Camping Bouscarel--- Second report below
448 Rue du Lac
F62215 Oye-Plage
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 03 21 36 76 37

To Find Site:
From Calais take A16 towards Dunkerque. (the junction numbers on the A16 have recently been re-numbered) Take exit signed for Oye-Plage, this road is a little bit twisty but otherwise OK. At the traffic lights in Oye-Plage do a dog leg across the junction and continue to the T junction and turn right, the site is well signed. The site is on the right in about a hundred metres.

Camping Bouscarel is a fairly small site which is very convenient either to and from Calais. To ensure a pitch it is best to arrive reasonably early otherwise you end up on the parking area as we did! We were later joined by another UK caravan. There does not seem to be much English spoken at Reception but signs everywhere around the campsite are in English as well as French. The toilet block was of a very good standard. There is a good children’s play area. Near the entrance, and next to the parking there is a Salle de Jeux. Having spent the night in the parking area there was no problem with noise.

Had we been able to secure a regular pitch they do seem to be of a good size and individually hedged for privacy. They are set out along a single site road. Like many French sites a fair proportion of the site is taken up by permanent campers. If you are staying on the way back to the UK the large Auchen Supermarket at Dunkerque is not far away.

David Klyne. CLIC. June/July 2004
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Camping Bouscarel
448 Rue du Lac
F62215 Oye-Plage
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 03 21 36 76 37

Directions: Leave A16 J20 ant TL on D940 towards Oye Plage. Turn left at traffic lights in Oye Plage. At junction with D219 turn right. Site on right in 200m.

This was the final night of our holiday this year.
We travelled up from Jumieges in mixed weather to Calais. We had difficulty finding somewhere to stay. Our normal Bien Assise was full and so was Chateau de Gandspette. We must book in future I think as it is getting so much more popular in France. We eventually located this one as convenient and booked by telephone.
By the time we got there it was raining heavily. We were welcomed by Madame who quickly checked us in an directed us to our pitch.

This is a well maintained site. Pitches are a mixture of individual hedged grass which also vary in size on the main avenue. On the right are separate areas holding 4 or 6 vans and which can be a bit tight to get in and out of with larger outfits. I managed to get into a corner but expected to have to reverse out in the morning.
4 amp electrics are included and they are mostly reverse polarity. The site seems fairly popular as a stopover prior to catching the ferry as it was busy with constant movement. There is an overflow area at the bottom of the site.
Toilet and shower facilities looked extremely clean. Due to our early departure they were not tested! Many of the pitches were occupied by static or seasonal long stay caravans. In fact this was a convenient ferry site as the run in from there is easy and straight.

On our way out on Saturday morning we were confronted by a huge Irish motor home which had arrived during the night and was towing a trailer and Jeep and totally blocking the exit. We eventually managed to wake him up and he had to unhitch the trailer and drive the car off to let us out. Luckily it was an easy run in to Calais from this site so we were not delayed too much.
As is usual now, there were British customs on that side as well and we had to open up the caravan to let them check for stowaways.

I would view this site as a convenient and clean overnight halt or short stay either to or from the ferry.

David Cuff. CLIC. October 2007

Camping-Caravaning St Louis
Autingues
F62610 Ardres
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel 03 21 35 46 83
Fax: 03 21 00 19 78

E-mail: Via the web site
Web site: http://www.campingstlouis.com/

The entrance --- The bar --- The pitch --- Toilet/shower block --- View of site --- Reception

To find site:
From A26 junction 2 head north towards Ardres on the N43. Just before you reach Ardres there is a Total Service Station on the right, immediately past turn left into minor road (site well signed from here). This road is narrow but has clear sight of any oncoming traffic. Following signs to campsite. From the N43 coming south through Ardres watch out for a junction with a decorative windmill on the left and turn to the right and take the D224 to Licques, site signed from this junction, in just over a mile turn left onto D227 and site is on right in a few hundred metres. This approach to the site is easier in terms of road width.

Since coming to France via the Dover - Calais route we have always been looking for alternative campsites in the vicinity of Calais. Camping-Caravaning St Louis has been suggested by several people. In August 2005 we had our chance to visit the site for the first time. It might be best to phone ahead to check if there is room. We did this and Madam put our name on the list.
The campsite has around 70/80 pitches all of which are on grass. We arrived after rain and some of the pitches were a bit muddy but ours whilst damp was OK. Pitches are hedged by shrubs and there are many mature trees around the campsite. Pitch size varies but generally they are of a good size, ours was about 100 sq metres. Electric bollards seem to be some distance apart so an extra long cable might be needed.
Like a lot of French campsites St Louis has a proportion of long stay permanent caravans/mobiles, some tucked away in little nooks and crannies. The majority are well maintained and in fact some have lovely flower displays.
The toilet block is perfectly serviceable but to my mind has seen better days. You also need tokens to take a shower.

There is bar which does basic meals and takeaways. There is a large area at the back of the site used as a play area and Boules court.

