Camping de Chantepie--- Second report below--- Fishing site
St Hilaire-St Florent
F49400 Saumur
Pays-de-la-Loire
France

Tel: (0)2 41 67 95 34
Fax: (0)2 41 67 95 85

E-mail: info@campingchantepie.com
Web site: www.campingchantepie.com/en/

It must be some seven weeks that Pat and I returned from what we could only described as a brilliant site.

This site which is included both in the Caravan Club and other commercial brochures is extremely well kept, very quiet and is positioned right on the edge of the valley.

The site has 150 pitches, shop, restaurant / take-away, two swimming pools, two children’s paddling pools, games room, cycle hire and children adventure type play area.

We reached the site having travelled from at 01.00am Stafford via Portsmouth to Le Harve to reach the site by 09.30pm the same day.

Mick & Pat Podmore. CLIC. August 1999

Camping de Chantepie--- Third report below--- Fishing site
St Hilaire-St Florent
F49400 Saumur
Pays-de-la-Loire
France

Tel: (0)2 41 67 95 34
Fax: (0)2 41 67 95 85

E-mail: info@campingchantepie.com
Web site: www.campingchantepie.com/en/

Date of visit June 2001

We had decided to have a couple of days in Saumur on the way back to Caen. We stayed at Le Chantepie high on the hill outside Saumur and with magnificent views over the Loire.

This site has excellent facilities and large pitches. Reception and booking in was very easily dealt with. I again used my Camping Cheques.
We chose a pitch near the rear of the site with the view across the river. We were soon settled in and sat out in the sun with the essential beer. Next door to reception was a well stocked shop. The restaurant is in another building although We did not sample the food during this visit but the menu looked excellent. We did however use the takeaway and could not fault this.
The site has a large outdoor pool. Other amenities include crazy golf, boules area, pony rides, tennis courts. The site also organizes entertainment and trips out. Details are posted daily on a notice board.
Toilet and shower facilities are excellent and spotless.

This is a young site but it has matured a lot since my last visit. Trees and shrubs are now maturing and the privacy between pitches is good. Definitely worthy of a longer stay. A very interesting aspect of this site and it’s sister a few miles away, is that they are staffed and run by disadvantaged youngsters. The whole nature and atmosphere of the site is a tribute to the excellent work they do.

There is much to do and see in the area. We were here a few years ago and this was only a short visit. We visited a Troglodyte village and lunched in Chinon.

David Cuff. CLIC. September 2001

Camping de Chantepie--- Fishing site
St Hilaire-St Florent
F49400 Saumur
Pays-de-la-Loire
France

Tel: (0)2 41 67 95 34
Fax: (0)2 41 67 95 85

E-mail: info@campingchantepie.com
Web site: www.campingchantepie.com/en/

Update: June 2003

This site was to be our destination for the last two weeks of June 2003. It is approximately 7km from Saumur at St Hilaire St Florent.
Situated high on a plateau overlooking the River Loire and valley, it is quite a busy site but very relaxing and the owners are very keen on the peaceful aspect. Noise after 10.00pm is discouraged.

It is a converted farm. The reception, shop, and showers are all in former farm buildings as is the restaurant. The restaurant, shop and take away are all excellent and well stocked. There are 2 swimming pools.
The best pitches in my opinion are at the rear of the site in section L overlooking the river and the valley.
There are quite a few static caravans and tour operators on site but they do not encroach at all. The river is a 200m walk down hill.
The team of disadvantaged youngsters employed on the site still immaculately maintain everything to a very high standard.

On arrival we were greeted by reception staff and escorted to our pitch. We were also given a booklet detailing all the amenities of the site and another with the attractions of the region, these are far too numerous to mention but as a taster I have listed the following:
Troglodyte houses and caves
Mushroom caves
Chateaux at Saumur, Montreuil-Bellay, Montsereau, & others
The French National School of Equitation
Abbaye at Fontevraud
Tank museum
Boating and fishing on the Loire
Zoo
Golf course

The towns to visit are Saumur of course but Angers is not far and Chinon is famous for wine. Saumur is famous for its sparkling wine. It is not allowed to call it Champagne because it is not from that region but it is the same grape and an excellent alternative. There are several houses to be visited and most do guided tours and tasting.
We used the restaurant several times during our stay and found the menu both varied and reasonable, as was the wine. The Anjou campsite wine was particularly nice [red, white and Rosee!]

This site must rank near the top of our favourites list for its position, facilities, cleanliness and ambience

David Cuff. CLIC. July 2004.

Camping de L’Etang
Saint Saturnin sur Loire
F49320 Brissac
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 02 41 91 70 61
Fax: 02 41 91 72 65

E-mail: info@campingetang.com
Web site: www.campingetang.com

Mobile reception OK

Site visited - mid July 2002.

To find site:
The site is about 20 miles southeast of Angers. North or South on Brissac bypass D748 look out for turning signed for St Mathurin on the D55. Follow signs to site which is a right turn off this road.

This site has about 150 pitches, all of which are level. The site is still under development so whilst some pitches have shade most do not. They are all of a generous size, in most cases being larger than what you would expect on a Caravan Club site in the UK. There are three toilet blocks, all maintained to a really excellent standard. For some reason they are all placed quite close to each other rather than being dispersed around the site. Also on site are a number of mobile homes and permanent tents which are dotted amongst the touring pitches. All the other services are situated near to the entrance. These include reception, laundry, shop, bar/restaurant/takeaway. The restaurant/takeaway has a limited selection.
There is an excellent swimming pool complex as well as other play facilities, particularly for younger children. During the peak season the site employs a full-time entertainment organiser. Opposite the campsite is a "Parc de Loisirs" which is also run by the same management. Entrance is either free or at reduced rate to campers depending on season.
We found this a very pleasant site which seems to have the right balance between keeping the children entertained and providing a peaceful atmosphere. The occupants of the site seem evenly divided between Dutch and Brits with a lesser number of French. By the second week of July it was certainly not full so booking may not be necessary until the site matures and becomes more popular which certainly it will.

An interesting aspect of this site is that it is run by an association, with links to Camping de Chantepie near Saumur, that has been set up to provide the experience of employment to handicapped people. They cover a whole range of tasks and I think they can take a lot of pride in what they achieve. I have stayed on a lot of so-called "professional sites" which do not come up to this standard.

Out and about you have the whole of the western end of the Loire Valley to explore. Not only are there more chateaus to explore than you could fit in to your stay but it is also an important wine growing area. Brissac is only a 10/15 walk along the river.

David Klyne. CLIC. October 2002
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Camping de l’ile Batailleuse--- Fishing site
Maine et Loire
Saint Florent Le Vieil
F44370 Varades
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Web site: campingilebatailleuse.com....

Tariff 2002 in Euros:
Adult 1.35 (High Season) Child 0.80 (2 to 7 years old)
Pitch 1.10
Car 0.90
Animal 0.85
Electric 2.00

Site visited: July 2002

All units accepted. Open May to September. 100 pitches.

Directions:
St. Florent le Vieil is about 15km east of Ancenis and 25 km west of Angers, situated on the Loire.

A fair sized municipal site on an island in the Loire, just north of the town itself. It’s easy to find as it’s just off the main road in and out of town. St Florent le Vieil is in Maine et Loire, but the site is technically in Loire-Atlantique as the boundary between the two departments runs along the river.

On first glance the site looks a little shabby, but we came to the conclusion that this was because the sandy soil means the grass is rather sparse. In fact it is a good, basic site with no unnecessary frills. The pitches are all of a good size, well marked out and shady. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the site has a relaxed atmosphere. There is one central block of toilets etc., with unlimited hot water. Unusually the main loos & showers are on the first floor, with dish and clothes washing at ground level. There is also a somewhat exposed pissoir for the chaps on ground level! Facilities are well maintained & clean. There are varying styles of shower, some with push buttons and some with mixer taps and all a little idiosyncratic, but more than adequate.
The price is very reasonable; we paid 4.70 Euros for 2 adults with a tent & car - about £3.20 with showers included, which must be a bargain by anyone’s standards.
The site was reasonably busy but not overcrowded in early July.

