Hi everyone
So we have booked camping le sainte Marie for the last 2 weeks of August.
I have just read a review which states that the men's bathroom does not have proper toilets but holes in the floor. Do you think this could be true?! I have 2 boys aged 12 and 9 my youngest is special needs so I think they will really struggle with this.
Also after reading about camps in France a lot of people talk about how men and women share toilets and showers is this right?
Last thing the review also talked about how shorts were not allowed in the swim area and boys/men had to wear trunks (one unhappy husband)
Can anyone help put my mind at ease.
Thanks in advance
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Sorry, this may make things worse and is probably not what you want to hear!!
Yes, some campsites have 'hole in the ground' toilets but most (especially four star) have some 'normal' toilets.
Some campsites have 'unisex' toilets - in fact it's quite a common thing in France and it is something you get used to.
Yes, some sites don't allow swimming shorts in the pool. They have to be stretch lycra - either cycle shorts type, or what is known here as Speedos. This is for 'hygiene' reasons - baggy shorts can be worn around the site, pick up grass, dirt, and other debris, which then clogs up the filters of the pool. Lycra shorts are generally worn only for swimming and therefore are (perhaps!) cleaner.
There are no reviews on UKCS for that site (presuming it's the one near Argeles). However, there are reviews on Zoover (Dutch website) which give it 8.3 out of ten and the latest in June 2015 gives it 10 out of 10. Where did you read the reviews which made you worried?
If you decide to cancel then during the last two weeks in August you should be able to find other sites available, and perhaps ask advice about a site which would be more suitable for your family's needs.
Well not sure of yuor site but yes its the budgie smugglers for the boys I'm afraid is ona pool site Shorts are fine at the beach ...its standard across most of France.
Yes there are also shared showers and toilets but dont panic to much they are are individual cubicles though shared. Eg there might be 5 cubicles showers in a row but they are anyone's..not your actually sharing the shower with anyone.
There will be reviews of the site on trip advisor or somewhere I am sure if not one here
------------- Mark
Uttoxeter (Race days)
Le Serignan Plage (clothed one) August and Scheveningen on way back
Are you referring to Sainte Marie which is on the beach close to Perpignan or the other Sainte Marie in the Camargue on the Bouches do Rhone?
Its unusual to find a site that has been modernised that has all 'Turkish' toilets but there will still always be some as its part of the French way of life!! To our minds they are pretty disgusting - not because of the way that they are used - but because many of them are left dirty and not cleaned properly by the previous occupant. Mind you the same can be said of the normal loos unless you are on a site where they are constantly been serviced.
I havent owned a pair of Speedos since I was in my 20's and so have never used campsite swimming pools!!
You have to have a decent pair of legs to wear these and I think I was in the sparrow queue when they were handed out!! Again its onne of those rules that make up the French way of life and as such all good French people obey it
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I and my teenage sons wear square leg trunks if trunks are required - they are a little more flattering than budgie smugglers. like Val says mostly they are beneath a pair of "modesty shorts" that are only taken off for the pool. - it is actually a good system as prevents dirty shorts with pockets full of beach sand being worn in the pool.
Most sites will have a mixture of english and french loos - the english ones may not always have a seat and you will often be expected to take your own paper with you - so worth a reccy to plan your visits;)
As for unisex facilities - this is less common on campsites but public WCs are often unisex and men's urinals can sometime be a very public convenience!.
What ever you find it will be a case of "when in Rome" and you will have a fantastic holiday.
Bon vacances!
Guy.
------------- It's only an expensive hobby when it's parked on your Drive....use it, love it , live it.
Quote: Originally posted by Monsieur Farfelu on 21/7/2015
Are you referring to Sainte Marie which is on the beach close to Perpignan or the other Sainte Marie in the Camargue on the Bouches do Rhone?
Its unusual to find a site that has been modernised that has all 'Turkish' toilets but there will still always be some as its part of the French way of life!! To our minds they are pretty disgusting - not because of the way that they are used - but because many of them are left dirty and not cleaned properly by the previous occupant. Mind you the same can be said of the normal loos unless you are on a site where they are constantly been serviced.
I havent owned a pair of Speedos since I was in my 20's and so have never used campsite swimming pools!!
You have to have a decent pair of legs to wear these and I think I was in the sparrow queue when they were handed out!! Again its onne of those rules that make up the French way of life and as such all good French people obey it
It's the one near Perpignan.
Thanks everyone looks like we are just going to role with it!
We will have a good laugh if nothing else!
And for the poster that asked the review was from pitch up.
Thanks again everyone
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: Campsite facilities
