Camping/cottage/chalet Carcassonne area

[Acinonyx]

I am going batty looking at campsites in France. Can anyone recommend a campsite within one hour's drive of Carcassone and not more than 30 mins from the beach? We have one 5 yr-old dd.

Might consider a cottage (cheap one) or chalet. This is all a big experiment - we are planning to buy some camping gear to reduce holiday costs long-term.

We are planning to go July/Aug - will camping be unbearable in high summer? Dd is not terribly heat-friendly.

I am almost a camping virgin so any useful tips welcome.

I love that part of France but be warned it is scorching in July. I'd steer clear of accommodation without a fan or preferably aircon. Colioure is a lovely place on the coast.

I take it you think camping in July/Aug would be tough going? Anyone camped in this area at this time of year?

It depends how high up you are. Sea level is very, very hot in July; up in the hills would be bearable for camping.