Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravanning and Camping Abroad

Topic: Ideas for 2017

thewelshman

27/10/2016 at 2:28pm
Location: Surrey
Outfit: Compass Casita 866 & Kia Sorrento

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/3/2009

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 229

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Next year we take delivery of our new caravan and of course we want to get the best use out of it.

We have spent the last four years in the Vendee and as much as it's nice when the sun shines, it can be very variable.

So I am after somewhere warmer for summer 2017 - I love the dordogne but it may be a bit far for our two week trip - bearing in mind out new caravan is 8ft wide and 8m long - I would rather a slightly shorter tow!

So the must haves:
Good swimming pool
Good weather
Bar (with entertainment)
Healthy number of british children (my kids are 12 & 10 and one trip to a site with no british kids resulted in a very isolated holiday)
Preferably with a good cycle network nearby

Would love to hear your views on sites

-------------
Billingshurst 28/4-1/5 and 6/5-7/5

Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!

Berriow

27/10/2016 at 2:48pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 21/12/2010

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3980

Site Reviews Total:	53

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	1

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	1

But your post ends by saying you have already booked into La Garangeoire.

If you want to change to go to the Dordogne then you might need to think of a different ferry crossing. From Caen to the Dordogne is actually shorter than from Calais to the Vendee .

Post last edited on 27/10/2016 14:54:31

JoannaLesley

27/10/2016 at 2:48pm
Location: South Northamptonshi
Outfit: Delta-Freelander

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 31/8/2015

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1198

Site Reviews Total:	51

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	8
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	4
Site Reviews 2018:	8

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	29
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	4
Site Nights 2019:	16
Site Nights 2018:	31

Have a look at the Eurocamp brochure/site (and similar companies) as the sites they use will have excellent facilities for youngsters. Then you can book independently.

I assume that you are talking about the summer school holidays. When our children were that age we found the Vendee fine, but if you want to go a little further, try the Dordogne. Otherwise the best guaranteed weather is to be found further south. We love the Languedoc Rousillon area and there are some really good sites on the Med coast, but it will mean travelling further I'm afraid.

-------------
Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.

thewelshman

27/10/2016 at 3:30pm
Location: Surrey
Outfit: Compass Casita 866 & Kia Sorrento

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/3/2009

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 229

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Whoops, shows how often I update my profile.

We cross at Calais as we pay for the crossing with tesco vouchers. We did the dordogne in one drive a few years ago which killed us. The only site we know in that region is Lestaubiere, which I love but is predominantly dutch - fine for adults but the kids had issues communicating.

-------------
Billingshurst 28/4-1/5 and 6/5-7/5

Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!

gailbonney

27/10/2016 at 7:59pm
Location: Cheshire
Outfit: Sterling & Superb

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 31/8/2008

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1359
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	36

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	1
Site Reviews 2021:	3
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	4
Site Reviews 2018:	5

Site Nights 2024:	3
Site Nights 2023:	6
Site Nights 2022:	7
Site Nights 2021:	25
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	16
Site Nights 2018:	24

We also use the tunnel and have gone to the Dordogne and this yr to the Ardeche. When going to Dordogne, we stopped of in Loire for a few days and then down to Sarlat. Did it with one overnighter on way back.

This yr took 2 overnighters to get to the Ardeche and one on way back.

We treat the overnighters as part of hols and stop at places we want to see e.g. last yr we used the overnight stop to visit Arromanche and Bayeux tapestries.

Can recommend the Ardeche, we loved it so much we're going back next yr! Glorious weather and absolutely stunning scenery did help!

-------------
Gail

Izzy 15.11.02 -25.12.12 RIP my beautiful girl
Lottie 15.08.99 - 07.12.13 RIP dottie Lottie
Millie ? - 03.05.14 RIP beautiful mad Mills

2024
April - Anglesey
Aug - Normandy & Brittany avec les chiens!

Suzac

28/10/2016 at 4:32pm
Location: Devon
Outfit: Swift 2016 Challenger 510 Ford Kuga

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/10/2008

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1174

Site Reviews Total:	6

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	1
Site Nights 2018:	0

If you don't want to go down as far as the Dordogne but further than the Vendee then the Charente Maritime area would probably be a compromise. Plenty of nice sites and places to visit from Isle D'Oleron down to Meschers. Great variety of beaches from the wild Cote Savage down through La Palmyra to the small bays around Palais sur Mer, Nauzan Plage, Pontiac and the long beaches at Royan and St Georges de Didonne at the estuary of the Gironde river. We've been going to the are for 25 years and never tire of it.
Locals always reckon they have their own micro climate because of the position in the Bay of Biscay and the effect of the Gironde estuary. But then they all say that!!

-------------
Mother Nature always wins in the end.

jandjstott

28/10/2016 at 5:45pm
Location: Ross on Wye
Outfit: Cabanon Biscaya 320

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 25/3/2008

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 914
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	29

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

You are setting a bit of a task as you have only the two weeks and in school holidays. You want good weather ( which is never guaranteed in France), plus not travelling too far and you are using the Calais crossing. The Dordogne is our favourite but is really a bit of a haul from Calais and we now use Caen for that reason.

As a general rule if you get South of Lyon , which the Ardeche is, you would be very unlucky not to get good weather. The route from Calais to the Ardeche is pretty straightforward but a tad costly as you would really need to use the toll autoroutes.

I will leave others to suggest sites in the Ardeche but Le Ardechois at Vallon pont d' Arc seems very popular. Val A or Francais may well come onto this thread to give advice as they are both very familiar with the region.

