

The period you are travelling is the busiest in France as the French are off too. I think you may have to ring ahead on the morning and reserve a pitch otherwise you might have difficulties. The other alternative is to get to the next site as early as possible in the early afternoon.

It is great fun and your children will love it - best holidays ever for children.

Hi Matt,

The time you are going is the busiest season and you may need to seriously consider booking in advance. Campingfrance.com lists over 11000 sites in France so check it out.

As you are heading for Brittany/Vendee and will have driven from Manchester I would consider Picardy area as its not too far from Calais, and by the time you have negotiated the M25 you really dont want to drive too far on the other side. Besides which the kids will probably be fed up by that time. Look at the campsite  Val de Authie if there is a pitch available as it has an indoor/outdoor pool and decent restaurant/takeaway which would keep the kids happy and provide a nice relax after your journey.

Another site very close is Ferme des Aulmes which is also a nice site with good facilities.

If you stay in Picardy you still have a long drive to Brittany/Vendee but at least you will be refreshed.

Whatever you choose, hope you have a great holiday.