Bread and croissants are delivered daily from a local boulangerie - you order and pay for them at the office the night before then collect anytime after 9:30 am. There is loads of information available in the office, and the staff are knowledgeable about the town and it’s surrounding area.
There is a small children’s play area and petanque pitches on site.

The site is within a short walk of the small town of St. Florent le Vieil, which is dominated by the abbey church on the cliffs above the river. The older part of the town is traversed by little ’ruelles’, ancient alleyways that connect the town to the river. A fabulous view is to be had from the ramparts near the church, overlooking the river and the countryside to the north. One of the Grand Randonee footpaths runs along the Loire and is easily accessible. Fishing is possible in the river but I think permits are required. Traditional black ’barques’ can still be seen puttering along the river, and can be hired on the nearby river Evre.

There is a selection of small shops and a few restaurants and bars in the town. There is an Ecomarché, which closes at lunchtime, on the main road heading out of town. We bought lovely pastries and bread in a boulangerie on the main market square. A local vineyard produces white, rose and red wines. It is possible to visit and enjoy a degustation, but we found this out too late on the day we were leaving. However the wine is on sale at the Ecomarché; it is reasonably priced and very nice - well worth seeking out Apparently the rose is their speciality. The campsite bureau can give directions to the vineyard and information on opening hours.

Janette Lee. CLIC. July 2002

Camping de l’Isle Verte
Avenue de la Loire
Montsoreau F49730
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 0033 241 517 660
Fax: 0033 241 510 883

Email: Via web site
Web site: www.campingisleverte.com/

To Find Site:- From Saumur on the D947 direction Chinon. When entering Montsoreau the campsite is on the left, clearly marked. If approaching from Chinon do not try and access the site along the river in Candes St Martin but follow the diversion for heavy goods and caravans via the D7 to Montsoreau. If coming from the south via Loudun the D147 is a perfectly good road.

Camping L’Isle Verte is situated along the banks of the River Loire. It is in walking distance of the village of Montsoreau. There are about 95 touring pitches. The ones along the river are popular but they do also look out on a public footpath which will affect privacy. There is also unsecured access to this footpath from the site in several places. The pitches vary in size and shape although if you have a larger outfit you should be able to find a pitch large enough. Also on site is a variety of other accommodation for hire. The site has many tall trees so pitches have to be selected with this in mind if satellite reception is required. Unusually for France the electric connections are rated at 16 amps via CEE17 blue connectors. Water points are available around the site. Chemical toilet disposal and grey water waste are centrally situated at the motorhome service point. There is quite a nice play area for children. In front of the bar/snack restaurant terrace is a nice swimming pool complex. The single toilet block is situated near to reception. It is of a good quality with seatless pedestal toilets with paper provided. Site wide WiFi is available at additional cost. The campsite accepts Camping Cheques during the low season.

Montsoreau is within a short walk of the site and a little further on is the old town near to the Chateau which is open to the public. Boat trips can be taken from the quay in the town. This site is ideal for exploring the Loire, Vienne and Cher Valleys and the many famous chateaux along the banks of these rivers. Saumur and Chinon are the closest. The Abbaye de Fontevraud is a few miles inland from the campsite. For shopping there is a small supermarket in Montsoreau and a nice Sunday market. For a larger supermarket and fuel there is a Super U in Chinon.

David Klyne. CLIC. 2012
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Camping Ile d’Offard--- Second report below
rue de Verden
Isle d’Offard
F49400 Saumur
Maine-et-Loire
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 0033 241 403 000
Fax: 0033 241 673 781

E-mail: iledoffard@cvtloisirs.fr
Web site: http://www.cvtloisirs.com/

Situated on an island in the river. Go right into the centre of the town, cross the bridge next to the TIC and turn right just before the second bridge and tout droite and you will come to it.

Because of its location it is quite busy with three sets of toilets spread around the site.

When I was there it was about two thirds full and they said they were going to close the second set of toilets (set 3 was already closed) but common sense must have prevailed as they hadn’t closed it by the time I left.

The pitches are separated by hedges and a reasonable size and the facilities are clean.

This site promotes itself as 4* but it fails the pool test badly. In early September the outdoor pool was closed but there was an indoor one which was available for use on only four days of the week and then only for a few hours each day. In addition there is a railway line with a goods train rumbling over it every hour or two and a few late at night but I didn’t find it particularly bothering.
On a positive note Saumur which is very busy and attractive city with excellent cycle lanes.

The chateau standing above the town (closed for renovations) is very impressive but I was even more impressed by the simple dignity of the church of Notre-Dame de Nantilly.
A short distance (15/20 miles) from Saumur are a number of Troglodyte dwellings dating back 200/300 years where people built houses, farm buildings churches etc. below ground and can be visited , cost about 5 euros per person.

There is a supermarket in the centre of the city and a LeClerk on the outskirts (only 2 minutes).

September 2004 price for van, 2 people and electric was 17.50 euros.

Colum Murphy. CLIC. October 2004

Camping Ile d’Offard--- Third report below
rue de Verden
Isle d’Offard
F49400 Saumur
Maine-et-Loire
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 0033 (0) 2 41 40 30 00
Fax: 0033 (0) 2 41 67 37 81

E-mail: iledoffard@wanadoo.fr
Web site: http://www.cvtloisirs.com/

Date of Visit: June 2006

Directions:
Follow the signs into Saumur and the campsite is situated at the end of the island in the Loire River, facing the Saumur castle.

Camping l’Isle d’Offard is the third site we have visited in the Saumur area and the fourth time we have been to the town.
Saumur is probably one of our favourite places in France. There is always so much to do.
We drove up on a Sunday from the South. Sunday is a great day to travel in France as the roads and auto routes are empty.
As we drove north the weather deteriorated. A site never looks as good in the rain but our initial impressions were disappointing. The site is adjacent to the town stadium and public baths. Reception does not look inviting and the bar/ restaurant was very cafeteria like... However we checked in, deciding we would move on if we did not like the site.

I have heard varying reports of this site over the years.
There is no doubt that it is ideally situated just a short walk from town on an island in the River Loire. I believe it was a municipal site and very popular but then deteriorated.
Last year it and two other local sites were taken over by the current owners and improvements are starting to be made. This is one of the reasons we decided to try it. Also if it has made the Camping Cheque scheme it should have improved. Clearly there is a lot of work going on and there is a programme of improvements under way. However normal maintenance such as grass and hedge cutting seemed to be suffering during our visit.

The site used to use the municipal pool next door and due to the change in ownership a new pool was under construction. This was supposed to be finished at the end of May. We were told on arrival it would be another two weeks and that we could use the public baths free. We didn’t!

As I have said reception is in the office building near the entry barrier which is code number controlled. Reception was very efficient and friendly and we were checked in and walked round to choose a pitch.
As we expected it is pot luck if you get one with river views. Some are very small and suitable really only for tents. The pitches vary in size and views.
Once set up I went on my usual exploratory stroll of the facilities. There are three toilet blocks but out of season only two are open. Both are very clean and have all the usual facilities.

The site is spread out on an island in the middle of the river Loire. Some of the pitches have a view across the river to Saumur Chateau. The bar and restaurant currently is part of the one by the open air public pool so it does lack ambience, however I assume that once the new owners have established their new pool this area will not be part of the site and a new restaurant will also be built. At present there seems to be a great deal of change going on so it is probably unfair to be too critical at this stage. Once all the work is completed this could be a very good site indeed.
I have to say that my own impressions were disappointing but as we love Saumur we shall be back and give the site another chance.
The grass was not in good condition and it still had the season to cope with. The hedges had not been cut although I suppose they will be before July. The site seems to have lost a number of pitches at the top where the pool is being built, however for all this there were plenty of people on site and constant movement every day.

Apart from Saumur itself the area abounds with places to visit. Fontevraud Abbey is a must as is Chinon and Chateau Breze to name but a few. I also recommend the tour of the Louis Grenelles caves in Saumur itself.

