Dordogne camping for novices

[Lalaland1000]

hi there, we have been to a couple of lovely campsites further north in France, although never taken our own tent before. This year, we are taking the plunge and buying our own. We're going to go for a week to a campsite we know already in Le Mans, and then going down to the Dordogne. I'm getting a bit blinded by all the beautiful campsites and currently confused between Soleil Plage, Domaine des Mathevies, Le Capeyrou, Le Paradis and Le Port de Limeuil - not to mention about 3 more... Our DC are 5 and 9 -and it would be nice if we could walk to a village from camp, but not a dealbreaker. Somewhere chilled out and with things for kids to do would be nice, with somewhere nice to eat/ drink too. Would love some advice from more seasoned campers then us. Thanks!

We stayed at Capeyrou last summer - it was our first camping trip and we loved it. It is big but not too noisy at night and there were other children which our two quickly made friends with. The showers were the cleanest we had on our trip and the pools the best with the most beautiful view. There’s a couple of shops opposite and it’s a short stroll into Beynac for restaurants etc.

It’s in a fab location- easy drive to Sarlat, caves, loads of beautiful chateaux and river beaches close by. Our tent neighbour recommended Marqueyssac which is five mins away - they have their gardens open at night with candle lit walks, music etc.

We’ve already booked to go back!

You can walk to Limeuil from the campsite, but there isn’t a lot there (although it’s very pretty). A couple of bars/restaurants, but no shop to speak of, although there is a market on 1 day.
The campsite itself is fantastic, and as the 2 rivers meet there, you can put inflatables in the river and go floating down, it’s great. Canoeing is also just floating along. You are allowed BBQs on the beach which is fun. There is a pool and play area too.

Oh and you can rent a fridge which makes life much easier.

Thanks really helpful advice.
We are off to buy our first tent tomorrow!

You’ll get sucked in and buy loads of camping crap! Have fun!

Yes, can’t wait.. camping crap here we come! And were there things for the kids to do at Capeyrou? Ours are 5 and 9.

We paddled in the river and caught little fish and went on a boat trip. Mainly we drove out to various castles, visited food markets etc. Castelnaud was amazing - knights and stuff. The river is also lovely there. We also drove over to Padirac and went down into the caves - you go in a boat along the underground river which was amazing.
At the campsite we hung out at the pool, there’s a trampoline and a huge field where kids could play football. The kids go off independently- all very safe. We found they were up to 9.30 ish and slept in late - it was the best sleep we’ve had in years.

We are off to le Paradis in 10 days time with dd, sil, and dgc aged 8 months. We have been there frequently with children ranging from 4 to 18. In July and August they have lots of activities and they are currently building a swimming pool with steps that have bubbling water and an area with jets of water for children to run through. There is also a covered pool which can be opened when warm.

We have stayed on many sites in France and this site has the best kept loos, the grounds are beautifully kept and they have a kitchen garden where you can pick herbs and fruit in season. The owners cannot do enough to help you enjoy your holiday.

The site is on the banks of the River Vezere and you can hire canoes and swim in the river. There is also a restaurant, takeaway and a small shop on site. It is quite a small site which is quiet in the off season but gets very busy in the height of the summer.

As you can tell we love it.

Absolutely agree - Le paradis is probably the cleanest, nicest site we have been to in France, although if your kids need water slides st avits Loisirs has lots!!

thanks. I'd love to try them all out really as they all look beautiful!

I love the Dordogne, we're going back this year after going South last year. Domaine Des Mathevies is a beautiful site in a beautiful location, you would need your car to get into Sarlat, but believe me it's no hardship as Sarlat has to be one of my favourite places to be!. We're going to a site near there called Les Grottes du Roffy, we've been once before and loved it. And theres La Palombiere, also nearby, good site just bigger. Don't forget to visit Rocamadour, breathtaking.