This is a pleasant little campsite without bells and whistles convenient for as a north/south stopover site as its only 20 miles from Calais. Being open from 1st April until the end of October makes it useful for the out of season traveller. If you wanted to spend a few relaxing days before returning to the UK this could be the place for you.

David Klyne. CLIC. September 2005
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Camping De La Bien Assise--- Second report
D 231
F62340 Guines
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 03 21 35 20 77
Fax: 03 21 36 79 20

E-mail: castels@bien-assise.com
Web site: www.camping-bien-assise.fr

This site is situated in the village of Guines about twenty minutes from the port of Calais.
It is a Castels site.
Tour operators are present but do not appear obtrusive.
The site is always busy when we have visited, as there is a large turnover of overnight stops. However the office is very efficiently run and one is not disturbed even though there are early morning and late night movements.
Sanitary facilities are perfectly adequate and kept clean.
Although only used as an overnight stop I would use for a longer stay as well.
There is a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar and take away on the site. I have not tried the restaurant but the take away provides a good meal and is very reasonable.

David Cuff. CLIC. October 1999

Camping De La Bien Assise--- Third report
D 231
F62340 Guines
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 03 21 35 20 77
Fax: 03 21 36 79 20

E-mail: castels@bien-assise.com
Web site: www.camping-bien-assise.fr

The site is situated at Guines which is about 6 miles south of Calais and just a little further from Boulogne. This site is part of the Les Castels group.

We have used this site on several occasions principally as an overnight stop although we have stayed as long as four nights. One advantage is that Reception is generally open until about 10.00pm in the evening for late arrivals. However it would be polite to inform the site in advance if you intend to arrive after 8.00pm.
There are some mobile homes and permanent tents on site but these don’t intrude into the atmosphere of the site. Pitches are quite generous in size although you do not seem to have any choice, they always seem to be allocated.
There are several toilet blocks dotted around the site all of which are to a good standard. There is a shop and a takeaway plus a site restaurant/bar. In addition there is another restaurant which seems to be run as a separate concern and when we have been on site it has always been busy, mainly with locals. The site also has a nice pool complex and a good play area for children.

The town of Guines is a couple of minutes walk away. This would be a good site if anyone wanted a taste of France without a long journey or of course a convenient overnight stop. One thing I did notice on this visit was that pitches immediately in front of the ’Big House’, including one toilet block, have been fenced off and this looks fairly permanent.

David Klyne. CLIC. July 2001
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Camping De La Bien Assise--- Fourth report
D 231
F62340 Guines
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 03 21 35 20 77
Fax: 03 21 36 79 20

E-mail: castels@bien-assise.com
Web site: www.camping-bien-assise.fr

2004 Update

Being only 15 Km or so from Calais this is an extremely popular site for the on night stopover. However it is worthy of far more than this. As a Castels Site it has all the expected facilities. I always find it a nice relaxing place with mostly good large pitches, both in the original field and in the newer section at the back. In fact I have vowed to take a short break there later next year and stay a few days.
The wardens and staff are all friendly and helpful. The swimming pool now has a sliding roof over it that extends the season somewhat.
Snacks are available in the bar, and the takeaway, while limited in choice, always produces good food. There is also a gourmet restaurant on the site that I have not tried but talking to others on site it has a good name without being much more expensive than normal restaurant eating in France. Certainly it is always full of locals, which is a good sign.

There are three toilet blocks. Although of older style they are perfectly adequate and kept extremely clean. In fact the showers are of the ‘turn on’ variety rather than ‘push button’ and it is good to have a hot shower without constantly having to hold in the button. One of these is now heated as well.

My only gripe about the site is the cost. It is very expensive. However with the convenience of the ferries they have a captive market and in my opinion take advantage of it. They have no difficulty in getting visitors, as it is always busy. However after a fortnight of camping cheques this year at ten pounds a night, this one stung at 46€ [£32] for 2 nights. I think it is cheaper though if booked through one of the clubs. I understand they also accept touring cheque but not camping cheque. Again this is not surprising as this is a subsidiary of Eurocamp who are one of the main tour operators on the site. Although busy there is never a feeling of noise. Those leaving on early ferries tend to be pitched nearer the entrance. You do not choose your pitch on this one. You are shown to your allocated pitch.

Having said all the above I think next time I will try Chateau Gandspette again and use a camping cheque.

Directions:
From the south: leave A 26 at J2 and follow N43 to Ardres and then D231 to Guines. The site is well signposted from there.
From Calais: Take the A16 and leave at J14. Then follow the signs to Guines

David Cuff. CLIC. July 2004

Camping De La Bien Assise--- Fifth report
D 231
F62340 Guines
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 03 21 35 20 77
Fax: 03 21 36 79 20

E-mail: castels@bien-assise.com
Web site: www.camping-bien-assise.fr

This is a ‘ferry stop’ site where you can stay the night before an early ferry. As a result of this the price was fairly steep at 21.50€ which I thought a bit steep for the middle of September.

