Trying to plan our hols for next year and am thinking of Royan. Went to La Garangeoire this year and had a great time, fab campsite but nothing within walking of the site and weather wasnt great so wanted to try somewhere different.
We will be going with Keycamp/Eurocamp etc and was looking at Bonne Anse Plage and Palmyre Loisirs. Im a bit apprehensive as we have never gone to as large a campsite as these. I am worried it would be uncomfortabley busy in July and August.
Would also like to know if it is possible to walk into La Palmyre and the beach. Can noise be heard at the mobiles from the entertainment? La Garangeoire were quiet strict on no noise after 11pm and it was great as we have a four year old who needs her sleep. We also have two boys 12 & 8 who like lots to do so am looking for a happy medium.
Would appreciate any comments or other recommendations for anyone out there.
Thanks
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A relative went to Palmyre Loisirs this year and said it was fantastic - especially the pool. The only down side is that the roads nearby are very busy in high season. The boys would love the nearby zoo - often referred to as the best in France, and the beaches nearby are the best you'll find anywhere. I've not been to Bonne Anse Plage but seen it from the outside - looks huge but gets a lot of good comments on this forum. Both are very close to a coastal cycle route (all off road) which could be very useful. It's a great part of France - was 32 degrees C and higher at the start of July this year.
we went to Bonne Anse Plage last year. I've reviewed the site, but in a nutshell, it's a great site, but we felt a bit 'hemmed in', when coming back from a late meal out and having to park outside the gates right on a busy main road. Traffic's a problem at this site due to the popularity of the area, and the zoo right next door.
Have a look in my profile to see the review I made.
We went to Palmyre Loisirs several years ago and had such a good holiday we returned the year after too! It is a very large site, the pool area is very good, the entertainment on site is excellent with a whole team of resident 'animateurs' . If my memory serves me right the mobiles are situated quite away from the main entertainment area. We stayed in tents and we weren't bothered by the noise at all and our children were quite young at that time .
You can walk into La Palmyre from the site, we did it a couple of times. There is a lot to do in the area and beaches abound but be careful, there are many beaches in this area that aren't particularly safe due to strong currents ....I think it is called cote savage or something like that......but we found an excellent little beach in a cove at nearby St Palais Sur Mer, just a short drive away and excellent free parking just behind the main street.
As said previous the zoo is well worth a visit, they specialise in helping to conserve endangered species. When we were there the small road train came to the site and took us to the zoo!
We stayed at this site with 5 other families and a couple of times all the dads took the kids out on the cycle route which they really enjoyed. Bicycles can be hired on site (or they could when we were there)
We went in June and so were not affected by a large amount of tourists but I would imagine that this area, as like any other popular tourist area, will be very busy in July/August.
Hope that helps
------------- Belinda
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I went to the region for a week earlier this summer (as well as twice in two years back in 90 and 91) and can add to the growing list of people who recommend the area. The zoo is widely considered the best in France. The sand dunes are some of the largest in Europe, and the Phare de la Coubre offers amazing views over the region. Its not too expensive to go up, though small children will either love or hate the ladder up to the viewing platform.
In St Palais there is a wonderful restaurant called Lolas, right on the beach which does amazing mussels, steak and pork, and is very reasonable.
You would not be disappointed if you go here next summer
We stayed in La Pinede last year, and the whole family enjoyed the whole experience. Its a large site , so if you have bikes bring them, plenty of cycle paths to beach etc.
I would agree with the comments about the zoo, its amazing, I also visited Cognac, and enjoyed that experience too.
Right across the road from the site is an amusement park called Luna Park, that is open during the season, and has special offer days!
Joe ........... 321 days till holidays !
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We stayed there a few years ago at the end of July just as the kids break up for summer.
Didn't feel to busy.
It was very nice, the Cote Savage is stunning, great beach.
For thoses of you who haven't seen it, the pool is a big attraction for families.
As you can see this pool is design for kids(and kids at heart)
Following all your comments we will definately be going to Royan next year. It seems a very popular spot with plenty to do. I will be booking by the end of this week just need to decide which campsite as all the above mentioned seem to be as good as each other. Bonne anse plage has the edge at the moment because Keycamp/Eurocamp have kids clubs there. The kids dont use them alot but would still like to have the option.
Well that,s where we're going as well, just waiting for the ferry offers to come along, Oh and those plonkers at work to tell me what dates our holidays will be.
Jim
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We recently spent 10 days camping at a lovely little camping ground in Le Mathes, called Camping Monplaisir. It was inexpensive, lovely pool, mini golf, kids playground, lots of trees, and quiet at night. In our group were a 7 year old and he was having fun. There were tents and caravans and motorhomes.
It is about 5km into Le Palmyre, but there was an hourly bus or a cycle lane, which took about 15 mins (quicker than a car unless you drove the rural route). 4km from the nearest beach.
We are New Zealanders and joined family who had been there three times before - lots of repeat guests.
Le Mathes village was a 5 min walk to a nice supermarket, cute bar or two, and a village market/square. Easy for the morning croissants.
we stayed in bonne anse plage last year - there were 4 families all together and we felt like we were in a prison camp - lots of gangs of rowdy teenagers - we were unfortunately pitched near entrance to beach were the teenagers gathered each night and staggered home drunk noisily at all hours past our van. pool was awful - slides and pool were excellent but you were not allowed to take anything to pool with you - no suntan cream, books to read, inflatables even rubber rings for babies, our son was made to remove his uv t shirt - he burns easily so always wears one although life guards were wearing them !!!!!!!!!!!!, no towels, bottles of water - nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! beach was awful shingly and not at all appealing - and the zoo in la palmyre which you had to pass to get to or from campsite - caused endless traffic jams to get to nearest decent sized supermarket should have taken 15 or 20 mins was taking over an hour each way at least - will never go to the site or that part of france again!!!!!!! however zoo was excellent one of the best we've been to!!!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Royan
Belinda
