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France Ferry & Campsite info (use Search function) mod warning post 1

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭MorganIRL


    Hi has anyone stayed in this site Atlantic Club Montalivet, south of la Rive, but alot cheaper. Similar site. TIA


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭MorganIRL


    Guys, I'm very confused on car hire in France. My reading of online documents for car hire firms is that there is an excess of €3000, and this is held on a credit card for the period.
    1. Have I read this correct or am I missing something?
    2. Is excessonline.ie the only way to bypass the above figure, or is there another way?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,647 ✭✭✭beggars_bush


    MorganIRL wrote: »
    Guys, I'm very confused on car hire in France. My reading of online documents for car hire firms is that there is an excess of €3000, and this is held on a credit card for the period.
    1. Have I read this correct or am I missing something?
    2. Is excessonline.ie the only way to bypass the above figure, or is there another way?
    Take out your own excess, refuse their insurance, make sure you've a good limit on your card and debts are paid off


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 831 ✭✭✭westgolf


    MorganIRL wrote: »
    Guys, I'm very confused on car hire in France. My reading of online documents for car hire firms is that there is an excess of €3000, and this is held on a credit card for the period.
    1. Have I read this correct or am I missing something?
    2. Is excessonline.ie the only way to bypass the above figure, or is there another way?

    Hi

    Excessonline is one option. We had the same queries this year and ended up going with indigo car hire. They are a kinda broker for car hire deals. Only had to bring car back on full tank and a 250 deposit which could be paid on arrival in cash or credit card so no block on card. Don't book with them until you have dates and flight times to hand.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭MorganIRL


    Gone very quiet on here. booked our hols for June nxt yr. Didn't wait for black Fri, not sure the sales wud be as good this yr. It'll be a holiday of firsts for us. Flying, car hire, 2 wks, south west coast. Haven't booked flights yet hoping for a sale.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭MorganIRL


    westgolf wrote: »
    Hi

    Excessonline is one option. We had the same queries this year and ended up going with indigo car hire. They are a kinda broker for car hire deals. Only had to bring car back on full tank and a 250 deposit which could be paid on arrival in cash or credit card so no block on card. Don't book with them until you have dates and flight times to hand.

    Just looked on indigo, unless they have just changed policies, all the car companies require 1000-2000 excess to be held on a card for car hire and a deposit of 0-300.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,855 ✭✭✭✭average_runner


    MorganIRL wrote: »
    Gone very quiet on here. booked our hols for June nxt yr. Didn't wait for black Fri, not sure the sales wud be as good this yr. It'll be a holiday of firsts for us. Flying, car hire, 2 wks, south west coast. Haven't booked flights yet hoping for a sale.


    Aer lingus sale doesn't beat the prices when first released, is what I found


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    We are heading to Italy for a change. Flying plus Car Hire plus Campsites.

    Flights and Campsites booked but not Car Hire yet.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭Baybay


    Ferry booked including flexibility. A family wedding & then a friend’s wedding bookend the trip as currently booked. Both are also abroad but not in France so debating travelling to the second from France altogether & adding a few days on to the holiday at the end.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,855 ✭✭✭✭average_runner


    SusanC10 wrote: »
    We are heading to Italy for a change. Flying plus Car Hire plus Campsites.

    Flights and Campsites booked but not Car Hire yet.


    What age are the kids? What campsite?

    Think we will leave France after next year, Italy is on our list


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  • Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    What age are the kids? What campsite?

    Think we will leave France after next year, Italy is on our list

    Kids will be 11 & 14. Bella Italia at Lake Garda and Norcenni Girasole in Tuscany.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 831 ✭✭✭westgolf


    MorganIRL wrote: »
    Just looked on indigo, unless they have just changed policies, all the car companies require 1000-2000 excess to be held on a card for car hire and a deposit of 0-300.

    Don't book online. Call their booking line and outline your requirement. That's what I did as I didn't want a large block on my card.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,647 ✭✭✭beggars_bush


    Aer lingus sale doesn't beat the prices when first released, is what I found

    Aer Lingus prices for flights to the continent are way up on last year as far as I can see.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,855 ✭✭✭✭average_runner


    Aer Lingus prices for flights to the continent are way up on last year as far as I can see.

    We got Toulouse 50 - 100 euro cheaper this year.
    Booked when they came available


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,647 ✭✭✭beggars_bush


    really?
    flights to Geneva, Milan, Lyon with aer lingus are more expensive than last year

    and we booked quite late


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,416 ✭✭✭billbond4


    For the tesco tokens, should I make a booking online first(to get online discount) then ring up and ask to pay off some of balance with tesco tokens?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    For anyone thinking of taking the Epsilon from Dublin to Cherbourg, for anyone other than truck drivers, my advice is don't. The ferry is simply not designed for a crossing of 18-19 hours. It looks and feels like a works canteen; zero room to stretch legs, zero entertainment, zero distraction for kids.

