Hi there, I'm hoping some one one here must have some experience of camping in Brittany in August? I've not camped in France before.
We're heading to Brittany for the last two weeks of August. We'll probably do 2 or 3 night on the north coast near Mont ST Michael, and then move south to Carnac. I was especially wondering what the availability of camp sites will be in or around Carnac. I haven't booked yet, and I'm wondering if I need to? Would there be spare pitches to be had, or is it important that I book in advance to secure a decent campsite?
I'm not desperate to have a site just behind the beach, especially if it will be very busy with rowdy teenagers and lots of night-life. We prefer the quieter, family-oriented sites, and don't mind a 15-minute walk to the beach.
Thanks in advance for any advice and experience.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
When we travelled through brittany last year we did not need to book, just drove until we found somewhere. Guess it depends on wht you are looking for and if you want to stay in the same place for two weeks? Not booking does give you flexability
There are lots of campsites in Brittany. As long as you have a list, and look as early as you can in the day, then you have time to move on if necessary.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We want to stay somewhere close-ish to the south Brittany coast for 7 or 8 days - Carnac looked nice, and within easy reach of places further west. The received wisdom here seems to be take a list and don't book, but be prepared to look around. I must say that is my preferred option, although I was fearful that it was so popular (in August) that all the good places would be prebooked and doing that would mean we were left with the not-so-nice places. But it seems that's maybe not the case.
If you know which site you want to be at then book it, but if you are fairly flexible then I wouldn't bother.
Howeverm, if you are there 14-16th August I would book that weekend because its the big French holiday weekend so normally extra busy... after that it all quietens down very quickly and by the following weekend campsite will start to empty rapidly.
Bear in mind that the 15th is a Sunday this year - NOTHING food shopping wise will be open so make sure you have food, and you might find the Monday is also a holiday.
Thanks for that great advise, Christine - we actually sail 8am Monday 16th, so that Monday night will be our first pitch. Good to know that it is all quietening down from that point onward - sounds like I'm definitely okay not to book. Cheers.
franbee mentioned having a list of campsites with us - obviously important if we're not booking. What are the best lists? Cades book (is that even still published?) Or are there some recommended comprehensive websites?
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Have a look on here and other internet sites for campsites in the area you want, they have maps and reviews. You can get a 'Quality Camping' brochure from French canpsites who are members, or pick up tourist brochures with campsites in the region. And finally you might find a road atlas with them marked, but not many have that.
Just checked 'Quality camping', the area round Carnac shows loads of sites. If you want more detail, tell me.