David Cuff. CLIC. October 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
June 2007 update:

We called here again in June 2007, for a look round as we were staying on another small site North of Saumur. The site was again busy and the improvements have continued. The pool is finished although the restaurant is still not altered. I have to say that once again the place did not really tick our boxes so we decided not to go there. Instead we went to L’Isle Vert at Montsoreau a bit further down the Loire. Smaller and more intimate but owned by the same company.

Date of visits: June 2006 & June 2007

David Cuff. CLIC. October 2007

Camping Ile d’Offard--- Fourth report below
rue de Verden
Isle d’Offard
F49400 Saumur
Maine-et-Loire
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 0033 (0) 2 41 40 30 00
Fax: 0033 (0) 2 41 67 37 81

E-mail: iledoffard@wanadoo.fr
Web site: http://www.cvtloisirs.com/

Directions:
From the A85, follow the signs to Saumur. Take the exit "Tours, Gare". At the next roundabout, take the third exit over the bridge. At the end of the bridge take the third exit on the roundabout to the left on Rue de Verden. Follow this to the end. You pass the Sports Stadium on your right. Reception is the building on the left.

This site is actually a former municipal on an island in the River Loire and convenient for Saumur and surrounding area. It has been greatly improved over the past few years since the current owners acquired it.
The bulk of the 258 spacious pitches are grass with a few surrounding the pool on gravel hard standing. All pitches are hedged and shaded to a greater or lesser degree. The site roads are tarmac. Some pitches on the south of the site overlook the town and the Chateau. Water and electric points [10a] are scattered around the site and some are near enough to connect a hose to for a permanent supply.
There are three toilet blocks on site, but the third one at the far end is only opened when the site is busy. The first one at the top of the site also contains washing machines, driers and ironing facilities. The owners are keen to promote a relaxed and family atmosphere.
A new swimming pool area, incorporating the bar and restaurant has now been completed, which is a great improvement on the old one. Mobile homes are available for hire and these are scattered around the whole site. Camping cheques are accepted and wifi is available in reception and round the bar area

On the approach to the site reception is on the left just past the sports stadium. All the reception staff speak English and are very helpful and efficient. Pitches are allocated or you can walk round and choose as long as you tell reception before setting up just to make sure they have not been booked already. Some are tight for larger outfits mainly because of the narrow site road rather than the size of the pitch. On check in you are given an access code for the barriers and this code is needed to get in and out.

Bread can be ordered from either the bar or reception and collected from the bar after 08:30. There is no other shop on site but with shops a short walk away and two large supermarkets [Leclerc & Intermarche] within a five minute drive this is not a problem. When we were on site the last two weeks of June the bar was open until 14:30 and then again from 18:00. I suspect in high season these hours will be extended.

I was quite impressed with the improvements made to this site. Certainly the location is ideal. A site in a quiet location on an island in the middle of the river Loire but only 10 minutes walk to a lovely town.
The area is brimming with things to do and see. These include unlimited chateaux of course plus the vineyards of Saumur, Champigny, Anjou, Chinon etc. We have now been several times in the area and the only places we have been more than once are the wine growers in Chinon and Louis de Grenelles [personal favourites!!]

David Cuff. CLIC. August 2009

Le camping Ile d’Offard
Rue de Verden
F49400 Saumur
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 0033 241 403 000
Fax: 0033 241 673 781

E-mail: iledoffard@cvtloisirs.fr
Web site: www.cvtloisirs.com

Date of visit, early September 2010.

To Find Site:
Approach Saumur from north or south on N347, on the north bank of the Loire take the D952 in the direction of Tours. At river bridge turn right and once over bridge turn left and follow signs to site.

Camping Ile d’Offard is situated on and island in the Loire just opposite the town of Saumur.
There are around 200 touring pitches many of which are set out under mature trees. There are some statics and ready erected tents on site. The pitches vary in size but all are a good size if sometimes not square in shape. Those along the river opposite the Chateau command an extra premium of €2 a night. A small section of pitches on hard standing, near the Bar, seem to be reserved for motorhomes.
10 amp electrics is available to all touring pitches using CEE17 connectors. Some pitches have water and waste connections.
There are three toilet blocks all of a reasonable quality with seated loos and toilet paper.
The site has a nice swimming pool surrounded by a bar and restaurant. Baguettes can be purchased from the Bar in the morning. Reception is open all day. The site has reasonably priced WiFi but it is not site wide although we managed to get it on our pitch which was near to the first toilet block. Out of the main season the campsite accepts Camping Cheques.

Saumur is only a walk away from the site and a walk up to the Chateau will reward you with some stunning views over the town and Loire Valley. For shopping there is an Intermarche about a mile away. In the town of Saumur there are many other shops and plenty of restaurants. Saumur is about midway between Angers and Tours so a good base to explore much of the Loire Valley.

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

Camping La Breteche--- Fishing site
Base de Loisirs
F85590 Les Epesses
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 00 33 (0)2 51 57 33 34
Fax: 00 33 (0)2 51 57 41 98

e-mail: contact@camping-la-breteche
Web site: www.camping-la-breteche.com

20Km south of Cholet

108 grassed pitches bounded by privet hedges. (possibly a problem for Hay fever sufferers). Pitches are a fair size, adequate for a four berth caravan, awning and car, or large tent(s) for the "smellies".
Some pitches are open to perimeter road, others are in groups of ten or so and are situated in their own little section back from the road.
Most electric hook-up pillars are equipped with four UK type three pin outlets and eight continental type outlets. ALL outlets on the pillar close to my pitch were reversed polarity Pillars are not sited on both sides of the road and so some pitches have to run the mains cable across the road.

Toilet blocks were spotless, cleaned at least twice a day. Three large sinks in the centre for washing up and/or clothes washing. Plenty of (free) showers and WC’s and coin operated washing machine and tumble drier in a separate part of the block. Chemical disposal with hose and flush. Bit of a lift to empty cassette and/or wastemaster.

Bar/restaurant open throughout the week as from July 1st (only Friday, Saturday and Sunday prior to that). Burgers, small pizzas and chips available.

Attended swimming pool is just outside campsite and free entry vouchers are obtained from reception. Christina and Alice at reception both speak good English.

As from July 1st, canoeing and archery available. Opportunity for fishing in the lakes, (I saw one guy drowning a worm but no idea what the fishing was like).

NO shop on site but small supermarché in the village(Les Epesses) Hypermarché called HyperU in next town , Les Herbiers. Bread van comes round between 8-30 and 9-00 each morning with croissants, baguettes and brioche.

Campsite is about ten minutes from Le Puy du Fou. Big park with medieval city, 18th century village, spectacle of birds of prey and other events. At weekends in June, July, August and September there is "Cinéscénie, a "son et lumiere" show depicting the history of the Vendée starting at 22-30 and finishing at 24-30. Booking very necessary.
Le Puy du Fou is well worth a visit. (web site). Tel: 00 33 (0)2 51 64 11 11.
Someone recently visited a site in Saumur and mentioned the booklet outlining 11 other tourist sites in the area. These are also given when you contact Le Puy du Fou.

There are also 24 chalet cottages at La Bretéche presumably for B & B. Campsite is open from 1st April to 30th September.

Jack Baker. CLIC. July 2003

Camping la Garengeoire--- Second report below
F85150 St. Julien-Des-Landes
Vendee
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 02 51 46 65 39
Fax: 02 51 46 69 85

E-mail: info@garangeoire.com
Web site: www.camping-la-garangeoire.com/..

Last year we spent a week in the Vendee at La Garangeoire in St Julien des Landes. It’s a large site with a significant static tent presence and a lot of noise! There’s loads to do for children of all ages. There is a swimming pool, lake, woodlands with marked walks, horse riding, football pitch, recreation field, tennis, pizzeria, small bar with TV.

Our pitch was huge - I don’t think we’ll ever see one like it again! To give you some idea, on the pitch next door, there were two caravans with two 4x4 cars and a sun shade (marquee style) in the middle. At that time we had the tent and even though that was a 6 berth Suncamp Pavilion we could have played football in between the car and the tent!
On the negative side, because there was so much room, most of the other people around decided to take a short cut to the toilet blocks straight through our pitch! It really wound me up to be sat having dinner and people just wandering through (even though they did say hello!)

