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We (2 adults, 2 kids - 10 and 14) are booked to go to Languedoc (Valras Plage) on 19th August.  As we have only ever camped in Vendee and this area is completely new to us, can anyone help with a couple of general queries:

Fistly, as we are staying in a tent, what bedding should we think about taking - just sheets or sleeping bags (ie. how warm is it, generally, overnight).

Secondly, will the children be able to body-board/surf or is that coast line like a millpond.  Also do I need to pack their shortie wetsuits (as I would for Vendee camping) or would they be the only ones wimping out in wetsuits?

And finally, is it worth taking our bikes?  Or is it, generally, far too hot to consider cycling anywhere? 

Your help/comments would be very gratefully received.

Wow - that was quick!!  Thanks for your input. 

My son will be disappointed not to be able to surf - I assumed as it was windy there would be pretty good waves.  Perhaps I should "squeeze" in his wake board instead then.

Incidentally, do you think I should take the foil-backed camping mats that we use under the airbeds or will we cook by the morning?

Once again, thanks for your input.

PS.  TethersEnd, how windy is very windy - should I worry about being sandblasted on the beach?

Yes - sometimes the wind is very 'windy' and you may need serious windbreaks for the beach.  Other times it can be completely calm, but if it is windy, and if it's blowing in the right direction then you may get enough 'waves' to body board.  You definitely won't need wetsuits in the Mediterranean.

Quote: Originally posted by Val A on 24/7/2011

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Yes - sometimes the wind is very 'windy' and you may need serious windbreaks for the beach.  Other times it can be completely calm, but if it is windy, and if it's blowing in the right direction then you may get enough 'waves' to body board.  You definitely won't need wetsuits in the Mediterranean.

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We have tented in the area many times and using light duvets have never been cold.  There can be rather strong winds blowing mainly from inland out to sea which can last for days at a time but in our experience are then usually followed by a significant period of lovely calm days.

I cannot remember ever seeing the sea rough enough for decent surfing activities with the obvious exception of wind and kite surfing.

Valras Plage area is pretty flat for cycling as long as the weather doesn't sap your energy too much.  Don't know if he's still there but there used to be a bloke hiring out bikes that could carry whole familes, which was good fun in the evenings.

Presumably you are going to La Yole site which is at the west end of the town - there is a decent market once a week in the harbour area at the east end which would be good for a bike ride out as car parking can be a problem on the day.

We use our bikes a bit on holiday and often find its more comfortable to cycle rather than walk in hot weather strange as it might seem.

David

Quote: Originally posted by Val A on 25/7/2011

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Huw - is weather an 'interest' or a job?  You seem to come up with some amazing weather websites! (or is there a Michael Fish jacket hanging in your wardrobe?)

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