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Our usual last night at Gandspette - and as good as ever. The local specialties in the restaurant are excellent - especially the Civet de Porc, Hesdinoise!
This year an increasing number of the pitches have been reinforced with plastic mesh, allowing the grass to grow through - like you see in car parks sometimes. This is probably because the site does have a tendency to get waterlogged, and pitches can easily be damaged when wet.
Spent the last week of August here and had a fantastic holiday. On arrival we were shown to our pitch (A16) behind the swimming pools by a young man on a bike, he did this for everyone and must have cycled miles each day! The pitch was large with several apple trees dotted around we had some of the apples for pudding one night, cooked on the Cobb wrapped in foil with some sugar, delicious. We had plenty of space to play games in front of the tent and a short walk round the other side of the pool to get into it. Some pitches were more regimented, separated by hedges, I preferred ours.
The site is easy to get to from Calais, there is a Carrefour supermarket just a couple of minutes drive down the road which was handy, especially for bread and ice creams as they were a lot cheaper from the supermarket. There is a bread van that comes round in the morning between 8 and 9 oclock, which is handy and the bread was delicious, but after a couple of mornings with 4 hungry teenagers in tow I found it was costing too much (about £11 for bread, croissants and pain du chocolate for the 5 of us) so went to the supermarket instead.
The Blokhaus is nearby, down a little lane and is a good couple of hours wandering around it. La Cupola in St Omer was also a very interesting trip, 3 hours or more. The site is well situated for visiting Ypres, Poperinge etc for WW1 trips out. We went the the In Flanders Fields museum in the middle of Ypres which was also a good museum.
The site swimming pools are both a good size, the smaller one is heated but seemed to have more chemicals in. Most people headed to this one, which was nice as I preferred the other one and on occasion had it to myself (before my kids came and invaded my peace and quiet by jumping in).
We had pizza and chips from the site takeaway which were very reasonably priced and tasty, an easy evening meal for those on stopovers. Didn't try the restaurant.
The sanitary block is kept very clean, there seemed to be cleaners around at different times of day but the facilities were kept open while they worked. There's plenty of toilets, showers, basins and washing up sinks with lots of hot water (tip: get hot water from the large tap without a sink it comes out a lot quicker than the other taps). The showers are the push button type, which is a bit annoying but not really a problem. There are baby changing rooms and washing / drying facilities.
The site is near the road through the village but most pitches were away from it so noise was not noticable. The site was quiet by about 10pm, the only noise we had was made by the swimming pool pumps and was just a background hum.
This site is used a lot for stopovers due to it being so close to the ports but is well worth spending a little longer, we had a very enjoyable week.
We stayed at Chateau Gandspette for 3 nights at the end of July straight off the Norfolk Line boat at Dunkerque. We had arrived at Dunkerque at 11.00am after a “computer failure” at P&O ferries snarled-up the traffic in Dover and caused to miss our booked crossing at 8.00am. As were running 2 hours late we decided to take things easy and were able to get a pitch at CG by phoning from near Dunkerque. We had used CG once before as a short stay on the way home in 2007.
We got a good welcome and were shown to our pitch by a lad on a bike. Interestingly the only time in this summer’s 5 French campsites that we were actually shown to the pitch personally. The pitch was in the older part of the site just down from the Chateau. The pitch was NOT very good. Although it was large it was not in good condition. There were several large holes in the turf – one was so large and dangerous, as it was near to the caravan door, that I filled it with 2 levelling ramps.
We swam in the outdoor pool but found it a little chilly. Generally we just chilled out and enjoyed the peace and quiet of this pleasant rura site before starting our long journey south to the Alps.
At 27€ per night for the 2 of us, ‘van, car and EHU I feel this site is overpriced especially given the poor state of the pitch I must say I feel it rather takes advantage of its popularity with British campers heading to/from Calais/Dunkerque in an area which has a limited number of good campsites.
We stayed here for a couple of nights before getting our ferry back home. The site is very easy to find and is within easy reach of the main ferry ports making it an ideal stop off point. We were given a pitch on the top area through the trees where there is also a new toilet block which is spot on. The EHU is the same as the UK in this area and the pitches are large and grassy but sloping, it took us quite a while to get level. We paid by camping cheque and even booked in advance. The on site restaurant is good but the menu limited. A nice site with good customer service.
