Quote: Originally posted by Kelper on 24/6/2016
It's direct sun that has the impact ... shade makes a huge difference.
You still need airflow though. I wouldn't take a Diablo to the south of France in August. The bedrooms spring off a central dome and it has a SIG so it's going to be mafting in high temperatures.
I'd take the Cedar Creek, and use a tarp or day room for table and chairs etc.
To the OP: we were at Le Brasilia, which is a wooded site. Even with trees, you only get shade at certain times of the day and in certain areas of the pitches.
I'd take the Vango and go for size. We've been to the Ardeche in August for the last few years, and if you have a shady pitch it's fine...you'll presumably be out and about during most of the day anyway. And in my opinion it can be a lot cooler at night, so not a problem for sleeping at all. Also, in our experience there can be a fair amount of rain, even in August, as there are often thunderstorms. It's invaluable to have the space when that happens. We changed from a Vango Albany 600 to a Vango Maritsa 700, which is much bigger, and are so glad we did.
Thanks lids0 and wakes wakey.
I must say all the advice is very helpful but there still seems to be two different opinions which makes the decision very tricky. I agree about creating outdoor living space with the smaller cedar creek, we have the hammock and extra awning but I get your point about the possibility of downpours wakey wakey.
If there is not a heatwave I am still leaning towards the Diablo for the space but does anyone know how hot the nights are in the ardeche because that's when we will be in the tent.?
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
In my opinion, not hot at all! We had 100 degrees in the day on several occasions last year, but still comfortably cool at night. We also had two major thunderstorms, and the inside space was invaluable. If your pitch is shady anyway it won't be too bad even during the day...I had a migraine the day after we got there and spent most of the morning sleeping in the tent, and then spent the afternoon sleeping by the side of the river in a nice shady spot...there's always ways to create shade if you need it, but inside space you've either got or you haven't!
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: Whic tent to take to the Ardeche in Augus
