Can anyone advise on a campsite in SF suitable for a family of 4 who like the water (swim/sports/fish), like open space and cycling. Children are 7 and 10. Would prefer not to stay at a huge campsite. Many thanks. J
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We're trying out Eltoile d'Argens this year, near St Aygulf. has reasonable reviews on here. Also has added advantage to us in our 60s in a camper van as they provide free little ferry from site to beach. Children might lilke that? Don't know when you're going but if in school holidays it just might not be as crowded as some sites right down on the beach in this area?
Ive searched and searched the coastline of the south of france looking for a gem of a site which has family facilities but not all singing and dancing so that I could stay for the summer on my own with the children, but I've found that they are either packed in like sardines and very very busy with small pitches or huge commercials. One that keeps coming back to me is Les Haras - its not coastal but not far away but sounds very nice.
When our children were that age we reckoned the Cavalaire area was the best bet on the Mediterranean, and there are several sites possible in and around that town. Go to one and prospect around the others for the following year. But be prepared for busy, dusty sites and heavy traffic. And it's not really cycling country.
Our other alternative was always the area around La Palmyre on the west coast - which has better beaches than the Med., some sheltered and some wild if you walk out through the forest, and really is good for bikes too.
But get back to me if you want more detail than this.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
When our children were that age we reckoned the Cavalaire area was the best bet on the Mediterranean, and there are several sites possible in and around that town. Go to one and prospect around the others for the following year. But be prepared for busy, dusty sites and heavy traffic. And it's not really cycling country.
Our other alternative was always the area around La Palmyre on the west coast - which has better beaches than the Med., some sheltered and some wild if you walk out through the forest, and really is good for bikes too.
But get back to me if you want more detail than this.
We stayed at Loree du bois last year - great site - didnt feel too big - had the pools and slides for the kids - great biking area, La Palmyre beach is Bloomin Fantastic. So much so we have booked same site, pitch everything again for this year. Im not normally one to go back to places.
I am another one voting for the west coast, Royan/ la Palmyre area which has super beaches, loads of free parking, great climate. South of France is too crowded, too far, too much traffic and not for us except in low season-------nah!! Still the west coast!
Quote: Originally posted by rolyjayne on 09/6/2011
Can anyone advise on a campsite in SF suitable for a family of 4 who like the water (swim/sports/fish), like open space and cycling. Children are 7 and 10. Would prefer not to stay at a huge campsite. Many thanks. J
One of our favourites is Camping Caravanning Des Aubredes at Puget-sur-Argens, Var. Near to Frejus for the beach, but also on the fringe of the Bagnols Forest for cycling. The site is fairly ordinary and the toilet block is a little out of date, but somehow, it's never an issue. Reasonably cheap price for Provence. Swimming pool and bar on site, with weekly disco, but that's about it - some organised activities, but fairly low key. Oh - no open fire BBQ's but Claudine (the owner) organises a camp BBQ every Wednesday evening in high season. You just grab a table and take your own food/drink up to incinerate. No extra charge to take part and Claudine provides Rose wine for everyone free of charge - after the BBQ there's usually a sing son in the bar area, followed by a disco for the youngsters. I have a real soft spot for this site. Many regulars (mainly French). Size of pitch varies - quite a few trees (hence the name), but tell her what you want and she'll try her best to accommodate. You may get in on spec. but much better to book for any seaside holiday place in Provence. Elsewhere in France (on th way/way back etc) no real need to book. Des Aubredes is not a huge site, but it's not very small either. I would say medium!
There are some statics on site, but no Eurocamp etc. Childrens play area, boules, tennis courts at the far end of the site. It's not listed on this site so here is a link to Claudine's site. She speaks reasonable English, and so does Sandrine. Next time I go, I'll get it listed and write a review, but alas it's the UK for us this year.
Quote: Originally posted by Berriow on 09/6/2011
DSB That's a lovely recommendation. You are sounding quite nostalgic. Are you sure about coming to Cornwall this year ?
Nostalgic - nah! that's a radio station isn't it?
Actually since writing that post, I've just found out that the two ladies who own the site are retiring this month, so it could all be different in 12 months. Who knows. They go on holiday in Oct - Nov, and they come to Ireland to go golfing. Some years ago, I said to them, 'but it rains in Ireland'. They said, 'Yes! What a relief!'
------------- David
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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