To Find Site:- This site is situated not far from St Omer just off the Dunkerque D300/D600 road and is signed from a roundabout. From the A26 leave at junction 2 or 3 and follow signs to Dunkerque or from Calais use A16 and then follow St Omer signs. Alternatively from the N43 heading south from Nordausques turn left onto D221 and follow signs for site and Eperlecques Blockhaus. Watch out for camp signs in both directions as entrance not immediately easy to see.
We have been using Chateau du Gandspette for some years now and it has become one of our favourite sites. Its a handy first or last stop to or from your crossing as its only about 30 miles from Calais and there appears no restriction on early departures. Gandspette, along with Le Bien Assise at Guines are the best quality sites I have found in the area but I accept that others might prefer more rustic sites. It is used predominantly by British and Dutch campers. Reception is based in one of the old outbuilding adjacent to the Chateau which also houses the Bar/Restaurant and the takeaway. In 2007 an extension to the popular Restaurant was built giving useful extra capacity. Its usually best to book the restaurant if the site is busy. Try the local dishes. There is no onsite shop but a bread van also calls each morning. There are several pitching areas on the original parts of the site, plus a newly developed area towards the back of the site which is shared with some mobile homes which some are for hire and others are private. This site does have some permanent caravans but over the years these have decreased in number and the space given over to touring pitches. All pitches are of a reasonable size and the ones in the new area are particularly generous. Depending on what way you pitch your van you may need some side to side levelling as the site has a gentle slope down from the main entrance. Some of the pitches around the perimeter roads from the Chateau can be a little difficult to maneuvour onto because of the narrow access road and over hanging trees. Also in the last year they have added a few hardstandings pitches for larger motorhomes . Water points are available at regular intervals. Electric connections are via CEE17 connectors rated at 6 amps. Reverse polarity is quite common. There are two toilet blocks both of an excellent standard with seated toilets and paper provided. During 2005 a new laundry room had been built. The site has lots of open space so kids have ample space to play. In addition there is good play area, a Swimming pool, and other sports facilities including tennis courts and a recently added basket ball/5 aside football court. WiFi is available in the area near reception. Given its location, being handy for both ferries and local vets the site does get extremely busy. Therefore you should either book ahead or arrive early to guarantee a pitch. Camping Cheques are accepted in the low season and the site can be booked via the Caravan Club ABS service. Date of latest visit late June 2009.
About 5 minutes away is a Carrefour Market supermarket. This site is often used as a stopover so that people can visit the big Supermarkets in Calais, Boulogne or Dunkerque. Very close to the site is the 'Eperlecques Bunker' which was to have been a launching base for V1 and V2 rockets but after many allied raids it was in the most part used to produce the fuel. An interesting place to visit if on the eerie side! If when you head back to Calais for the ferry and you decide to join the A26 at junction 2 be aware that entrance to the autoroute is by automatic barrier, you can pay the toll by coins or credit card.
First stop on our month tour of France, booked through the Caravan club at a cost of £16 for one night.Ideal for when you first arrive in France with a 25 minute drive from the ports.Reception was good. The only negatives are that the pitch numbering is poor and so as with us people are driving around trying to find the pitches and the fact that we found the site so nice we decided to stop for a extra night and all of a sudden the cost was 21 euro. The bar Restaurant very nice and a lovely swimming pool. Toilets and showers very good you just have to get used to the fact that they clean them at around 0830 when everybody wants to use them. The pitches are mostly on a slight slope.
Our 'umpteenth' visit to Gandspette, and it just gets better. The older sanitary block has been updated since we last used it, and there are even more lovely flowers around. The restaurant meals are as tasty as always - but book early as it's popular.
Lots of overnighters, but many longer-stayers too, and a good mix of nationalities when we were there. Takes Camping Cheques in low and high season - so excellent value for money when using these, but perhaps a bit expensive without - but I suppose a captive audience as there are not many alternative sites in this area.
An ideal site for overnighting before the ferry back - with a smallish supermarket about 500 metres away, ideal for those last minute purchases. Fuel, too, for filling up before setting off.
