camping - south of france - recommendations please

[peanutbrittle]

have no idea, never camped in france before

we'll be a group of about 4 families, kids aged 3 -7

ideally want somewhere south of bordeaux, somewhere not too "butlins-y", with swimming - prob not in sea as kids quite young for big atlantic rollers but one of my pals thinks you can get campsite near lakes to swim in down around there, or a pool would be fine as long as doesn't mean we are in butlins-y territory

any useful links or recommendations most appreciated

[Milliways]

How about heading to the Languedoc where the Med is calm and sooo different from the Atlantic surfers paradise?

If you want the atlantic coast, you could consider Lake Bicarrose??.

We have stayed at Le Vieux Port which is a huge site but you can easily avoid any entertainment. We enjoyed it, and there is a lovely lake in the adjoining town with a sandy beach. We also visted nearby Leon which has a lovely lake and that does have campistes nearby - maybe worth a look. One hee?

[FantasticMissFox]

This one has my highest recommendations. Right next to lake and has pool so good for non sea swimming.

[peanutbrittle]

thanks folks - will check those out later

[kentmumtj]

i can personally receommend le serignan plague.beautifl site we are goin back there this year and will be our 2nd time on this particular site

[ajaygranny]

I agree with Milliways about Languedoc on the south coast. I had never been to France before, but for the past two years we have stayed near to Montpellier in June and it has been amazing both times. We've stayed with siblu, at Lac des Reves and La Carabasse.

[Portoeufino]

I've just booked up for Lac des Reves. Did you have a good time?

[purpleduck]

We love this site - it is in picardy so easy to get to - not a long drive, and it is only an hour from Paris if you want a day trip.
They have TONS for the kids to do - mini go kart things, inflatables - a lake for kyaking, and another lake for swimming. It also has pools.
We have been there twice, and LOVE it!!!

[Portoeufino]

It looks lovely purpleduck, though how was the weather? We live in Belgium. I would rather do a argument-filled two day car journey to guarantee perma-sunshine at 80 degrees than risk the northern european rain

[kalo12]

arcachon camping du pyla

[purpleduck]

We went in July last year and it was scortching - the time before it was in september, and it was ok - didn't expect heat.
It was better weather than uk, but certaily not guaranteed.

We have been to a place by Arcachon too, and that was nice as well - it was seriously hot!