France Camping - Loire or Brittany

France Camping - Loire or Brittany

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Legend83

Original Poster:

9,975 posts

222 months

Monday 21st January 2019
quotequote all
Rosscow said:
Have a look at the map here: https://domainedelabreche.com/en/terms-conditions/

We've always been in the caravan, and have always had fantastic large pitches along G row (we've had G4 twice and G6 once).

These are great as you're a short walk to the pool, bar, ice creams, etc. and it's very easy to pop back and forwards with the kids. Can be a bit noisier here during the day (noise from the pool) and night (noise from the bar/terrace).

As far as I can remember all of the fixed mobile homes are at the back of the site. it's probably a good 5-10 min walk to the pool depending on where you are. On the plus side it's a quieter.

Are you opposed to tents? I think Eurocamp had some really nice large safari tents along row L, which is nearer the middle.

Edited by Rosscow on Monday 21st January 15:56
Just running a quote for the sites own Luxe Taos units with private hot-tub overlooking the fishing river!

My 7 year old son just spotted that they do outdoor laser quest so has told me he will never forgive me if we don't get there hehe.

Thanks for the tips!

anonymous-user

54 months

Monday 21st January 2019
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Bill said:
Love Benodet, specifically here: https://www.campingduletty.com It's beside a tidal lagoon so there's loads of fun to be had as the tide flows in and out and lots of variety.
Wow, that looks amazing! That's definitely one for us to drive to in the summer.

Thanks thumbup

Antony Moxey

8,057 posts

219 months

Monday 21st January 2019
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Realise it's just adults, but we spend a couple of weeks eating and drinking our way round the Loire Valley last summer in our motorhome, I'd take that over Brittany any day. Even when the kids were small we'd go at least as far as Vendee as the weather's too unpredictable further north. If you want something for the kids when you do go that far south then days out at Futuroscope in Poitiers and Puy du Fou will keep them properly entertained rather than spending all day on a beach.

rdjohn

6,175 posts

195 months

Monday 21st January 2019
quotequote all
I live near Saumur and drive to the UK a couple of times every year. No matter what the season, the weather tends to be better to the south of Le Mans. Last summer was incredible, but perfect weather is not guaranteed - it’s why everything is green.

The Zoo at Doue la Fontaine seems to appeal to everyone - especially the ones that hate zoos. If you can hire, or bring, bikes the area is very easy cycling. You can also canoe / kayak downstream from Monsaureau to Saumur. Also in Montreuil-Bellay.

Bill

52,711 posts

255 months

Monday 21st January 2019
quotequote all
Coin Slot. said:
Wow, that looks amazing! That's definitely one for us to drive to in the summer.

Thanks thumbup
It's a fantastic spot, but you may need to book.

Rosscow

8,759 posts

163 months

Monday 21st January 2019
quotequote all
rdjohn said:
I live near Saumur and drive to the UK a couple of times every year. No matter what the season, the weather tends to be better to the south of Le Mans. Last summer was incredible, but perfect weather is not guaranteed - it’s why everything is green.

The Zoo at Doue la Fontaine seems to appeal to everyone - especially the ones that hate zoos. If you can hire, or bring, bikes the area is very easy cycling. You can also canoe / kayak downstream from Monsaureau to Saumur. Also in Montreuil-Bellay.
That is a great zoo! And yes, I've kayaked several times. The Cadre Noir is worth a visit if their summer gala is on as well.

Some lovely Chateau to discover - Villandry is worth the visit for the gardens alone. We also liked Chateau de Breze, very unusual.

And of course the wines...... Ackerman, Bouvet Ladubay, Robert & Marcel, the list goes on!

A lovely part of the world!

Antony Moxey

8,057 posts

219 months

Monday 21st January 2019
quotequote all
rdjohn said:
I live near Saumur and drive to the UK a couple of times every year. No matter what the season, the weather tends to be better to the south of Le Mans. Last summer was incredible, but perfect weather is not guaranteed - it’s why everything is green.

The Zoo at Doue la Fontaine seems to appeal to everyone - especially the ones that hate zoos. If you can hire, or bring, bikes the area is very easy cycling. You can also canoe / kayak downstream from Monsaureau to Saumur. Also in Montreuil-Bellay.
Loved Saumur last summer. As another poster's said, the wines: Mrs M. had the wobbliest bike ride back to our campsite (the one on the island in the middle of the river) after an afternoon wine tasting at Ackermans.

Puggit

48,435 posts

248 months

Monday 21st January 2019
quotequote all
Antony Moxey said:
Loved Saumur last summer. As another poster's said, the wines: Mrs M. had the wobbliest bike ride back to our campsite (the one on the island in the middle of the river) after an afternoon wine tasting at Ackermans.
We have a vineyard on the other side of the hill from our cottage. He only opens on a Saturday morning but the place is heaving. €6 per bottle for very drinkable wine. Doesn't speak a word of English though!

chip*

1,017 posts

228 months

Monday 21st January 2019
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Rosscow said:
Legend83 said:
Rosscow said:
Have been to Domaine de la Breche for 3 of the last 4 years. Fantastic campsite, loads to do for the kids and a wonderful area.