One of our favourite sites - and worth a longer visit with all the 2nd World War site around, plus the canals, cycling, and St Omer. We met three people who had cycled from the ferry in Calais to the site - along the canal tow paths.
Nice clean well serviced site. Large pitches, quiet. Lots of passing traffic for ports etc. Supermarket 5 mins away, good roads to site. Ideal for ferries.Tunnel. Supermarket 5 mins by car. Toilet block immaculate. Bread van is a nice touch, especially if you sleep in!
Good play area for the kids. No site shop, but I guess that's because the champion is so close.
We stayed at Gandspette for three nights on our way home as it is not far from the ferryport, channel tunnel, and CitiEurope for booze shopping!
We found that the majority of the caravanner's on the site were British as the site is close to the ferry port and is ideal for starting / finishing your holiday.
We were warmly welcomed by the reception staff, and showed a map of the campsite on arrival and drove through all the trees to find our pitch.
My husband and our little boy swam in one of the two swimming pools and there were plenty of tennis courts, basketball and football courts available (free) for children to play on.
We had a lovely three course meal in the restaurant the night we arrived and would certainly recommend the meals, children are also made welcome in the restaurant and can order pizzas and burgers.
The toilets and showers were extremely clean and well looked after and my father in law said that the disabled facilities were also very good.
A baker visits the campsite every morning selling fresh bread and croissants from the back of the van, which saves you having to get up and go down to the local supermarket!
Will certainly stay on this site again when visiting France.
Had an overnight stop here after watching Belgian grand Prix, we found it was very pleasant and could have stayed longer. Easy to find from Dunkirk ferry terminal, Quiet location, toilets and showers very clean. Generally a nice atmosphere. Would definitely stop here again en route to the continent.Restaurant was pleasant, staff friendly enough. Overall it has a Caravan Club feel to it with campers being very friendly, everyone seemed to be exchanging advice and experiences for their onward journey which we found helpful.
Having read the positive reviews, I am pleased to report that the site exceeded my expectations !
We stayed for two overnighters, on the way to/from the South of France, we wished we had stayed longer ¡K.
The site although just 30 mins from Calais, is in a surprisingly pretty rural location, with a Champion supermarket close by.
We were directed to a field at the top corner of the site, and were able to choose any place to pitch. We choose the top corner ¡V the large field had 3 or 4 other tents pitched, so our pitch was approx 20m by 20m ƒº, but the campers were out numbered by the flock of chickens from the farm next door¡V turned out that there was no need for an early morning alarm call ƒº
The showers/toilets were spotless.
After much pester power, kids and Dad used the (freezing) pool¡V kids did not mind, but Daddy would rather have played cricket.
The kids playground was fine for our kids 1,5 and 7.
The restaurant was reasonably priced (for France), and we had the local beef stew in beer ¡V HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !
We are considering a 7 night stay next year ¡V so must be good ¡K.
We have just returned from Gandspette after a 7 night stay.
Good points first - toilets, showers, washing facilities were very clean and well maintained and an excellent baby area with small baths and changing facilities - nice surroundings, lots of trees, hedges etc makes your pitch private - pitch requests accommodated - lots of brits but a good mix of french, belgians and dutch - Champion supermarket a few mins drive - fantastic Blockhaus tourist attraction near
Bad points - pitches very water logged and muddy after a period of rain - awful service in the bar with staff not giving correct change and managers/owners not really bothered about sorting it - 'heated' pool was as cold as non-heated pool - noisy neighbours not dealt with - felt the washing and drying facilities were expensive (4 euros to wash and 4 to nearly dry!)
We think it would be fine for a stop over but not for long period as your main holiday
We've stayed on this site several times, and have never had a bad experience - apart from the weather! The staff are always friendly and welcoming, and have often accommodated our late night arrivals after catching an evening ferry. The site is surrounded by woods and is well looked after, as are the toilet/shower blocks which are immaculate! There is a restaurant/takeaway on site which does great local dishes and is always one of the highlights of our stay.
Loved it from the moment we arrived, and we still are. I’m writing this sat in the caravan at C du GS. 20 August 2008.
