Postcard from Brittany

[Cecilia]

Have just returned from camping holiday with Canvas courtesy of Mumsnet competition. Had a lovely time. Stayed at 'Domaine des Ormes' campsite which is in a forest in the grounds of a Chateau. It was a lovely setting but might be a bit too noisy in high season as it is a big campsite. Something there for all of us from 1 year old to teenager. Canvas tents are very good - bigger than Eurocamp ones. Did a bit of sight-seeing - Mont-saint-Michel definitely recommended - like a set for a Harry Potter book.
Definitely go again. Thanks Mumsnet. Only trouble was I had to return to work yesterday with too much to catch up on. That holiday feeling soon disappears...

[Tetley]

We too have just got back from Brittany - although just slightly further north - near Chateaulin.

I hadn't been since I was a kid & had forgotten what a beautiful area it was - loads of long empy beaches - especially on the Crozon peninsular - the nearest coastline to us.

We visited Concarneau - next door to Benodet, which was lovely. Also really liked Quimper.

If you like eating fish & shellfish, then go to Le Guilvinec - about a 20 minute drive further west from Benodet. It's a proper working fishing port & there are a few Poissoneries where the fish has come straight off the boats - the selection is amazing. From memory I think they were open in the mornings until 12.30pm, and then open again 4-7pm. You can also look around the fish auction & there are so many boats there. My 2 yr old was facinated!

[Jimjams]

tigermoth- I met up with my old french exchange family this holiday- haven't seen them for 17 years- it was great!

BTW the train is kind of like a tractor with carriages! The Benodet one is the best because the driver juts points out random restaurants and hotels, and ignores others. We reckon certain hotels had paid him

lilbet- no idea- we had a mobile home! If you're going with Eurocamp or something like that they usually provide water carriers, if not you can buy them from camping shops.

[tigermoth]

thanks for the tips cecilia and jimjams - oh goody there's a train at benodet! My 3 year old will be tres pleased.

I have memories of benodet pre children - the first holiday dh and I took together was in Brittany and we were seriously offered the job of running a beach bar in Benodet. I wonder how different our lives would have been if we'd said yes. We are looking forward to hunting out the bar and seeing if the people we knew are still around.

[lilibet]

we're going in a tent in Brittany soon, could you give me a bit of advice plese? What did you use for a water carrier? Any other bits of helpful adice woud be appreciated too. Its one of the bug chalet tents, not a 2 man job!!

[soothepoo]

Oooh, this is spooky! We're just about to book a holiday with Canvas in Brittany. Is there a Mumsnet discount with them? It's not specifically mentioned on the home page, but there is a link to the Canvas site.

Glad you all had great holidays - I've always been a bit anti-camping (did too much when I was younger - really primitive stuff, no toilets or showers, huuuuge spiders hanging over my head in the morning, that kind of thing...) but I am looking forward to it, and I think dd will love it .

[Jimjams]

Just back from south of benodet (Eurocamp). Had a great time. Beaches lovely. DS1 loved the train at benodet and concarneau and quimper- the locals take the mick though

We'll go back next year.

[Cecilia]

Buy your food at a supermarche rather than at the campsite as the food is much cheaper/greater range and it is an experience in itself. If you pay by credit card make sure you also have a passport or driving license with you.

Depending on the age of your children, the children's clubs are good. My 10 year old really enjoyed the Hoopi club and made new friends. Personally don't like the ones where they march children round the campsite singing songs.

Food great. Try galettes or crepes. Goes without saying that the wine is good and excellent value. Also recommend the cider!

Thought the bit of Brittany we saw was lovely - would definitely go back. Weather can be variable but we had plenty of sunshine and blue skies with only the odd thunderstorm.

I am sure you will have a lovely time.

[tigermoth]

cecilia - you're just the person! I too am going on a mumsnet holiday to Brittany on the coast just south of Benodet. We travel in a few weeks, staying on a Haven site in a mobile home.

Really glad to hear you had a good time. I am so looking forward to going. Any tips you can pass on?