Camping de la Côte
F40660 Messanges
Aquitaine Region
France

Tél: 00 33 5 58 48 94 94
Fax: 00 33 5 58 48 94 44

E-mail: lacote@wanadoo.fr
Web site: www.campinglacote.com

Trip to France 2001

Travel to Portsmouth (a 50mile run for us).
Saturday 26 May for the 8pm sailing to Bilbao Northern Spain on P&O’s Pride of Bilbao. Sea like a millpond the whole trip. Food on board only fair. Rather pricey for what it was as well.
We had made a crossing on the Pride of Bilbao some time ago, its very first trip in April 1993. That’s another story as it was supposed to be a special occasion and it was a complete nightmare, in fact so bad we were compensated by P&O on our return with a complete refund.

On arrival at Bilbao we were one of the first off. Due the UK’s F&M both Car and Caravan had the wheels and wheel arches sprayed and then we had to drive over the disinfected mats. Out of the car and rub shoes in a bleach type of solution, Caravan searched for food. (We didn’t have anything with us so were OK). Apparently they do this with every vehicle as it leaves the ship and we were informed that it has taken as much as four hours to unload all vehicles.

The 120 mile drive to Messanges 30 miles north of Biarritz was in the main on Auto Routes with each section being charged (half a dozen in all). The only way we realized that we had crossed the frontier into France from Spain was the charge being suddenly in francs instead of pesetas.

We arrived at Camping de la Cote at midday. It’s a very good flat site with some shaded pitches. Good toilet blocks and only a dozen or so static vans, the rest are tourers. The site was only a quarter full.

image 1-- image 2

Nice walks off the site through the woods to the sea. The beaches in this region are miles and miles of golden sands. No shop on the site but a supermarket half a mile away.
We have had a look at a number of other sites in the area and came to the conclusion that this is certainly one of the best.
Good 9 hole golf course just 3 miles away (so that makes me happy). TV good (Sky digital) with a 60cm dish on a stand on the ground (cant be without our Eastenders and Animal Rescue).

Kay & Harry Rogers. CLIC. June 2001

Camping Domaine de La Barbanne--- Second report--- Fishing site
Route de Montagne
F33330 Saint Emilion
Aquitaine Region
France

Tel. 33 (0)5 57 24 75 80
Fax: 33 (0)5 57 24 69 68

E-mail: barbanne@wanadoo.fr
Web site: www.camping-saint-emilion.com

A member of Sites et Paysage de France

To find the site: Leave A10 autoroute a junc 39 and follow signs to Libourne D670. On entering the outskirts of Libourne join N89 for a short distance and then again D670 taking you around the East side of town. With a railway line on your left look for a left turn to St. Emilion D243, clearly signed. This is the only road to St. Emilion whilst towing as caravans/motorhomes are banned through the old town. On entering St. Emilion at the old town wall turn left at the roundabout, 3rd exit and follow this road to the site on the right in about 1 mile.
Don’t let these instructions put you off the site really is easy to find.

The site is clearly noticeable on approach and the entrance is large and very welcoming.
Through the gates a modern reception has ample easy parking. It also serves as the site shop and the majority of amenities are in this area.
Total number of pitches was 160 with just about 24 for statics, which were all in one area, the rest, were for touring.
Access to all parts is very easy with good tarmac roads throughout. Particular attention had been given to motorhomes pitches that were hard standing and level with a side area of grass. These were all full at the time of our visit. Pitches are of standard size with reasonable shade although some were a little bare of grass for so early in the season (groundsheet syndrome). The ground is also stony underneath so good awning pegs are needed.
Electric points are English, 6 amp, but rev. polarity.

All amenities were open in mid June and were as follows;
Two toilet blocks, the older one had just been refurbished to a good standard and another new one within the pitching area. Both were excellent with good-sized hot showers. Laundry facilities were available at both blocks.
A heated outdoor pool with slides and paddling pool. Restaurant and takeaway a little expensive for what it was. Tv room, large lake with fishing, which was very popular, also pedaloes, Recreation area with 5 a side, netball, volleyball and 2 tennis courts and crazy golf were all free. Children’s play area and boules pitch. All these are around the lake and well away from the pitches.
This site was very popular with the British and was about 75% full of which about 90% were British. That gives some idea of its popularity.
A site shuttle bus runs twice a day to St. Emilion, although it is a very pleasant 20 minute walk through the fields full of vines.
A peaceful site of modest size by French standards and overall in my opinion excellent.