220 grass pitches which range for quite a distance. The facilities are generously sized and well maintained although the showers had quite a steep slope in them for drainage which would suit you if one leg was about 3 inches longer than the other. Strangely there was even a bath which I have never seen on any site before.
We never tried the restaurant and bar so can’t offer an opinion.

There are some statics and Eurocamp tents on site which are spread out over the whole site rather than being in 1 area. This is a Castels Site.

6A electricity remained on throughout our stay.
There is a pool and play area for the kids.

This was the first year we decided to use Castels and bigger sites and can say that we probably won’t be doing it again.
The sites generally seemed to be staffed by Dutch or English Students and while this is probably good for them it removed the Frenchness of it all for us. It’s back to the Michelin guide and French sites next year for us. It’ll probably be Northern France including Normandy and Brittany.

Keat Brigham. CLIC. October 2004

Camping De La Bien Assise--- Sixth report
D 231
F62340 Guines
Nord-Pas-de-Calais region
France

Tel: 03 21 35 20 77
Fax: 03 21 36 79 20

E-mail: castels@bien-assise.com
Web site: www.camping-bien-assise.fr

We used this site in August last year, it was our first camping experience in France. We spent 7 nights at the site, it was ideally located near to the Eurotunnel and a good base to explore Northern France.

The site was very well maintained and we found the reception staff to be very pleasant and extremely helpful. The site has a number of toilet and shower blocks which were regularly cleaned. We never had to wait to use any facilities and this must have been one of the busiest times of year. There are a couple of unisex blocks which took a bit of getting used to.

The pitches were more than adequate for our requirements and nicely presented with surrounding hedges which gave some privacy from other pitches.

As the weather was mainly good we had ample opportunity to use the pool and waterslide. In poorer weather there is the means to cover the pool with a sliding roof - the best of both worlds.

There is a supermarket on site where you can purchase essentials, and the obligatory french bread - fresh every morning after 8.ooam

We visited the local village on a wet afternoon and found a wonderful butcher’s, the staff being very patient with our pigeon french and a quaint local bar - a definite contender for ’Ello, ’Ello.

Having spoken to different people and looking deeper into individual site prices it would seem that this is a little expensive but in our opinion worth paying that extra for facilities and location. We will definitely use this site again this year if only as a convenient and pleasant resting place for a day or 2 before the journey back.

Esme and Ste Gornall, August 2004

Camping De La Bien Assise--- Seventh report
D 231
F62340 Guines
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 03 21 35 20 77
Fax: 03 21 36 79 20

E-mail: castels@bien-assise.com
Web site: www.camping-bien-assise.fr

This is another Castels site, but there did not appear to be a chateau on the site.

Being about 8 miles from the Channel Tunnel, and a similar distance from the ferries, there are a lot of short stay users (including ourselves).

The area is flat, which means that the wind comes straight through the site. There are some trees and hedges, but they didn’t give much protection on our pitch.

The young lady in reception appears to be on her own as she has to jump on her bike to lead you to a pitch, and then rush back. You have to locate most of the facilities yourself as there is no map provided.

The toilet blocks are good, but one of the chemical disposal points was out of action, as was the motorhome service point.

The shop opens at 8:30am for a few hours morning, and again at 4:30pm, and bread has to be ordered for the next day. There is a limited range of foodstuff available.
Next to the shop is the restaurant/snack bar/takeaway, all of which opens at 6pm.
There is a swimming pool, and a children’s play area.

The site is also host to Keycamp, Eurocamp, and Canvas Holidays, all of whose statics and tents are spread about the site. There are also some wooden cabins, but I do not know who owns these.

We felt that 2 nights here was ample, and would not consider stopping longer.

John & Jean Haseltine. CLIC. June 2006
(Visited May 2006)

Camping De La Bien Assise
D 231
F62340 Guines
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 03 21 35 20 77
Fax: 03 21 36 79 20

E-mail: castels@bien-assise.com
Web site: www.camping-bien-assise.fr

We paid a return visit to La Bien Assise after a gap of 6 years. I have updated the text and added pictures.

To find site:
From all directions follow signs to Guines, campsite is situated on western edge of the town on the D231. Best to avoid approach through the town of Guines, the D215, almost opposite the campsite will take you to the A16 as will the D231. Going east from la Bien Assise the D231 will take you to the A26.

This busy campsite is part of the Les Castels group and is popular with those staying overnight to and from the ferries at Calais, although it is worth a longer stay.

It is nicely landscaped and despite its size it does not really feel crowded.
Reception is open until about 8.00pm in the evening for late arrivals. If you arrive later than this you can go to the Bar. Otherwise a notice on the door of reception says to find a pitch and settle up in the morning.

There are some mobile homes and permanent tents on site but these don’t intrude into the atmosphere of the site.
Pitches are quite generous in size and handy for electrics and water.
When you arrive you are taken to a pitch but they seem happy to find an alternative if you if the one allocated does not suit.