We did enjoy our time at La Garangeoire but thought we would have enjoyed it more if our friends with children had been with us. The weather wasn’t very good either (July 98) and there was very little to do outside the site without driving for some distance.

If you want any more info, please let me know.

Kim Phelan. CLIC. July 1999

Camping la Garengeoire--- Third report below
F85150 St. Julien-Des-Landes
Vendee
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 02 51 46 65 39
Fax: 02 51 46 69 85

E-mail: info@garangeoire.com
Web site: www.camping-la-garangeoire.com/..

We stayed at la Garengeoire, a Castels site (no 150) for 4 weeks last year during June 2000. Very quiet then. A great site with very clean Toilet blocks. Good swimming pool and a decent on site shop. Obviously a few francs dearer than the supermarkets.
We were on a fully serviced pitch with 10amps, our own water and waste outlet. Other areas were more open without shade but still generous in size.
Lots of static’s and euro camp tents so could be rather noisy in July and August.
The site is on a very large estate that has a lake and very pleasant woodland walks.

In the local area you may find the Antique bric-a-brac street market at Apremont interesting. Its about 4 or 5 miles north on the D21 from the site. It takes place on Sunday morning/afternoon. We got some very interesting items there.

If you are interested in playing golf, there is a very good course at Coex not to far away. Coex also has the nearest supermarket.

In St-Julien-des-Landes (Very close to the site) the pharmacy is good and the guy that runs it is very helpful even helping me with my very poor French when I was trying to get some Quinine tablets for my wife’s stomach cramps.

The lady that owns the site was very friendly and helpful.

Highly recommended.

Harry Rogers. CLIC. July 2001.

Camping La Garangeorie (Castel)--- Fourth report below
F85150 St. Julien-Des-Landes
Vendee
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 02 51 46 65 39
Fax: 02 51 46 69 85

E-mail: info@garangeoire.com
Web site: www.camping-la-garangeoire.com/..

This 4 star site is located a little over a mile from La Chapelle Hermier on the road to St. Julien des Landes. Take D6 from Aizenay or St. Gilles Croix and go south on the D21 to La Chapelle and then towards St. Julien.

I had hoped to join a Camping Caravanning Carefree Rally for a few days (I hadn’t booked) but found out that the rally stewards didn’t welcome gatecrashers! That aside, this is a very good, well set up large family site with all the usual facilities, swimming pool, slide, kiddies pool, café, take-away etc. The pitches are of a good size separated by hedges.
There are a variety of activities each day for children and some for adults also.

All the facilities were spotless and the staff very helpful.
I would imagine that it is very busy for most of August but outside that period should be less so.

My only complaints are its size (I prefer small sites) and location which is a bit away from the sea and towns.

September 2004 price for a van, 2 people and electricity was around 20 euros.

Colum Murphy. CLIC. October 2004

La Garangeoire
F85150 St. Julien-Des-Landes
Vendee
Pays de Loire
France

Contact details: On the website
www.eurocamp.co.uk/

Date of visit: June 24th 2011

To find site:
From the south. On entering the small town of St. Julian des Landes the site is signed to the right and is in about 1 mile on the right.
From the north and the direction of Aizenay you will need to leave the D6 and turn left onto the D21, signed La Chapelle Hermier.
Most directions. then say the site is on the left, IT IS NOT. On entering La Chapelle the main road bears around to the right, you will need to turn left to the site at this point. There is no sign here be careful. This is where people go wrong. The site is then on the left in about 2 miles.

This site is a member of Les Castels chain of French sites and I have to say that it is probably the best site I have stayed on in 11 years of visiting France.

The site was classed as 4 star but as from this year it has been given the highest possible rating, that of 5 stars which must say a lot about it.
The site is however remote and a car will be needed. First views are impressive as you enter the main drive you get a good view of the chateau (lived in) at the top of the main drive. Image 1. Turn left here and you then arrive at the reception on the right. Image 2.
The staff are very well trained in customer relations and several languages are spoken. Next door to this is the original site bar which has a TV and computer room, Image 3 but at €4 per the first half hour it was expensive.
We were transported around the site on a golf buggy and shown several vacant pitches. All this and the check in process was very simple and soon we were pitched up.

The site is very large and consists of about equal parts statics and camping. In the main, the two areas are split up on separate sides of the site road. Tour operators are present here.
The pitches don’t have numbers but are all named after animals and birds, something a bit different. The main pitching area is level and in avenues Image 4 and then drops down a slope to the edges of the site. However each pitch has been very well levelled out on these slopes and no blocks will be required. Image 5. This area does appear to get more sun although it also has plenty of shade. Pitches vary in size but all are really big about 120sq yds and upwards.
The only downside to this area is the shower block. Image 6. It was the last one to be built but the shower cubicles are very small. I had to step into the shower tray to close and open the door. A bad design fault for something purpose built. Another block, which is older and nearby solves that problem, the cubicles are very big in this block. There are other blocks dotted around the site. The facilities are spotless and were cleaned twice a day. All toilets are English. There are ample dish washing sinks and plenty of laundry facilities. At the rear of the building is the area for your rubbish. Recycling is a big thing on this site and all bins were clearly labelled as to the contents. The bins in this area was emptied very regularly as you would expect for a site of this size. It was a pity not everyone followed the recycling instructions. A good thing also was that when it was emptied it was swilled down and cleaned. Next to the bins is a new area for emptying motor vans. I understand, at a later date, this will also be doubled up for those who want to wash their cars.

All site entertainment facilities are to the right of the main drive and therefore are at the opposite end to the pitches so there is very little noise to affect your relaxation.
The entertainment area consists of a large swimming pool complex; Image 7 leading off from this is the new bar with a large beer garden area for families. The restaurant is both inside and out Image 9 Image 8 and looks very professional, not your usual cafeteria type. Prices were reasonable.
Next door, in a courtyard, is the site shop and a takeaway which will satisfy most tastes. There is a large field across the road at this point which has a very extensive play park for children and several sports pitches for teenagers. The site also does bike hire at very reasonable rates.
For fishermen there is an onsite lake Image 10 within a very short walk the area around the lake is also geared up with picnic tables for those wanting to eat out alfresco.

There are all kinds of on-site entertainment organised if you wish, mainly for the younger element but some for adults also. All entertainment in this area stops at 10.30 and the site has quite strict rules about noise and car movement of any kind after this time and they carry it out as some youths found out to their cost.

Overall an excellent site with excellent facilities for all parties. During peak season I would expect this site to be at full capacity so some allowance will have to be made for this.
Prices:
Low season. €18.50 plus electric. Up to 2nd July and after late August.
High season. €33.00 Camping cheques are accepted in low season.

Harry Burrows. CLIC. June 2011

Camping La Puerta del Sol
Les Borderies
Chemin de Hommeaux
F85270 Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 00 33 2 51 49 10 10
Fax: 00 33 2 51 49 84 84

E-mail: info@campinglapuertadelsol.com
Web site: www.campinglapuertadelsol.com/gb.html

On initial arrival the site looks fine. The office and parking area appear clean and efficient. However this is only a first impression of which we will be soon disillusioned.

On booking Caravan Club stated that they could not guarantee that we would be pitched together and this we accepted. We did state that we would like to be on larger pitches which Caravan Club said they would pass on that information to the site as per the brochure.

On arrival at our pitches we found that we were on amongst the smallest and perversely the largest outfit was on the smallest pitch etc. This of course we rectified ourselves and proceeded to set up.

We found the pitch to be dirty and certainly not maintained in any way since the last outfit left. After cleaning up bottle tops, cigarette ends and general rubbish we proceeded to level off and set up the awning.

The Travel Service book states that this site is mostly grass, perhaps that is what the writer had been on, the surface was loose stones and sand, more like hard core than grass! We finally erected the awning with extra length rock pegs and stones holding it in place.