The whole area if full of vineyards, one right outside the site and wine tastings are organised.
St. Emilion is an ancient town within old walls and is very picturesque. Everything to do with trade in the town is linked to the local wines with some very exclusive wine shops (1600 Euros for a bottle of Chateau Laffite Rothschild) and tastings are plentiful.
We spent 5 days in the area but for any longer perhaps you would be hard pushed for things to do. However Bordeaux and Bergerac are within easy driving distance.

Date of visit June 2004

Harry Burrows. CLIC. July 2004.

Camping Domaine de La Barbanne--- Third report--- fishing site
Route de Montagne
F33330 Saint Emilion
Aquitaine Region
France

Tel: 0033 (0) 5 57 24 75 80
Fax: 0033 (0) 5 57 24 69 68

E-mail: barbanne@wanadoo.fr
Web site: www.camping-saint-emilion.com

Date of Visit: June 2006

Directions:
Motorway A10: exit 40A (St Andre de Cubzac), then direction Libourne (D670). Take D243 towards Saint-Emillion, and then continue on the Route de Montagne (D122). NB: it is forbidden for caravans and motor homes to cross through Saint-Emillion. Follow the signs for the campsite.

Domaine de La Barbanne is a delightful site. It is a stone’s throw from the medieval town of St. Emilion. The site is surrounded by the chateaux and vineyards that make the area so famous for its red wine.

When approaching the site it is absolutely essential to carefully follow the signed route as caravans and motor homes are banned from St Emilion itself.
Coded security barriers guard the entrance to the site. Reception also houses the shop. This has an excellent good stock of local wines and they are all at the same price as the Chateau selling them. All the basics are sold here as well.

The welcome is extremely is extremely friendly and English is spoken on the site. As usual, in France, the pitches are large - an average of 100m sq. All are individually hedged. Electricity connection is via the French 2 pin plug and is likely to have reverse polarity.
Water points are never far from your pitch. They are the push button variety and can be tedious filling the larger aquaroll so I resorted to my little cable tie device to hold the button in [patent pending!] the mature hedges and trees provide varying degrees of shade depending on the pitch. As the temperature was in the thirties for the majority of our visit we were glad of this.

2 sanitary blocks serve the 143 touring pitches. Whilst not new they were always spotless.
There are laundry facilities in one and chemical disposal points in both.

The whole ambience of the site is one of peace and tranquillity.
Other site facilities provided are:
Bar and restaurant, TV room, internet access, [cards available at the shop] fishing lake, canoes, pedaloes, two swimming pools, tennis, and crazy golf. All the activities at Barbanne are free but a deposit is required for the equipment. In addition the owners run a shuttle bus service into St Emilion itself.

We thought the restaurant menu was a bit basic but the food was good. We only ate there on our first night because with the beautiful weather we had the Cadac was in overtime mode! In any case there are so many restaurants close by in St. Emilion.

Trips are organised to a nearby chateau, which is a short walk away. Visitors are taken on a guided tour of the operation and explanations given in English of the wine making process. At the end there is of course a tasting. It was an excellent afternoon’s education. [Anyone for wine ?] Any wine ordered is delivered to your pitch the day before you leave. All of the Chateau in the area offer "vente direct" [Direct sales to the public] and "Degustation libre" [Free tasting]

St Emilion itself is worth several visits and in our case that usually involves lunch as well! Numerous establishments attract your trade and we never found a bad one. The set menus also include usually a glass of the villages finest!
Bordeaux and Bergerac are both about 40 Km away and both worth a visit.

David Cuff. CLIC. September 2007

Camping Domaine de La Barbanne--- Fourth report--- fishing site
F33330 St Emilion
Route de Montagne
Aquataine Region
France

Tel: 0033 (0)5 57 24 75 80
Fax: 0033 (0)5 57 24 69 68

E-mail: Via the Web site
Web site: www.camping-saint-emilion.com

To find site:
From the Libourne bypass, D1089, take D243 towards St Emilion. When you get to St Emilion, at the roundabout turn left onto the D122, after about 3 kms turn right and follow signs to the campsite. Do not attempt to tow through St Emilion as roads both steep and narrow.