There are several toilet blocks dotted around the site all of which are to a good standard with seats and toilet paper. Most seem to have been updated since out last visit.

There is a shop and a takeaway plus a site restaurant/bar. In addition there is another restaurant which seems to be run as a separate concern called La Ferme Gourmande which is popular with campers and locals.

It is not cheap but makes a nice end of holiday treat. The site also has a nice covered pool complex and a good play area for children.

We have used this campsite many times over the years but our visit of September 2006 was the first since 2000 and we were pleased that we had decided to revisit.
Out of the main season they give a discount to holders of the ACSI Card and they also accept Touring Cheques.

The town of Guines is a couple of minutes walk away. This would be a good site if anyone wanted a taste of France without a long journey or of course a convenient overnight stop.

There are many places to visit near to the campsite, including the coast with it’s dramatic cliffs. Of course a lot of people staying here will want to incorporate some last minute shopping before they return to the UK. Calais and the Cite de Europe are only a few miles away.

David Klyne. CLIC. October 2006
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Camping La Fountaine des Clercs
1, Rue de L’Eglise
F62170 Montreuil-sur-Mer
Nord-pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 03 21 06 07 28

E-mail: desmarest.mi@wanadoo.fr
Web site: www.campinglafontainedeclercs.fr

To Find Site:
From north or south on the D901 (formally the N1) take the D349 towards site and follow signs. (Do not enter the walled town.) The final approach is quite narrow.

Camping la Fontaine des Clercs is set out in terraces directly under the walls of the town on Montreuil. This site is open all year.
There are about 76 pitches on a mix of grass and hard standing. They vary in size from small for tents to quite generous for caravans and many sizes in between. There are two sections of hard standing pitches either side of the Reception building with level access all other pitches are of quite steep terraces working their way up from Reception to the fortified walls of the town. Some of the pitches are taken up with permanent caravans.

Electric points are rated at 10amps and have CEE17 European blue connectors. On some pitches it may be necessary to run your electric lead across a site road. Water points are dotted around the site.
There are two toilet blocks. The one next to Reception is adequate and clean with seatless toilets and no paper provided, however it could do with a makeover to bring it up-to-date. There is no onsite shop but the town is only a relatively short walk away.

Reception has limited opening hours and the form seems to be to select a pitch and go back later to book in.
The site has free WiFi, we were able to pick it up in the van but we were near reception. Cost per night during our visit for two persons and electricity was €18 a night.

Date of visit early October 2010.

The delightful walled town of Montreuil is a few minutes walk from the campsite and is well worth a visit. The coast is not far away either.
For shopping there is a supermarket on the ring road and of course any number of individual shops in the town.

David Klyne. CLIC. October 2010
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Camping La Paille Haute
145 Rue de Sailly
F62156 Boiry Notre Dame
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 03 21 48 15 40

E-mail: Via the web site
Web site: www.la-paille-haute.com

To Find Site:
Leave A26 and join A1 heading towards Paris. At junction 15 leave autoroute and follow signs towards Cambrai. In about 2 kilometres turn left onto D34 and follow signs to Boiry-Notre-Dame, in village follow signs to campsite.

This campsite is just under 80 miles south of Calais so it makes a useful stop over to and from the port. If there is no one at reception when you arrive it seems to be the done thing to go and pitch and return when reception opens. The current owners seem to be doing a lot of work on the site including several new pitching areas. Whilst these are still of fairly open aspect they do have good views over the surrounding countryside. There are a few pitches with more mature surroundings. Like a lot of French campsites La Paille Haute does have quite a few permanent caravans but these are in their own area away from the touring pitches. There are a couple of toilet blocks the newer of the two being adjacent to reception. They are to a good standard with seated toilets but no paper. The second block is older and situated near the swimming pool and restaurant. It seems to be mid June before the bulk of facilities open. There is an internet connection via a terminal in reception. This site accepts the ACSI Card which offers a discount on normal site fees in the low season.

Although I expect this site is mainly used as a stop over it is worthy of a longer stay. The owners seem to be working hard to update all the facilities. The site does not have a shop, at least out of season, but there is a Boulangerie about 300 metres from the site. The towns of Arras and Cambrai are nearby.

David Klyne. CLIC. July 2007
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Camping Les Epinettes
Impasse du Mont Pinet
F62231 Peuplingues
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 03 21 85 22 24
Fax: 03 21 85 26 95

Email: lesepinettes@aol.com
Web site: www.lesepinettes.fr

To Find Site:
Leave A16 at junction 40 and head for Peuplingues. Continue through village and just as you start ascending hill watch out for sign to campsite pointing to the left. Final approach is down a short narrow road but with clear sight of the entrance.

