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Hi All,

Newbie here. Been camping, mainly in Cornwall, for summer hols, for last 3 years now. This year we thought we'd try West Coast of France, Vendee area or a bit further south to Girondee (Bordeaux). Must be close to beach so Dad and kids can go surfing/body boarding :-)

I have looked around the Web and to be honest have found it all rather daunting, some sites dont allow us to bring our own tents, Eurocamp for example and many others are statics only so I am getting rather frustrated. The last thing I want is to end up is some horrible place after such a long journey.

So my question is, can anyone out there recommend a site(s) ?

Much appreciated,

Nick

Hi Nick,

Welcome to UKCS. There are loads of sites in the area. We went to one last year called Bonne Anse Plage, near Royan. I wrote a review on it  HERE.

If you click on the   and then the Sites Overseas button, you'll find loads of great reviews on sites all over France.

I compeletely agree with Nick.  We stayed at Bonne Anse Plage last year, we went back after an 8 year absence. I would recommend this site to anyone.  This year we have booked for the Vendee at a camp site called Le Bois Masson, about 12 mile from Les Sable D'lonne.  We have never had any problems with  booking on the spur of the moment.  Haven Europe do have sites that you can take your own tent/caravan just visit their web page. www.haveneurope.com. I would recommed France to anyone of all ages.  It's what you make it.. Best of luck

Sue.

Hello, I am planning to visit this region in July with my caravan, following a few years of camping. As previously mentioned, I have not seen a French site which does not allow tents.

You may want to look at the Biscarosse area, as I have heard this is very good.

Hi Meade, welcome to the site,

as everyone says - you shouldn't have any problem camping in France, in fact it is so much better than uk that words fail me!

try  www.campingfrance.com, www.camping-france.com, www.francecamping.com, and leo's site [above] is excellent.

we particularly like using the municipal sites.

you will have a great time - just go for it!

Thankyou all for your help.

Has anyone been to La Brande site at Ile D'Oleron by chance ?

www.camping-labrande.com

Thanks,

Nick

Hi Nick, We've been there for a few days on our way back from Spain a couple of years ago, it's OK but the only problem we found was the continual noise from the Oyster Wasihg machines in the factory next door. But a nice area and worth a short visit.

Phil.

We have stayed at La Brande twice, including Oct 2004, and parked away from the perimeter fence, never heard the factory at all, though it was open. The site itself is very good, friendly staff, great pool, clean, modern loos. Camping cheques site too, for those interested. Oleron is very flat, ideal  for cycling.

The beach nearby is not really for swimming, as it is very shallow, more like mudflats at low tide. The locals go there to collect shellfish, a bit like Morecombe Bay. You need to go to the west coast of the island for surf.