The site is a Grand Comfort site that I was later told meant it had its own facilities on every pitch. I carry both a 10m and a 25m electrical cable, if my continental adapter had been of the standard type sold in UK, I would have had to use both to hook up. However as my adapter is 2m long I managed to make the connection with that and the 25m cable. The water supply for my sole use was at the same point. Fortunately I was not planning on using this facility, but if I had booked a GC site with that in mind I would have been disappointed to say the least.

So eventually we are all set up and settle down to relax. On our first night we were sat around a table on our pitch having a quiet drink when we were asked to be quiet by the security guard patrol. Funny the bar was open on the other side of the site and we could not hear him for the singing etc. coming from there. The irony of this came apparent over the rest of our stay as we were constantly woken during the ensuing nights by the raucous behaviour of the guards themselves. My French is quiet good and their topic of conversation left little to the imagination as to what they were up to with their "girlfriends" for this week. My wife’s French is not so good but rapidly improved given the nightly lessons provided free.

Due to the long journey down from Scotland and the lack of sleep we ventured little further than the local supermarket and the site pool for the first couple of days. However all was not well here either. We suffered from cuts and grazes from the pool. But was it the pool at fault, the glass we removed from the pool? No, despite evidence to the contrary we and all the others who complained were "allergic to the chemicals used in the pool" and so nothing could be done. This not our fault, could not care attitude was reflected in the cleanliness or lack off it in the toilet blocks. At one point it was three days before even rudimentary cleaning was carried out on the blocks.

As rested as we could be with our disturbed nights we decided it was time to explore the local area. A quick visit to the site office was to bring more disillusionment. The information there was limited to a couple of pamphlets and the days of the local markets. When specific questions were asked there was little or no information forth coming. We found our way to the Tourist information office in town before anything was found out.

This last seemed to sum up the site completely. They were in business to make as much return for as little effort as possible. The shop, bar and indeed all facilities are the minimum required to achieve and maintain the star rating under the French system, and no more. The brochure entry would more accurately reflect the site if it read:..’Noisy, expensive, poorly maintained site. Best avoided unless you are after the thrill of the French security guards’.

David Benison. CLIC. March 2000

Camping le Beauchene--- Fishing site
Avenue de Lattre de Tassigny
F85440 Avrille
Vendee
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 00 33 2 51 22 30 49
Fax: 00 33 2 51 22 37 60

E-mail: campinglebeauchene@wanadoo.fr
Web site: http://www.lebeauchene.com/gb.html

Open Easter to 15 September. Pets welcome.

A super site, quiet well shaded, good size pitches. Within walking distance of a small town with all facilities. Large modern swimming pool. Small children’s play area. Fishing lake on site. Good facilities for washing and dish washing. Washing machine. Good toilets and showers and Elsan emptying points.

The owners are a young French couple who have taken over in 2003. They speak English. Many improvements being made. A "beer and frites" bar was being built in June while I was there for 3 weeks. In that time there were never more than 5 ’vans present! But it will be busy in August.

There are 40 mobile homes on one half of the site, the rest is for touring ’vans and tents. It was so calm when we were there that I could watch a buzzard chick being raised in a nest - from my ’van!

There are some good restaurants nearby and several villages have small markets on different days, all within 10 miles. A long distance footpath runs nearby.

The best beach is about 5 miles away "Les Conches", it is superb! There are several more acceptable beaches within 10 miles. We prefer to be away from camping sites right on the coast.

The nearest town "Lucon" is chic. There are several man-made lakes in the area also several forests. The "flesh-pots" of Sable d’Ollonne and Tranche sur Mer are within 25 miles. The site can readily be reached from Cherbourg or Le Harvre or Caen or St. Malo in one day.

Roger Manley. Internet. July 2003
roger.manley@btinternet.com

Le Chant D’Oiseau
F49390 Mouliherne
Maine et Loire
France

Tel: (0033) 272 15 09 76

Site visited: September 2007

Site view 1 --- Site view 2 --- Site view 3 --- Site view 4

Le Chant D’Oiseau is a beautiful CL type 12 pitch site in Mouliherne about 20Km from Saumur. It is a very rural site and the English owners Stu & Sybil Bradley are lovely people. As well as the site there are three gites for hire in the grounds. The site is effectively a large lawned garden to one side of their farmhouse home with mature trees scattered about. The entrance gates are kept shut so security is good and young ones can run round without parents worrying. There is no road round the site so traffic is kept to the minimum.

The facilities are excellent and kept spotlessly clean. They are situated in a converted outbuilding. Showers are hot and free. The site electricity amperage is 6 amps and the points are all in easy reach of the caravan pitches. There are no set regimented pitches. Stu prefers to keep it informal so you just pitch where you prefer or where there is space. This year a small above ground pool has been added to the facilities. Unfortunately the weather during our visit meant it was not warm enough to try.

The atmosphere is so friendly and relaxed you don’t want to leave! We were there for a week and were loathe to move on. Nothing is too much trouble for the owners. You can e mail a basic list of shopping requirements and they are waiting for you on arrival. I asked for a dozen Desperado beers to keep me going till we could get to the supermarket and Stu actually had them chilled for me! Now that makes for a 5* site! Who else offers you a cup of tea or coffee when you arrive at their site? Twice a week Stu & Syb do a family meal for the campsite in the gazebo. All are welcome and for €10 I can heartily recommend it. Three courses plus cheeseboard and wine! It is a fabulous ice breaker.

Another thing being introduced for 2007 is a weekly wine tasting done by a local wine grower. We were actually the "guinea pigs" for this venture as the first one was the week we were there. It seemed to be a great success with several campers going back to their caravans laden with boxes and bottles. Unfortunately David, the French wine merchant spoke no English and it would have been nice to have some information on the wines. However as this is developed over the season I am sure that Stu or his son will give a more detailed commentary to us folks who speak so little French, but who keep trying to learn a little more.

Vernantes is less than 10 minutes drive and has an excellent boulangerie and a Super U supermarket and these were perfectly adequate for all our requirements. Saumur and its attractions are 20K away.

This a great little site. It has a peaceful and relaxed ambience. It is well run by a really friendly family who welcome you as lifelong friends. It came highly recommended to us and we are happy to pass that on. We shall definitely return. You can judge for yourself on www.loire-gites.com. Or better still pay them a visit.

David Cuff. CLIC. October 2007

Camping Les Brieres du Bourg
Route d’Herbignac
F44410 Saint Lyphard
Parc Regional De Briere
Loire Atlantique
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 02 40 91 43 13

The Grande Briere area (north of St. Nazaire) is our equivalent of a National Park and is very attractive in much the same way. It is a wet land area with a series of canals running through it.
There are several places, Les Fosses Blancs, Breca and Ile de Fedrun where you can go on organised boat trips through it.
Should be rather good for bird and wildlife watching.

The campsite is on the D47 on the edge of the town on the Herbignac side. It is one of the few in the Parc and when we were there (end of August) it was very quiet.
There were quite a few static homes on the site and more for sale.

The site facilities are very good (no loo paper) and there is a medium sized swimming pool but I found the site too heavily shaded and rather dark.

St. Lyphard (5 min walk) has a few eating places and a supermarket.

You need a hook-up adapter.

August 2004 price for a van, 2 people and electric was 20 euros.

Colum Murphy. CLIC. October 2004

Camping Les Brunelles
Le Bouil
Longeville Sur Mer
F85560
Vendee
Pays-de-Loire region
France

tel: +33 (0)251 33 50 75

E-mail: camping@les-bruneles.com
Web site: http://www.les-brunelles.com

We stayed here in September 2007.

A very busy but excellent 4 star campsite located close to the local Sud Vendee beaches (700 metres) and coastal towns of Jard, Longeville and La Tranche. 20kms from Sables D’Olonne.

Good access roads but narrow in places, to site and on site.

Best route in we found was via the N160 passed La Roche Sur Yon then take D21 to the site. Other roads in looked very narrow and with blind bends.

Roads on site were good but a large outfit would find it tricky to pitch but not impossible. Thankfully our motor mover earned its’ money here for me.

