Is it just the sites we've been to this holiday (mostly in Brittany) or has anyone else noticed that some campsites are much busier than usual for this time of year?
We spent 6 days mid-August onwards on 2 municipal sites in Brittany, at Combourg, which was busier than we expected, and at one in a little place called Callac (so we could visit La Vallee des Saints) which was very quiet!
We then moved to the 5 star Camping Les Embruns at Le Pouldu ( still in Brittany), booked in advance, and which had the site full sign out on arrival and for most of that week.
Early September we moved on to another southern Brittany coastal site, Camping La Ferme de Lann Hoedic near Sarzeau. We've been here several times so emailed a couple of days in advance to see whether one of our preferred pitches was available. It was reserved for us (no charge!) but on arrival we were amazed to see how busy the site was and were pleased we'd reserved the pitch we wanted. During our 11 day stay there were only one or two pitches a night free on our part of the site, and some nights it was full - this seemed to be the same across all areas of the site.
Finally on Thursday (yesterday) we moved to Camping Haliotis in Pontorson, again somewhere we've been many times before. We couldn't believe it when on arrival at about 2.30pm units were queuing most of the way up the entrance drive. On walking down to Reception, there were about a dozen people waiting to check-in, most of whom seemed to have reservations (we didn't, so I was a bit concerned!). After a wait of just over an hour (!!!) I got a pitch (one of our preferred ones) at ACSI rate, so all was well.
However, normally we just turn up, nobody else waiting, have our choice of pitches and 10 mins later are setting up and getting the kettle on!
There seem to be a lot more French people (especially with large motorhomes) on sites than we've noticed previously - maybe the delights of holidaying out of high season have finally caught on with the French too?
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We have just returned from 3 weeks in the Marais Poitevin, Perigord, S.Burgundy and then a couple of days east of Orleans. Most of the sites we used were quiet and we had no problem getting decent pitches. The only site that was full by the evening was the smallish site at Cormatin in Burgundy. That is about par for the course this time of year.
Yes there appears to be a lot of people taking late holidays in the Loire region this year. The campsite in Nantes was full, as are many of the Aires, probably due to the Rugby. We're in Clisson south of Nantes, the site was busy. We're heading up into Brittany next week.
As well is two words!
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Quote: Originally posted by SGThomas on 16/9/2023
We used to find that when we turned up at a site the existing campers all seemed to leave.
We've always found the opposite. Quiet, or even empty, places (shops, bars, restaurants, campsites and especially car parks) fill up very soon after we arrive!
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
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The site we visit in Le Bugue usually thins out after we arrive middle of August, but this year it was still nearly full when we left. One British lady in a small camper came in for a few days the second week we were there and had the choice of 5 pitches, all these went soon after.
------------- 74,going on 25
Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder
We have founds sites and Camping Car Park aires very busy and complet signs up every night in the campsites in Dinard and Ile de Ré. We got a pitch ok in Dinard but had to wait two days to get on the site in Ile de Ré. On the other hand, Lyon le foret was not that busy and nor was Benoit des Ondes municipal.
We also could not get in the municipal at La Rochelle mid week at 11am last week which we half expected but thought we’d give it a go. I think you just need to be flexible and prepared to go somewhere else if not in luck.
We last went in September in 2021 which I know was an odd year with the 'vaccine passport' allowing more travel freedom for those that had it, but we were surprised how busy everywhere was - our stopover at Orleans was full and the two sites in the Dordogne very busy. All the tourist hot spots such as Domme, Beynac and La Roche Gageac were heaving. My brother was in the same area in early July this year and said it was surprisingly quiet. We prefer end June/ first week of July for the long light evenings and generally more moderate temperatures; we found northern Brittany getting busier as we made our way home but like the early season atmosphere. However, some of the photos on mothorhome social media groups showing the gorgeous autumn colours on France Passion sites etc are making me very jealous !
------------- Seeking luxury in unexpected places
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
In France just now, catching some rugby games, the sites near cities where games are on are, not surprisingly, busy - we booked them well ahead. We have stayed near Metz and Langogne, plenty of spaces. Le Puy en Velay was very busy, but we arrived as an annual medieval festival was starting so the town was busy (great fun event!).
Coming to France at the very end of August, we saw fewer Dutch than usual, but loads of Belgians and Germans. Langres was full as usual, we got in early, and on our stop there last week, the Warden said they had been full every single night. Macon was busy but not full, Tournon was full both times we stayed, going north and south. Crest wasn't busy at all, the Dutch weren't there. Apt wasn't busy either, which is unusual. Brighton les Pins was fully booked when we arrived, but they offered us a space where we could connect to EHU. However we did notice odd pitches were not taken, maybe they had booked and not turned up.
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: Campsites busy in France!
via mobile 15/9/2023 at 8:43pm
