South of France - Camping

ElectricP

We're looking to leap into our 1st camping holiday in June with a family of 3kids (5,3 &1).
Fly/Drive ex Dublin. Preferably near to beaches and places we can get away to when the campsite gets too much for the adults.
Can anyone recommend a campsite in the south of France that would suit a young family?
My priorities would include facilities for kids - pool , playground and driving distance to towns / beaches.
Any help would be much appreciated.

jetsonx

This is considered as one of the best family oriented campsites in southern France. Books out fast though.


http://www.labaume-lapalmeraie.com/

ElectricP

Thanks Jetsonx. Looks fantastic.

We'll be sending out an inquiry tonight.

skibum

I would highly recommend the Aloha campsite, this summer will be our fourth year in a row at Aloha. It is just the right size, its location is perfect, right beside an amazing beach, 5 minutes from the nearest town (Serignan), about 15 minutes from nearest city (Beziers), great relaxed atmosphere, lots for the kids to do, pools and water slides are great (they do get a bit busy in peak season, after the second week in july)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsHoIfipioM In dutch, but gives an idea of the place

The kids clubs / activities are great, there are small playgrounds dotted over the site with very high quality slides, swings etc, most mornings when the kids were in the clubs we were able to head off to walk on the beach for about an hour or do the shopping in peace etc. Every afternoon at 12 they have the pool dance, cheesey but great fun, kids love it

we have been to bigger sites which felt like small towns, over crowded, where this place is more friendly / relaxed, but not boring, plently to do.

http://www.alohacamping.com/ this is their website, their allocated mobiles get booked out pretty quickly,
this is our second year using eurocamp http://www.eurocamp.co.uk/sites/france-languedoc/wm022-aloha-village.html
they seem to have a lot of available mobiles at the moment.

Aloha is a member of Yelloh village group http://www.yellohvillage.co.uk/camping/aloha so standards are pretty high.

Another good campiste that we were at in the area is "La Brasilia"
http://www.yellohvillage.co.uk/camping/le_brasilia?gclid=CJGN1J_8wa0CFUNO4QodCSZm_Q
http://www.brasilia.fr/uk/index.php

This site is a lot bigger / busier but very good, but if you book here make sure you are not near the access road, it is noisy, we live next to the M11 in Bray and are pretty much used to road noise, but the mobile we rented from http://www.thomsonalfresco.co.uk/ was unbelievably noisy, the trucks going to port use the access road from about 2am...... bloody mobile shook as they drove by..... if we had a quieter pitch we would have stayed longer (pool complex was amazing), but seeing as the place was booked out thomson moved us to "la Serignan Plage" http://www.leserignanplage.com/index-EN.html
it was quieter but way too big and cramped for us, so we ended up at Aloha ...

Can't wait, roll on 20/06/12

ifElseThen

Going on our first camping holiday with a 6mth old and 2.5 year old. Booked Camping Les Genets in St Jean De Monts.
http://www.camping-lesgenets.net/ with Keycamp.ie. It's only 800mtrs from the beach.
Decided to go to the Vendee region in the hope of getting some warmer weather than Brittany.
The price difference between travelling in June and July/August is crazy.
As the ferry was cheapish we decided to book the 5* cabin on the boat, so at least that should be a bit comfortable. Am hoping our little chap doesn't wig out too much on the 6 hour drive down from Roscoff!

paulmallon

we flew to perpignan last year,hired a car and went to argeles sur mer campsite. its walking distance to the beach,theres a kids club. All in all it was a good holiday. Car hire at perpignan airport is quite expensive though.Its easy to access because its a small airport. The campsite was eurocamp.I would pay the extra for air conditioning.Argeles town is 5 minutes by car and theres lots of cycle paths.

ElectricP

Thanks Paul. We've already booked into Alloh village campsite. Its about 1hr north of Perpignon.
We're doing a fly/drive last week of May and 1st week Jun. Carhire is coming in at €615 (Peugeot 5008 excl baby chair. Ouch!) Looking to bring over our own booster seats for the other 2 kids. I hear you can pick up compactable types somewhere but thats another days work.

I took a quick look at the argeles sur mer and it seems to tick all the boxes for kids. Nicely located for a day trip to the mountains if it all gets too hot!

Thanks for all the helpful responses.

Boardnashea

ElectricP wrote: »

Looking to bring over our own booster seats for the other 2 kids.