    Plus it leaves Dublin Port at the height of evening rush hour so you battle commuter traffic, queues for the East Link and people going to the 3 Arena and then the drive through the port itself.

    The Stena ferry from Rosslare is easier (and almost as quick) to get to, has more space to relax in comfort, a cinema and its a shorter sail.

    I'll give the WBY a try at some point but if its a choice between the Epsilon from Dublin or Stena Horizon from Rosslare, I'd take the latter every time.

    And now they both sail on the same days - customer friendly eh?


  • Registered Users Posts: 32 Jpm123


    billbond4 wrote: »
    For the tesco tokens, should I make a booking online first(to get online discount) then ring up and ask to pay off some of balance with tesco tokens?

    You have to ring them first to use your tesco tokens. When you ring them they will give you the discount price and will charge you a small fee every time you ring and pay some off with your tesco tokens. I think is around €20 each time


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 739 ✭✭✭valtra2


    Thinking of heading to Biarritz this year. Any recommendations on camps for a 5 and 7 year old. Will be hiring car. Was in la clarage plage last year and loved it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,104 ✭✭✭✭loyatemu


    Irish Ferries fare hikes have finally persuaded us to skip the boat next year, going to fly to southern France instead.

    I'll miss being able to take the bikes and all the other crap that gets thrown into the roofbox (and the wine on the return trip), but I won't miss the extra packing, driving etc, and TBH I've had my fill of the ferry itself. The WBY is not worth the money they're now charging for the trip.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,695 ✭✭✭flangemeistro


    I'm looking for a new site myself for anyone in the know please guys.
    We've slowly extended our trips so last year we did 3 sites over 26 nights and this year we're going for the full month because in my eyes getting away is the hardest part so while we're away we might as well stay away.
    Our two Staples are Les Mouettes for the last week or ten days as that's my wife's favourite and to be fair it hasn't been topped yet and the only negative I can find is the surrounding towns aren't plentiful.
    I love Des Ormes mainly because we book with Canvas there and their kids camps and family camps are second to none even though I think the bar area & games room should be 3 times bigger and I wasn't that blown away with the dome last year.
    Just to give you an idea of where we've been in past years we're La Grande Métairie, La Pointe St-Gilles and Domaine De Kerlann.

    Also to give you an idea of our timeframe, we go mid June to mid July which is important as we found La Grand Metairie was like a ghost town in mid June last year, almost non existent night entertainment and we were told the full programme doesn't start until July.

    Also with the youngest turning 2 at Christmas we might be tempted to travel a bit further south if the campsite is worth it so maybe 4.5 hours but nothing more.

    I also wanted to include a few nights in puy du fou this year but all the accommodation is sold out already.

    Thanks very much any info is appreciated.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 284 ✭✭Munsterbhoy


    Anyone else holding out for another black friday deal from eurocamp. I got a 2 bed 2 bath espace in Dordogne in June for €40 pn last Yr. Looking to get a deal in Languedoc region this Yr.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,455 ✭✭✭Beanybabog


    Hello, does anyone know of any good campsite with lodge or chalet type accomodation with 3-4 beds not too far from the ports in France? We went to a Yelloh Village last year and had two mobiles (us and my parents) but some appear to have new mobiles with an extra module on them which would suit us, but I have heard eurocamp have more facilities, but I can only find mobile homes. Appreciate any tips!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭MorganIRL


    loyatemu wrote: »
    Irish Ferries fare hikes have finally persuaded us to skip the boat next year, going to fly to southern France instead.

    I'll miss being able to take the bikes and all the other crap that gets thrown into the roofbox (and the wine on the return trip), but I won't miss the extra packing, driving etc, and TBH I've had my fill of the ferry itself. The WBY is not worth the money they're now charging for the trip.

    Done the same ourselves this year. New experiences and all that. Got a good deal on a site near Bordeaux, didn't wanna wait till black Friday in case Eurocamp didn't Trump up with the reduced rates..

    I liked the new boat, mostly cause it was from Dublin which was easier travelling for us.


  • Registered Users Posts: 140 ✭✭ncit9933


    We got Mid Aug with Irish Ferries for €1000, family of 5.
    July coming in more expensive


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,483 ✭✭✭Macy0161


    Also with the youngest turning 2 at Christmas we might be tempted to travel a bit further south if the campsite is worth it so maybe 4.5 hours but nothing more.

    I also wanted to include a few nights in puy du fou this year but all the accommodation is sold out already.

