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Hi all, its me again.  Saw a site in Honfleur called La Briquerie, 4 star with pools and activities. Also short stroll to hypermarket and centre of Honfleur only 2 kms away.  Reason we looked at this region is only a short drive away from Lehavre which we were thinking using.  Anybody been to this area or campsite for that matter?

First time driving abroad with van, although we have driven on the continent numerous times without it. I fancied the Atlantic Coast area but hubby says too far to drive what with the drive to Portsmouth with 2 year old and all.

Thanks in advance

We stayed at La Briquerie a couple of years ago, just as an overnight before catching the morning ferry. It was not a happy experience! Firstly, we were sent to a pitch that was already occupied, so we had to walk back to reception, queue again, then had to reverse the caravan along a narrow access road, in order to get to the alternative pitch we were given. This meant going over numerous speed bumps and manoevering round high hedges. Eventually we got on to a pitch which was quite pleasant.

Next thing was to try and find some food. As it was the end of our holiday, we were fairly low on Euros (we had to pay cash at reception - and it was the most expensive site we have ever stayed on in France, before or since). The restaurant didn't accept cards either, so we decided to get something from the take-away. The pizza and the burger we came away with were quite the worst food we have ever found in France! I deliberately do not say 'eaten in France', because they were inedible.

On the positive side, there did seem to be a fair number of children's activities, but as we were travelling alone, this was no compensation for the other elements. Sorry, but I can't recommend this site.

Well we wont be going there then. Thanks Chrissie for that info, the thought of reversing down a small road with hedges etc fills me with dread as we are not great reverses only done it 6 times so far.  Will get back to looking elsewhere.  All we want is a decent site not to far a drive from Lehavre 2-3 hrs most. 

Any ideas anyone ?

Cheers

Thanks for info Boo1. Deffo not staying there but I will have a look now at the Castels site you are saying and will let you know.

Have you considered going on the overnight P&O from Hull to Zeebrugeg instead?   We have given up driving to Dover now after too many stressful journeys round the M25 - guaranteed to ruin the end of a great holiday.   The boat leaves at 7pm (you can board several hours earlier) and you get family sized ensuite cabins.   There is a small soft play area on board too and a brilliant self service restaurant.  You arrive at 8am the next morning, ready for a stress-free day's journey on the French autoroutes - far more relaxing than a long UK drive.

We alwaysd go to the Atlantic coast near Royan - you'd need an overnight stop around the Loire valley area ideally as it is about 600 miles from Zeebrugge (mind you, we've done this distance in a day before in France and it's been fine - not towing though).

The big advantage of this area of France as opposed to Normandy is that you'll get much better weather.  Having said that, we did Normandy around Honfleur area 2 yaers ago with our children (then 3 and 18 months) and had a great time.

Thanks Andy we are looking at different options. We may go on that route Zeebrugge. Hull is a hell of alot closer to us than Dover/Portsmouth.  We really do fancy the Atlantic Coast but maybe abit far to go on our first trip with van.  We even looked at the Roschoff port but Brittany Ferry prices are a joke.  We are still deciding what the hell to do, we may even go to Holland if we use Zeebrugge. 

When you stayed in the Normandy area which campsite did you use and would you recommend it.

Thanks

If you are looking for a site near Honfleur there is a site called Domaine de Catiniere http://www.camping-catiniere.com/ at Fiquefleur Equainville. Which is a small village about 2 miles from Pont du Normandie. It's only 15mins from the port. When you come down off the bridge leave at junction 3 and turn left follow this road, D580, until it forks, go right, site is signed.

A medium sized site with a fair share of statics but plenty of space for tourers. Good toilets/showers a small shop and take away (peak season) and a reasonable sized swimming pool. Site is a straight drive into Honfleur with a supermarket enroute.

harryb

Quote: Originally posted by cathyroboo on 05/10/2006

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Thanks Andy we are looking at different options. We may go on that route Zeebrugge. Hull is a hell of alot closer to us than Dover/Portsmouth.  We really do fancy the Atlantic Coast but maybe abit far to go on our first trip with van.  We even looked at the Roschoff port but Brittany Ferry prices are a joke.  We are still deciding what the hell to do, we may even go to Holland if we use Zeebrugge. 

When you stayed in the Normandy area which campsite did you use and would you recommend it.

Thanks

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We didn't camp!   We stayed at a very good (but expensive) Pierre et Vacances resort at a little village called Branville.   I did see a site which I think is reviewed on this site at Houlgate which isn't far away which I have read good things about.

We haven't even got our caravan yet but are thinking of doing a big trip down Eastern France to the South next year - have done lots of camping there before.   I don't know whether you've driven in France before or not, but if you haven't, there really isn't anything to worry about.   It's so much more relaxing than driving in this country, and I haven't yet found a poor campsitein France.

If you do opt for Normandy, you won't be disappointed though - we found loads to do - a visit to a Calvados and cider farm is a definite must!