having done med coast 3 years running fancy a change, fancy somewhere riverside or lakeside in the dordogne, we are led to believe its climate to be even warmer than south coast ? fairly close to areas of of intrest chateaux etc site must have a pool and a few things to keep 2 teens occupied any ideas ??
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Definitely not warmer. It can be warm, even hot, but it's lush and very green so rains a fair bit. The rainstorms tend to be fierce and shortlasting but fairly frequent. Over the last few years, there have been some bad weather, especially in the school summer holidays in the Dordogne with disappointing temperatures, so much so that three or four years ago we changed our plans at the very last minute and went elsewhere.
Don't get me wrong, it's a gorgeous part of France, we love it there, but don't go expecting guaranteed better than the Med weather and wall to wall sunshine. You might get it, but you very well might not.
Soleil Plage at Vitrac is a nice, busy, top quality site in (in my opinion) the best bit of the Dordogne, near the loveliest tourist areas; Castelnaud, la roque gageac, Domme, Beynac. Sarlat is a big town with big, busy market and the obligatory hypermarket etc. there are other sites in the immediate area, but for teens that like plenty going on, soleil Plage would be worth a look, and as Eurocamp go there, you should find other Brit teens for yours to pal up with, if that's what they like.
For a quieter site, check out others along that section of the river.
I would suggest Les Peneyrals near Sarlat, good swimming pools, a bit of entertainment and plenty of British teenagers to make friends with. Also a nice restaurant onsite with a takeaway service which is good value for money.
My two children 17&12 have asked to go back there this year so we have booked up.
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Been 5 times and soleil plage is for us one of the best sites we have ever been to. No way near as hot as the south of france coast as last two years we've cancelled the Dordogne in favour of the azur.
If you like a lively site great for teens I would suggest looking at St Avit loisirs although if you're looking at school holidays they are probably booked up now.
I think it depends what you want. If any rain will ruin your holiday, or you are going to spend the month before you go frantically checking every slight change in the weather, then maybe it's not for you. If you are happy to explore and aren't bothered about catching some rays every day, then go for it.
We admit that we expect lovely weather, which is why we go further south. Maybe when we have retired and have more than two weeks a year in France we'll be happier to risk a bit of bad weather. And if you go off peak, you can obviously follow the sun as no need to book too. With us going in peak season, the decisions have to be made much further in advance, which can be a gamble unless you go somewhere very far south.
Ardeche is similar to Dordogne in that you have the rivers and swimming, and the medieval villages and chateaux, but also pretty much guaranteed sun. Check out l'Ardechois at Vallon pont D'Arc.
We've spent at least three weeks of summer in the Dordogne for many years now and have only had cause to complain about the weather once. Temperatures can and have been as high as 42 degrees but more usually 20-34. Personally I (we) find it a very pleasant climate and much prefer it to the south coast, indeed our 'coast' holiday is SW Les Mathes/La Palmyre. We visit the south early season, April/May when you can get around with out standing in traffic and when everywhere is so much less busy.(Yes we have been in the summer too)
As said the Dordogne is one of my favourite areas, but we are the ones that when it rains we hate it! hence last two year very south of France.
Again, if it was a toss up between Dordogen and Ardeche, we feel there's alot more to do and see in the Dordogne. The kids are now 14,12 and 10 and they love this region.
------------- atko
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We liked Les Peneyrals, it is a medium size site so not massively busy . There are a few pools and slides . The evenings are lively with live bands and shows . The restaurant is fantastic , plus its near Sarlat and so lots to see and do .
------------- 2011 Les Ecuruils Vendee
2012 Port De Limuel, Dordogne
2013 Les Peneyrals, Dordogne
2015 Le Capeyrou
Soleil de plage all the way - went for the first time last year and although the weather was dreadful, rained heavy most nights and cloudy during the day it was by far our best campsite ..
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: recommendations for dordogne ??
