Hi - we stayed at 2 sites near Rouen last year - about 2 1/2 hours from calais. Both very nice sites in small villages - le bec hellouin & lyon la foret - they are both reviewed in the alan rogers guide. It is a fair trek from there to La rochelle though - about 5 / 6 hours. The sites were both very clean - good bars & restaurants in each village. Might be better to stop further south on way down when you are fresh off the boat - but they would be good on your return as it is a steady drive to the port from there.
------------- we are where we are - where are we ?
We stayed at Chateau Chanteloup (one of the Castels sites), overnight on the way down to La Tranche and again on the way back last August. The site is in the grounds of a beautiful Chateau. It has a bar and restaurant and a lovely pool. There is also a lake in the grounds. It is not far from Le Mans, and was for us a very convenient break in the journey.
My brothers had stayed at the Chateau Chanteloup (one of the Castels sites), on different occasions last year. The one 'thehoniballs', mentioned. They were very pleased with it and the facilities and setting. Which had been recommended to them also.
Thanks again everyone. In the end ( after LOTS of research ), we went for castel camping, Le Brevedent, near Lisieux, for 4 nights, then onto Orangerie de Lanniron at Quimper for 6 nites.
The booking process has proved to be really efficient.
Just hoping the sites prove to be good. This is our 1st time camping abroad, so a bit apprehensive.