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Hi -

Camping Puy rond is a great place to relax and unwind - situated within walking distance of Bressuire, plenty to do in the area - http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/results3.asp?search=puy%20rond&by=sitename

Not too far to drive handy for Loire valley / Vendee

Hope you find somewhere suitable :-)

Some suggestions - Lac de Panthier at Vandenesse en Auxois in Burgundy - by the side of a man-made lake, with a sandy-type beach, nice pitches over the lake, good restaurant and pizzeria take-away.  Bar, and shop.   You're near to Beaune (wine and lovely old buildings), Dijon (better than you might think), there's a nice little Chateau at Chateauneuf a couple of miles away, and a bigger one at Commarin.  You can cycle along the Canal du Bourgogne.  It has an outdoor pool and an indoor pool.  We prefer the area nearer to the reception/indoor pool/overlooking the lake.

It also takes Camping Cheques from the 16th August (still time to get some) which will save you about 9 euros per night.  You'll still have to pay supplements for the children.  This price includes pitch, two adults, car and caravan (or tent or motorhome), awning, and electric hook-up.

Another, Camping Bois de Bardelet at Gien on the Loire - again indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor paddling pool with fountains, etc., for the very little ones, a small lake, little shop on site, bar and restaurant, take-away and bread shop, activities for the children, and the possibility to get a coach to Disney from the site.  Takes Camping Cheques from the 15th August (a saving of 10 euros per night).  Good sized pitches, some open on lovely grass, some more shaded on the edges of woodland.

Third Camping Lac d'Orient near Troyes - an easy drive from the ports, possibly toll-free, plenty of activities, indoor and outdoor pool and the most up to date sanitary facilities you could want.  Also almost on the edge of a lake, with a beach.  There are some pictures on other threads, posted by someone who has been there. Takes Camping Cheques from the 20th August - saving almost 18 euros per night.

Both can be done from the ports in a day, and we've been to both without paying anything much in tolls (but we have all the time in the world to get there). 

Another suggestion, it's perfectly possible to do almost anywhere in France without paying tolls.  Go back on to Viamichelin and ask for 'without tolls' and compare the length of the journey, mileage, etc., before making a final decision. The saving you make on these campsites might more than compensate for the cost of the tolls, should you choose to pay them.

Don't worry about it - if you do decide on any of the Camping Cheque sites then you won't need to book - they only offer pitches with Camping Cheques when they know they're not going to be full! 

I agree, the non-toll route to Annecy does take a lot longer, and with children that can be difficult - and I suppose to add in an extra overnight stop wouldn't save anything overall.  Don't stress too much and spoil the holiday, though!  Just enjoy it.  We've been to the sites I've recommended, and had short or longer stays, and enjoyed them all.  It depends what you want from a site.......!

We never used to book and at one time I did get worried that we wouldn't get a pitch, but we've never had problems.  We have friends who are away at the moment, and they say that campsites are quieter than they were last year.

Is there a special problem with France?

I dont  know where you live, but the cost of driving to Cornwall would be high. So too for Scotland. But in France diesel is 10% cheaper than in UK. Traffic is less. Driving is quicker and easier.

You either choose toll roads or you don't. We went from Roscoff to Carcassonne without them. And we went from here in Cornwall to Sheffield without them. I know which I prefer.

We havent been to France for some years, but when we did we never used toll motorways. Motorways are quicker if you can travel at 70/80 mph but with a caravan you are more likely to be doing 50/60 max. There are many dual carriageways where you can travel at a reasonable speed without using toll motorways, traffic volume is much much lower than the uk.

Quote: Originally posted by Val A on 05/8/2011

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 and I suppose to add in an extra overnight stop wouldn't save anything overall. 

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Wouldn't it? An overnight stop at a decent municipal can easily cost just 10 euros - If the tolls cost 150 euros to the South of France and back, you could have 2 or 3 nights stops each way and still spend less, no?

OK, you have to put the tent up each time - that would be knackering, true (but still cheaper)...

Quote: Originally posted by nelmo on 05/8/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by Val A on 05/8/2011

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 and I suppose to add in an extra overnight stop wouldn't save anything overall. 

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Wouldn't it? An overnight stop at a decent municipal can easily cost just 10 euros - If the tolls cost 150 euros to the South of France and back, you could have 2 or 3 nights stops each way and still spend less, no?

OK, you have to put the tent up each time - that would be knackering, true (but still cheaper)...

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The euro/pound exchange rate this year is pretty similar to last year. I think it's the rise in the price of food and drinks in France that is catching people out, they seem more expensive though they weren't cheap last year either.

Hi bossyboot,

I think I am the one Val was referring to as having posted pictures of Lac d'Orient in previous threads but to save you the trouble I will post a couple more (slightly different ones this time).

Agree with what others have said about the site. Really nice plus free wifi at the bar which I dont think anyone else mentioned. Last year the tolls were about 26€ from Troyes to St Omer as we stayed at Gandspette on the way back so allowing for this years increase in tolls as Iyanabint says if you allow £30 each way you wont be far out. Notice you have a tent so if you are not towing 4 and a half hours from either Calais or Dunkirk is a reasonable estimate (shortens the journey for the children).

Wherever you go hope you enjoy!