Last time we were there we went to the local hypermarche after arrival and got a couple of seats for €5 or €6 a piece to save having to strap them onto the luggage. I don't know if the airlines charge for these? Left them in the car after or maybe drop them in the campsite for someone else to use.

donnacha

skibum wrote: »

I would highly recommend the Aloha campsite, this summer will be our fourth year in a row at Aloha. It is just the right size, its location is perfect, right beside an amazing beach, 5 minutes from the nearest town (Serignan), about 15 minutes from nearest city (Beziers), great relaxed atmosphere, lots for the kids to do, pools and water slides are great (they do get a bit busy in peak season, after the second week in july)

Can't wait, roll on 20/06/12

How did you get on at Aloha? I'm looking at South of France Camping for the first time this yr. Must haves for us are kids clubs - 6yr old, 3.5 yr old and baby - and being as close as possible to a beach. It seems from my initial searches that not many places offer kids clubs for the 3 to 4 yr old range.

skibum

donnacha wrote: »

How did you get on at Aloha? I'm looking at South of France Camping for the first time this yr. Must haves for us are kids clubs - 6yr old, 3.5 yr old and baby - and being as close as possible to a beach. It seems from my initial searches that not many places offer kids clubs for the 3 to 4 yr old range.

Had a great time, weather was great, we were there the last week in june and first week in July, so it wasn't too busy / packed. The campsite is on the beach, so access is perfect.
They have a great pool's for kids, one is very shallow, really safe for young children.

The only thing is availability, it books out for the peak season every year, if you can't get anything through the Yelloh site: http://www.yellohvillage.co.uk/camping/aloha
try eurocamp:
http://www.eurocamp.co.uk/sites/france-languedoc/wm022-aloha-village.html

Our Children are 15 and 10, but I do remember seeing the "pookies club"? which was for small children, it was always full of children, the minders seemed to enjoy their job as the kids were always singing / laughing any time we passed by on the way to the pool.

There are also 4 or 5 areas with slides, climbing frames, seesaws stc throughout the site, all in perfect condition. The whole site is very well maintained.

There were always lots of small kids around / parents with buggies etc.

One activity that the my children always loved was the "Sundance" 12pm every day at the pool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XVVEmGWT-w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n42H7Iv_rYw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvXGay8mIfw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyZwp_Sfa1s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiJeLnQHo-k

If you do go, try the homemade burger from the butcher, he minces the meat in front of you, cooks it to perfection, that with the sauces and toppings make it easily one of the best burgers I have ever had!

stargazer 68

Was going to start a new thread but then found this. Looking at camping/caravans too however no car!! Anyone recommend somewhere close to an airport? We have no kids so kids clubs etc are not necessary.

Was trying to find a travel agent that does packages but can't seem to find one - I like to compare prices.

donnacha

skibum wrote: »

Had a great time, weather was great, we were there the last week in june and first week in July, so it wasn't too busy / packed. The campsite is on the beach, so access is perfect.
They have a great pool's for kids, one is very shallow, really safe for young children.

The only thing is availability, it books out for the peak season every year, if you can't get anything through the Yelloh site: http://www.yellohvillage.co.uk/camping/aloha
try eurocamp:
http://www.eurocamp.co.uk/sites/france-languedoc/wm022-aloha-village.html

Our Children are 15 and 10, but I do remember seeing the "pookies club"? which was for small children, it was always full of children, the minders seemed to enjoy their job as the kids were always singing / laughing any time we passed by on the way to the pool.

There are also 4 or 5 areas with slides, climbing frames, seesaws stc throughout the site, all in perfect condition. The whole site is very well maintained.

There were always lots of small kids around / parents with buggies etc.

One activity that the my children always loved was the "Sundance" 12pm every day at the pool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XVVEmGWT-w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n42H7Iv_rYw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvXGay8mIfw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyZwp_Sfa1s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiJeLnQHo-k

If you do go, try the homemade burger from the butcher, he minces the meat in front of you, cooks it to perfection, that with the sauces and toppings make it easily one of the best burgers I have ever had!

Cheers for that. Managed to book a cottage in the Waikiki area directly with them. One final question for you - would you recommend renting a car? We are flying into Perpignan via Aer Lingus. It looks like a little over a 60 minute drive. We could obviously just get a taxi there - but really want to have access to supermarkets but just can't tell how far a walk they may be.
*Updated - spotted how far the supermarkets were so took the plunge and just rented a car.

skibum

donnacha wrote: »

Cheers for that. Managed to book a cottage in the Waikiki area directly with them. One final question for you - would you recommend renting a car? We are flying into Pepignan via Aer Lingus. It looks like a little over a 60 minute drive. We could obviously just get a taxi there - but really want to have access to supermarkets but just can't tell how far a walk they may be.

You really would need a car, the nearest supermarket (hyper U) is about 10 minutes drive, so it would probably be an hour and a half to walk......

