We stopped overnight at campsite les Erables at Escalles, arrived early evening as was quite full, seems to be popular. Nice elderly couple running the place who spoke no English. Not much by way of facilities, a clean toilet / shower block but fine for an overnighter. We were catching an early ferry and the owner got up early to make sure the gate was open for us to leave.
We have been to have a look at this site, good views on England on a clear day! Its very near to Les Epinettes. The only thing that crossed my mind about it was that it seemed very exposed, especially to the wind.
Les Epinettes was excellent for us when we arrived after a stormy crossing. The site is low down in a sheltered spot, so even though it is near the coast, wind was not a problem. A bonus was the extensive free book swap facility at reception (once we found it open!!)
Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 05/10/2012
We have just spent two nights at Les Epinettes, Peuplingues, its about 5 miles from the Tunnel and a little further from ferries.
We've just missed you there then, David! We were there on our last night, Saturday night.
WE used to stay at Les Erables, which you rightly say is very exposed. We went there last July, and were allocated a pitch, which was very close to the next unit, that close that we declined and went to Les Epinettes on that occasion for the first time.
We've used Les Erables since it opened in 2004, but with it becoming ever more popular, the pitches have become smaller as they are putting more units on. Originally it was a site with 25 pitches, last year I counted more than 50 units there. The original pitches were very large admittedly, and space for caravans seems more generous than for motorhomes. We've seen 3 motorhomes parked overnight outside the toiletblock, behind one another. On another occasion at about 9pm a motorhome was squeezed on between us and another motorhome, where there was no pitch. I've done an updated review on the site in July this year.
Yes, the views are stunning, but we'll stick with Les Epinettes from now on, at least you have a proper pitch there.
------------- Ina
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Beautiful final night location........camping/ caravans/ motorhomes and if you feel like a real bed they have chalets. All in separate areas. The tent area is just an open field which looks as if it was the orchard at some point. We always get greeted with chickens which sleep in the hedgerows. The camping area is quite high up so you have a lovely aspect over fields.
Excellent immaculately clean facilities
A Bar/ Restaurant
Very clean, very friendly
Only 35mins from the port, and on route to the Port De Europe. There is a brilliant hypermarket a short distance away in Arques.
For many years we used to camp in the area surrounding Calais, and it was never the best experience. We had this site recommended and have been going every year since (7yrs).
I'd give it 10/10
------------- CAT
Favourite site:
Camping Nanzel, Limone, Lake
Garda..perfect for MTB, Kayak, SUP and fell running training.
Favourite areas: Provence, French Alps, Savigny (as a stop over for Southern France: Rhein valley as a stop over for Italy. 78
Gandspette is one of our favourite sites, and perhaps the best in the area, but unfortunately it closes at the end of September hence the reason for going to Les Epinettes.
David
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 10/10/2012
Gandspette is one of our favourite sites, and perhaps the best in the area, but unfortunately it closes at the end of September hence the reason for going to Les Epinettes.
David
Just what I was going to say. We don't come back until early October, therefore the choice of sites is rather more limited. Another one that closes before the end of September is La Bien Assise.
La Bien Assise has a few slots open all year, and a small facilities block-they are hardstandings near the entrance. You go to the restaurant to book in.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 10/10/2012
La Bien Assise has a few slots open all year, and a small facilities block-they are hardstandings near the entrance. You go to the restaurant to book in.
Didn't know that, useful info, as it is also very near the tunnel, and near a Lidl and another supermarche, the name of which escapes me at the moment. Wonder what the cost would be and whether they'd accept ACSI. Will bear that in mind anyway, thanks.
Didn't know that, useful info, as it is also very near the tunnel, and near a Lidl and another supermarche, the name of which escapes me at the moment. Wonder what the cost would be and whether they'd accept ACSI. Will bear that in mind anyway, thanks.
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: Calais Campsite
