Looking for a site not much more than 4hrs (which I guess is about 200 miles) from Calais .
Not bothered about an all frills site. We need it to be suitable for children aged from 5-11, would like a pool (plus slide if possible) and the toilets/showers need to be spotless. Would prefer a village to be within walking distance. I assume if we travel south of Calais rather than along the coast, the weather may be better???
I've done lots of searching on the net but usually like to go somewhere that someone has recommended.
We will be going with friends so I feel responsible to make a good choice.
Thanks in advance and Happy Christmas
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Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
If you want to guarantee better weather you might have to go a bit further south!!! 200 miles due south would get you to Reims. You might be better going to the Loire Valley but that will be a bit further. An alternative might be to go towards Paris, that way you have the option of Disneyland Paris. In recent years there have been several improved campsites in that area with ready access to DL Paris and the wonderful city itself.
I agree with David, 200 miles, will not get you that far, around Dijon is a nice area, best bet is to look at www.alanrogers.com select the new campsite search, enter your area and away you go. We use the Alan Rogers books every year and the sites are always as per expectation. (The only one to watch out for is the out of season guide – directions are a bit vague)
We never book, just turn up and check the site out first (easy with a motorhome – not so convenient with tent) Not had any problems but depends on how long you want to stay on the sites. We only stay about 2-3 nights then move on.
Would recommend buying the Alan Rogers guide to France, gives good info and descriptions. Also web sites and phone numbers so you can contact or look up the site directly.
We are looking for something similar, I bought the AA guide to Caravan and Camping in France - very good. We are looking at La Briquerie near Hornfleur in Normandy and also Le Val d'Authie near Villers sur Authie in Picardy - both look good for what we need and not too far from Calais.
If this is the first time you have driven in france perhaps you are not aware of how much better the roads are - the motorway speed limit is 83 so you can be more ambitious in looking for the sun. Our family motto is 'Don't stop until you get to the Loire.' I appreciate others are happy in normandy and Brittany but I see them as too similar to UK.
One point to add about the French roads, even though they have tolls, they are very reasonable for long journeys. You do not even have to worry about having loose change, as they except credit cards. (for shorter trips best to have a few coins)It saves so much time. Most expensive tolls are around Paris, as you would expect.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
A couple of years ago we stayed at Les Courtilles du Lido south of Paris near Fontainebleau which was very nice. 4 hours should just about get you there if you travel non-stop although circum-navigating Paris on the motorway can be a little tricky - actually makes the M25 look good !
It's a family site with a small pool, good clean facilities and you can walk to a couple of nearby villages. Fontainebleau Château looks pretty impressive but we couldn't make it. You can also walk to the station for a train to Paris and Disney and Parc Asterix are just about driveable. There is some noise from the station and line about 1/2 mile away but it didn't bother us.
hi we stayed last summer at la-croix du vieux pont near soissions and the site had everything. fishing, 5 pools, trips to paris & disney, cycling, too much to carry on but excellent and only 160 euros for 10 nights all in for a family of 3 with electric hookup. We then like a few days at chateau grandspette near calais to relax also its a 20 minute drive to ferry so no early morning rise when you are coming home. If you have a lunchtime sailing breakfast slow pack up and shower before departure can be done after getting up at 8 !
------------- Andrew Underwood and since nov 05 Fraser
I can't say it was the site for me, but it might suit you.
If you get a later ferry and are just looking for an overnight or a couple of nights you could do much worse than this: http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=5429 but do make sure you're there when the pool is open:-)
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: Site 200 miles from calais