Les Epinettes is a small campsite to the west of Calais about two miles from the motorway and is handy as an overnight stop to and from the Channel crossings. There are about 90 pitches but many of these are taken up with permanent and seasonal users leaving between 20/25 pitches for touring units. The site will reserve a pitch without deposit, although they put reserve labels on the pitches they don’t put names on! Generally the form seems to be to find a pitch and report to reception when it opens. All pitches are on grass and vary in size. Many used by touring units are long rather than wide, especially those near reception. Further into the site there are a few larger pitches and anyone wanting to stay longer might want to look here. All pitches will require some degree of minor levelling. Electric hook-ups are in the main via CEE17 blue connectors but they are only rated at 4 amps, however we found we could use most of our appliances perfectly satisfactorily. There are two small toilet blocks which are of a nice quality with seated pedestal toilets and paper provided. Showers require a token from reception. The chemical deposal is in the second block although strangely there is no means of rinsing the cassette when emptied! Reception keeps very restricted hours, only being open in the morning and for an hour in the evening. You therefore have to be aware of this when wanting to pay and of course to purchase your shower tokens! Bread can be ordered from reception. The site has free WiFi available to campers. I think this campsite is fine for a day or two stop over en route to the ferries but it did not strike me as a sitting about site. Mind you for €13 a night for two people with electrics it is certainly excellent value, there are better equipped sites nearby charging almost three times that in high season. Although not open all year I understand the owner is prepared to allow people to stay overnight by special arrangement. For children there is a play area in the far corner of the site. Date of visit early July 2012

The convenience of this site is its closeness to the Port of Calais and the Channel Tunnel and reasonably easy access. It is also not far from the Cite De Europe for shopping. For those staying longer there are all sorts of excursion close by including the coast.

David Klyne. CLIC. 2012
For other reports, and images, from David go to www.davidklyne.co.uk/

Camping Les Oyats
272 Digue Verte
F62215 Oye Plage
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 03 21 85 15 40 & 03 28 24 91 91
Fax: 03 28 60 38 33

Web site: www.les-oyats.com

Date of visit, early July 2004.

To Find Site:
If approaching site from Calais leave the A16 at junction 20 and about 1 kilometre turn right onto D940 and continue to Oye Plage, at traffic lights turn left and continue to T junction and turn left and follow signs to campsite in about 3 kilometres. If approaching site from the direction of Dunkerque on the A16, exit at junction 21 (this road is a bit twisty and uneven but it is not a problem in terms of width) At traffic lights in Oye Plage cross the D940 and then follow as above.

Camping Les Oyats is a little off the beaten track, two miles from Oye Plage and 14 miles from Calais. The site is open from the 1st of May to the end of September. Not much English is spoken at Reception and I think they assume everyone is French unless you tell them otherwise!

The site comprises of about 160 pitches which are all individually hedged but only about 10 to 15% of these seem to be available as touring pitches and these are not necessarily situated in the best places, i.e. next to take away, or volley ball court, etc. So with a lot of French youngsters, particularly at weekends, on site they are not always the most quiet pitches. The rest are made up of static’s which in true French fashion range from caravans that have seen better days to really top notch mobile homes with lovely gardens. The site does have a sense of community even if this is only shared by the French permanent campers but they do appear to be friendly. The strange thing about this site is that it enjoys really good quality facilities with no less than 3 toilet blocks, all to a very high standard. It seems a lot of money has been spent to update the site. For some reason the showers only seem to be available for 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the evening. I could not find a chemical disposal point but by a strange coincidence one was being constructed the weekend of our visit! There is a wonderful children’s play area and there is a nice looking swimming pool there are also other facilities like basket ball, TV lounge, an indoor table tennis/community hall. There is no site shop but tradesmen do call, bread in the morning and others including an Ice Cream van, Local supermarkets are not too far away. The site has direct access to a lovely beach onto the English Channel. Being so close to the sea does mean that it can be very windy here.

Would I recommend Les Oyats, sorry to sit on the fence but yes and no. For a one or two night stay there are better sites locally, Chateau de Gandspette and Le Bien Assise spring to mind. Les Oyats does not have the advantage of being cheaper than the rest, fees are on a par with these two sites and they accept either Camping Cheques (Gandspette) or Touring Cheques (Bien Assise) which makes them more economic out of the main season. If you could find a nice quiet pitch then an enjoyable stay could be had. In my view the management of the site need to make up their mind where their market is, at the moment they are trying to have their cake and eat it. If they could set aside an area of about 30 touring pitches, away from the noise of activities they could build up a loyal following and it does have the advantage that its less than half an hour from Calais.

David Klyne. CLIC. July 2004
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Camping les Pommiers des Trois Pay
253 Rue du Breuil
F62850 Licques
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 03 21 35 02 02

E-mail: Via the web site
Web site: www.pommiers-3pays.com/....

To find site:
From Ardres or the N42 take D224 to Licques. In the village follow signs to campsite.