Camping Domaine de la Barbanne is situated a just north of St Emilion and is surrounded by vineyards. The site has around 160 mainly touring pitches of varying size. Some are longer than they are wide and some have trees in the main body of the pitch which can make access a challenge, although usually not a problem if you have a mover.
There is special provision for motorhomes with pitches that have a strip on hard standing. Pitches seem to be allocated on arrival.
Water points are quite numerous. Electric points are rated at 10 amps but most require Continental 2 pin connectors, although there are some CEE17 connectors on a few bollards. Best to check for reverse polarity.

The site has many mature trees which can make satellite reception difficult.
There are two toilet blocks with good quality facilities. One block has a mix of seated English toilets and a small number of Turkish style toilets, both have paper provided.
In Reception there is a small shop selling bread and essentials and a selection of the local Chateau wines, apparently at the same price as the vineyards.
Near to Reception is a nice swimming pool complex. The site has a small restaurant which includes a takeaway. At the rear of the restaurant is a room which contains a television but is mainly used for accessing the site WiFi. Prices are reasonable but the system does not cope very well with the amount of use which slows it down sometimes frustratingly to a complete stop. The ACSI book claims 80% coverage for the WiFi but I don’t think this is correct.

At one side of the site is a lake that can be used by canoes and pedalos as well as fishing. There is also other equipment that can be hired from reception.
In the low season the site accepts the ACSI discount card and there are extra discounts for longer stays.

Date of visit mid September 2010.
Whilst on site another camper said that the site had changed hands recently which could mean future changes.

The main advantage of this site is its location in the famous wine growing area of St Emilion and the delightful town of the same name which is well worth exploring. The nearest supermarkets are about 5 miles away.

David Klyne. CLIC. September 2010
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Camping Domaine de La Barbanne--- fishing site
F33330 St Emilion
Route de Montagne
Aquataine Region
France

Tel: 0033 (0)5 57 24 75 80
Fax: 0033 (0)5 57 24 69 68

E-mail: Via the Web site
Web site: www.camping-saint-emilion.com

3 CLIC members have already visited this site and there are reviews on Ian's, (this one) Graham's (www.madcaravanner.co.uk/) and David's (www.caravantravels.co.uk/) web sites.
I thought an update might be useful as things have changed over the last year.

We visited the site in 2010 when it was available on Camping Cheques and found it to be extremely friendly and obviously; family run. Also, at Camping Cheque rates, it was exceptionally good value for such a lovely site. However, in 2011, the site has changed hands and now belongs to the “Yelloh”! Camping Group. In other words, it has passed into corporate ownership. This means that you cannot turn up on the off-chance quite so easily as before. They are not happy with campers turning up without a reservation and with no particular idea as to how many nights they want to stay. We booked 10 nights in mid June (this we did well in advance, back in January) and were asked for a deposit of about 30%. The balance had to be paid prior to 30 days before our arrival date. We were given a 10% discount for booking so early and would have qualified for a further 10% if we were staying for 14 nights or more. The rate for this lower season was €17 a night which was only €2 more than Cheques so we weren’t too bothered. Several Brits we spoke to were a little annoyed that the new booking system required them to pay up front and didn’t have much in the way of built-in flexibility. We were, after all, in low season and the site was far from over-run with campers.

Booking concerns aside, the site itself hasn’t changed since last year. There was a minor niggle with the Lake Toilet Block however. Several of the sensor-activated lights in the shower and toilet cubicles failed to work, either because of dead bulbs or duff sensors. They have fitted new washing machines and dryers this season. There is no longer a requirement to buy tokens; you simply need a fist-full of 1 euro coins.

The other thing which hasn’t changed from last season is the fishing in the lake. It is still excellent although access is still tricky. The lakeside trees still get in the way most of the way around the lake. I used a bait-boat because I wanted to fish towards the island which was extremely difficult with so little overhead space. Pole fishing was easier of course. The lake holds a good head of Roach, Rudd, Bream Common Carp and, best of all, Grass Carp. I had a 23lb specimen “Grassy” out last year but could only manage 18lb this season. There was something very big in there though. Three times I had screaming runs (on my reels) but when I lifted into them, after a momentary sensation of a heavy weight, I got dragged through the exposed tree roots of the island and my line broke. The big carp will take boilies and sweetcorn as well as big pellets. The smaller stuff will take hooker pellets quite readily as well as bread and corn. Maggots, of course, are difficult to get over there.

