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 Topic: Back from the Vendee, with pics (lots)...
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10/7/2012 at 12:44pm
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...and we had a brilliant time at Domaine Des Forges, despite the best efforts of the weather
I've posted a site review.
Here's the story, with lots of pics.
We originally booked a premium tent pitch for our new BL6 anticipating my third and final stay courtesy of the NHS. In the event, due to complications, we decided to retain all the other elements but switch to a static so I wasn't wrestling with a big heavy tent. Huge thanks to Lisa at Alan Rogers Travel Service for sorting this out for us.
We've done the Calais to Vendee drive before and this time elected for the Brittany Ferries overnight crossing to St Malo. We specified an outside cabin and in the event it turned out to be right in the bow making for an interesting evening in the choppier side of the Channel 
After a very nice boeuf bourgignon avec frites and a bottle of Medoc (a young man by the till had another bottle for us to sample first - a nice touch I thought) we got off to sleep and awoke early to a much calmer sea as St Malo hove in to view.
All worked great. Here's some pics:
Quick breakfast on the boat then a leisurely drive down to the site. What a pleasure the French roads are in the Vendee area. Most were virtually empty by our standards, and many seemed new. We arrived at the site at 12.30 and were asked to come back to check in as the staff were at lunch. Bit odd when you've been travelling but hey ho we thought, we're in France. So we had lunch outside in the courtyard till they ambled back.
Here's what you see entering the site:
Due to the late change to the accommodation they could only supply a "Confort" in week 1, then we switched to a "Premium" just round the corner in week 2. Both were immaculate.
If anyone is considering this type of holiday, here's some pics:
Confort unit:
Premium unit:
The first week we were next to a lovely young couple from Woking in a Hi Gear Ghobi who were on a Castels "premium" touring pitch, complete with table, chairs, water, drainage, fridge, and EHU. This is the empty pitch.
and this is where we would have been originally:
The site is very much two halves. These photos are of the older section west of the pool. East is a newer section where the large pitches are less shaded. We saw several newcomers checking out the allocated pitch in the older part but then opting for the more open newer area.
Whilst we were there they designated an area for what might be seasonal safari style canvas tents, branded Cabanon. OK but not as stylish as those at Garangeoire (more on that site later).
The new part has a touch of the Stalags with the wood statics but is better in the middle. We've taken a note of pitch numbers for next year.
Here's the village restaurant:
When we visited it was 32c and when the maitre d' lit a fire, we thought he'd gone mad. But it turned out to be for my steak.
On the food front, here's a bhaba de rum I had elsewhere:
What with that and regular tartes aux pommes avec creme de Normandie, it's no wonder we put weight on 
Someone asked about the water slides. They were finished in our second week. Here you go:
Some more assorted pics:
Mrs G in La Rochelle:
Himself in mad dogs and Englishmen mode:
Sauveterre beach - many folks feel the coast is the main point of the Vendee:
More assorted pics:
The fragrant Helen
who then managed to drop me out of the frame on my very first windsurfing attempt. We had strong words over that, I can tell you:
On the way to the coast one day we swung by Garangeoire to see what the fuss is about. Not for us, but I can certainly see the attraction if you've got kids:
Their version of a Castels brand premium pitch:
Due to timings we opted for the evening fast boat from Cherbourg and stayed UK side in Southampton:
"We are sailing...."
As we are period drama fans (TV, not the wife's monthlies) we caught Highclere on the way home, where they film Downton Abbey:
That's it. Weather was fab the first week, but very mixed in the second. We're tenters (usually) so upping sticks and moving on isn't an easy option. We loved the site and hope to return next year but might take the school hol price hike and go later.
Hope this wasn't too boring.
Post last edited on 10/07/2012 12:50:22
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Mike
My advice is worth no more than the price paid for it
Prague May/Jun 2017
Lake Annecy Aug 2017
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Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
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i too am post op but luckily have OH & DD to put up tent while i sit a nurse a G&T- just waiting for doc's all clear on 26th of this month then i'm booking a ferry.....ANY ferry will do- need some sun and some france!
