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Hello all,

Having camped in Southern Brittany the Vendee Arcachon etc we would like to try the Cote D'Azur this year  July/Aug in the hope of some more settled weather.

Quite like the look of Domaine de la Bergerie  in Roquebrune sur Argens would really appreciate anyones reviews of this site.

Looking to travel down with one overnight stop  - any advice on where would be considered a good halfway point  or  how far it is feasible to travel off an early ferry on the first day -  would be really helpful.

You should get well down into Burgundy.  Most people with tents try to find budget hotels, rather than pitch up their tents.  There are many different budget hotels, and usually every town of any size has at least two on the routes into or out of the town.  Dijon/Chalon sur Saone/Macon are all in Burgundy, and each one will have a wide choice of hotels if that's what you're looking for.  If camping, then there's a good municipal in Macon, which is easily accessed and well-signposted. 

Haven't been to Domaine de la Bergerie, but years ago we were at Les Pecheurs, also at Roquebrune.  There's a review for Bergerie - here.

Don't forget that July/August are the very busiest time on the Cote d'Azur, so leave extra travelling time both for arriving, and for getting about from one place to another.  It can be quite manic down there at times.  If you are able to choose then perhaps later in August would be better than late July/early August.  We have friends who live in La Croix Valmer, not that far along the coast, and we've spent several holidays in that area.

Val

Thank you for your very helpful reply  we were thinking Dijon would be about the right place to stop so you have confirmed this.  Also thinking of budget hotels have got some very useful tips off UKCS but because we are 2 adults and 2 children 12 and 9  (12 year old now taller than me!) it often  means two rooms which this year with a tighter budget  is probably not the cheapest option, your recommendation of a campsite is much appreciated will take our small tent just to sleep in overnight.

Many thanks

Happy holidays!

Hi,

We did Roquebrune sur Argens last year at Lei Suves site, it gets hot so pitches with shade a must esp with a tent, Frejus beach is superb drive down to the coast, turn right and carry on past Aqualand look for carparks right next to beach, never too busy. An evening trip into StTropez is a must to see the evening toffs and boats etc!

We travelled back in 2 days up to friends in Kettering! 1st day we made Macon, although were aiming for Dijon, next day did all the way to Kettering! long drive but easy on french roads.  The first sat in august is manic with Parisiens heading south so avoid this.

Macon municipal is great, small play area for kids, goods showers, McDonalds over the road!! also its very easy to get to, only 2  mins of the mway.

BTW if you have tomtom you can download the campsites as points of interest, this was invaluable.

p.s.

ValA recommended the Veryron Gorges for a day out, about 1hr inland, superb, kayaking down a gorge with turquiose waters.

Thanks for that Val, the best day out we had!!!

pps!!!!

Try the vineyard next to Lei Suves site, the vineyard was 'Domain du Blavet' really cheap and reeeaaaallllly good. Take empty containers to fill from their 'petrol wine pump'!!!!! the place is like a simple farm shop, with jams, wine, veg, wine, fruit, wine etc!!!

Hi Lisa

We too have stayed at Lei Suves, twice in the last three years, with the other year at Etoile d'Argens

Both have good pools etc for the kids, (our girls are 13 and 14 now) and other entertainment as well. We would go back to either but are considering the Atlantic coast this year for a change. Problem is that a change could also mean a change in the weather that has always been so good on the Med coast...Decisions decisions!

Everyone says how busy the Cote d'Azur is, but if you go expecting it to be busy then you are prepared and we don't think it's that bad. Thats why we have been back again!....One year we planned a week at Agde after Lei Suves but were so disappointed when we got there that we turned straight round and went back to Lei Suves for the week. I would recommend a visit to Monte Carlo, St Tropez, Nice and Antibes, all do-able from where you are thinking of staying.

Lei Suves is a little further inland and you will need your car to get to the beaches but we think that the site is worth it. Most pitches there are at least part shaded and the owners have always let us pick a pitch when we get there. They dont like open barbeques for the fire risk.

I also would recommend a day to the Verdon Gorge...Very spectacular. It took us most of the day to go right round it but views were incredible.

We normally have a lunchtime ferry crossing and get to the Paris/Troyes area for the first night. Troyes is very attractive if you spare a morning to stroll round the town.

Having three girls in our family, good facilities is always a 'must' for us. Yes good quality sites are not cheap but we feel that when camping it is necessary.

So much more I could say but better you ask if there is anything that I can help with.

DC

Many thanks for everyones helpful advise, especially the vineyard excursion!!!

Have now found it very easy to make the decision, have spent another evening trawling the internet  I think I have looked at almost every site on the med was even considering Adge or thereabouts  at one point but had a niggling feeling that we would make the wrong choice in going there so thanks DC!

Lisa

My comments about Agde only reflect our experience of what we saw when we got there. There will no doubt be others who say how fantastic it is, perhaps. What I can say with some certainty is that all your images of the Cote d'Azur will be reflected when you get there.....It's stunning.

DC

HI

Just to offer some different advice - we didn't like Les Pecheurs at all - moved as soon as we found another site.  We LOVE Les Pins Parasol however, ifs a very nice site with HUGE pitches, nice pool with one slide - entertainment in a low key manner, not like butlins!! - very secure site with entry pad system at night - basic shop facilities, ice, great toilets - never cclosed as the are 2 units in each block which when one is closed the other remains open.  Have to drive to the beach, small supermarket nearby - just love it and would definaely go back - they remembered us the 2nd year we went so personal service.

Gorge du Verdon is definately a must - your mouth will stay open for a good few minutes - its breathtaking.  Pedaloes can be hired for 1hr or 2hr - first time we only took 1hr but 2nd time definately took 2 as it is so beautiful - the water is soooo clear.

Have fun whatever you decide.

Fiona

We've been to Domaine de la Bergerie about 4 times now, it's agreat site and is ideally situated for visiting placed like St. Tropez, St. Maximme, Nice, Cannes etc. and of course the Gorges. It's a big site with excellent facilities and the on site shop is more than sufficient for everyday needs. 

We're planning to go there late July - August and we can't wait. It's a long drive but worth it once your there. Go for it, you'll love it and there is loads to do.

Regards

Jamsie

We haven't stayed there but you should be aware that Domaine de la Bergerie will only take bookings from Sunday to Sunday. They wouldn't flex on that policy so it ruled the site out for us....Perhaps they are more flexible now?

DC