All-in-all then, still a good site. I found it a bit strange that at that time in the season (mid June) the site was so empty. Last year we went 2 weeks earlier and it was much busier. Perhaps they’ll go back to Camping Cheques…….

Steve Suter. CLIC. June 2011

Camping Le Paradis--- Second report below
F24290 Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère
Dordogne
Aquitaine Region
France

Tel: 33 (0)5 53 50 72 64
Fax: 33 (0)5 53 50 75 90

E-mail: contact@le-paradis.com
Web site: http://www.le-paradis.fr/

The site is a 200 placement site which has been in the same Dutch family for a long time. They are most polite, efficient and helpful. As soon as you have checked in they take you over to the bar and buy you a drink!!.

There is plenty of shade and the pitches are marked. The site is kept very clean and tidy and the shrubs are always being watered or sorted. There are 2 pools, lots to do including bike hire and canoeing from the site on the Vezere which washes the boundry.

The area is full of things to do. Montignac (9kms) has a great market and nice shops. There are many sites within 50km radius for caves, vines, chateau, villages etc.

All I can say is just go there and have a great time.

Ducan Andrews. CLIC. December 1999

Camping Le Paradis
F24290 Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère
Dordogne
Aquitaine Region
France

Tel: 33 (0)5 53 50 72 64
Fax: 33 (0)5 53 50 75 90

E-mail: le-paradis@perigord.com
Web site: www.le-paradis.fr/gb/presentation.htm

To find site:
Leave A20 at junction 51 and follow signs to Perigueux. Alternatively leave A20 at junction with A89, also in the direction of Perigueux, and drop down to D 6089 to Le Lardin. At Le Lardin-St-Lazare take D704 in the direction of Sarlat. At Montignac take D706 signed for Les Eyzies-de-Tayac. Continue along D706 and about 2 miles past St Leon sur Vezere (stay on D706 and don’t go into village) watch out for campsite signs and Le Paradis is a left turn off the D706.

Camping Le Paradis is a popular high quality campsite in the heart of the Dordogne on the banks of the River Vezere. The Dutch owners have put a great deal of effort into creating a garden like atmosphere with attractive planning all around the site.
There are about 150 touring pitches which vary in size but most are quite generous however access to the pitching areas from the main site road can be quite tight in places because vegetation growth. The pitches are set out in groups of about 8 or 9 and are well shaded by mature trees. Many of the pitches have access to individual water points and drainage.
Electric points are rated at 10 amps via CEE17 connectors although it is wise to check for reverse polarity. There are two really excellent toilet blocks which have seated toilets with paper provided.
At the entrance there is a courtyard with a comprehensive shop on one side and a bar/restaurant on the other. The food in the restaurant is very good but not inexpensive. The site has a whole range of sporting activities available for children of all ages including a superb swimming pool complex. Bikes and canoes can be hired. There is site wide WiFi operated via the Passman system.
The site also has a number of mobile homes for hire, either direct or via Eurocamp. These are situated separately from the touring pitches. Camping Cheques are accepted in the low season. Date of visit, end of September 2009.

Extra Information:-The campsite host a cycling event on the first Sunday of October with up to 1000 participants. Clearly this has an impact on access to the campsite so anyone thinking of arriving/departing on that day should expect some disruption.

This campsite is ideally situated to visit many of the popular Dordogne tourist attractions, many within a short distance. Sarlat is within relatively easy travelling. There is a supermarket at Montignac, about 8 miles away.

David Klyne. CLIC. October 2009
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Camping Moulin de David
F24540 Gaugeac-Monpazier
Aquitaine Region
France

Tel: 05 53 22 65 25
Fax: 05 53 23 99 76

E-mail: contact@village-center.com
Web site: www.moulin-de-david.com

Mobile reception very poor.

Site visited July 2002

To find site:-
From Monpazier take D2 towards Villereal. In about one and half miles watch for signs directing you to a left turn. The final half-mile to the site is along a narrow road so care is needed.

