We are planning go to France for 2 months, July / August / 1st week Sep. It might be this year, might be next depending on work. Weve been to much of France in the past but not the South East, and we spent 2 months in North Spain / Pays Basque before so the length of the holiday isn't new.
The plan would be for the first 3 weeks in Dordogne (never been there) and the last 3 weeks in Vendee, near Les Sables (one of our regular areas) before a few final days near Mt St Michel before getting the Cherbourg ferry. All of these would use ACSI as much as possible. So far so good.
That leaves about 3 weeks in the middle, late July / early August, right in the busy period. So what I'm looking for is somewhere not in a peak tourist area, and somewhere cheap enough (likely a municipal or somewhere like Pors Peron) but still an interesting area. Good cycle paths (not mtb) and a swimming pool, even a municipal one, would be a bonus.
So - where would you pick, either a departement or even a specific site ? Probably somewhere a days travel from both Dordogne and Vendee, so currently thinking either Landes / Gironde or maybe the Venise Verte, though its a bit close to the Vendee stop. Auvergne is also possible even though its heading the "wrong" direction - we stayed at a cheap place in the hills near Riom once before. Maybe into the Lot or Cantal or even West Provence ?
Post last edited on 02/01/2022 13:20:36
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It is situated on the Rhône the confluence with the Ardeche. Good cycling along the Via Rhôna and in very easy touring of places like Orange, Avignon, Montelimar and the tourist traps of the Ardeche
Arthur, Between the Dordogne and the Vendee there are plenty of affordable small sites if you stay a few miles inland from the coast. One we visited two three times was Camping le logis de la Lande at Saujon. It’s a big open plan meadow with scattered fruit trees situated behind an old farmhouse - about six miles inland from Royan. Family owned and operated, costs about 15 euros a night even in peak season. It’s listed in ACSI Great Little Campsites. Public swimming pool just along the road.
We stayed here at Brengues, in the Lot - or rather the Cele valley, which adjoins the Lot. Small site, very French, nearby restaurants and bars, a wonderful abbey, and off the beaten tourist track. Adjoining the Cele river, in a wooded shady 'glade'.
Camping Municipal Brengues. About 15 euros per night, for pitch, two adults, electricity, but a couple of euros less if you stay more than 7 nights. Overlooked by the majority who drive to the more popular and expensive places nearby.
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We love Camping Le soleil des bastides, Cahuzac sur Vere in the Tarn, between Gaillac & Cordes sur Ciel, €29.50 night high season. Nice pool, small bar/restaurant & lovely owners. And an amazing farm shop right outside the gate!
Hi kate, we also stayed there about 10 years ago, we were initially going to stay in a mobile home on the site but it was a bit .... rough. So we stayed in 2 small dome tents we had for overnights instead. Nice site, but the entramce road was a bit uneven iirc.
First off - I live in the Dordogne so may be biased!
If you haven't done the Dordogne then why not camp by the river in the heart of the most picturesque area - ie between Montfort and Beynac to the south of Sarlat.
Personally would recommend La Bouysse as good value for money and for easy access to Sarlat and supermarkets by quiet road even in the height of season. 10 / 15 minute drive to some lovely villages - Beynac, Roque Gageac, Castlenaud, Domme - and the gardens at Marqueyssac.
Easy access to the Vezere valley with Lascaux caves etc, also to Rocamadour for day trips.
La Bouysse also a great spot for swimming in the river or canoe hire.
Quote: Originally posted by longcol on 03/1/2022
First off - I live in the Dordogne so may be biased!
If you haven't done the Dordogne then why not camp by the river in the heart of the most picturesque area - ie between Montfort and Beynac to the south of Sarlat.
Personally would recommend La Bouysse as good value for money and for easy access to Sarlat and supermarkets by quiet road even in the height of season. 10 / 15 minute drive to some lovely villages - Beynac, Roque Gageac, Castlenaud, Domme - and the gardens at Marqueyssac.
Easy access to the Vezere valley with Lascaux caves etc, also to Rocamadour for day trips.
La Bouysse also a great spot for swimming in the river or canoe hire.
Hi longcol, thanks for that. We had our eye on Les 2 Vallees 5 miles to the West, for 2 reasons, first its in ACSI and second its walking distance to Beynac town. Any pros / cons ?
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by longcol on 03/1/2022
First off - I live in the Dordogne so may be biased!
If you haven't done the Dordogne then why not camp by the river in the heart of the most picturesque area - ie between Montfort and Beynac to the south of Sarlat.
Personally would recommend La Bouysse as good value for money and for easy access to Sarlat and supermarkets by quiet road even in the height of season. 10 / 15 minute drive to some lovely villages - Beynac, Roque Gageac, Castlenaud, Domme - and the gardens at Marqueyssac.
Easy access to the Vezere valley with Lascaux caves etc, also to Rocamadour for day trips.
La Bouysse also a great spot for swimming in the river or canoe hire.
"We had our eye on Les 2 Vallees 5 miles to the West, for 2 reasons, first its in ACSI and second its walking distance to Beynac town. Any pros / cons ?"
Have a look at Camping la Cabane, also at Vézac but it sits alongside the river with direct access to pebbly beach (if the river is low). There's a riverside path into Beynac and also to Castelnaud in the opposite direction. Whereas les deux Vallées has a lot of Dutch clientele (from our observation) la Cabane is very French. Pitches are large /enormous. There are a few mobiles but not too many. There is a small pool which is a simple oblong - no frills. Bread etc can be ordered in advance and there is a small bar in the old tobacco barn which is also used for music and get togethers in high season. Generally a simple site, owners are friendly despite what some reviewers might say! Very pleasant down on the beach when it's hot take a chair, box and sit with your feet in the Dordogne watching the canoes go by. Booking essential for last week July and first two of August.
Quote: Originally posted by arthurdent on 04/1/2022
Hi longcol, thanks for that. We had our eye on Les 2 Vallees 5 miles to the West, for 2 reasons, first its in ACSI and second its walking distance to Beynac town. Any pros / cons ?
Beynac isn't really a town, it's a small (extremely attractive) village with mainly pricey - ish tourist shops and cafes / restaurants. There is a small Vival at the entrance to the village. Access along the pretty busy D49. 2 Vallees isn't on the river and not much of a view.
We liked La Bouysse for the views of the cliffs opposite which change colour in the setting sun, the takeaway, the river beach, and the ease of access to Sarlat for the supermarkets, especially a big LeClercs which can be reached without going into town - it's where we do our weekly shop and if we see a couple of dozen cars between Montfort and the roundabout by LeClercs (about 3km) then it's busy!
Quote: Originally posted by kate w on 03/1/2022
The Auvergne. Puy de Dome is one of my favourite places I've ever been to. We stayed at camping Champ de la Chapelle further north in Allier.
Fully agree about the Auvergne and especially the Puy de Dome. We have stayed at Camping Municipal de la Palle at Pontgibaud (about 10 mins to Vulcania and 20 to the Puy de Dome) and also at Camping de la Croix Saint Martin at Vichy (about 1 hour by motorway to the Puy de Dome and about a 40 mins riverside walk / much faster cycle ride into Vichy itself). Can highly recommend both sites (see reviews).
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: Where would you go in France ?
via mobile 02/1/2022 at 12:57pm
