We need help finding a peaceful, simple campsite near a river or a lake.
We aren't bothered about access to beaches or family activities, but do need a town/village close enough to buy groceries/wine/fruit/bread each day.
We like visiting vineyards, we like canoeing and we like to cycle. We are also interested in finding out about the Resistance work during WW2 which took place in and around the Arcachon area. There is a museum in Bordeaux for certain, and that's why we thought somewhere in that region would make a base for a good camping holiday.
Can anyone help with recommendations?
------------- Beenie xxx
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What time of year are you going? In early and late season many campsites are quiet, so don't rule out the larger sites. There are farm campsites, some of which are small (though some have pools and restaurants) - have a look on Bienvenue a la Ferme. Unfortunately there don't seem to be many to choose from in the area you want.
Google 'Aire Naturelle Aquitaine' and you'll find a choice of sites. Aire Naturelles are smaller and simpler sites.
Have a look on the Eurocampings (not Eurocamp the large sites tour operator) for a quick look at hundreds of sites within one website.
Municipal sites can be good - but there are less of them than there used to be and few in the areas you want. My advice for quiet sites would be to go in April or early May where you may be the only people on some sites.
We've stayed here Camping Le Village du Lac which is in Bruges a suburb of Bordeaux to the north-east of the city, as the name suggests it's on a lake and near some other lakes. It's conveniently on the bus/tram route for the city, we didn't provision shop around there but IIRC there was a well stocked shop.
We're looking to stay at Camping Le Beau Soleil this year, it's in Gradignan, another suburb of Bordeaux, this time to the south and again is near the city bus routes. There are shops around here.
In the past we've stayed at Camping Municipal La Verdalle which is at Gujan Mestras one of the many towns around the Bassin D'Arcachon, this year we've bookmarked sites at Ares, Andernos les Bains, Arcachon, Biganos and Le Teich, I can't vouch for any of these but there's plenty of choice.
We turned up at La Cigale last spring for a return visit to find it was getting quite pricey so we went over the road to La Canadienne and were delighted with our choice. Easy access to cycle paths to go around the bay in either direction, good wash block, good pool, WiFi at the bar/restaurant area, and the pitches behind it, and decent pitches. A couple of minutes into town on the bike where there is a supermarket, good bakers and bars (10/15 minute drive to 3 bigger stores on the edge of town.). Excellent market, interesting oyster port with restaurants and access to a nature reserve with plenty to see. I could go on but it's one we'll definitely go back to.
April and May aren't likely to be cold. In Bordeaux (for instance) in 2016 average lowest temperature was 11.4 degrees and average highest temperature for the month was 17 degrees with a high of 22.8. In May averages were 15.5 and 21.5 with highest temperature being 31 degrees. You can check rainfall levels too - and in the past this has changed where we've been heading as certain months are much wetter than others in some places.
You can check historical data here: https://en.tutiempo.net/climate/05-2016/ws-75100.html for almost anywhere.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Don't miss the Welcome Point for Aliens, at Ares, when you visit!
Not near there, but for future reference , there's an excellent Resistance museum at Cahors. A lot of material is In French so it's an advantage if you understand the language. However, well worth a visit if you enjoy that aspect of WW2.
Quote: Originally posted by noddy1304 on 03/3/2018
You can look it up here -
http://invisiblebordeaux.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/ovniport-dares-patiently-awaiting-alien.html
Sorry not sure how to do a proper link.
We stayed at C.Vielle Fontaine, nr. Andernos les Bains in Sept. 2012. Typical pine forest site overlooking the bay. Quiet out of season.
Bonkers!
Well, if we go to Ares this year I'll be sure to seek it out.
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: Campsite near Arcachon/Bordeaux