Camping Moulin de David has about 150 pitches all of which are mostly level. Water and electric points are within easy access of each pitch and some pitches have individual water and waste points. A few pitches have an area of hard standing. There are three excellent toilet blocks.
The site is laid out along a fairly narrow valley with lots of mature trees, which provide shade. There are a fair number of static’s on this site some in their own areas and some dotted amongst the touring pitches. There are also a more limited number of permanent tents. The facilities for children are really excellent with a swimming pool and natural lake for swimming. Plus lots of other recreational features. Behind the reception is the bar/restaurant/shop complex. In high season the site puts a lot of emphasis on competitions and entertainment, which is great fun for the kids, but couples may find this a bit noisy, a little A Le Hi-Di-Hi.
Bread has to be ordered at the shop the day before which can be a little inconvenient. The shop often has a good selection of English newspapers. There are two public telephones, which is just as well as mobile phone reception is almost non-existent. In reception you are able to use the Internet. Just one thing to guard against, I was told by another camper that they had phoned ahead to check on pitch availability only to find when they paid their bill they were charged a booking fee. Certainly up to the middle of July there was plenty of spare pitches.

Out and about the whole Dordogne is on your doorstep. Sarlat and Rocamadour are both possible day visits. Nearer to home are Monpazier and Villereal. If you need a supermarket there is an Intermarche on the outskirts of Villereal. If you keep away from the more popular tourist areas you will find the roads generally quiet, which may appeal if you are an inexperienced French driver.

Would I use this site again? I would on two conditions. Firstly I would if it was out of season as I found all the entertainment a bit excessive and at times noisy. However if you have young kids they will love it. Secondly I would want a free choice of pitch. We certainly did not get one of the best pitches, or were even offered an alternative. A shame really, because at the other end of the site, turning left as you pass reception, there were some really super looking pitches.

David Klyne. CLIC. October 2002
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Camping Pavillon Royal
Avenue du Prince de Galles
F64210 Bidart
Aquitaine Region
France

Tel: 05 59 23 00 54
Fax: 05 59 23 44 47

E-mail: Via the web site
Web site: www.pavillon-royal.com

Site visited: June/July 2002

Mobile reception OK.

To find site: - Leave A63 at junction 4 and turn left onto N10 after tolls. In about one mile turn right by roundabout next to the Intermarche supermarket. At the T-junction turn right and watch out for signs to site in a couple of hundred yards. There is also convenient access by rail (Biarritz) and by air as at least one of the low cost airlines use Biarritz Airport.

This site has about 320 pitches, all touring set out on terraces. They vary in size depending on the type of outfit. Some tent pitches have separate parking areas. The pitches for caravans are of a generally good size although they do vary, some seem tight and others seem massive. The ones nearest the beach seem to be slightly smaller and more difficult to get into. Most of the site has a slight slope. Water, waste and electrics are handy to all pitches. There are two shower blocks and two toilet blocks all of an excellent standard. Other site facilities include a first-rate shop, restaurant/take away, and swimming pool complex. The site has a security barrier system for which they charge a 20 Euro returnable deposit. Not only does it allow access to the site but also the beach. This site does not accept dogs.

The beach, which is really wonderful, will be an important ingredient for most people, from June it is supervised although because it is on the Atlantic coast swimmers do have to be careful and watch for sea conditions as indicated by the flags. There are many opportunities for outings from the site with Biarritz only a mile or so away and the Spanish border about 10 miles away. If the weather is good I suspect most will be happy to make use of the beach. Shopping is well catered for. If the comprehensive site shop can’t satisfy your needs then the nearest supermarket is the Intermarche on the N10 but there is a larger Carrefour near St Jean de Luz.

I have no hesitation in recommending this site, as it will be difficult to find another with such good facilities as well as a really lovely beach so close at hand. The only health warning would be the weather, which seems to be very changeable and in no way consistent, although I was told it was a bad year.

Time of visit June/July 2002

David Klyne. CLIC. August 2002

Chateau le Verdoyer--- Second report below
Richard Ausems
F24470 Champs - Romain
Dordogne
Aquitaine Region
France

Tel: (33) 055-356 94 64
Fax: (33) 055-356 38 70

E-mail: chateau@verdoyer.fr
Web site: http://www.verdoyer.fr

This site is in rural Northern Dordogne and is some 20 minutes from Nontron. The site is well signposted so finding it is easy. You approach down the long drive with Chateau and lake on the left.