We have 2 girls (now aged 6 and 9, but on first visit were 2 and 5 I think). They loved the campsite.

Saumur is a fabulous little town.

We used to get the 4.30am ferry and we'd be at the campsite by about 2pm (and that is towing a large caravan with several stops).
This is probably the front runner - any suggestions on best part of the site to stay (bearing in mind we will be doing fixed mobile home)?
Have a look at the map here: https://domainedelabreche.com/en/terms-conditions/

We've always been in the caravan, and have always had fantastic large pitches along G row (we've had G4 twice and G6 once).

These are great as you're a short walk to the pool, bar, ice creams, etc. and it's very easy to pop back and forwards with the kids. Can be a bit noisier here during the day (noise from the pool) and night (noise from the bar/terrace).

As far as I can remember all of the fixed mobile homes are at the back of the site. it's probably a good 5-10 min walk to the pool depending on where you are. On the plus side it's a quieter.

Are you opposed to tents? I think Eurocamp had some really nice large safari tents along row L, which is nearer the middle.

Edited by Rosscow on Monday 21st January 15:56
We stayed here during the 1st week of Sep 2018 based on earlier PH feedbacks (most probably from Rosscow! smile ) so I can give you an insight to the cabin/mobile homes.

We stayed in the Cabane du Pecheur (marked blue on the above map, and only 2 such cabins backing off the pitch & putt) as it was the only availability for our dates. Painted in quaint baby blue colour, and the cabin interior was smartly kitted out. The cabin living area is cosy at best, but it was adequate for 2 adults + 14 months toddler. To the right and left of our cabin was 6 "premier key west" mobile homes i.e. equivalent to EuroCamp Aspect mobile homes. These are bookable direct with the campsite. Interior is much plusher with a large central sofa area, pretty large kitchette (include an oven which was absent in our Cabin), ratten style external furnitures etc...

There are 5 more Premium mobile homes (J1-J05 see below the archery target on the map), and these had the EuroCamp sign (Aspect). As mobile homes goes, these look the dog danglies! Plenty of outside space for kids to play games etc..If you want minimum disruption and neighbour contact, these would be perfect.

The new Tao mobile homes are based at the fishing lake. Similar to the EC Aspect mobile homes with very plush finish and improved furnishing, hot tubs etc..Just be aware, not all the mobile homes have a direct view to the lake.

All the above locations are at the back of the campsite, so the car and foot traffic are pretty low (which we liked). From our cabin, it's approx 6-7 mins slow walk to the pool/restaurant area but we used our bike, so it's literally a minute.

If you book direct a mobile home with Eurocamp, you will stay in rows R, S and V (unless you book the premium J1-J5). Imo, the EC mobiles homes are tightly packed next to each other, plus the outdoor space is limited.

If we ever go back again, the Premium Key west mobile homes would be my first choice as I feel they offer the best value for quality mobile homes + the quiet location.

This was our first taste of French glamping with our toddler, and we were pretty satisfied with the campsite i.e. cabin was decent, our toddler loved the heated pool + bouncy castle + various mini playgrounds across the site. The campsite was really quiet during our stay (one day, we were the only people at the swimming pool), but I suspect it would be very different during the peak months in Jul/Aug.

I hope the above helps!

anonymous-user

54 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
quotequote all
Bill said:
It's a fantastic spot, but you may need to book.
Yes, no problem, I wouldn't drive that far and wing it. smile

Legend83

Original Poster:

9,975 posts

222 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
quotequote all
chip* said:
We stayed here during the 1st week of Sep 2018 based on earlier PH feedbacks (most probably from Rosscow! smile ) so I can give you an insight to the cabin/mobile homes.

We stayed in the Cabane du Pecheur (marked blue on the above map, and only 2 such cabins backing off the pitch & putt) as it was the only availability for our dates. Painted in quaint baby blue colour, and the cabin interior was smartly kitted out. The cabin living area is cosy at best, but it was adequate for 2 adults + 14 months toddler. To the right and left of our cabin was 6 "premier key west" mobile homes i.e. equivalent to EuroCamp Aspect mobile homes. These are bookable direct with the campsite. Interior is much plusher with a large central sofa area, pretty large kitchette (include an oven which was absent in our Cabin), ratten style external furnitures etc...

There are 5 more Premium mobile homes (J1-J05 see below the archery target on the map), and these had the EuroCamp sign (Aspect). As mobile homes goes, these look the dog danglies! Plenty of outside space for kids to play games etc..If you want minimum disruption and neighbour contact, these would be perfect.

The new Tao mobile homes are based at the fishing lake. Similar to the EC Aspect mobile homes with very plush finish and improved furnishing, hot tubs etc..Just be aware, not all the mobile homes have a direct view to the lake.

All the above locations are at the back of the campsite, so the car and foot traffic are pretty low (which we liked). From our cabin, it's approx 6-7 mins slow walk to the pool/restaurant area but we used our bike, so it's literally a minute.