When we arrived we were greeted by very friendly staff in reception who made us very welcome. We paid the balance of our money owed and were shown to our pitch by a guy on a bike. All touring pitches are on grass so there’s no need for any rock pegs here. Not sure if we are on the newer or older part of the site, I suspect that we are on the newer part which is well away from the Chateau through a wooded area. There is also a part of the site directly in front of the Chateau which I suspect is the older part (It’s difficult to tell). Personally I’m glad we are on this part because it is nice and quiet and the pitches are well spaced out and have plenty of room. I feel the other part of the site has a much more crowded feel to it. Electric hook ups are the same plug we have in the UK so no problem there but polarity is reversed so you’ll need an adapter.
The Shower blocks are very clean and spacious. They are cleaned at least three times a day. The only minor niggle is that you have to time when to go for your shower. Either go very early or late in the morning or chances are it will be cold.
Getting to C du GS was no problem it’s well signposted right up until the main entrance. It could really do with a sign opposite the entrance as it’s easy to drive straight past.
There is a restaurant on site which we’ve tried out and found the food good and prices reasonable there is also a takeaway offering Pizzas, Cheeseburgers and Chips with everything.
If you really need it there is also internet access available on the computer in reception or your own laptop using wi-fi although I think it’s a bit expensive at eight euros for an hour or fifteen euros for two hours. You don’t have to use it all at one go though, you could buy a card and use it a bit at a time over your stay.
All in all it’s a fabulous, well looked after place to stay we’ve booked for thirteen nights but an awful lot of people just use it as a stopover on longer journeys.
Nearest supermarket is Champion, left out of the site entrance and about a mile up the road across the roundabout. They have pretty much everything you’ll need and prices are reasonable. There is also a 24 hour filling station there. Diesel is currently 1.30euro’s which is slightly cheaper than at home. If you really need a massive hypermarket then there is Auchan in St Omer about fifteen minutes away. There is a bread van which visits the site every morning between eight and halfpast for fresh croissants and bread it all adds to the French ‘feel’ but they are far cheaper from the supermarket and just as good.
For those of you who bring you dog or other pet like us the Vet is just after the roundabout on the right just before you get to the Champion. We made an appointment for the necessary tick and tape worm injections before we go home the day after we got here. 45 Euro’s for our Border terrier. They also speak English.
Places to see…. The Blockhaus (not to be missed) about 15 minutes walk from the site. La Coupole near St Omer, both of these are WW2 V1 and V2 rocket bunkers. Brugge (about an hour and a half in the car). Cap-Griz-Nez. Can be very windy but great views across the channel of England. I’d also recommend the day out we had yesterday. Leave about Lunch time and head for Passchendale and see the WW1 cemetery at Tyne Cot and pay your respects to the soldiers of WW1. It really brings a lump to your throat and a tear to your eye. Then after that head back to Ipres and have a look around and some tea in time for the Last Post at the Menen Gate at 8pm.
Highly recommended place to stay and a stark contrast to our experiences at Napps in Devon last year.
Very friendly staff on site, pitch was good and the takeaway excellent. We did not try restaurant but is looked good. The choice of beer was Stella or some german lager. The on site toilet facilities were very clean. We only stopped 1 night but the pool and sports area looked good.
Good access for larger units.
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Common Questions
Is Camping Chateau Du Gandspette child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Does Camping Chateau Du Gandspette have a swimming pool? YES, there is a pool on site View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Camping Chateau Du Gandspette? There is a shop within 1 mile View all facilities
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Tent Pitches 
Caravan Pitches 
Motorhome Pitches 
Small Campervans 
No Glamping Units 
Holiday Homes for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
No Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
Hardstanding Pitches 
No Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Motorbikers Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
Washing Up 
No Bathroom 
Baby Changing Facilities 
Laundry On Site 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
No Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
Freezer / Fridge 
Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
Shop <1 mile 
Bar On Site 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway On Site 
Kids Playground 
TV Room 
Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
Fishing <10 miles 
No Wild Swimming 
No Indoor Pool 
Outdoor Pool On Site 
Horse Riding <5 miles 
No Cycle Hire 
Golf <5 miles 
Tennis On Site 
No Beach 
No Watersports 
No Boat Launch 
No Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <5 miles
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
Electric Car Charging Point
Our usual last night at Gandspette - and as good as ever. The local specialties in the restaurant are excellent - especially the Civet de Porc, Hesdinoise!
