After 10 years of camping in Cornwall we've decided to give france a try. We are wanting to go south - med coast. After searching for over a week I've found sites that are fairly expensive or sites which look like they haven't opened bookings yet. We have thought £700 ish for 14 nights should be enough but found sites a lot more than that. We are looking for sites close to the beach but happy to have a long walk or short drive, pool and activities for the kids, near a seaside town.
So what I'm asking is am I too eager to book?
Is £700 Not enough for 14 nights?
Which booking sites should I use?
My head hurts :(
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Which part of the Mediterranean coast are you looking at? Which websites have you been looking at to search for sites? There are plenty of sites, even on the more expensive end of the Mediterranean from Marseilles to the Italian border, at less than 700 euros for a fortnight for two adults and two children, including some which are very close to the beach. One site you might like to look at is Caravanning Saint Clair, at Le Lavandou, which is really near to the beach, but whether that will suit your children is the question (no swimming pool, for instance).
There are lots of other sites - but it would help to know a bit more about what you're looking for.
You may find it easier the last two weeks in August, rather than late July/early August, as prices sometimes come down substantially then once the majority of French people have gone home.
Clare, you can pay the earth for famous, fancy sites. Widen your search and simplify your wish list a bit if you want somewhere affordable near the Mediterranean
I just priced up Camping Felix de la Bastide for you - for four people it costs 42 euros / £37.50 a night in summer. Details and photos on their website and reviews on here from the four Brits who have found it. It is lakeside, has a pool, and is a 20 minute drive to the Med.
Thanks Val..... lots of good advice here. I didn't realise that about last 2 weeks of August and we have been looking at the first two weeks of our school holidays. As for the area - we've no idea, we just want a nice holiday resort with things to do out and about with lovely beach. Kids will want a pool....
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
If you use the Eurocampings website (not Eurocamp the tour operator) and select an area on the map, then all the sites in that area can be displayed, together with a 'sample' price. You can sort by price, to find the less expensive sites, and then have a look at their websites to see if they suit you.
A quick look shows several sites, even with nice pools, within your budget and all within a reasonable distance of a beach including Le Vaudois and Les Phillipons in the Var, and lots more in the less expensive areas of the Mediterranean.
Quote: Originally posted by Val A on 29/10/2017
. One site you might like to look at is Caravanning Saint Clair, at Le Lavandou, which is really near to the beach, but whether that will suit your children is the question (no swimming pool, for instance).
Post last edited on 29/10/2017 19:34:18
That site is for caravans and motorhomes only and it appears the OP has a tent.
It's one we've heard good things about. Have you stayed there, Val?
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Sorry, didn't read the tent bit! No, haven't stayed there - but friends who used to tent did this year. I forgot they'd just bought a campervan! They liked it a lot, and so do others from other forums! They're both ex-teachers and tend to go for sites without pools, because that generally means there are fewer children around!
Maybe the beach is not so important?
Were you to go that route i.e. pool only with beach access in (say) an hour or so ... you'd open up a whole lot more opportunities.
Some of the best sites we've used, which have direct access to rivers, lakes, sea don't have pools because it's (sort of) doubling up on a swimming facility ... and pools are expensive to run.
The downside of the Med in high summer is the sheer volume of tourists, and, quite a lot of 'not so attractive' stretches of coast line that are just 'penguin beaches' (apologies to those who love the 'lie on a beach in the sun all day' holiday).
You will find lots of sites using the campsite search maps on here ... read reviews, and click the link to their website for more info and prices.
There are other coasts, too ... the Atlantic coast can be excellent ... best surfing in Europe ... unbelievable beaches and the biggest sand dune in Europe. Le Tedey may suit you ... no pool, but direct access to swimming etc in the lake, and sandy beaches, plus access to the sea twenty mins by car. Lots of very good reviews for it on here.
There is such a huge variety of possibilities in France ... once you've been, you'll be hooked ... for life!
You've all been a great help. Kelper you are totally correct about pool/beach site. We are going with another family so I think we need another meeting!
If you're considering the Atlantic coast you might want to have a look at Camping Interlude on the Ile de Re - direct access to a lovely sandy and safe beach and has a pool.
Free bus into the village with its market during the day, only a 10 minute drive to 2 big supermarkets.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
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: Time to book now or later?