If you book direct a mobile home with Eurocamp, you will stay in rows R, S and V (unless you book the premium J1-J5). Imo, the EC mobiles homes are tightly packed next to each other, plus the outdoor space is limited.

If we ever go back again, the Premium Key west mobile homes would be my first choice as I feel they offer the best value for quality mobile homes + the quiet location.

This was our first taste of French glamping with our toddler, and we were pretty satisfied with the campsite i.e. cabin was decent, our toddler loved the heated pool + bouncy castle + various mini playgrounds across the site. The campsite was really quiet during our stay (one day, we were the only people at the swimming pool), but I suspect it would be very different during the peak months in Jul/Aug.

I hope the above helps!
Really helps thank you! I think the dates we are looking at we have the option of the Tao units or the Premium Confort - not too shabby.

Digging a bit further led us to discovering there is a beach lake / lido at the nearby town of Bourgeil - is this something either you or Rosscow utilized? OH is still concerned about not being by the sea...

Rosscow

8,759 posts

163 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
quotequote all
Legend83 said:
Really helps thank you! I think the dates we are looking at we have the option of the Tao units or the Premium Confort - not too shabby.

Digging a bit further led us to discovering there is a beach lake / lido at the nearby town of Bourgeil - is this something either you or Rosscow utilized? OH is still concerned about not being by the sea...
No, we haven't used that to be honest.

But the beach? No thanks! You've got the Loire on your doorstep! We often pack a picnic and go down to the river for a swim.
There are so many quiet spots to choose from!

Legend83

Original Poster:

9,975 posts

222 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
quotequote all
Rosscow said:
No, we haven't used that to be honest.

But the beach? No thanks! You've got the Loire on your doorstep! We often pack a picnic and go down to the river for a swim.
There are so many quiet spots to choose from!
Yeah the OH and myself are not bothered by no beach we just know our kids enjoy it - our 3 year old is obsessed with digging sand...but with the lido in Bourgeil sounds like we will have the best of both worlds.

thumbup

Rosscow

8,759 posts

163 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
quotequote all
Legend83 said:
Rosscow said:
No, we haven't used that to be honest.

But the beach? No thanks! You've got the Loire on your doorstep! We often pack a picnic and go down to the river for a swim.
There are so many quiet spots to choose from!
Yeah the OH and myself are not bothered by no beach we just know our kids enjoy it - our 3 year old is obsessed with digging sand...but with the lido in Bourgeil sounds like we will have the best of both worlds.

thumbup
Looking across to Montsoreau, this is literally a 5 minute drive from the campsite:



Our girls love it:



Set up camp for the afternoon and enjoy:



Puggit

48,435 posts

248 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
quotequote all
Legend83 said:
Yeah the OH and myself are not bothered by no beach we just know our kids enjoy it - our 3 year old is obsessed with digging sand...but with the lido in Bourgeil sounds like we will have the best of both worlds.

thumbup
The lake in Marcon that I linked before has a great digging beach. Best bit is that as there are no waves, your sand structures last all day (unless a yob comes along). Creating channels of water is FAR more fun than at the beach. Just go for a day trip, it's cheap to get in, around 45 mins from Langeais on GREAT roads. But don't forget the new 80kmph limit <sigh>

RicksAlfas

13,394 posts

244 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
quotequote all
It looks lovely for a walk and a picnic, but it's not the same as a beach and big waves (IMO).
Digging sea defences and dams is an essential part of my holiday! biggrin

Legend83

Original Poster:

9,975 posts

222 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
quotequote all
Puggit said:
The lake in Marcon that I linked before has a great digging beach. Best bit is that as there are no waves, your sand structures last all day (unless a yob comes along). Creating channels of water is FAR more fun than at the beach. Just go for a day trip, it's cheap to get in, around 45 mins from Langeais on GREAT roads. But don't forget the new 80kmph limit <sigh>
Thanks I'll add it to the list. thumbup

Rosscow

8,759 posts

163 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
quotequote all
RicksAlfas said:
It looks lovely for a walk and a picnic, but it's not the same as a beach and big waves (IMO).
Digging sea defences and dams is an essential part of my holiday! biggrin
The beach is only fun if it's lovely and warm (as in Greek islands or the Caribbean).

The cold Atlantic definitely doesn't give the same pleasure in my experience! biggrin

Puggit

48,435 posts

248 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
quotequote all
Legend83 said:
Puggit said:
The lake in Marcon that I linked before has a great digging beach. Best bit is that as there are no waves, your sand structures last all day (unless a yob comes along). Creating channels of water is FAR more fun than at the beach. Just go for a day trip, it's cheap to get in, around 45 mins from Langeais on GREAT roads. But don't forget the new 80kmph limit <sigh>
Thanks I'll add it to the list. thumbup
Top tip - the bar at the end of the beach sells beer and chips wink

Legend83

Original Poster:

9,975 posts

222 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
quotequote all
Puggit said:
Top tip - the bar at the end of the beach sells beer and chips wink
I'm in.

Do you access it via the campsite then? You don't have to be staying there?