Reception is in the chateau itself and the very friendly Dutch owners soon book you in and get you settled on your pitch. Most pitches have a degree of shade but some are very shaded and may not suit everyone. There is one Dutch tour operator on the site and a number of privately owned chalets and static caravans and these are together in one area of the site. Touring pitches are spacious and delineated by hedging or shrubs or the trees.

The facilities are all grouped together round a terraced area at the rear of the chateau. The surrounding outbuildings contain the shop [basics only in low season] and an excellent bar and takeaway with seats on the terrace. Further round are the toilets showers and laundry. These are cleaned to a very high standard. There is an excellent restaurant in the chateau serving local cuisine.

On the other side of the drive are two swimming pools. The smaller one is covered in low season. At the rear of the site behind the woods is another lake, which can be used for fishing boating or swimming. The whole site has a rural relaxing ambience and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

The site owners - Richard Ausems, his wife and sons all work very hard at making your stay a pleasant one. Richard is a mine of information on the area and places to visit. He used to work for Hennessey so can tell you the best places to visit in Cognac [about 80 miles] other places within a day trip include Sarlat [90 miles on good roads] and Orladour. [50 miles] for anyone who may not know this is the village razed by the Germans in the war. Every single man woman and child was gathered in the church and massacred and the village burnt to the ground. The French President decreed that the village be left untouched for all time as national monument. [Yes - the complete village]. A new one was built across the river. I cannot possibly describe the feeling you get when you walk down the main street and see wrecked houses with burnt out cars in the drive or the contents of rooms scattered round. You must go to experience it.

Nearer home is Brantome, which is surely the most untouched village in France. Even TV aerials are not permitted! Also near are Angouleme, Nontron and Piegut. I have already mentioned the area is fairly rural. Piegut is a village miles from anywhere. However when the weekly market is on the buses coach’s cars and trucks suddenly appear and you would think you were on a city high street on Christmas Eve it is so busy. And then they all disappear again.

David Cuff. CLIC. October 1999

Chateau le Verdoyer
Richard Ausems
F24470 Champs - Romain
Dordogne
Aquitaine Region
France

Tel: (33) 05 53 56 94 64
Fax: (33) 05 53 56 38 70

E-mail: chateau@verdoyer.fr
Web site: http://www.verdoyer.fr

To Find Site:
From Chalus on N21, take D6 bis, this later becomes the D 85, towards Nontron. After about 20 kms turn left onto D96, signed to campsite and Chateau Le Verdoyer is 2 kms down this road.

This campsite is in the grounds of a Chateau but don’t imagine neat grass lawns at Le Verdoyer. It is a rather rustic campsite with pitches set amongst mature trees and the site is rather undulating and most pitches are terraced, accessed mainly by tarmac roads although there are some rough tracks to some pitches. There seem to be more pitches occupied by tents, statics and chalets than available for touring units. Pitches are generally of a good size although some are long and narrow rather than square. Many have access to their own water supply and most have a grey water drain point. Electric points are rated at a useful 10 amps but most are via Continental 2 pin plugs and it might be best to check for reverse polarity. The toilet blocks are better on the inside than they look from the outside with seated pedestal toilets with paper provided. They seem to have better than average facilities for smaller children. Near the entrance is a nice swimming pool complex including a slide. The reception area also has a shop and a bar, bread can be ordered the day before. In the Chateau is the campsite restaurant. There are a couple of fishing lakes within the site boundaries. Site wide WiFi is available at an additional charge. The site accepts Camping Cheques in the low season. This is certainly a peaceful site on the autumn for anyone wanting to chill out with some nice views out over the surrounding countryside.

The campsite is a little remote although there are opportunities for walks and cycle rides from the site. For longer excursions Limoges, to the north is about 30 miles away. Perhaps not for everyone but the Martyr’s Village of Oradour sur Glane is about 40 miles from the site. The nearest shopping is in St Pardoux le Riviere which is about 4 miles from the site. There are large supermarkets in Nontron about 10 miles away.

