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My girlfriend and I are heading over to France Friday night (Dover to Calais) for two weeks camping, but we are having a few problems in deciding where to stay. We want to head down to the Bordeaux area, but will stay a couple of nights some where on the way.  We want to really stay on the coast as we want to find some places where we can have a go at some surfing and other water sports.

Also we want to head up the Dordogne for some canoeing and stay in a hotel along there for a couple of nights.

Any ideas would be most appreciated.

Many Thanks

James

Hi Jim n Gin and welcome to UKCS.

Why not camp in the Dordogne as well. Lots of the sites along the Loire also do canoe rental so you kill 2 birds with one stone. You will find lots of sites here and I can recommend this site. Enjoy your trip whatever you do.

Carol

Thanks for the feed back Towball and Carol just been having a look at the links and areas mentioned and they look great.

There are plenty of places to choose from in France, you shouldnt need to book before hand should you.

Thanks again

We usually go for the last 2 weeks in August and never book anything but the ferry. We have a destination in mind and a few sites so if one is full we move on to the next and if the weather isnt up to much we just head south. Late August is not considered high season in France so you will be fine in September.

I am very envious as we should be there now and returning next Sunday but our dog injured his back legs and had a major operation and we couldnt put him in kennels so had to cancel. Boo Hoo. Roll on next year.

Carol

Aw no Carol, poor dogger.  We went to the Auvergne, near Vichy, the area there is superb for canoeing and walking too.  All great big gorges and rivers and lakes.  We stayed at Camping de la Filature, which has had mixed feedback from various people, but is basically quiet and tranquil with dated loos and showers and indifferent owners.  We had a great stay there as the owner cooks every night, fab food and very cheap, and we don't need entertainment etc so it was perfect for us.

Ali

Thanks for the sympathy Ali. Alfie is on the mend now but was in a bad way for a while and it was a real downer not getting to France this year but just been online and booked a trip to Majorca for October half term so maybe that will make up for it a little bit. You cant beat camping in France though.

Sorry for hijacking your thread James.

Carol

Quote: Originally posted by magicaly on 29/8/2006

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Thanks for the sympathy Ali. Alfie is on the mend now but was in a bad way for a while and it was a real downer not getting to France this year but just been online and booked a trip to Majorca for October half term so maybe that will make up for it a little bit. You cant beat camping in France though.

Sorry for hijacking your thread James.

Carol

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No problem, hope your dog gets well so you can go on your holidays.

Couple more questsions though. I have looked at a few camp sites on line and when going into booking them, they seem to add a booking fee / administration fee (About 20-30 Euros) is this normal.

- And I have been told that to drive legally in France you need a Fire extinguisher / Road side Triangle / Flouresint coats / spare bulbs, is this correct

Thanks for all you ideas

 

 

Hi James

Unfortunately most sites in France charge an admin fee if you book in advance so if I were you, going in September as you are, I wouldnt bother booking. Just choose a couple of sites in each area you want to visit and turn up. Thats what we do and we go in August and never had a problem as French high season ends on most sites on or just after August 15th. If you are a bit worried about just showing up just ring them a day or two ahead and ask if they have any pitches.

You do need all of those things in your car for France except for the jackets. They are going to make them law but it hasnt been passed yet but it might not be a bad idea anyway. Saw fire extinguishers today in Home Bargain for £3.99. They are £20 in Halfords. You also need spare glasses if you wear them and all of your car documents. Registration, MOT, Insurance, the originals, not copies. If the car is not in your name you need a letter of permission from the owner. You will also need beam benders to stop your headlights blinding oncoming traffic.

Have a good time.

Carol

Thanks for all you help thats given some peace of mind.

James

Hi Gang,

We are back from our two weeks in France! The advise given was much appreciated.. We ended up going to Dieppe, Des Sables d'olonne, Cap Ferret &, Dordoge (La Roque Gageac) Was brillant, we then done a 750 mile journey from La Roque to Amsterdam! (Zeeburg) In 13 hours! due to poor weather conditions. Thanks agian it was brillaint.

All the best Carol. Hope the pooch is well again.

Jim & Gina.