Camping in France

[chrisgr31]

Looking to go to France this year as our summer holiday and money is tight. Got to go in first 2 weeks of July.

Options are:
Taking the in-laws motorhome, has the advantage of being secure for an 18 month old, has the disadvantage that if we want to go out for the day we have to pack everything away.

Take the trusty tentadnatage is it then means taking the car so having easy wheels once there. Disadvantage is tent is not so secure for little one!

Going with Keycamp or similar, more expensive than above options but gives advantage of no tent to erect etc, and can choose tent or mobile home. Also might be a toddler club or similar

ALternatively can one book mobile homes on a french campsite via the campsite operator?

Anyone got any views comments and how easy and where does one book campsites in France?

Looking at going to the South Brittany coast by the way

[wedg1e]

If you're off to S. Brittany, push on a bit further and try the Vendee. You won't regret it. Brittany weather is mostly like Somerset

Any amount of camping companies, not many sites have their own mobiles/ caravans, you normally have to go through e.g. Haven.

Just take the tent, you'll be fine

[puggit]

We took Mrs Puggit's parents' campervan over 2 years ago. Agreed it was something of a bind once we got there being without other transport.

I'd suggest the Ile de Re (it's a full day's drive from Le Harve at diesel speeds) near La Rochelle. It's a small island just off the coast with lots of campsites. You can rent bikes there and pootle around the place to your hearts content

Or tow a smart car

[rsvmilly]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Tempted to get your marker pen out, were you??

[Egbert Nobacon]

Camping with people like Keycamp is risky - you can end up on a site thats full of people you went on holiday to get away from !

Its also not as cheap as you think.

Try looking at Gites in www.cheznous.com - you rent direct with the owner in many cases and get discount on your sea crossings.

We have used them for years with no issues.

>> Edited by Egbert Nobacon on Tuesday 24th January 19:49

[rsvmilly]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

That joke is virgin' on the risqué

[wedge girl]

Egbert Nobacon said:

Try looking at Gites in www.cheznous.com - you rent direct with the owner in many cases and get discount on your sea crossings. We have used them for years with no issues.

Gite is definitely your best bet, try and go for one that is run and owned by a French family as they will give you a better deal and share local knowledge with you.

[greeny]

Spot on Mr Nobacon.
The times I have booked with Chez-Nous it actually worked out cheaper than Keycamp!!
This was for a Private Villa's with swimming pool and a fully furnished villa with huge gardens ets. On one occasion the villa also had a Grand Piano in the huge living area which alone was about as big as at least 4 family size tents :-)

[chrisgr31]

Have requested a brochure from Chez-Nous, anyone going to lend me a Smart car to tow?

The place near St Rochelle sounds interesting although I was planning to do the Dover - Calais crossing, although suppose I should check the Le Havre prices.

[markmullen]

chrisgr31 said:

Looking to go to France this year as our summer holiday and money is tight. Got to go in first 2 weeks of July

Can I suggest you head down a couple of weeks earlier?

I recommend this area..

http://tinyurl.com/aw5cw

Its quiet and pleasant and there are a fair few Brits to socialise with.

[chrisgr31]

markmullen said:

Can I suggest you head down a couple of weeks earlier? I recommend this area.. http://tinyurl.com/aw5cw Its quiet and pleasant and there are a fair few Brits to socialise with.

Its OK I am also going there Only problem is I was hoping to leave wife and daughter at home, but my wife is working on a plan for her mother to babysit our daughter for a couple of days and she'll travel down on the train!

[TypeR]

After spending a summer as a Rep at a Keycamps type campsite, I can highly recommend it.
As mentioned earlier, the Vendee is a great region, and the resort I stayed at was ideal for young families.
The town was called St Jean de Monts, it has a huuuuuge clean beach, plenty to do and is clean, tidy and not at all "chavvy".
The campsite was called the "Bois Masson" and when I worked there, it was a fun place to stay.

Have fun!!
Look at this link for further info.
www.camp-sites.co.uk/camping-life/camping-le-bois-masson.htm

[pdV6]

How about taking the campervan and the tent? Secure sleeping in the van, all the rest of your gear in the tent which also saves your pitch whilst you're out and about in the day...