Approx. half the site were mobile holiday statics and half were for touring.
Hedged pitch sizes vary from a small 60m2 to 100m2 and are slightly sloping and part shaded.
Electric hook ups are ample, reverse polarity and of the 3 pin Euro type.
Mains water tap and waste by the well maintained, modern, well appointed and very clean shower blocks.

The feature of this site is the fabulous heated swimming pool and new 2007 aqua-park complex which is excellent. There are slides, bubble pools, lazy rivers, indoor section, and more. It has all been nicely landscaped with ample sun bathing areas and sun beds.

Modern reception area with friendly and helpful staff but try to avoid busy Saturday change over days where the queues for reception were long.

Modern and nice bars, restaurants, site shop, launderette, kids clubs, play areas, Petanque, bouncy castles, tennis, to name but a few.

This site well caters for couples and families of all ages.
We stayed on site with our daughter, husband and two grandkids and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
We would all highly recommend this site.

Laurie and Sandra
This report appears on www.madcaravanner.co.uk and was copied with the authors permission.
CLIC September 2008

Camping le Serpolin--- Fishing site
F49560 Clere sur Layon
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 33 (0) 241 52 43 08
Fax: 33 (0) 241 52 39 18

E-mail: info@loirecamping.com
Website: www.campingleserpolin.com

What a gem !

This is a "CL type" site for up to six ’vans. It is in a HUGE field with all facilities, including 10 amp electricity. The owners are English and very, very kind and helpful but they do not intrude.

We spent 4 glorious weeks there in May/June 2003. It is absolutely quiet and calm. No children. Pets welcome. Ducks and chickens on site. A small, well stocked fishing pool on site. A large swimming lake nearby. The total darkness at night make the stars wonderful to see.

The wildlife is incredible. We had Hoopoes grubbing within 5 feet of the ’van and nesting in an adjacent tree. Buzzards and kestrels are common. We were privileged to frequently watch a Pallid Harrier quarter the field. There are Hares and Deer.

The village is a mile away and small but it has an excellent winemaker "Le Petit Clocher" where an excellent Rouge d’Anjou is €2.5 per litre "en vrac".

The site is 10 minutes south of Vihiers where there is a large, modern supermarket and a large, weekly market. Saumur is half an hour away. The Loire Valley with wonderful views and quiet stretches of vast sand banks is to hand. Many fine Chateaux are within easy reach. As is the unbelievable entertainment at Puy de Fou with chariot races; vast battles; an enormous pageant through the history of France; a son et lumiere and impressive fireworks. quot;Futurscope" at Poitiers is readily reached.

The owners provide storage facilities for equipment and will "winter" your ’van.

VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Roger Manley. Internet. July 2003

Camping Le Thouet--- Second report below
Les Coteaux du Chalet
F49260 Montreuil Bellay
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 00 33 241 38 74 17

E-mail: contact@campinglethouet.com
Web site: www.campinglethouet.com/domaine_uk

In a nutshell:
Unwelcoming entrance to site at the end of a rough, single, tractor track. No passing places, therefore care required. Campsite unkempt field. Site desolate. Not easy walking distance to nearest village.
Could not recommend.

More detail:
The site takes both caravans and tents. If I can remember correctly it is €18.50 a night.

It’s supposed to be three star and in their ad. in the caravan club magazine the English owners describe it as a beautiful site. In our opinion, it’s a field of rough grass, with no made-up roads/paths, hedging/shrubbery to mark pitches.

Toilet block is small and new (but we didn’t take a look).

In fairness, it IS, as described, quiet, peaceful, adults only , and that is correct, but that’s it. It might suit people would want to "rough it" on holiday. The site takes both caravans and tents. If I can remember correctly it is €18.50 a night. We saw only one water point in the field, but there may be others.

Directions:
Montreuil Bellay is south of Saumour on the (La) Loire. On the map look for Le Mans. Follow the N23 south to La Fleche, then the N138. Montreuil Bellay is between Saumur and Thouars (just off the N138). It’s supposed to be one of the prettiest villages in France.

Imternet user. September 2003.

Camping Le Thouet--- Third report below
Les Coteaux du Chalet
F49260 Montreuil Bellay
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 00 33 241 38 74 17

E-mail: contact@campinglethouet.com
Web site: www.campinglethouet.com/domaine_ukk/

An up-date.....

Further to your member’s comments about this site, I thought that we would add a few (hopefully) useful additional thoughts of our own.

We first visited this site about 5 years ago and found it very much as advertised. Quiet, peaceful and restful. Particularly if you value space and pleasant adult company. However, maybe we are getting a little too used to our creature comforts, we do now find the limited water points and basic sanitary arrangements somewhat restrictive compared to some of the more commercial sites.

As a result we have preferred to visit (in the quieter times of June and September) sites within the Castels chain. Particularly those taking Camping Cheques as they work out much cheaper.

I hope that this comment helps to encourage prospective visitors to Le Thouet if basic facilities and relaxation are your thing - don’t be too put off!

Keith and Jean Hunter. Internet. July 2005

Camping Le Thouet
Les Coteaux du Chalet
F49260 Montreuil Bellay
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 00 33 241 38 74 17

E-mail: contact@campinglethouet.com
Web site: www.campinglethouet.com/domaine_uk

As a newcomer to CLIC I thought I would add some further details.

We visited this site in 2006.
The owner had been seriously ill and had other pressing issues in the UK, due to this we accepted the poor condition of the site, but after reading your camp site description in the 2003 review nothing had changed.

The advert in the Caravan Club magazine (not in for 2007) stated ’unsuitable for children’ and we were pitched on the right hand side with other couples. There were children on site but in the camping/tent area.

The site was fairly peaceful, the bread/croissant order was taken in the evening, the pool and bar were open to non residents for three euros per person per day, the pool, small bar and pool area were spotless. The rubbish bins were emptied and bottles were collected weekly, the toilets (no toilet paper) showers (hot and free) and washing up area were rarely clean so we used our own facilities in the caravan. The facilities needed upgrading by painting, repairing and cleaning. The site needed a grand makeover.

Nadia worked a very long hard day and was always very friendly and helpful.

The town of Montreuil Bellay is interesting, the evening poolside restaurant was excellent, our caravanning neighbours were wonderful and we stayed as planned for two weeks paying 18.5 euros per night with electric. Still with all this in mind, we will return again someday.

Elaine Chapman, CLIC. August 2007

Camping l’Europeen
F49320 Coutures
Angers
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

web site www.eurocampindependent.co.uk/campsites/

About 15-20 minutes drive from the motorway, about 4 miles south of the Loire River and in the grounds of a vertually derelict Chateaux Montsabert. Over the road from an excellent vin yard :-)

Sign posted a little obscure (yes we missed it) in Coutures, but if you approach from the north side of the river, it is sign posted well.

Close to where you come off the motorway is a Hypermarket otherwise you have to go to Samur or D le fontaine which both are quite a hike.

Site has good access with gates open from 6am to midnight - you can park up otherside of the barrier (£10 deposit for key) overnight.

All facilities are close together (this isn’t a hugh site), with the fenced pool along side the pool bar (shame) cum restaurant, cum bar. The site doesn’t have a shop, but you can put your ice packs in the freezer behind the bar, buy UHT milk and order bread/croissants/pain au choc (yummy)

the utility block has ladies toilets, ladies showers (with wash basins) mens toilets, mens showers, the launderette is by the ladies facilities, at one end is the washing up area and o’other has the big sinks for hand washing hot water is free, stairs at each end to upstairs to the games room & TV rooms.

Next to the utility block is a good playground and a small piece of the wood to play in. Opposite is the Pentanique zone.

Pitches are really big and individually hedged and are pretty close to facilities. there are a few statics and Eurocamp efforts which are further away. Down by the entrance (other side of small wood) are more pitches which also have electric and are very secluded - quite a walk from the loos, so more for the ’with loo’ people!
I think all pitches have electric - although we didn’t use it.

The site is run by 3 brothers and they seem to work from dawn to dusk Mon to Sunday without a break! Really clean.

