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Original poster

Eurocamp type holiday

20 replies

shinjuku09 · 03/04/2015 18:32

Have fallen in love with the idea of going to a Eurocamp-type place this summer with DH, DD (who'll be two) and possibly the Pics. However I feel totally overwhelmed by the options! Have been looking at smaller companies as some say better value but Eurocamp does have a lot of choice and seems to include more things upfront. Also can't decide where to go. We're limited as there's only a choice of two days we can fly there if PILs come so limited to Fri or a Sat flights from somewhere near Leeds or Manc and not stupid flight times. Driving not an option for various reasons. Ideally want somewhere near to airport and in countryside of southern France but ideally in walking distance or public transport distance of a village or town as none of us want to drive! A smallish site would be great but with some kids' facilities. Does that exist??! How much might we be talking for accommodation for a week? Not bothered about it being fancy but prob mobile home type rather than tent, though would consider tent. The cheaper the better as long as the site is nice!

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Original poster

shinjuku09 · 03/04/2015 18:33

PILs not PICs

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Rivercam · 03/04/2015 18:37

Have you consider Centre Parcs? They are cheaper abroad than in Britain.

Original poster

shinjuku09 · 03/04/2015 18:56

River yes I did look into them but think most of them were in slightly less warm climes - Holland etc? I may be wrong though! It's got to be as good as the South of France in June!

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FiftyShadesOfNifty · 03/04/2015 19:04

I know you said France but we've been to some fab sites in Spain, about an hour-ish from Barcelona. Accommodation (3 bed mobile home) was about £350 for a week (outside of school hols) we caught it in a sale.

Check out canvas holidays, Thomson alfresco, and suncamp. They often have accommodation at the same places so worth comparing prices and availability. And then worth checking with the campsite direct.

Good luck!

honeybeeplusone · 03/04/2015 19:10

We went last year to a couple of sites near Beziers. Lovely beach and great sites. You could just get a taxi from the airport (10mins). You know what you get with Eurocamp - which mattered to us. Good luck and hope u enjoy!

Original poster

shinjuku09 · 04/04/2015 08:03

Thanks fifty! I'll definitely check those out.

They sound like a fab location honey, will have a look. Thank you!

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HampshireDad · 05/04/2015 21:47

We went to Les Sablons with Eurocamp, also near Bezieres. 15 mins from Bezieres airport and a very small town within walking distance. In fairness we didn't leave the park much (despite thinking we would and renting a car for that very reason) as they had lovely facilities on site and a good quality good value restaurant.

reallybadidea · 05/04/2015 21:58

We use eurocamp to narrow down choices of site and then book direct with the campsite. Most places own their own mobile homes or cottages and rent them out. They are a fraction of the cost of eurocamp. You tend to be a bit more limited as to what days you can arrive or leave, but it's worth it IMO. The only real difference I've noticed with the mobile homes themselves is that you tend not to get an oven, just stove and microwave. You also have to clean yourselves or pay a fee for them to do it for you.

Original poster

shinjuku09 · 11/04/2015 12:14

Thanks reallybad - some great tips there! That sounds like the best plan, to book direct. Just wish we didn't have just two days we can go!!

Will definitely check that one out Hampshire - many thanks! Sounds perfect

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123Jump · 13/04/2015 08:49

Shinjuku09 we went to a brilliant place last year. Right on the beach, south of France, only minutes from an airport.
Here.
The accommodation is lovely, we stayed in a Cabane Robinson, there are bigger ones which would suit you better if PILs come. The cabins are lovely, decorated really nicely, and there is a dishwasher. Essential in my eyes.
Pool areas lovely, grounds are beautiful, your cabin comes with bikes, a wee seat for your dd, so you can whizz up to the shop for your baguette...There is a shop, butcher/fishmonger, patisserie and bakery on site. Also a restaurant, although we didn't use it, but got takeaway from there sometimes.
We came from Ireland so flew to Toulouse and drove, but my friend went via Manchester to Bezier, only 16k away.
The site is right on the beach, which is lovely and sandy. We didn't leave the site but there are towns/village nearby if you want to.
I would really recommend it, we are going again this year!

Original poster

shinjuku09 · 13/04/2015 19:26

123 thank you!! That's a coincidence as that is my favourite campsite that I've seen so far (in that area). Only issue is the cheap accommodation is all sold out on the dates we wanted and we didn't want to spend too much. However it would be doable if we share with the in laws. I'm trying to decide if this is a good idea as ideally I'd prefer us to have our own space and I just can't imagine if we'd be too cramped!

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123Jump · 14/04/2015 11:01

The Yelloh! accommodation are the cabins done in wood. The static caravan type acc. wasn't laid out as nicely, in as nice a spot, IYKWIM? I think this place is very popular, seems to sell out quickly.
Tbh, you'll be out of the house most of the time anyway. We ate every single meal outside last year.
What types are you looking at now? I think it would be worth spending money on the cabin as you'll be in a nicer spot.
Another tip is that there is a big hyper market 10 mins away, we didn't go last time, but this time we are going to go and stock up on lots of stuff from there.

123Jump · 14/04/2015 11:02

Do you get on with your inlays?

Original poster

shinjuku09 · 14/04/2015 12:51

Tbh just the cheapest available that's big enough! But thank you, I will definitely bear that in mind as the in-laws will prob want something relatively nice. Yes I am hoping the weather will be good enough to spend most of our time outside. We get on really well but I'm a bit of a private person who likes personal space so I'm a bit hesitant at even holidaying with them (or anyone except DH and DD) let alone sharing accommodation! Hmm will have a think. Thanks for the hypermarket tip. This is definitely looking like the best area for us with flights and convenience etc so will bear that in mind wherever we stay.

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OhNoNotMyBaby · 14/04/2015 12:55

Not sure if they still do it, but I traded up my Tesco vouchers a few years ago and got £400 off a Siblu caravan holiday in Brittany. It was fab, though not as good as Eurocamp or Canvas (I'm a veteran of these holidays - you can't better them when you have young children). They have other venues - might be worth a look?

Original poster

shinjuku09 · 14/04/2015 12:58

Ooh thanks ohno, I don't shop at Tesco unfortunately but I'll definitely check out Siblu. I am desperate to go now I've got it in my head that this type of holiday will suit us! So glad to hear you enjoy them!

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123Jump · 14/04/2015 14:11

Actually, I remember that there are two restaurants, so if your PILs are the hands on kind, you could go for dinner one night whilst they babysit and vice versa?

hairygodmother · 14/04/2015 15:19

We have used Flower Campings before, they are similar to Yelloh in that they are all over France but they are generally a bit smaller and friendlier. We went to a Yelloh one last year but didn't enjoy it as much as the Flower Campings one in the same location (West coast of France, so not quite south enough for you). Around Beziers is absolutely lovely. Maybe see if they have a Flower Campings there? They tend to be a bit cheaper than Yelloh as well.

hairygodmother · 14/04/2015 15:27

Just checked - they have three! Have a look at the one closest to Mèze, which has a lovely beach which is really great for small children, as it's in a lagoon and thus v shallow with no waves to speak of. We are staying in a house this year not too far from there, otherwise I'd be tempted to book the campsite ...

Original poster

shinjuku09 · 14/04/2015 19:18

123 yes they are very hands on so that sounds fab! If the PILs come with us (chance now it may just be the three of us) think we'll definitely have that on the shortlist.

Ooh hairy that sounds good. I've never heard of them - off to look now! Thanks so much.

PS what helpful replies. Often when I post a question on the travel boards I just get people asking 'why would you want to do that?' and suggesting something totally different!

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