What are your experiences of camping in France?

[Aderyn]

I'm starting to think about next year. We've decided on France. 2 weeks in July. DDs will be 4.8 and 22 months. What should we look for in a campsite? We'll be taking our own tent and camping gear.

Do we have to be near a beach or will there be other things to entertain the children? We don't yet know which ferry port we'll be using. Maybe Portsmouth (depends on the cost) or Newhaven (but I'm not sure I want to risk the Vomit- comet) or else it will be Dover.

I don't think we will want more than a 3 hour drive at the other end. But we could split the holiday up and drive a bit further south if it is worth it for the weather. I'm not that familiar with the regions of France.

Does nayone have any suggestions?

Most sites in france are child friendly and clean, maybe order brochures for eurocamp and Keycamp, see waht sites they are using and contact the sites then direct, that way you will know they are good ones. We went to the vendee in the summer which was lovely, but all of brittany is nice.. I love France I don't think you can go wrong really.

I love camping in france its v civilised! I would echo sheraz's advice really. We stayed at a lovely site with our 9 month old twins a couple of years ago at Fouesnant, just south of Quimper in Brittany, might be too far from the ports for you though

The Charente Maritime region is gorgeous - very warm & lovely beaches.

Use the Keycamp etc websites to find a site & then book direct with your own tent.

Alan Rogers deal specifically with people taking own stuff, as do Eurocamp independant if you want assistance.

For a LONG drive, La Carabasse, on the Med is owned by Siblu (Haven) and some tent pitches have their OWN toilet & sink - right next to beach exit. We stayed their in a van & it's lovely. Well worth the drive for the weather & warm sea!

Thanks for these suggestions. I didn't know you could use Keycamp and Eurocamp with your own tent. Are they more expensive than independent campsites? Worth the extra money?

As far as i know those companies are not for using your own tent. But their websites will give you a peak at the large type of campsite you will be after if you want kids entertainments and facilities. Also check out canvas holidays, which do the same thing.

Generally campsites are v good quality in France, and there are endless areas to look at. But i would say that as I am French and love camping!

sorry I think I just repeated what Milliways said!

Thanks. DH has camped in France a lot but that was as a single man and part of cycle touring. I'm afraid if I leave it all to him he'll forget to consider the suitability for children.

Eurocamp Independant booking

Alan Rogers

Both have lots of sites that you can take your own tent to. Choose a site & book it yourself if you don't want them to do ferries & reservations for you.

Personlly I have booked at campsites that have Keycamps/eurocamps and taken my own tent (far cheaper) I am planning it agagin this summer

I was just coming on here to start this very thread!

I tried to book Keycamp last night for August (two tents) and they are almost fully booked and couldn't do the dates I want.

Anyone know independent sites near Angouleme? We have family there we'd like to visit.

a camping thread is ALWAYS worth bumping!!!

with a little research you can go to the same sites as a good eurocamp or keycamp site - they usually do seelf pitch too.

thing is when you work it out - its not cheaper - inc. ferry.

why not bung kids in car and go for a eurotent? go with key camp

Custy I disagree withyou. Last year we went to a eurocamp site (les tours near the Ardeche) it cost 235 E for the pitch for 6 nights, the ferry (we paid by tesco vouchers ) would have been £250, but that was for THE most expensive crossings. Eurocamp wanted about £800

Look up the campsite direct, most have mobiles (not tents) which are still FAR FAR cheaper than eurocamp (I looked at the Belle Anse plage), which looks nearest to where you want. THE most expensive accomadation is 995E for a coattge for 8 people. If ou have 6 peole and want a more basic home it is under 600E (£400) add a ferry at £200 - or £50 of tesco vouchers and you are sorted.

Same site only difference is no kids clubs!

If I booked a week at the Interlude campsite on Il de Re on 28th July, it would cost 294E for a pitch, plus currently ferries are £112 (but I have enough tesco vouchers for it to be free!)

That does include a stopover night each way which we will need a hotel (but with Eurocamp we would too)

16th Aug which is the only dates they have is £690 for the Accomodaton ONLY with eurocamp, no idea how much more with the ferry as the website keep crashing.

So now I just need to talk to dh

Or we might go in the whitsun week