We are going to France on the 1 July for 18 days. We have been to France before (gite in the Pyrenees) but have never camped. We have bought a Romahome and intend to launch ourselves on the poor, unsuspecting French, and have been practising shouting so we can talk to them, since our grasp of the French languge is appalling and not likely to improve!!!!!!. We would like to go to some quiet backwater with mountains, quiet roads, maybe a bit of wildlife thrown in. We are not bothered about pools and beaches, we just want to wander off the tourist route, somewhere you can listen to the birds and look at the stars, relax, slow down, no plans, just go with the flow. To give you an idea, have a look at the link, we are not veggie and it doesn't take motorhomes (even ones you could cuddle) but it's the kind of place we would like to go. Any-one any ideas? Help! We are running out of time.
Loathe to recommend any specific sites because everyone has different tastes - but can recommend the Cevennes area (part of the Massif Central) of France, which is lovely if you get off the beaten track, - as are the mountains of the Ardeche (not the main river valley, which is crowded - though still beautiful) but the northern area (north of Privas) or the western area (via Joyeuse and onward). There are lots of small sites - we saw an interesting one at Ribes - but don't know if they take big motorhomes. Try the Michelin Campsite guide which lists all types of sites - or look at 'Camping a la Ferme' which gives the equivalent of our CLs or CSs. There are some fantastic farm sites around - and let us know if you find an idyllic location.
Try the following link - just been having a look at Campings a la Ferme in Aveyron, Ardeche, Drome, Lozere - all quite wild areas - and I'm sure you'll find something in this website link to suit you. Hope you've still got time to arrange something.
Auvergne (Massif Central is beautiful and most of it is not that touristic. Many beautiful queit routes to walk. The Foundation 'Chamina' has published sevearl books with routes ('Petites Randonnes'). Those vary from 2 hours to 6 ot 7 houts length and are well marked.
Especially the area around the Sancy and the Cantal area is great.
If you go somewhere in between the two, about 1 hour or 3/4 hour away (small roads) from the Sancy, just above Bort les orgues, the municipal site of Champs sur Tarentaine is very nice and quiet and 'green' situated. It is near the Gorges de la Rhue and gives acces to the various sides of both mountain areas.
The lady of course speaks French, but apart from het speaking Dutch (?!), I think I heard her speaking English too.
You would also be well situated at the municipal of 'Le Falgoux', located in the vally west of the Puy Mary. Small site, beautiful queit walks directly from the camp site, and many beautiful locations nearby.
Mind you these areas are especially areas of nature, very rich in species of plants and animals, rare butterflies etc. it is less an area of nice towns, although Besse en Chandesse, Salers are small medieval towns, and some other small places like La Bourboule, Le Mont Dore and Champeix do have qualities if you walk around, the latter unexpected qualities as you have to walk around and find the old area, mostly not (yet) restored. A bit further away from these two mountain areas you will find more old towns, a bit larger too.
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: France, off beaten track mountians, small
