I know there's a few people on here been to this site, but I can't seem to see any reviews on here. I've a couple of questions, please... is the site fairly peaceful, are the beaches sand or pebble, is the nearest town cycling distance off road for small-ish children and is there somewhere to leave bikes when we get there?
Could anyone who can picture the site tell me which pitches might be good from their not-entirely-helpful map here, please? We are a pretty long unit with an S-max and 7.5m caravan, but do have a motormover (a bit of a life saver on every French campsite we've ever been on and a good way to start a chat with the neighbours :-). We are looking for a peaceful shaded (I think) pitch.
Thank you!
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t don't know it but I I googled Camping Le Suroit reviews - and 180 of them appeared - and it sounds pretty good to me. I found photos too - and it looks pretty good as well.The minutiae of which actual pitch you get will be up to the site owners because in school holidays it will be full. The roads will be busy too but there is a network of paths for cycling. The beaches are sandy.
Thanks Berriow - yes, the reviews sound surprisingly good and it's a busy site so I'm surprised there's not a listing on here. They still have high season spaces and have offered me a choice of pitches - I know we prefer peaceful to noisy so the back of the site looks best, but I was hoping someone might have an insider tip on a good one for a long unit like ours :-)
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Hi white rose,
Did you stay at camping le suroit? All of your questions in your original post are what I would like to know too, the pitch sizes and if the bike tracks are suitable for young children.. my kids are 10, 8,and 6. And distance to the nearest towns and if it's a nice area. If you stayed there would you recommend it?
Thanks
Caroline
WE have stayed near St Georges, which in the nicer part of the island.
The bike routes are are mainly dedicated "Voie Vert" type and the odd stretch of very quiet roads.They are certainly suitable for an 8 yr old.
The beaches are sandy but more exposed to the Atlantic than on the other side of the island.
The other side of St Georges is a marvellous bird sanctuary which can keep children occupied.
Great, thank-you. Which site did you stay on? We've been to the vendee area previously but wanted to try somewhere else and somewhere with cycle tracks and beaches.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I cannot comment on the sites mentioned but have visited the island several times.
The cycle tracks criss-cross the whole island and are safe for all ages. some do cross roads but there are signs whenever they are ahead and barriers which should prevent even an over enthusiastic 6 year old accidentally entering the road. Definitely worth a cycle up to the light house at Saint Denis - mainly for the coastal cycle track but lighthouse is fun for kids and adults with a few tacky shops to browse.
The beaches are nice some pebbly, some sandy. certainly on the Southern coastline they can get a bit sea weedy - I would also say neoprene rock shoes are essential for kids,
The island is very laid back and less commercial than other Vendee resorts which suits us but you can easily head off the island and into Royan for day or evening if you like a bit more hustle and bustle.
------------- It's only an expensive hobby when it's parked on your Drive....use it, love it , live it.
You can find most of what you are asking about if you use Google Earth. The little man's route goes right past the camp site and you can see the local area and beaches.
One thing to remember about Oleron and Re is that they both are packed out in the French holiday period. Bikes would be the best way to get around as the roads get really busy.
Also, you pay a toll to get onto the island. It was €8 last time we went over, free return to the mainland. So, if you are intending to visit places on the mainland as part of your stay allow for that cost.
Oleron is a fantastic place to visit. But we only go out of season because of the crowds.
------------- If I had known how busy retirement would be, I'd have carried on working.
There is no toll to get onto or off Oleron these days. Has been free for a few years now, as the bridge was 'paid for' by the initial tolls.
We liked Le Suroit when we stayed there a few years ago. The beach just outside the campsite is sandy, and uncommercial. The restaurant was well used by the locals, good recommendation!
Quote: Originally posted by minicamper2001 on 17/1/2018
There is no toll to get onto or off Oleron these days. Has been free for a few years now, as the bridge was 'paid for' by the initial tolls.
It is an odds-on bet that the tolls will be re-introduced this year. The announcement should be any day soon.
------------- If I had known how busy retirement would be, I'd have carried on working.
It is an odds-on bet that the tolls will be re-introduced this year. The announcement should be any day soon.
That is interesting. I knew the idea had been kicking around for two or three years but hadn't realised the plan had been so firmed up. I imagine it will cause some unholy delays at the toll booths at weekends in summer when the traffic is busy.
It is an odds-on bet that the tolls will be re-introduced this year. The announcement should be any day soon.
That is interesting. I knew the idea had been kicking around for two or three years but hadn't realised the plan had been so firmed up. I imagine it will cause some unholy delays at the toll booths at weekends in summer when the traffic is busy.
Well, no. Because the idea presumably is to deter people from going there! Or at least from crossing on and off, say for shopping or day trips, or a vide grenier, for instance.
Quote: Originally posted by minicamper2001 on 19/1/2018
Quote: Originally posted by Berriow on 18/1/2018
Quote: Originally posted by Nicepix on 18/1/2018
It is an odds-on bet that the tolls will be re-introduced this year. The announcement should be any day soon.
That is interesting. I knew the idea had been kicking around for two or three years but hadn't realised the plan had been so firmed up. I imagine it will cause some unholy delays at the toll booths at weekends in summer when the traffic is busy.
Well, no. Because the idea presumably is to deter people from going there! Or at least from crossing on and off, say for shopping or day trips, or a vide grenier, for instance.
Taken from a local newspaper:
"The controversy surrounding the introduction of a toll at the entrance to the island of Oleron has raged for more than 20 years in Charente-Maritime. On the one hand, there are supporters of an eco-tax to regulate car traffic, finance the protection of the environment and the establishment of clean transport. On the other, those who do not wish to put a barrier to the entry of the territories, for reasons of free movement, and who denounce the return of the grant."
Add to the pro list those who want to establish a private enclave for the rich city-dwellers who own many of the houses on the island.
------------- If I had known how busy retirement would be, I'd have carried on working.
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: Camping Le Suroit, Ile d`oleron