David Klyne. CLIC. 2012
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Domaine de Soleil Plage
Caudon par Montford
Vitrac
F242000 Sarlat
Aquitaine Region
France

Tel: 05 53 28 33 33

Email: info@soleilplage.fr
Web site: www.soleilplage.fr

To find site:- Getting to the site requires care from both directions! From south or east on D704 turn left onto D703 at Carsac signed for Montfort. This road has high rock face on one side and is fairly narrow although two vehicles can pass but care is required. Near Montfort watch out for some stripe signs to Soleil Plage and turn left to the campsite, passing canoe station on right. From Sarlat take D46 south signed for Vitrac and La Roque Gageac. At Vitrac don’t take first left to village but continue for another 100 metres or so and turn left signed for Carsac. This road follows the rock face on the left for a short distance. Take first road on right signed with strip signs to campsite. At T junction turn right for the campsite, details as above. Once at the campsite there is plenty of parking space in order to wait whilst booking in. Reception is closed between midday and 2.00pm.

Domaine de Soleil Plage is a spacious campsite with in the region of 120 touring pitches in addition to the many static caravans and chalets for hire. There are also tour operators on site. The site has a lovely situation on the banks of the Dordogne River with some pitches having direct views over the river. There are two touring areas each with its own facilities, although it is a fair walk to reception and pool from the furthest pitches. Pitches vary in size but most are quite generous and some enormous. They are all hedged so there is a good measure of privacy and there are many mature trees to provide shade. The only downside is that it can make it difficult to get a satellite signal. Most pitches seem to have a water tap and electric point, some also have drainage. There is an addition surcharge on some pitches, mainly those overlooking the river. There is one parking area set aside for motorhomes. Electric points are rated at a useful 10 amps and use CEE17 blue connectors. Toilet blocks are unisex and to a good standard with unseated pedestal toilets and paper provided. The site has an excellent swimming pool complex which should suit all ages. Around the site are various games option for children of all ages. In the reception area is a small supermarket where bread can be ordered for the following day. On the other side of reception is a bar/restaurant area with most things being open until mid September but the swimming pool remains open and bread can be ordered from reception until the site closes. Site wide WiFi is available but it is pretty expensive unless you buy a longer period. The campsite accepts Camping Cheques in the low season.

There are many things on site to entertain visitors and near to the entrance is a canoe hire station for trips on the river. The location of the campsite puts it within a 15 mile radius of virtually all the major Dordogne tourist sites. Sarlat is only about 6 miles away which is a must to visit, there are also a couple of supermarkets there, although we found the Carrefour Market at the northern end of town better than the Casino nearer to the site. For fans of Gardens Marqueyssac and Eyrignac are well worth a visit.

David Klyne. CLIC. 2012
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Le Port de Limeuil
F24480 Alles-sur-Dordogne
Aquataine Region
France

Tel: 05 53 63 29 76
Fax: 05 53 63 04 19

E-mail: Via the web site
Web site: www.leportdelimeuil.com

To find site:-
From the D25 at Le Buisson de Cadouin take the D51 towards Le Bugue (Perigueux). Turn left onto D51 to Limeuil, signed to campsite. On approach to Limeuil turn left over Dordogne River bridge and site on right in about 300 metres. Its best not to approach the site from the Alles sur Dordogne direction as you have to tow a longer distance along narrow roads.

Camping Le Port de Limeuil has a lovely situation right on the Dordogne River opposite the village of Limeuil and where the Vézère joins the Dordogne. The site has some magnificent mature trees, almost park like in character, which provides a lot of shade but could make getting a satellite signal difficult. Later in the year you might want to select a pitch with a more open aspect to appreciate the warmth of any sunshine.
There are around 100 pitches which in the main are on low terraces facing towards the river. They are mainly of a good size and some generous.
Electrics around the site vary with a mix of Continental 2 pin sockets and the more modern CEE17 standard blue Euro connector. Ampage also varies between 5 and 10 amps. Even on the same bollard there can be 6 and 10 amp rated connectors.
Water points are provided in good numbers. There are some statics and tour operators on site.
At Reception is a small shop selling essentials and bread, there is also a bar, both open throughout the season, and in the main season there is a takeaway.
Across from Reception is a nice swimming pool complex. Children are well catered for with a playground and games room.
The site has a free WiFi point near the bar, although I managed to pick up a good signal at the caravan some 100 metres away.
This campsite accepts the ACSI Card in the low season which offers particularly good value.

Date of visit late September 2010.

From the site you are not more than 25 miles away from most of the Dordogne tourist attractions and many are nearer. There is a canoe hire station adjacent to the campsite. The nearest shopping and fuel is at the Intermarche in La Bugue about 4 miles away.

David Klyne. CLIC. September 2010
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

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