My girlfriend and I are heading over to France Friday night (Dover to Calais) for two weeks camping, but we are having a few problems in deciding where to stay. We want to head down to the Bordeaux area, but will stay a couple of nights some where on the way. We want to really stay on the coast as we want to find some places where we can have a go at some surfing and other water sports.
Also we want to head up the Dordogne for some canoeing and stay in a hotel along there for a couple of nights.
Any ideas would be most appreciated.
Many Thanks
James
------------- Blackrun.com
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For surfing you can't beat Sauveterre beach near Les Sables D'Olonne. Kite surfing is at nearby Plage des Dunes in Bretignolles. Canoeing is popular on the Marshes near Ile D'Olonne. Also world surfing championships are held further down the coast at Lacanau. From Calais head west to Nantes, then Roche sur Y'on then follow signs to Les Sables D'Olonne. Good campsites at St Julien des Landes, near La Motte Achard (La Foret and La Guyonniere and La Bretonnerie) just ten miles from the coast or an abundance of them on the coast, including near Sauveterre (La Loubine).
Why not camp in the Dordogne as well. Lots of the sites along the Loire also do canoe rental so you kill 2 birds with one stone. You will find lots of sites here and I can recommend this site. Enjoy your trip whatever you do.
We usually go for the last 2 weeks in August and never book anything but the ferry. We have a destination in mind and a few sites so if one is full we move on to the next and if the weather isnt up to much we just head south. Late August is not considered high season in France so you will be fine in September.
I am very envious as we should be there now and returning next Sunday but our dog injured his back legs and had a major operation and we couldnt put him in kennels so had to cancel. Boo Hoo. Roll on next year.
Aw no Carol, poor dogger. We went to the Auvergne, near Vichy, the area there is superb for canoeing and walking too. All great big gorges and rivers and lakes. We stayed at Camping de la Filature, which has had mixed feedback from various people, but is basically quiet and tranquil with dated loos and showers and indifferent owners. We had a great stay there as the owner cooks every night, fab food and very cheap, and we don't need entertainment etc so it was perfect for us.
Thanks for the sympathy Ali. Alfie is on the mend now but was in a bad way for a while and it was a real downer not getting to France this year but just been online and booked a trip to Majorca for October half term so maybe that will make up for it a little bit. You cant beat camping in France though.
Sorry for hijacking your thread James.
Carol
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We went camping along the West coast of France last year and stayed at a lovely Basque town called Guethary near Bidart. The folk that were surfing claimed that it was the best place in the world for the sport !!
Check out this website:
http://www.wannasurf.com/spot/Europe/France/Basque_Country/Guethary/
Thanks for the sympathy Ali. Alfie is on the mend now but was in a bad way for a while and it was a real downer not getting to France this year but just been online and booked a trip to Majorca for October half term so maybe that will make up for it a little bit. You cant beat camping in France though.
Sorry for hijacking your thread James.
Carol
No problem, hope your dog gets well so you can go on your holidays.
Couple more questsions though. I have looked at a few camp sites on line and when going into booking them, they seem to add a booking fee / administration fee (About 20-30 Euros) is this normal.
- And I have been told that to drive legally in France you need a Fire extinguisher / Road side Triangle / Flouresint coats / spare bulbs, is this correct
Unfortunately most sites in France charge an admin fee if you book in advance so if I were you, going in September as you are, I wouldnt bother booking. Just choose a couple of sites in each area you want to visit and turn up. Thats what we do and we go in August and never had a problem as French high season ends on most sites on or just after August 15th. If you are a bit worried about just showing up just ring them a day or two ahead and ask if they have any pitches.
You do need all of those things in your car for France except for the jackets. They are going to make them law but it hasnt been passed yet but it might not be a bad idea anyway. Saw fire extinguishers today in Home Bargain for £3.99. They are £20 in Halfords. You also need spare glasses if you wear them and all of your car documents. Registration, MOT, Insurance, the originals, not copies. If the car is not in your name you need a letter of permission from the owner. You will also need beam benders to stop your headlights blinding oncoming traffic.
We are back from our two weeks in France! The advise given was much appreciated.. We ended up going to Dieppe, Des Sables d'olonne, Cap Ferret &, Dordoge (La Roque Gageac) Was brillant, we then done a 750 mile journey from La Roque to Amsterdam! (Zeeburg) In 13 hours! due to poor weather conditions. Thanks agian it was brillaint.
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: French Campsites
