I am looking to go over to France next summer, planning ahead, it will be just me and the 2 kids, I'm looking for recommendations for good child friendly campsites within a 3-4 hour drive of Calais, just don't know where to start looking. Thanks in advance.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
As with UK sites, you could do a Map Search for France (or The Netherlands, for that matter!)
If you find any that appeal, cross-check them with the Camping Cheques and ACSI CampingCard lists - it might be possible to take advantage of off-(Continental)peak offers on some dates in UK school holidays.
I just came on here about to ask the same question so I shall keep an eye on your thread instead! I am the same, two children who will be eight and six, looking for France. Would love to go to the South of France but I couldn't bear the long journey time so looking for same kind of distance as you.
------------- Center Parcs April 2015
Chestnut Meadows Bexhill August 2015
Once in lifetime trip to Florida Oct 2015!!!
It sounds like your 1st time across the channel so here goes related to a site for example. le Brevedent is much reviewed on here, it is 4 hrs easy from Calais, and is motorway to about 10 kms of your destination, so if it's just you and the kids, maybe you have no navigator, and straight easy driving motorway makes for a relaxed arrival. Cross country is cheaper and marvellous for sight seeing but can be very fraught until you are used to it.
At site, all admin staff speak very good English if need be, so no worries with foreign talk till you want to try your hand, and can be a mega boost if you are unfortunate to need assistance vehicle or medical. Local GP services are superb, and accessible virtually on demand, again can be significant with children in tow. Site has a shop and a restaurant, both at a price, but you won't be caught short if you forget something. Local mini mart is 3 kms, supermart is 6 kms, so shopping is no worry, and access to shops by direct route.
Site has open pitches, ie no hedgerows, not to everyone's liking but if you are on your own with kids, it is virtually inevitable you will find a neighbour to chat to, assuming you want a bit of company now and then. Mix of outfits, and in summer, more and more tents these days, so plenty of like minded souls. Site offers kids club every morning to give you a break if you need one. Pools are great for toddlers or older to say 12 ish. Coast is very accessible in about 20 mins, via Trouville which has most things for kids.
Bar at night is very informal, and child friendly, again if you fancy a small sherbert with company.
So not the only place to go, everyone has their favourites, but maybe some pointers as to what may become important once you get to the foreign shore.
FM
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
How old are the children and what do they like to do? A little more information from you will enable people to give more accurate advice. What time of year are you planning? This again will assist greatly, as Hacksaw Bob has said, if you are going out of season you can take advantage of Campingcheque or ACSI sites.
Fully agree with his comments regarding using the toll motorway. May cost extra but it is definitely hassle free and worth it to start your holiday on a good note.
Have a look as well at Kawan Village Lac d'Orient which is near Troyes and is about 4 hours via the toll motorway from Calais. Indoor and outdoor pools and lovely shower block. Just across the road is the lake which has a "beach" for children to enjoy. Accepts Campingcheques till early July. Not perfect site as the takeaway/restaurant leaves a bit to be desired but there are better alternatives within walking distance. Check the reviews of the site on this website.
Attached a couple of photos to give you an impression of the lake.
I was going to suggest Lac D'Orient. Lovely site, child friendly, lovely lake for swimming and boating, theme park about half an hour drive away for all the family.
Le Brevedent is good for a first time camping in France but for me it's too full of British campers and doesn't feel at all French. Stayed Monday night on our way home, think I saw one Dutch car, the rest were all British.
------------- Kate
Trailer tent, caravan and too many tents!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by kate w on 03/8/2013
I was going to suggest Lac D'Orient. Lovely site, child friendly, lovely lake for swimming and boating, theme park about half an hour drive away for all the family.
Le Brevedent is good for a first time camping in France but for me it's too full of British campers and doesn't feel at all French. Stayed Monday night on our way home, think I saw one Dutch car, the rest were all British.
Too true, I was thinking of someone 1st time and 1parent with kids, there's a lot of France round about, and maybe it's nice to mix the two.
Funny enough 2 weeks ago, Brits on Brev were in short supply, there were Dutch, they get everywhere, plus Germans, Belgians, Italians, Danes, Swedish, and funny enough a surprising number of French plates. It is only in the last week since schools broke up, that the Brits have arrived. In May, the A 16 down from Calais was a non ending stream of GB plates, but in recent weeks around Brittany, and Finistere, there was a noticable scarcity of Brit plates compared to times past.
FM
ps There were that many Brits last Monday, we were the ones on the overflow near the gate.
We stayed at a site near Houlgate in Normandy. Our site was statics only, which we rented, but La Vallee nearby looked nice. The area is pretty, with good beaches & lots to do & see.
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: Site advice