Camping les Pommiers is a relatively new campsite which first opened in 2003. It is not too far from Calais so could be used as an alternative overnight stop to those campsites nearer the Port. It also has the advantage that it remains open until the end of October which could prove handy for late travellers.

It is not a large campsite with about 55 pitches of which around 20 are touring pitches, all on grass, the rest being taken up with statics and chalets. There is an overflow area that could take, perhaps, another dozen units.
Electric connections are in the main CEE17 connectors and rated at a very useful 16amps. Water points are dotted around the site but don’t have much in the way of pressure.
The toilet block is to a good standard with seated toilets but no paper provided.
During the main season the site has a bar which does food. There is a small swimming pool.
The site offers a discount on site fees to holders of the CCI Carnet.

The surrounding countryside is surprisingly attractive. The main shopping centres near Calais are about 20 miles away. Licques has two small supermarkets and there is a Boulangerie about a 10 minute walk from the site.

David Klyne. CLIC. October 2009
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Camp Municipal du Clair de Lune
212 Route de Mons
F59600 Maubeuge
Nord-Pas-de-Calais
France

Tel: 0327622548

E-mail: webmaster@ville-maubeuge.fr
Web site: www.ville-maubeuge.fr

To find site:
From the north, via the Belgium border, head towards Maubeuge on the N2. On entering Maubeuge the site is about 2kms towards the town on the left and is well signed. If reception is closed when you arrive pull up to the barrier and you will be allowed in so that you can select a pitch and book in later.

Clair de Lune is a pleasant campsite which is handy as a staging point between Calais and Belgium/Luxembourg or for a couple of relaxing days.
There are about 90 pitches, individually marked by hedges. They are all of a good size but some are larger. There are a few permanent vans on site but not many and it would appear that the site is also used by workers.
It can be quite a busy site so in high season it would be worth arriving by mid afternoon to be sure of a place.
There are two toilet blocks, both of a high standard. Rather unusually one block is for ladies and the other for men. This does cause some confusion with campers! There are no water taps around the site but drinking water is available from the toilet blocks.
Electricity is available as either a 6 or 10 amp supply. Access to the internet is via a PC in reception but there is no WiFi. There is some road noise from the N2.

The site is only a couple of kilometres from the town centre. Also nearby is a Carrefour supermarket, to the south of the town there is an Auchen. Don’t forget to nip back into Belgium to buy diesel as its usually cheaper than France.

David Klyne. CLIC. July 2008
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Caravaning Du Chateau D’Hardelot
21 Rue Nouvelle
F62360 Condette
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 33 (0)3 21 87 59 59

E-mail: Via the web site
Web site: www.camping-caravaning-du-chateau.com

Some images of this site:---- Reception---- The entrance---- Toilet block---- Site view 1---- Site view 2

This campsite is best approached from the A16 at junction 27 towards Neufchantel Hardelot and then take the D940 towards Condette and turn left at first roundabout to Condette, at the next roundabout turn right and campsite is 400 metres on right. Take care of narrow entrance when pulling off road.

This is a pleasant small campsite situated in the village of Condette which we visited in early June 2006.
It is about 10 miles south of Boulogne and is useful for an overnight stay to and from the Ports, Calais being about 35 miles away. It would also be nice for a longer break.

There are 70 pitches of varying size although most are more medium than large and some are irregular in shape. There are a few larger pitches but it could be difficult with larger, twin axle van, as access to pitches is a bit restricted unless you have a mover.
About a third of the site is taken up with permanent vans but these do not detract from the look of the campsite as most are quite new.
The pitches are set out around the figure of eight site road although some are tucked away in groups back a bit from the road, most are delineated by hedges. Every inch of space is used and this can give a cramped feel to the site when it is busy.
Behind the children’s play area is a larger area of grass mainly used for tents. The surface of the pitches varies with most being on grass with usually an area of gravel/sand.

Electric points (10amps) are conveniently placed as are water taps. The site has two small high quality toilet blocks which are kept immaculately clean.

There is some road noise but it did not seem excessive. Given that this campsite does not have a lot of the facilities of other campsites, like a pool, restaurant or shop, I thought the pricing a bit on the high side in the low season.

The village of Condette has a small supermarket within walking distance of the site.
There are other shops and a restaurant within easy reach. You can walk to the Chateau but it is a bit of a hike on a hot day.
The beaches of Hardelot Plage are only a few miles away. You pass some very interesting houses on the route through the town.