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Aloha+camping+(yelloh!+village),+S%C3%A9rignan+Plage,+France&daddr=Hyper+U+S%C3%A9rignan,+S%C3%A9rignan,+France&hl=en&ie=UTF8&sll=43.27561,3.308185&sspn=0.025902,0.066047&geocode=FaM1lAIdNuIyACFhdF5rpLw0wClH_Vh8HhqxEjFhdF5rpLw0wA%3BFRc_lAIdGhYyACHOh5AxYhI_-ylDZNfClhqxEjHOh5AxYhI_-w&oq=aloha&t=f&mra=ltm&z=15&ecpose=43.27561,3.308185,4631.45,10.534,0,0
(Link only works for me in google chrome)

theres plenty to see and do in the area, markets, Beziers, Canal du midi, restaurants (lovely cheap and cheerful place beside the river on the way to Serignan called "La Rive Gauche" they have stalls selling fresh fruit and veg, and local wine)

St Guilhem Le Desert http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Guilhem-le-D%C3%A9sert
is about 1 hour from the site but well worth it, absouletly beautiful, well worth the effort.

I know you have small children and probably won't be doing much driving, having a hire car would be a big advantage.

You will have a great time, I would love to be going back there again this summer but the boss said she wants to try another area so we are going to a site near Montpellier, about an hour further up the coast.

ElectricP

Hi Donnacha I'm glad you got in as its a fantastic spot. Its everything skibum mentioned and better!
Re car hire -Chances are there might be a dull day so its very handy to have a car for a day trip and the onsite shop is a bit like your local spar. You'd need to get out to a supermarket at least once in the week to do a big shop.
We went up as far as Montpellier to the Aquarium (highly recommend it). Nice way to spend a dull and overcast day and the kids and its very well designed and engaging for the kids. You'll get the details out of the reception at the campsite.

All of skibums recommendations were spot on. The whole family really loved the place last year so it was an easy choice for this years holiday. We're going back for the 1st two weeks of July 13. We booked early this year to get the dates we wanted as we couldn't get anything last year in high season. Its very popular and you'll see why!!

Thanks again Skibum for your help in finding Alloha. Montpellier is a beautiful city hope it works out for you.

donnacha

Cheers for all the tips and advice. Had concluded the rental was the right thing due to distance to a proper supermarket - had it booked and all before I found out how much taxi's cost in the South of France - was going to work out at €200 each way from Perpignan Airport!

So far I've been blown away by how prompt the park have been in coming back to all my questions on email - they seem like a really helpful bunch which is a great first impression.

Will definitely do some sightseeing and will check out some of your recommended destinations.

skibum

Forgot to link their facebook page, they update it regularly
http://www.facebook.com/pages/ALOHA-CAMPING/264024272806

RubyGirl

ElectricP wrote: »

Thanks Paul. We've already booked into Alloh village campsite. Its about 1hr north of Perpignon.
We're doing a fly/drive last week of May and 1st week Jun. Carhire is coming in at €615 (Peugeot 5008 excl baby chair. Ouch!) Looking to bring over our own booster seats for the other 2 kids. I hear you can pick up compactable types somewhere but thats another days work.

I took a quick look at the argeles sur mer and it seems to tick all the boxes for kids. Nicely located for a day trip to the mountains if it all gets too hot!

Thanks for all the helpful responses.

http://www.babygiftcollection.ie/#/shop/4559482372/Bubble-Bum-Inflatable-Booster-Seat/1802469

Just what you need.

April 73

Came across this thread as I was researching campsites in France. I left it a bit late to book but happily managed to get accommodation at Aloha. After reading the reviews & hints on what to do - I'm really looking forward to it.
Quick question for anyone who has been before - are there any restaurants or shops within walking distance? Although we ate going to hire a car, we like to walk in the evenings if we go out for a bite to eat (& a glass of the old vin rouge!)

P.S - I bought two bubblebum seats from Heatons for my then 9 & 7 year old last year. They are great & kids carried them in their hand luggage.

my user name

Hi

For you veterans that have travelled to Aloha.... this is the campsite we are thinking 2014! Can you recommend which company to book with .... want the good accom with AC, Kids Club, Quiet area, BBQ,Decking, Sun Loungers

Thinking of the Waikiki cottages...what kind of prices did you pay Donnacha? Are those cottages in a quiet area? Is it cheaper to book with them direct or with someone else like Yellou?

What about night time - is it quiet enough? We are thinking June.

thanks for your help!

ElectricP

my user name wrote: »

Hi

For you veterans that have travelled to Aloha.... this is the campsite we are thinking 2014! Can you recommend which company to book with .... want the good accom with AC, Kids Club, Quiet area, BBQ,Decking, Sun Loungers

Thinking of the Waikiki cottages...what kind of prices did you pay Donnacha? Are those cottages in a quiet area? Is it cheaper to book with them direct or with someone else like Yellou?

