We are going to this site in August for a couple of weeks. Does anyone know where we could get a map of cycle routes around the area. Also any recommendations for restaurants, places of interest?
Thanks
------------- Sue & Steve
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Hi there we stayed at Puits de L'Auture last year. There are great restaurants about 3/4 just up the road on the Grand Cote which are all within walking distance turning right out of the campsite. The food was good and not too pricey either. Turning left out of the campsite in the direction of St Palais there is a seafood stall which also does meals, and a snack type place. There are also restaurants in St Palais itself right on the beach or nearby. The menus all looked OK but didn't actually try them.
Pitches are large for a site so close to the beach. The take away is good. We got a chicken and chips from there and four of us with good appetites couldn't finish the chips they gave us so many! The pizzas were good. They also do moule frites. The pool at the site is closed for lunch. We liked the site, there is not much in the way of entertainment though - you have to make your own. There were quite a few Brits, with a fair amount of Dutch and French also, few Irish and one or two Spanish. ey have mobiles there as well but they are away from the touring pitches. Toilets are cleaned regularly and the site in generally well cared for. We may go back there next year, as the restaurants are so close and good as well.
absolutely yes - pretty much everywhere in France, I've noticed that it isn't so tightly policed at some sites out of season, but - no skinny dipping allowed hehe [lost smileys again :-(]
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But itīs all right now, I learned my lesson well.
You see, ya canīt please everyone, so ya got to please yourself
Ricky Nelson
We stayed here last year, the pitches are good but alot of them have no shade, it didnt bother me though, most people we spoke to came back year on year. The road outside the site is quite busy and the beach across the road has lots of fishermen who show no consideration for bathers, use the Grand Cote to the right and up the road. A day at Palmyre Zoo is a must
There is an off road cycle route which runs along the coast, through the pine forest which immediately backs on to the sand dunes (in the shade!). The start of this is a little further towards la Palmyre from where you will be - not sure exactly where it starts, but it'll be within 2-3Km.
The best beach is Les Combots - just before you get into la Palmyre - miles of sandy beach - can be some quite strong surf there some days.
Essential places of interest on our list: la Palmyre zoo - excellent; Cognac - visit one of the distilleries; the villages of Mornac and Talmont are worth a visit too; la Rochelle aquarium is very good; Royan - great for an evening meal and stroll along the seafront.
Don't forget to try Pineau - the local speciality - a kind of sherry strength aperitif based on cognac - very good! Also, the locally grown Charentais melons are delicious.
Saintes is supposed to be worth a visit too, although we haven't been.
There's a lot to do around this area, and generally the weather is good. We've been 3 times and have never needed to wear more than shorts & T shirts - even when it rains (which is not often). Forecast for this weekend is 30 degrees plus!