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Hi Matty,

I agree with Helenmb re Domaine de la Foret, it's a superb spacious and quiet site although it is a drive to nearest beach. 

Have you camped in Brittany? there's a good choice on near-beach sites here, it's a hop from Roscoff and personally I found it  prettier and less commercialised than the Vendee region plus weather-wise  it's no different (but the Brittany gulf de morbihan tourist info. guys reckon this area has it's own sunny microclimate). We visited the Vendee region once and although the campsite (domain de la foret) was lovely, we much preferred S Brittany as the villages were beautiful. On the Vendee trip we took a late ferry to Roscoff, stayed in a hotel an hour from the port and drove next morning (a Saturday) to the site, the traffic was horrendous, particularly round Nantes and we felt, with our littliest in tow, it wasn't worth the headache to head just slightly further South ... we'd have been happier in either Brittany or going the whole-hog to Biarritz for the ''guaranteed' sun. Also ... I do go on!..... we now always book the Pont Aven ferry on the Plym-Roscoff route as it's so much better equiped than the others.  If you can cope with the added expense, the commodore 4-berth cabin has a balcony and it makes the crossing such a treat and so relaxing.

Cheers,

Pjlbr

Couldn't agree more - Domaine de la Foret is really lovely and we are going back there again this year but I suspect we will be drawn back to Southern Brittany again soon. It is just so pretty, lovely beaches, rolling countryside, perfect for young families. Plus we have been to France every summer since 2002  to a variety of areas including the Dordogne, the Aveyron, Languedoc and the best weather we have had was two weeks near Vannes when we didn't see a cloud in the sky. I know this is not always typical but you can't guarantee the sun anywhere in France.

Susie

We are also off to Le Pin Parasol, its fantastic, kids love it, this will be our third year,

who else is going in August ?

Can highly recommend Les Ecrueils in Jard Sur Mer. We wnet three years ago when my lo was 11 months old, it really suited us as it was quiet. (we went the last two weeks of Aug) lots of nice beaches within cycling distance, great Super U nearby too. Pluus an indoor pool if weather not so warm.

Karende

Quote: Originally posted by sjriley on 07/5/2008

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We are also off to Le Pin Parasol, its fantastic, kids love it, this will be our third year,

who else is going in August ?

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Matty - I note you're going in June - have you looked at the Camping Cheques (www.campingcheque.co.uk) or Touring Cheques (www.touringcheques.co.uk) websites?  There are some super sites offered in the Pays de la Loire and the Vendee, many of which are likely to be reasonably quiet in June (it's just not peak season in France, so makes a huge differerence to the 'ambience' of sites).   Additionally, with only a 'little me' you'll only pay £10.30 for Touring Cheques, or the same if you order them together with a ferry from either Camping Cheques, or the Caravan Club - or £11.70 if you only want the cheques.  This is for a pitch, two people with tent, caravan or motorhome, awning, and electricity.  It's hard to beat - and there do appear to be some nice sites, although it's not an area I'm familiar with.   

Les Ecuriels (mentioned above) is one of the Touring Cheque sites, taking cheques up until the end of June.  Camping La Foret in the Pays de la Loire has direct beach access - and only 63 pitches (with two pools) - might just be worth taking a look at  these websites to see if there's anything that fits your bill.

thanks val indeed we have the freedom camping vouchers from the Caravan and Camping club and have just looked to see if Les Ecureuils doesn't offer the discount scheme. :( 

Have also noticed that they don't like charcoal bbqs. How flexible are they in this respect?

The other option for value for money is La trevilliere nr Bretignolles-sur-mer. Looks like a reasonable site a bit further up the coast. Any comments out there? Great value at £8.90 per night!! We also take on board the fact that it is likely to be quiet in most places as we are on hols whilst most other people aren't! 

Matty I've just remembered a useful Vendee site- angela Birds- www.the-vendee.co.uk

 thanks for the link meerkat. Looks like a good site.

Regarding the touring cheques are they the same as the freedom camping offered by the C and C club or do we buy them separately? We have already bought the freedom camping cheques so will Les Escureils accept these event tho the brochure sayds they don't?