What about night time - is it quiet enough? We are thinking June.

thanks for your help!

---

Alloh website is affiliated to Yelloh village so I think it's all the one but you probably get a better selection through Alloh. I'm there next week so I'll ask as its good to know.
We were there in May last year and it was v quite at night. I'll update if it's any different as I'm heading back next week for 1st 2 wks of July!!

Stab*City

Took the plunge and booked here:
http://www.sequoiaparc.com/en/
Cost me €300ish for 5 nights end Aug Start Sept.

Getting the Irish Ferries crossing paid €492 which was less than half of when i first started pricing back in Feb..

Cant wait! Should be an adventure..

3 nights in paris, 5 in the camp and a couple to do as we like!!

Happicamper

Hi,

I am looking to book campsite in the the South of France. There is that many campsites out there that I can't seem to pick one. I'm hoping if I list what is important to me for the holiday someone here will have some advise.

To be near an airport that Ryanair or Aer Lingus fly into.
To be near a town so we don't have to be stuck in the campsite all the time but I don't want to rent a car. I would consider it but would prefer not to.
Plenty of activities for children ages 3-9.
Nightly entertainment.
Spotlessly clean.

Thanks in advance for any advise given.

skibum

Do not go to Siblu's "Le Lac Des Reves" near Montpellier...........

Happicamper

Hi guys,

Trying to get an overall estimate of price for 2014. If staying in Aloha how much is car hire in july for two weeks.

Thanks advance.

dmn01

Hi there, just wondering did you get any joy on your camping trip.?

im thinking the same for next year.

dmn01

Hi everone,

we am thinking of a family holliday in sth of france for late/june july next year. we have 3 children, 7.5.and 4. there seems to be some good seasoned travelers on here, i need advice./help.

every time i check the key camp web thers less and less available, i was looking at Langue-doc area, and Les sablons park but only because the key camp guy recommended it. i now see that the airport is 60 miles on the wrong side of the road away(LOL), from this park. Is this park any good? there,s allot of talk of a park close by called ALOHA village? ANY BENIFITS ADVANTAGES OF EITHER?

Any advice greatly appreciated????

Do i even have to go this far into France? is there anything better/as good overall that we could ferry to with our own transport.

Happicamper

Hi dmn01,

We booked Douce Queitude (sp) in the South of France for 12 nights in July. It's in the Cote D'azur region. It is close to Cannes and St Tropez. We booked through keycamp for €1340ish.

dmn01

Hi there, thanks for reply,

That one looks really good also,

Tell me this, how can you be sure that youl get flights for these dates, or is it based on the presumption that the same flight schedule will be as of 2013? Have you been there before?

Is a car necessary at all?

Happicamper

Aer lingus have their flights released for beginning of July. We are hiring a car because I don't want to be stuck in at camp. I want to be able to visit St tropez, Cannes, Monte Carlo while I'm there.

I have never been on a campsite holiday before so it's all new to me too.

We also looked at Ahlola (sp?) village but I preferred the surrounding area of Douce Queitude better, that was the deciding factor for me in the end.

hargo

I have done the camping holiday in France for many years in different sites throughout the country and have enjoyed all of them. They are family friendly holiday great for young kids and teenagers alike. I particularly love that whole area between Perpignan and Montpellier to the extent that we bought a place near Beziers. This area has a huge amount to offer from the beachs, canal du midi, river rafting in the mountains, water parks, the obstacle courses they have in the woods which are dotted all over the place and the pont du gard about an hours drive.
My advice from camping was always to book early as possible. We used to book 10 months in advance to have your guaranteed choice and best prices. There is a huge amount of choice in flights in that area. Within two hours driving mostly motorway you can fly direct from Dublin to Toulouse, Carcassonne, Perpignan, Girona in Spain, Rodez (worth flying in there for the view from the new bridge at Millau)and Marseille plus indirect to Beziers and others.
I would say that car hire is a must. Taxis in France are generally very expensive so it is worth hiring a car even to just travel to and from the airport never mind the obligatory trip to the hypermarket or just generally exploring the area. Sign up for the newsletter with autoeurope and book your car through the email offers sent to you will save on going straight to the site. Again book early and cancel if you get a better offer for instance I booked a car for 3 weeks from Carcassonne for next week. The original price was over €500 and I ended up paying €340 through a better offer sent.

dmn01

wow, thats pretty important ,il bettedr check outthe airlingus flights straight away, yes, we will also hire a car now. it seems to be the way forward.

Thanks for advice and help.

Really appreciate it.

I know its along way away but enjoy !!!!