David Klyne. CLIC. June 2006
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Chateau du Gandspette--- Second report below
133 Rue de Gandspette
F62910 Eperlecques
Norde-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

E-mail: contact@chateau-gandspette.com
Web site: www.chateau-gandspette.com/gb.html

Tel: 03 21 93 43 93
Fax: 03 21 95 74 98

This site is situated not far from St Omer just off the Dunkerque road D300/D600. As the name of the site implies is set in the grounds of a chateau.
There are several pitching areas on the original parts of the site, plus a newly developed area towards the back of the site which is shared with some mobile homes which are for hire. This site does have some permanent caravans but they are mostly in their own area and the owners do take pride in the appearance of their pitches. All pitches are of a good size and the ones in the new area are particularly generous. The site has lots of open space so kids have ample space to play. In addition there is good play area and a nice swimming pool.
There is no on site shop but 5 minutes away is a Champion supermarket. However the site does have a takeaway, bar and an excellent little restaurant which is good value. Try the local dishes.
At the moment there is one main toilet block which serves the older areas of the site and it is to an excellent standard. In the new area there is a ’Porta Loo’ but for next season there will be a brand new toilet block serving this part of the site. My only concern about the toilet facilities is the chemical disposal. Whilst you can empty the loo there is no rinsing tap which means people go to the washing up taps for water. Hopefully this will be resolved with the new toilet block.

We have used this site several times now and only wished we could stay longer. It is a good alternative to La Bien Assise as an overnight stop en route to the ferries although the journey to Calais is a little longer.
Nearby is the ’Eperlecques Bunker’ which was to have been a launching base for V1 and V2 rockets but after many allied raids it was in the most part used to produce the fuel. An interesting place to visit if on the eerie side!

Date of visit July 2000

David Klyne. CLIC. July 2000
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Chateau du Gandspette--- Third report below
133 Rue de Gandspette
F62910 Eperlecques
Norde–Pas–de–Calais Region
France

E-mail: contact@chateau-gandspette.com
Web site: www.chateau-gandspette.com/gb.html

Tel: 03 21 93 43 93
Fax: 03 21 95 74 98

Site visited: July/August 2002 Just a quick update on David Klyne`s excellent report...

As David says, the new pitches toward the back of the site are particularly generous. The staff are very friendly & helpful.

The new toilet block now has a chemical disposal point (which I used).

The original area has ‘French style’ plugs for the electrical hookup, the new area has CEE plugs. Sadly both pitches we used suffered from reverse polarity, so take an adaptor and a mains tester.

David mentions the Eperlecques bunker. On the other side of St.Omer(near Wizernes) is ‘La Coupole’, an assembly and launch facility for the V2 rockets. This is also well worth a visit, and indeed it is possible to buy a combined ticket to both places.

We used Chateau Du Gandspette on our way to and from the 2002 FICC Rally in Ghent.

Date of visit July/August 2002

Paul Lonsdale. CLIC. August 2002.

Le Chateau du Gandspette--- Fourth report below
Rue du Gandspette 133
F62910 Eperlecques
Norde-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

E-mail: contact@chateau-gandspette.com
Web site: www.chateau-gandspette.com/gb.html

Tel: 03 21 93 43 93
Fax: 03 21 95 74 98

Just 30 minutes from Calais and 10 km from the historic town of Saint Omer, Trip to Gandspette was an easy run.

We found site easily, were allocated a pitch (#6) at the far end near the static vans and new toilet block.
Pitch is sloping in 2 directions.

The site is large (11 hectares giving 110 large pitches), and very popular owing to its proximity to Calais and the Ports and Tunnel especially for Camping Cheque travellers. It is looked very well laid out, there were very good facilities kept very clean.

The only negative I could give would be that there is only one set of rubbish bins for the whole site in one location and no recycling facilities

Graham Wilson. CLIC. September 2005

Chateau du Gandspette
133 Rue de Gandspette
F62910 Eperlecques
Norde-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: 00 33 3 21 93 43 93
Fax: 00 33 3 21 95 74 98

E-mail: contact@chateau-gandspette.com
Web site: www.chateau-gandspette.com/gb

To Find Site:
This site is situated not far from St Omer just off the Dunkerque D300/D600 road and is signed from a roundabout. From the A26 leave at junction 2 or 3 and follow signs to Dunkerque or from Calais use A16 and then follow St Omer signs. Alternatively from the N43 heading south from Nordausques turn left onto D221 and follow signs for site and Eperlecques Blockhaus. Watch out for camp signs in both directions as entrance not immediately easy to see.