I would offer a thought to a stop on the way down and or on the return as I believe you could do it with one stop each way. Troyes or Langres are both reasonable from Calais and may be worth a look at. Kawan village Lac d'Orient is just South of Troyes and has indoor and outdoor pools plus the lake across the road. A little further south is Lac de Liez at Langres which has an indoor pool and the lake. Both are popular stops on the way south. As a photo is often worth a thousand words as they say I am attaching a couple.

Good luck with the search and you have a lot of dark winter nights to enjoy the planning.
John

The outdoor pool at Lac d'Orient

The Lake Beach opposite Lac d'Orient

The lake at Lac de Liez at Langres

Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!

Nellie72

28/10/2016 at 7:26pm
Location: S.Wales
Outfit: Bailey Pageant Bordeaux

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 03/8/2010

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 314

Site Reviews Total:	16

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	23

Lac d'orient is a lovely site.

You could have a look at the Castelles sites, a tad expensive sometimes but in our experience you get what is advertised.

Apart from at Ty Nadan, an outfit your size wouldn't be able to get onto the site, let alone safely pitched without getting scratched to hell and back. The first you'd know of the shallow pitches, narrow entrance and overgrown triffids on the campsite's roads would be when you got there.
We're still trying to polish out the scratches on our van from this summer :(

The Loire always seems to be sunny, I'lle d'offard in Samour is a nice site, lots to do for the kids and a short stroll into town

-------------
Doing whatever the rice krispies tell me to.

thewelshman

01/11/2016 at 12:47pm
Location: Surrey
Outfit: Compass Casita 866 & Kia Sorrento

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/3/2009

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 229

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Thanks for the advice, we've seen a few that we like. As for the journey, we may cross to Caen, however it is likely we'll do an overnight on the way down and an overnight on the way back

-------------
Billingshurst 28/4-1/5 and 6/5-7/5

Baileyjake

01/11/2016 at 1:27pm
Location: West Midlands
Outfit: Coachman Amara 570 6 + Shogun SG4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/1/2015

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 846

Site Reviews Total:	11

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	4
Site Nights 2019:	2
Site Nights 2018:	2

i use Plymouth roscoff but will be staying again near roscoff on the first and last night and another stop to break up the return journey from the vendee. my wife and kids 4 and 7 didnt enjoy the driving last summer particularly on the return which took 8h.

the ferry times make the roscoff overnights necessary. late arriving and early departing. at least the tunnel offers flexibility. but the benefit of the caravan is you can stop on the way.

-------------
First van bailey ranger 550/6
Now the proud owner of a coachman amara

thewelshman

01/11/2016 at 2:32pm
Location: Surrey
Outfit: Compass Casita 866 & Kia Sorrento

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/3/2009

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 229

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I think we may be booking onto La Domaine de la paille basse. Reviews look good, would appreciate other people's thoughts

-------------
Billingshurst 28/4-1/5 and 6/5-7/5

Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!

doneil

26/11/2016 at 2:55am
Location: Anglesey
Outfit: Bailey Pageant sanceree VW Tiguan

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/4/2009

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 19

Site Reviews Total:	19

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	4
Site Nights 2018:	0

We cant see past la baume in Frejus, cote du azur. We spent 6 weeks at this site a couple of years ago, and we all agree that it was the best holiday ever. That was 2 adults, 2 18yr olds and two 14 yr olds.

Frannyvan

26/11/2016 at 7:09am
Location: Dorset
Outfit: Swift Classic Corvette 1998

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 08/7/2013

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1129

Site Reviews Total:	17

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Logis du Breuil near Royan ticks all of your boxes, but no entertainment.

We had excellent weather. Loads of British kids

-------------
xxxx

Mike3003

26/11/2016 at 8:11am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/7/2013

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1455

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

If you can travel from Plymouth, I guess you are in Wales, then I can only endorse Frannyvan. Logis de Breuil is a wonderful site.

-------------
Not ALL Newts get p**sed.

“Semper Fidelis”

latecamper

26/11/2016 at 8:57am
Location: West Sussex
Outfit: Canvas frame tent &

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 20/7/2007

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1137

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by thewelshman on 01/11/2016
I think we may be booking onto La Domaine de la paille basse. Reviews look good, would appreciate other people's thoughts

We have not been to this site so admit I speak from ignorance, but, I do wonder if it might be difficult with a 8m van in tow? Reviews elsewhere mention very narrow entrance and steep approach. It looks a lovely position but a bit of a drive from anywhere.

I think the reviews of it on here are all people who were in tents.

Latecamper

Mike3003

27/11/2016 at 10:53am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/7/2013

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1455

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by Baileyjake on 01/11/2016
i use Plymouth roscoff but will be staying again near roscoff on the first and last night and another stop to break up the return journey from the vendee. my wife and kids 4 and 7 didnt enjoy the driving last summer particularly on the return which took 8h.

the ferry times make the roscoff overnights necessary. late arriving and early departing. at least the tunnel offers flexibility. but the benefit of the caravan is you can stop on the way.

Living only 30 minutes away we use Plymouth/Roscoff a lot, although we do sometimes take the morning sailing either way, most sailings are overnight from Plymouth arriving 08:00 Roscoff giving you all day to get some miles under your belt. Again, from Roscoff most sailings are in the afternoon arriving in Plymouth around 21:00 or so, so a 4/5 hour drive to the port is very possible.

But hey, no issues with staying in or around Roscoff......It is lovely 👍

-------------
Not ALL Newts get p**sed.

“Semper Fidelis”

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravanning and Camping Abroad - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

9743 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder