Hi, Trying to organise our first camping trip to France. We are not not sure about either going to La Dordogne or Le Vaucluse. We have 2 young children (aged 4 and 6) so cannot go for long walks yet. Any recommendation? THanks
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Our first french trip, some twenty-odd years ago, was to Orange (Vaucluse 84) at one of the Camping Club's Carefree sites, le Jonquier. Ours were a little older than yours, but not much; woken every morning by the sound of goat bells as they grazed in the field next to the tent. Most trips out were slow drives into the wine areas, soaking up the Provencal ambience. DD forgot her armbands, so promptly learned to swim without. Also to order her own coffee from the bar.
I think CCC are now using L'Isle des Papes at Avignon, where we saw the eclipse a few years back. A bit bigger, good restaurant and a bit more for the youngsters.
My impression is that Vaucluse has a bit more in terms of urban culture, but that may just be subjective. Certainly, whenever the weather was iffy elsewhere we'd up sticks and head off down there to dry out.
Both are lovely areas, but purely in terms of weather, I would opt for La Vaucluse, as it has never let us down. We have experienced really glorious weather in the Dordogne, too, but also a fortnight of rain in July, which is not a holiday we look back on with pleasure!
For a family, Carpe Diem at Vaison La Romaine has a lot to offer, although we prefer quieter sites as we are no longer holidaying with young children.
We have done two years in the Dordogne from 21st July and both years we have had fabulous weather, the temps have hit 36c this year and its getting hotter. Its 516 miles from Dunkirk and an easy journey. We stayed on a fabulous site this year next to the river with a sandy beach called Soliel Plage, large pitches and canoes can be hired from the river or take your own. The pitches all have water/ehu and some have waste, the ones near the river at the quietest at night. This site is large but great for kids, theres 3 pools, 1 heated and two shallow, 2 water slides. 3 play areas dotted around the site and kids discos a couple of times a wk, they had a circus there and horsriding, we have 2 children ages 7&8 and this site is perfect for families. Its 5* but it is expensive, cost us 53 euros a night for 4 but you wont pay for the kids as they are under 7. It is close to Sarlat which is gorgeous and theres a fab family cycling track from Sarlat that is traffic free on an old railway line, its 27km but you can do as much or as little as you want. The site is 4.5 miles from Sarlat and the location is stunning, it is gorgeous and we loved it that much we have reserved our pitch for next year. If you do consider it ask for a pitch on the river side of the site as this is quieter but it is more expensive, the ones near the bar can be noisy at night. Hope you get sorted and have a good time wherever you go.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
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: Dordogne or Vaucluse