    Thanks very much any info is appreciated.
    We've done two years at Le Littoral, early season, around the June Bank Holiday. Once in a mobile via eurocamp, and last year in our own tent. They're no longer eurocamp I don't think, but the irish crowd who's name escapes me still had mobiles last year.

    Great up to around 10/11 years old - ours seemed to be outgrowing it, and we're spreading our wings further south next year, otherwise have nothing but good things to say. We also didn't want to be sucked into the same place, at the same time, with the same people... But it's on the list to go back to when the children feck off, and we're travelling alone!

    They have the animations and kids club going when we were there, and didn't see much difference from their change from Yelloh to Sandaya.

    We didn't do puy du fou, but I know others who have done it handy enough from the site. Talmont castle also worth a half day.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,104 ✭✭✭✭loyatemu


    ncit9933 wrote: »
    We got Mid Aug with Irish Ferries for €1000, family of 5.
    July coming in more expensive

    that's OK - we were looking at around 1700 for 5 in July, which is silly money, and 500 more than last year.


  • Registered Users Posts: 84 ✭✭pmpa


    I'm looking for a new site myself for anyone in the know please guys.
    We've slowly extended our trips so last year we did 3 sites over 26 nights and this year we're going for the full month because in my eyes getting away is the hardest part so while we're away we might as well stay away.
    Our two Staples are Les Mouettes for the last week or ten days as that's my wife's favourite and to be fair it hasn't been topped yet and the only negative I can find is the surrounding towns aren't plentiful.
    I love Des Ormes mainly because we book with Canvas there and their kids camps and family camps are second to none even though I think the bar area & games room should be 3 times bigger and I wasn't that blown away with the dome last year.
    Just to give you an idea of where we've been in past years we're La Grande Métairie, La Pointe St-Gilles and Domaine De Kerlann.

    Also to give you an idea of our timeframe, we go mid June to mid July which is important as we found La Grand Metairie was like a ghost town in mid June last year, almost non existent night entertainment and we were told the full programme doesn't start until July.

    Also with the youngest turning 2 at Christmas we might be tempted to travel a bit further south if the campsite is worth it so maybe 4.5 hours but nothing more.

    I also wanted to include a few nights in puy du fou this year but all the accommodation is sold out already.

    Thanks very much any info is appreciated.


    For Puy du Fou, have a look at Domaine de Mélusine, we stayed there last year. Fantastic place to stay for Puy du Fou. Literally, a three minute drive there. Accommodation was spotless.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,695 ✭✭✭flangemeistro


    Macy0161 wrote: »
    We've done two years at Le Littoral, early season, around the June Bank Holiday. Once in a mobile via eurocamp, and last year in our own tent. They're no longer eurocamp I don't think, but the irish crowd who's name escapes me still had mobiles last year.

    Great up to around 10/11 years old - ours seemed to be outgrowing it, and we're spreading our wings further south next year, otherwise have nothing but good things to say. We also didn't want to be sucked into the same place, at the same time, with the same people... But it's on the list to go back to when the children feck off, and we're travelling alone!

    They have the animations and kids club going when we were there, and didn't see much difference from their change from Yelloh to Sandaya.

    We didn't do puy du fou, but I know others who have done it handy enough from the site. Talmont castle also worth a half day.

    Thanks very much, I had a look and it seems right up our street, will probably make that our first stop for 8 nights then up to benodet for another 8 nights and finish off with 10 in Les Mouettes.

    On the topic of Benodet, I mentioned that I stayed in la pont st Gilles 2 years ago and while we liked the site in general, best pool setup we've experienced, but the night time entertainment wasn't great.
    Just wondering if anyone has stayed there and stayed in the other benodet campsite I think it's called port de plaisance and can you compare the both please.
    Thanks


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,695 ✭✭✭flangemeistro


    pmpa wrote: »
    For Puy du Fou, have a look at Domaine de Mélusine, we stayed there last year. Fantastic place to stay for Puy du Fou. Literally, a three minute drive there. Accommodation was spotless.

    Thanks I'll check that out for 2021 because unfortunately puy du fou is sold out for June and July already for next year.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 313 ✭✭MizMix


    Le Pins Parasol is a great campsite- one hour away from puy du fou


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Thanks I'll check that out for 2021 because unfortunately puy du fou is sold out for June and July already for next year.

    Are Day Tickets sold out for 2020 ??
    When we were there a couple of years ago in July, we only bought the Tickets a couple of days beforehand !


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,695 ✭✭✭flangemeistro


    SusanC10 wrote: »
    Are Day Tickets sold out for 2020 ??
    When we were there a couple of years ago in July, we only bought the Tickets a couple of days beforehand !

