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Where can anyone recommend in the dordogne area and site wise for next year?

Have never been to that area of france and really fancy trying it. Just need to persuade OH the drive will be worth it.

Also realise we will need to have a stop over but don't fancy having to put the tent etc up just for one night, any suggestions?

We will probably do the dover/calais crossing, and book direct with site as that seems more cost effective.

Thanks Sas

Le Moulin de Paulhiac at Daglan is an excellent site with extremely large pitches and plenty for the kids to do. It has a fantastic swimming pool and a nice restaurant and plenty of space to play.

If we are using hotels we usually use the Campanile chain which are ok.

Hi Sas - another vote for Bel Ombrage.  A lovely site right in the heart of the picture postcard bit of the Dordogne with large pitches and a lovely pool.  It does get busy in the height of the season i.e. last 2 weeks of July and 1st 2 weeks of August (roughly) but the rest of the time it is relatively quiet.  We have been going there for the last 5 summers and love it.  There is no bar or disco but the village tabac/bar and resturant are only 10 mins walk.  The owner is very friendly without being intrusive; he only opens for Jun Jul and Aug and normally shuts on or around 5 Sep. 

As for the drive its worth it without question.  We will be going there again next year probably as part of a Provence/Dordogne exped.  I find it the ultimate place to unwind yet ideally situated for the touristy bits i.e. Sarlat, Castlenaud, Beyanc, Roque Le Gageac, St Cyprian and the vinyards of Bergerac and numerous other attractions such as museums, gardens, chateau etc.

A vote for soleil plage - superb location, plenty going on without it being 'in your face', right on the river/beach with a heated pool open to 2100, friendly staff and loads to do within a short drive.

Probably going to do it again next year. 

Not cheap - book early.

The area around Castelnaud-la-Chapelle / Beynac / Roque Gageac is the best without a doubt. Best stretch of river and wonderful castles / views with Sarlat (the absolute jewel of the Dordogne) just 15 minutes drive away.

Campsites : Maisonneuve (Castelnaud) - natural lagoon for swimming, own secluded valley and views of the Chateau from your tent. Gets a bit busy in peak season but outside school holidays it's a real gem.

Hi Tony

There isn't a campsite that suits everyone but in my experience there are a wide range of folks suited here. It is my experience that as kids get older some of them welcome the atmosphere of a busy site - and others will want other wise.  Last week we were on pitch 1140  but it was great to see a bunch of kids from many nationalities drawn together to play

I'd say it is a medium sized site with great location and above average facilities - but you certainly pay for them so if you don't want them your holiday buget would go further elsewhere.  Soleil plage does whet it does very well indeed  - but that wouldn't please those who want camping a la ferme

Incidently the beach is not there at the moment - my lad would have trouble standing where he is fishing in my gallery picture , We canoed down from Souillac on Monday and many familiar beaches are under water - We wondered at the  effect on the economy of placed like St Juilien where you would expect to see maybe 100 people in a normal year.

Hi too cymbollie - fellow cotswolder

Its got to be www.le-paradis.fr for us the kids love it, we love and its beautiful there!!

Huw

The water was certainly higher up than in your gallery image however we still managed to find a small amount of sand just in front of the canoe rentals place at Soleil Plage.  We also went on the boat trip from La Roque Gageac up to Castlenaud and in La Roque there is a shop which has tiles on it stating the previous high tides.   I note that the highest recorded back in the 1940's was 6 metres higher than the current level !

Enjoy the rest of your time out there.