The pool bar cum restaurant has a chef and produces good quality/value meals. the local vino is about £4 a bottle, bar opens about 8am and closes about 11pm, the seating area is under canvas so you can hear the buzz in the evening.

When we were there, England were playing France and good natured banter went on between us english and the french tourists :-)

Lindsey Webb. CLIC. November 2000

Camping Municipal Clair Matin
F85330 Noirmoutier-en-l’ile
Vendee
Les Sableaux
Noirmoutier
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 02 51 39 05 56

Site visited July 2002

Tariff 2002 in Euros:
Up to & incl. 3 people 11.60 (inc. pitch & car) - minimum charge! (High Season)
Additional adult 2.25
Additional child 1.90
Electric 3.20

All units accepted. Open Easter to end October.

Directions: The site is about 2 km to the east of Normoutier-en-l’ile, near to the Les Sableaux beach.

This is a big, busy municipal site. It was a little difficult to find - the town centre was full of cars & people when we got there & we had to park up and ask for a map at the tourist office. Once we had this, though, we didn’t have too much trouble.

There are large, sandy, numbered pitches, and the site is broken up into smaller areas by trees and bushes. It’s an organised site, with an office staffed until quite late in the day, but we were free to choose a pitch so long as we told them which one it was. We tucked ourselves away in a quiet corner near the entrance. All the pitches appeared to have electric and were nice and flat. Drinking water taps were in short supply, at least in the section we were in. We camped here during the first week in July and it was pretty busy - in high season it is probably absolutely packed.

The facilities were adequate but not brilliant - showers cost an extra Euro, which seemed excessive compared to other municipal sites. There are 2 or 3 toilet blocks scattered around the site so you’re never too far from a loo. They were well maintained and there seemed to be just enough loos etc. to go round - but competition for the showers is probably intense in late July & August. The site is a short walk to a lovely, long sandy beach, which was obviously very popular. There is another, huge site that runs along the beach & has direct access - this site has a bar/café which appeared to be open to anybody. Again, the beach probably gets quite busy in the high season. We walked along the sand during both evenings we camped here though and it was almost deserted.

The town of Noirmoutier-en-l’ile is a 15-minute walk via footpaths that border the salt marshes. These are protected as a fragile environment - there is information about this available at the tourist office. Salt marshes surround the town and the salt is harvested and sold in local shops and at the market. It’s quite a startling sight to see all the mounds of salt crystals drying in the sun on the flat, low-lying marshes. The landscape around here, and indeed on the mainland in the Vendee, is really flat and windswept - it reminded us very much of some areas of Holland. However, the buildings have a very Mediterranean feel - mostly painted white with shutters and doors painted all shades of blue from turquoise to navy, with the occasional rebel going for green! We did wonder if there was a local by-law governing what colours could be used! The roofs are made of those lovely, curvy terracotta tiles, which add to the Southern feel.

The town itself is bustling, with all sorts of shops, bars and restaurants. There was a market in progress on the Sunday while we were there, selling everything from local salt to dubious fashion items. There was the most fabulous old-fashioned roundabout, which had an upper floor! Something I haven’t seen before, although we saw what may have been the same one a couple of days later in Honfleur. There is also an indoor produce market, which was sadly closing up as we got there. It seemed to sell a lot of local produce - cheeses, fish, meat, dairy produce, fruit & vegetables etc., and I wish we had been there earlier to have a proper look around. The town has a lot of character despite being an obvious tourist destination and we enjoyed ambling about the centre just looking at everything.

Janette Lee. CLIC. August 2002

Camping Municipal de la Foret --- Second report below
Sille-Plage
F72140 Sille le Guillaume
Normandie-Maine
NW of Le Mans
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 02 43 20 11 04

E-mail: campingdelaforet@wanadoo.fr

Editor note: October 2007
Large site, wc, showers, hook-up , gas, shop, playground, boating, lake swimming, fishing, dogs, open 1 Apr -31 Oct.

This is a forest site about 2 miles north of Sille, which is about 20 miles NW of Le Mans in Normandie-Maine.

It is on the edge of a lake where there is a small beach and some bars but the weather was changing when we were there so it was deserted. Follow any signs, which say plage and you will come to it.
The site has hedge marked pitches around the outside and a central area under pine trees where the pitches are less clear.

There is no shop but the warden will bring back bread each morning from the town if you order it.

The facilities are new and first class.

A good site but I felt a bit isolated, however if you are into fishing this could be a site worth noting as many of the people on the site would set off early each morning with a fishing rod in hand. I am afraid I didn’t notice if they came back with bulging bags or not. There are even two outdoor sinks specially for fish cleaning.

We had a great day out cycling in the Alpes Mancelles (north of the site) and the local villages and noticed camping sites in St. Georges le Gaultier and St. Paul le Gaultier, We stopped on the way to look at a wedding in a chateau and were invited in for a drink of champagne.

This is still a really French area but for how long? We stopped at an Apple Festival and got into a conversation with a youngish French working man who complained about all the English, Irish and Germans who were buying houses in the area and making them expensive for the likes of him!

September 2004 price for van, 2 people and electric was 12.10 euros.

Colum Murphy. CLIC. October 2004

Camping de la Forét
F72140 Sillé le Guillaume
Pays-de-la-Loire
France

Tel: +33 02 43 20 11 04

Email info@campingsilleplage.com
Web site: campingsilleplage.com/..

This is a typical French forest site situated in a nature reserve area about 23 miles north of Le Man. It is available on the ACSI card scheme and the manager said she hoped to be able to take Camping Cheques from 2012 onward.

The site is pretty basic in itself. There are the usual mix of chalets/mobile homes and camping pitches as well as some wooden “Gypsy” vans for rental. Pitches are a good size with electric hook-ups and numerous water tap/waste water drain points. There are 2 toilet blocks which were clean and in good repair, each divided into male and female ends with each end being separated into toilets and showers/basins. Slightly unusual were the toilet seats though... there weren’t any !! Instead the porcelain pan was cast with a smooth rounded profile. (bring your own antibacterial wipes !!). The toilet paper is dispensed from a single holder just inside the door so you have to make sure you take enough before you enter a cubicle.

The nature park has a very large lake at its heart with an artificial ‘beachœ (several thousand tons of fine sand) at one end (the end near the site!!). There are a couple of café/bar/restaurants along the beach end of the lake and at weekends this whole area gets very busy and very noisy. On the Saturday night we were there, there was loud music playing until 1 a.m. That said, one of the restaurants is a Crèperie which serves divine Gallettes and Crèpes. We ate there 3 nights out of the 4 we were there.

For those CLIC’ers who want outdoors action holidays then you may well like this site. There are a number of ever more challenging walks and BMX bike routes around the lake and through the forest tracks. Bird-life is stunning too, a twitcher’s delight. However, there is no swimming pool onsite but swimming is permitted from the ‘beach’ on the lake.
The lake also has fishing on it. As far as I could make out from the various notices this is for trout and carp.
Fishing does however require a permit which is not cheap. They range from €5 for a day, €30 for a week up to €75 for a season ticket. I’m not sure how good the fishing is but there seemed to be plenty of movement quite close in to the bank. There is a 6 fish maximum on the trout fishing.
The lake also has a paddle steamer which runs cruises several times a day as well as pedaloes for hire. There is also a land-train which chugs around the park.

Not being sporty action types, we didn’t feel there was enough here to occupy us for any length of time. A visit to the old “Plantagenet Citè” in Le Man is worth a day out however. The cathedral is quite stunning and the market on Friday is huge. If you do go there, try having lunch at a restaurant called “Auberge des 7 Plats” in the old city. You can eat on one of 4 floors including a cellar and the food was excellent. The 4 of us had the ‘menu du jour’ which gave us a main course, dessert and coffee with a bottle of an excellent house Rosè wine, all for €55.

We’ve added this site to our list of useful 1 or 2 night stoppers for the Caen ferry. It’s only 93 miles from the ferryport so is a good stopover point whichever direction you’re going.

