Camping in France

[AnaMRT]

I just wanted to get some opinions if I'm overreacting. My DH’s brother suggested that they all go camping in France for the weekend as he’s done it before. Explained how easy it was to book campsites. He then suggested that my DH comes with our boys 5 and nearly 7. So they set off yesterday along with DH’s brother’s teenage sons 18 and 16 and their other brother. I got a message from DH last night saying the boys are sleeping and they arrived safely. This morning I get some photos of a beautiful view of the beach. They set up 3 tents on the beach and slept there. I don’t know any other details as to why but I’m really annoyed. I feel like agreed to the boys going to campsites not to sleep on the beach. Am I overreacting? Do people normally do this? Is it safer than I imagine? AIBU?

Sounds like they are making great memories
As long as it's not illegal and they are safe let em have at it

Is the beach part of the campsite?

I have no idea! DH sent me the photos at around 5am but I haven’t spoken to him. I’m waiting to call him at 8am to find out more.

What is bothering you about them not being on a campsite?

Sounds like you’re trying to create drama and find a reason to be angry.

Surely you’d see the pic and think wow what a wonderful experience for my sons to have?!

Wild camping is a thing in France in some places. As long as it’s not illegal I’d not worry. We have had a couple of nights in the mountains and it’s been amazing.

If they are arrested and spend the night in a cold police cell after two hours interrogation and incur a fine of 1200 euros - that'll 'make a great memory' too!

I think I understand what you mean in this country it would be illegal? And you think maybe the campsites there were full and they have pitched up anywhere they like and you feel it’s unsafe? Or illegal?
let us know the outcome maybe it’s part of a campsite and the pictures are clever and well taken to look like there’s no one else around

I’m just worried it won’t be as safe as being in a secure campsite with more people around and having facilities like a loo and showers. I’ve never been camping but just the idea of camping on a beach in a different country made me really worried that it won’t be as safe.

I saw the pic and thought the older brother must be very disorganised as he didn’t book the camp and they had to sleep on the beach as they didn’t have anywhere else to go. They arrived very late last night. He also told me how easy it was to book campsites never once mentioned sleeping on a beach. So I was shocked seeing the photos at 5am without explanation.

That sounds encouraging thanks!

What?! I hope not. That would be awful for the boys to see. Maybe I’m wrong and they’ve done their research and it was all safe and legal but I don’t think it was. I think it was more of a let’s see where the wind takes us. It’s the boys first camping trip abroad so I just want them to be safe (and have fun of course).

You’ve explained it better than I did! They arrived late and the brother was meant to arrange the campsite beforehand (as he arrived before them) and set up camp. So it felt like he didn’t do that and they had to sleep on the beach..

Ultimately your dh is an adult, and you’re trying to control him from afar.

just let them enjoy the trip and back off, you’re only creating drama.

You either trust him with his own children or you don’t.

Some campsite have direct acces to beaches. They might be in a proper campsite. Otherwise yes I would be angry too and panick a bit. Gendarmes are not to be messed with.

If they are close to Calais (lovely beaches with dunes, overlooking the channel) I would be frantic and furious: where do you think the gangs organising the small boats set out from?

Where exactly are they?

What exactly are you worried about regarding safety?

What do you think could happen to them? I'd imagine they're having a great time, are you jealous that they're away?

Many campsites are on the beach, what makes you think they aren't at one of those?

I don't think it's unsafe but I wouldn't be happy. Camping with no toilet or washing facilities would get very grim very quickly. It does sound likely they've been too disorganised to book anything. Hopefully they will get into a proper camp site for the rest of the trip.

Update: the campsite was closed when they got there so they had to camp where they did. Tonight they will go to a proper campsite.

Sounds like an adventure and they’re having a better time than you

They are with their father and you have got some photos. I think you need to trust your DH's judgment and make some plans for your self while they are away. Don't spoil their week-end with anxious messages and don't spoil your's by thinking of everything that can go wrong. Not your trip so you don't get to pick on details. Say thank you to DH for taking your boys on this trip. Mine would have loved camping but DH and me both hate it so..be happy for them.

What's the problem? They're with adults, I'm sure they're having a great time!

FFS