We have been using Chateau du Gandspette for some years now and it has become one of our favourite sites. Its a handy first or last stop to or from your crossing as its only about 30 miles from Calais and there appears no restriction on early departures. Gandspette, along with Le Bien Assise at Guines are the best quality sites I have found in the area but I accept that others might prefer more rustic sites. It is used predominantly by British and Dutch campers. Reception is based in one of the old outbuilding adjacent to the Chateau which also houses the Bar/Restaurant and the takeaway. In 2007 an extension to the popular Restaurant was built giving useful extra capacity. Its usually best to book the restaurant if the site is busy. Try the local dishes. There is no onsite shop but a bread van also calls each morning. There are several pitching areas on the original parts of the site, plus a newly developed area towards the back of the site which is shared with some mobile homes which some are for hire and others are private. This site does have some permanent caravans but over the years these have decreased in number and the space given over to touring pitches. All pitches are of a reasonable size and the ones in the new area are particularly generous. Depending on what way you pitch your van you may need some side to side levelling as the site has a gentle slope down from the main entrance. Some of the pitches around the perimeter roads from the Chateau can be a little difficult to maneuvour onto because of the narrow access road and over hanging trees. Also in the last year they have added a few hardstandings pitches for larger motorhomes . Water points are available at regular intervals. Electric connections are via CEE17 connectors rated at 6 amps. Reverse polarity is quite common. There are two toilet blocks both of an excellent standard with seated toilets and paper provided. During 2005 a new laundry room had been built. The site has lots of open space so kids have ample space to play. In addition there is good play area, a Swimming pool, and other sports facilities including tennis courts and a recently added basket ball/5 aside football court. WiFi is available in the area near reception. Given its location, being handy for both ferries and local vets the site does get extremely busy. Therefore you should either book ahead or arrive early to guarantee a pitch. Camping Cheques are accepted in the low season and the site can be booked via the Caravan Club ABS service. Date of latest visit late June 2009.

About 5 minutes away is a Carrefour Market supermarket. This site is often used as a stopover so that people can visit the big Supermarkets in Calais, Boulogne or Dunkerque. Very close to the site is the ’Eperlecques Bunker’ which was to have been a launching base for V1 and V2 rockets but after many allied raids it was in the most part used to produce the fuel. An interesting place to visit if on the eerie side! If when you head back to Calais for the ferry and you decide to join the A26 at junction 2 be aware that entrance to the autoroute is by automatic barrier, you can pay the toll by coins or credit card.

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

Manoir de Senlecques--- Second report below
45 Rue de la Fontaine
F62126 Pernes les Boulogne
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: (0033)0321 833596
Fax: (0033)0321 338385

E-mail: manoirdesenlecques@wanadoo.fr
Web site: perso.wanadoo.fr/..manoirdesenlecques/

To find site:- Leave A16 at junction 4 and follow signs towards Wimile, at roundabout take exit that takes you under A16 and then take D233 towards Pernes, the site is about 2 kms through the village on left. Take care as its not very well signed. Alternatively, from the direction of either the A16 or A26 take the N42 and leave at junction signed for Conteville on the D233 and follow this road towards Pernes, watch out for site on right 2 kms from Pernes. The D233 is quite narrow and in places uneven, this is no problem if you take it easy along the road. I would suggest that you don’t approach site from La Capelle as the road even narrower.

This small site is situated in the grounds of an old manor house as the name implies. There are about 30 pitches, mostly on grass but there are at least two on hardstanding, which would be useful for motorhomes all are level.
In some ways the site resembles a large CL. Electric points are available, although sometimes you have to plug into a long cable rather than a bollard. The site facilities are housed in old outbuildings including showers, toilets, clothes washing, dish washing and chemical emptying point. Whilst perfectly serviceable the facilities are quite old and perhaps in need of updating although, strangely this would take some of the quaintness away from the site!
There are no facilities for children on site and none nearby so not the place to bring a couple of teenagers looking for excitement! On the other hand dogs are welcome and the site will assist in arranging visits to local vets before the journey home.
The pricing structure is very strange. Initial fees seem very high but you get a substantial discount on production of a Camping Carnet, Owners Club Membership Card or even a Caravan Club Membership Card. I get the impression that this is used as some sort of control in terms of who camps on this site.

Manoir de Senlecques is a very peaceful site and the owner makes you feel very welcome.
The countryside round abouts is very pretty and worth exploring. Boulogne is quite nearby as is Wimereux. The massive Auchen Hypermarket is only 3 or 4 kms from the site. If you want a site with every conceivable modern facility I suspect you would be disappointed in Senlecques but if on the other hand you like peace and quiet and are not too bothered by using older facilities you could come to love this site.

David Klyne. CLIC. September 2003
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Manoir de Senlecques
45 Rue de la Fontaine
F62126 Pernes dez Boulogne
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region
France

Tel: (0033)0321 833596
Fax: (0033)0321 338385

E-mail: manoirdesenlecques@wanadoo.fr
Web site: perso.wanadoo.fr/..manoirdesenlecques/

Camp site with Gite and bed and breakfast.

Directions:
Leave exit 33 off the A16, second exit at roundabout if coming from Calais (fifth exit if coming from the south (I think) € head towards Wimille, this road runs south next to the A16 for a couple of miles, at the next roundabout take the 2nd exit D233 and go under the A16 - follow signs for Pernes dez Boulogne, through the village and past a cafe/auberge/bar on your left, the site is on the left in another quarter of a mile or thereabouts, you can’t miss it!

We only stayed one night, the owner Gaby is so friendly and helpful and came out to see us off when we left.

The countryside round there is beautiful, we arrived in the dark and we took the scenic route back to the A16 as there was a diversion.
I had a wander round after breakfast and there seemed to be 2 large fields with electric outlets around the outside, and a few hard standings.

Carol Hodgson. CLIC. February 2006

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