Steve Suter. CLIC. July 2011

Camping Municipal de la Route d’Or
Allée du Camping
F72200 La Fleche
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 02 43 94 55 90

E-mail: contact@ville-lafleche.fr
Web site: www.ville-lafleche.fr

A view of the site click here

To find site:
From the A11 head towards La Fleche and take D308 towards Baugé and follow signs to campsite within a short distance. From the D306 from the East of the town the directions route you through a built up area. An alternative would be to go through the town on the road adjacent to the river and at the roundabout at the far end of the town follow road to Baugé and watch for left turn to campsite.

This is a most delightful Municipal Campsite situated on the opposite side of the Loir from the town of La Fleche. The site roads radiate out from behind the reception. All pitches are on grass, although some have a small base area of sand. The majority are divided by hedges and are of a generous size. Some even have a drive through layout which makes it easy if you are staying just over night.
Depending on what part of the site you choose there are some mature trees to provide shade but the general aspect of the campsite is open.
Water and electricity (10 amp) are handy to all pitches. The campsite also boasts a tennis court and swimming pool.
There are two main toilet blocks of high quality with English style seated toilets but no paper. There are excellent disabled facilities in a small block behind reception. A fourth toilet block near the swimming pool has seen better days but is perfectly serviceable.
Site fees are very reasonable, it cost us just a little over £9 a night which I thought was excellent value.

This site is very handy, 8 miles from the A11, as a stop over site for those going over to the west coast or further south to the Dordogne. It does seem a shame just to use it for an overnight stop as it is worthy of a longer stay. It is a lovely spot and the town of La Fleche is well worth a visit and is only a short walk away. There is a supermarket about a mile from the site on the road to Le Mens.

Date of visit late August 2006.

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

Camping Sablais
Route des Sables
St. Giles des Croix
Vendee
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

This is the closest site to the centre of St. Gille Croix Sur Vie on the Vendee coast. It is on the road closest to the sea on the south of the town.
It is made up of two adjoining fields (field is being a bit generous as the grass was sparse but it was September and the end of the season).

The facilities (unisex) are old and a bit run down but clean and adequate. There are number markers for the pitches and if people keep to their area then the space is reasonable.

Where this site wins is its location, only 5 minutes to a wonderful beach with prom, cafes and bars at one end and a 10 minute stroll in to the town centre which is quite lively at night with many eating places.

I enjoyed my stay but the site was only a quarter full and the weather glorious.

September 2004 for a van, 2 people and electricity (6amp I think) was 12.80 euros.

Colum Murphy. CLIC. October 2004

La Foret
F85690 Notre Dame de Monts
Vendee
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Directions:
From Nantes ring road junction 52 onto the D723 heading towards Ile de Noirmoutier - follow signs for Ile de Noirmoutier until you get to La Barre de Monts then follow signs to Notre Dame de Monts, go through the town and just as you come to the end of the houses turn right - sign posted Ile de Yeu, bear immediately left and the site is about 200m on your left – signposted at the gate.

Owners speak good English and very helpful and friendly.

Small site, a fair amount of statics and pre-erected tents (Eurocamp).
Access to pitches very limited, all caravans need to be pushed in - no room to manoeuvre at all!
Pitches small to medium, surrounded by high hedges and lots of trees. Sandy grass underfoot. So when the sun shines you have to move your lounger/chair to find a bit to sit in!

Order your baguette the day before, chicken and chips available but only if ordered in advance.

Very small children’s play area, table tennis table, boules pitch and communal barbeque, gas barbeques on your own pitch only.
Heated swimming pool, only small and no shallow end, very small children’s pool with a little fountain in the middle.

Toilet block good, nice and clean, showers hot. Washing machine etc. One nice extra - each pitch was supplied with it’s own washing/airing rack. Only 6amp electricity.

Beautiful beaches - cycle path up and down the coast - just outside the camp site entrance.

We used touring cheques here.

Would not like to use this site in the height of summer, be a bit claustrophobic and noisy I would imagine.

We enjoyed our stay.

Carol Hodgson. CLIC. June 2005

L’Etang de la Breche.--- Second report below
5, Impasse de la Breche
F49730 Varennes sur Loire
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

E-mail: info@etang-breche.com
Web site: http://www.etang-breche.com/

Tel: 33(0) 241 512 292
Fax: 33(0) 241 512 724

This is a large site on the outskirts of Saumur. There is a "rentatent" presence but it does not seem to be obtrusive on the site. Pitches are large and all grass but surrounded by hedging or individual mature trees. One can therefore find shade or sun depending on ones preferences. Good toilet facilities are in several blocks. Some however have continental type toilets. All are very clean. The site is usually quite busy and reception closes from 1200 to 1400 so try not to arrive at this time. The site owners speak good English and are very helpful. There is a super pool complex with water slides. Activities are organised on site and there is a children’s club. As a Castels site the facilities must be good. The bar restaurant and shop are excellent.

Off site there are some excellent places to visit. Do not miss the wine caves where the cellars are literally caves deep in the hills. The mushroom caves are also close by. Several excellent Chateaux need visiting. Saumur is also the home of the French National horse-riding Academy. This is a good site that I would have no hesitation in revisiting, as there is much to do and not enough time!

Directions: Leave A85 autoroute at Saumur and follow N152 towards Tours. The river Loire is on your right. Site is on the left 7 KM from Saumur. Approach through a large lay-by on this road which makes turning easier.

David Cuff. CLIC. 2000

L’Etang de la Breche
5, Impasse de la Breche
F49730 Varennes syr Loire
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

E-mail: info@etang-breche.com
Web site: http://www.etang-breche.com/

Tel: 33(0) 241 512 292
Fax: 33(0) 241 512 724

We stayed at this site for a few days in June this year. Yes, it can get very busy and is very popular. However, with the right pitch and with truly great facilities we could really recommend it to you all. The restaurant is really excellent and we had the best meal of the holiday there one evening.

Go for it - I don’t think you will be dissappointed at all.

Keith and Jean Hunter. Internet. July 2005

L’Isle Vert - Montsoreau
Avenue de la Loire
F49730 Montsoreau
Pays-de-la-Loire Region
France

Tel: 0033 (0) 2 41 51 76 60

E-mail: iledoffard@cvtloisirs.fr
Web site: www.cvtloisirs.com

This site is owned by the same group that owns Isle d’Offard just up the road at Saumur and it is also a former municipal site. On the occasion of our visit it was in much better condition than its larger sister. Maybe it was because it was smaller and seemed friendlier. The site occupies a narrow strip of land between the river Loire and the road. There are just 84 pitches. Some back onto the banks of the Loire. All the pitches offer some shade and all are hedged and large although a few are quite narrow. Reception is very friendly and helpful. Entry is via the barrier so security is good as well.

The facilities are extremely clean. The showers are hot. Electricity is 16 amps and unusually included in the price.
A new swimming pool has been built and the bar and restaurant terrace overlook this.
There is no shop but as it is less than a hundred yards into the village and the boulangerie and a small supermarket, it is not necessary. For larger shopping trips there are the hypermarkets in Saumur.

We viewed the site prior to arrival and booked the pitch we wanted in advance with our Camping Cheques.

The restaurant menu is fairly standard but the meals were good. Outside they had tables with barbecues built into the middle. Presumably you can hire these. There is entertainment in high season and a play area for the little ones.

There was some road noise from the D947 which runs alongside but this was not obtrusive. The road runs around the site in a loop.
During our stay the site was busy and there was constant daily movement. However there were always spaces available and the atmosphere remained peaceful and tranquil. There was in fact a British rally at one end of the site and a Dutch one at the other while we were there.

A gate leads out of the site onto the river bank and there are pleasant walks along the river.
Montsoreau village is at the point where the Loire meets the River Cher. It is a pretty village with a very interesting Chateau on the river a short walk away. A short further walk takes you to Candes which is a beautiful historic village with extremely narrow streets. [Caravans not allowed] We walked down for lunch on Sunday in true French style! L’Isle Vert is an excellent site and one where you can see constant improvements being made under the new ownership.

Date of visit: June 2007

David Cuff. CLIC. October 2007

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