Message Forums

We stayed at Domaine de la Foret which is a couple of miles from La Garangeoire and my husband had an allergic reaction to the caterpillar hairs and came out in a particularly attractive set of spots not unlike chicken pox.They were incredibly itchy and eventually he went to the pharmacist in the village who knew immediately what they were and asked us whether we were staying at La Garangeoire or La Foret. He said that the caterpillars were normally gone by the end of May but because of the unusual weather they were still around.

I would, however, like to point out that although OH was uncomfortable at times it did not spoil our holiday and we will be going back to Domaine de la Foret in July this year. If you are camping you have to expect there to be nature on your doorstep and although some of these thing might not be your ideal bed partners surely it is all part of the experience. Expecting the campsite owners to remove every one of these caterpillars is not realistic in my view.

Susie

We were at La Garangeoire in Sept 2005, no caterpilars then! but loverly huge toads when it rained.

It was our first break from the Riviera, but it was hugely enjoyable, I wouldn't let a "freak" of nature put you off, besides the chemicals to control the pests are usually worse than the pests themselves!!!

Thanks for this thread Don.

We stayed at La Foret (really lovely site) in '06 and were convinced our youngest had a nasty break-out of chicken pox whilst there, it turned out not to be but never knew exactly what it was albiet assuming mosquitos. However, reading this thread, it sounds v similar to what SusieJM's OH had. Mmm, interesting. Am in total agreement about living side by side with nature though.

As an aside, the pharmacist (whom we consulted for something else re the children) in St Julien des Landes (next door to La Foret) was extremely helpful and very patient with our french.

SusieJM. I'm not surprised you're going back to La Foret, we had a magical time around the lakes/ponds, it's so quiet and peaceful isn't it?

Hi pjlbr,

Yes it is a wonderful site, so much so we are taking our best friends with us this year. We loved the place from the minute we arrived and it would appear that the majority of Brits there have been going for years and use a local company to store their caravans from one year to the next. We are not usually great ones for going to the same site again but this time we just couldn't resist it, caterpillars or no caterpillars.

Susie

These caterpillars occur throughout France (and in England, increasingly)  - and like previous posters, I think they are just one of the 'natural' hazards of camping.  Last year the unusual amounts of rain and sun brought them out at times that were unusual, and also in unusual numbers.  I don't think it's particularly a problem of the site, but of the type of woodland that is around the site - everywhere in France could potentially suffer from the same problem.   Don't let it put anyone off what appears to be a lovely site - you're just as likely, this year, to potentially have the same problem at any other site you choose. 

We stoped at this site last June we were aware of the problem, it has not happened in previous years, the site owners did everything they could, they sprayed the trees and moved campers away from the worst areas.

This site is excellant and the owners and staff great, if you can get in do so you will enjoy it.

I visited this campsite late July early August 07. The caterpillar infestation was a one-off but was very serious at the time ( late june / early July). The owners spent a lot of time money and effort eradicating the problem, and by the time we arrived on the 21st July it was sorted.

Over the tens of years this site has been in operation I have not heard of this occuring at any other time there.

We had an excellent time and will go back in a few years. Good facilites, relaxed country atmosphere, well run and clean and tidy. 

We like to explore a bit and after 3 different campsites in 3 years in the Vendee (la Garang the best!) and the weather being a little below expectations each time, we are off to Playa Montroig in Spain on a fly drive this summer.