Thinking of booking this site for 2 weeks end of August 2007. Looks really nice, quiet, inland but beaches nearby. Has anyone stayed here, think I read somewhere it had new owners and was really good. It is in the keycamp brochure so will be some Brits there but not too many which is what we like!!! We will be taking our own tent, any info re site qould be much appreciated.
Thanks
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We've been to domaine de la foret for 20 years and watched it grow into one of the best sites in France. The new owners are very keen, if a bit inexperienced but are ploughing resources into it. It is very popular with Brits, Dutch and some French. Childrens facilities are excellent.Three lakes for fishing. Walking is popular as is cycling. Best months are June and September. After mid July it is VERY busy. Local village just three hundred yards away with fireworks on 14th July and some time in mid August. This is an expensive site - last year was 28 euros. Access to local beaches is 20 minutes away. Good shopping in nearby Roche sur Yon and Les Sables d'Olonne. Lots of local fairs and craft shows. If you want more info, just ask. Besy Wishes
we plan to go for 2 weeks from 19th August, hoped it wouldnt be as busy then?? What are the pitches like? Can you give us an idea on pitch size, are they grass? How long would it take to drive to Jard sur Mer which we love?
Jard is about one and a quarter hours from La Foret, maybe less. Bookings can be made now, I think - www.domainelaforet.com. Email: camping at domainelaforet.com.
Pitches are grassy, sandy and generally quite big. More than 100 sq metres. Big open pitches - over 200 sq.metres are 44, 43,42, 41, 40, 36 and 69 - 74. You can also ask for shaded or partly shaded sites. However, if booking a specific site say you are referring to these numbers from last year as they are about to re-number them.
La Foret is a beautiful site and sits in the grounds of a big chateau. August is peak season and will certainly be fully booked by January or February. This year we stayed there from 27th June to 21st July and right up to the last week there quite a number of vacancies. Then, on the third weekend of July the place was suddenly completely full until the end of August. We spoke to the owners who are connfident that next year will be busier. The campsite is picking up again after a two year drop in numbers when the previous managers were turfed out by the new owners - the baron's nephew who inherited the place when the old man died.
------------- Imageman
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
thanks alot for that info, we have decided to book for whit week, May 28th for 10 nights, hopefully it will be quieter which is what we like. have filled in online booking enquiry and will see what reply I get. Thanks alot for the info, sounds great. Travelling from Le Havre do you think 5/6 hrs is about right (car and roof box only)
The timing's right whichever route you decide to take. We landed in Le Havre this summer and drove down to Le Pin Parasol which is on the other side of the Lac de Jaunay (about 2 miles away) We love the area and friends stayed at Le Foret 2 years on the trot. They really liked it.
excellent review Helenmb, thanks. Would you recommend a pitch in a certain area, have noted down numbers of larger pitches, thanks Towball.
I have emailed the site twice but no reply yet, perhaps they are busy as they closed last week and will have a million and one jobs I expect. I am inpatient though and want to book asap!!! Wonder how busy it is Whitweek?
I don't think it will be as busy at whitsun, we have only ever been in the Summer Holidays so I can't help you there.
As with all sites avoid the areas around the loos. Avoid the strip that backs directly onto the play area....this is the mistake that we made this year!. We picked a pitch towards the road that runs parallel to the campsite (if that makes sense!) The road is not that busy. The pitches there are large.
I would contact them by phone, they are not so great at answering e-mails.
Some things I forgot in the review, there are well equipped baby bath areas in two of the three wash blocks.
It really is a smashing site, we have been twice and are going back next year.
We stayed at this site for the last two weeks of Aug (this year). The pitches (all are a good size) are centred in the forest and most are heavily shaded. We found this frustrating only because we love to sit out in the sun of an evening and slurp wine ... the beautiful trees allowed virtually no sun spots. However, some pitches aren't quite so sheltered.
In agreement with what others have said, it is a lovely, spacious site with magical little walks around the lakes, our children (6,4,1) loved these mini-explorations as it was easy to find quiet uninhabited spots for picinics. The pools were clean and well kept, the childrens play area could do with a bit more equipment and sadly, the poor trampolene was ripped to shreds whilst we there but no measure to cordon it off or fix it was made. We were expecting the villlage to be place to meander off to for a bite to eat but albeit a very well-stocked shop, bakery and pharmacy there was nothing to go and see. The site was predominantly British, Keycamp had about 12 statics and 6 tents, the rest were tourers. The courtyard and environs are lovely old buildings, some not yet rennovated which added to the charm. It was so very unbusy which was great, but at times it felt a little .... deserted (no pleasing some eh?!). There was also a small circus that visited the site once a week , the experience of watching the show was surreal ... words cannot describe ... really, you must go and see what I mean! I'm sure you'll have a great holiday there, we met several people who like the guys above, have returned many times.
how busy was it when you were there Were all pitches taken?. We are going May 2007 but if we like it plan to return last 2 weeks of August the following year as can only stay for 8 nights in May. When you say it was very british, was this people with there own gear or Keycamp? Relieved to hear they dont have too much accom onsite. Did you find it quiet at night?
Helenmb, we are talking about the very same circus I'm sure, cliche but didn't know whether to laugh or cry for obvious reasons. Absolutely re trampolene (I don't know how to spell that!) ... it was in good order pre love-crazed teenagers!
Pager33, Only going on this years experience but I'd say you'd have the pick of sites if pitching in late August. It was very British however the only Brit operator was Keycamp (Canvas were there in previous years) and they were an absolute minority, and as a tourer you can easily pitch away from a static. It was very quiet at night but, as per, you can't guarantee who will be your neighbours but ... good old camping etiquitte (oh teach me to spell)! ... some people chatted til' late... but most of us respected each other and noise was totally dimmed at 10pm at latest.... but it's a forest with lakes and if need be you can party away from the site I'm sure!
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: Domaine de foret, St Julien de Landes
) after visiting it this year.