    I was looking at the 3 days and to stay there also


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,992 ✭✭✭DavyD_83


    We've been to Point St Gilles in Benodet the last 2 years. Is ben great for us, but looking for an alternative this year. Partly because we'll be going into Cherbourg.
    One of the great benefits of Benodet was the ~2hr drive.
    Well have 2 kids; 3&5 and I think the limit of drive is about 4 hrs.

    Point st Gilles has been pretty much perfect for is til now, it's nice and quiet, town is near and all very relaxed.
    Ideally we'd like beach, pool (heated of possible, the Benodet pool has always been a bit nippy for ours at start of June), kids club. The kids are to small to get the benefit of anything to elaborate like high wires and full entertainment schedules I hear of on some sites.

    Any suggestions would be appreciated?
    From reading through, were kind of thinking carnac or there abouts...


  • Registered Users Posts: 32 Jpm123


    SusanC10 wrote: »
    Are Day Tickets sold out for 2020 ??
    When we were there a couple of years ago in July, we only bought the Tickets a couple of days beforehand !

    No you can still buy tickets at the entrance. The accommodation at the park sell out very fast , usually within a couple of days of going on sale. We stayed their one year and booked it around September for the following July


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    DavyD_83 wrote:
    Any suggestions would be appreciated? From reading through, were kind of thinking carnac or there abouts...

    Is Carnac not at least as far from Cherbourg?


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Jpm123 wrote: »
    No you can still buy tickets at the entrance. The accommodation at the park sell out very fast , usually within a couple of days of going on sale. We stayed their one year and booked it around September for the following July

    Ah - that makes sense !


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,219 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    Jpm123 wrote: »
    No you can still buy tickets at the entrance. The accommodation at the park sell out very fast , usually within a couple of days of going on sale. We stayed their one year and booked it around September for the following July

    All the campsites in the surrounding area sell tickets as well from reception.
    We bought from a nearby site where we stayed the night before, adult day ticket was €40 last year.
    The campsite have their name on the tickets.
    We stayed at Camping let rouge Gorge. Not very swish, and fairly crowded, exists solely as a feeder to Puy du Fou.
    Visited the next day, and parked in the Puy du Fou field.
    Then after the day in the park we came back to the camper for evening meal and a few beers, returning when darkness fell for the water ballet/fireworks show.
    About15 minutes walk, or wait for a shuttle bus.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,992 ✭✭✭DavyD_83


    First Up wrote: »
    Is Carnac not at least as far from Cherbourg?

    Hmm, pretty much. But hoping that we'd at least get slightly more reliable weather by covering a little distance southward rather than across to Finisterre, if that makes sense.
    I need to get the map and website out and whittle down the options really.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    DavyD_83 wrote:
    Hmm, pretty much. But hoping that we'd at least get slightly more reliable weather by covering a little distance southward rather than across to Finisterre, if that makes sense. I need to get the map and website out and whittle down the options really.

    I'd say the travel time is much the same but getting south of Finistere ia a valid reason!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,695 ✭✭✭flangemeistro


    pmpa wrote: »
    For Puy du Fou, have a look at Domaine de Mélusine, we stayed there last year. Fantastic place to stay for Puy du Fou. Literally, a three minute drive there. Accommodation was spotless.

    Hi, just wondering is one day enough to see Puy du fou or would I need more. Thinking about taking the advice on here of just going for the park tickets as the on site accommodation seems like a lottery.

    Also in relation to Domaine De Melusine is it a fairly basic site or could you spend a week there?

    And another question sorry about this, in relation to Le Littoral do they have a site kids club like yelloh or do the operators have their own individual ones and on the topic of individual operators, kelair want an extra €300 compared to le littoral directly, is there any advantages to booking with them?

    Thanks again


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,219 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    You need two days if you plan to see all the shows.
    For example, impossible to do the Vikings and the Roman Colosseum the same day, as the times overlap.
    The WW1 trenches thing was good, as was the sea voyage expierence. The Colosseum is superb, as it the Knights/Joan d'Arc .


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,700 ✭✭✭54and56


    Not sure if it's been mentioned recently as I skimmed over the Puy du Fou discussion but Stena currently have a 25% Black Friday sale if you use the code SUPER25. There's a Ferry discount code thread https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055511542&page=13 that's worth keeping an eye on if you're doing the whole drive + ferry thing as we do.

    I had already booked a one way Cherbourg - Rosslare for a car + 2 adults + 1 child + one 4 berth outside cabin on a Flexi Fare basis with Stena which cost €694. Thanks to @Chelle_C putting up the SUPER25 code I cancelled that (cancellation fee of €3) and used the code to rebook the exact same sailing for €586 but for the first time ever it offered me an option to part pay with loyalty points I'd built up over previous years which I did and ended up paying a net of €539 which puts €151 in my pocket. Happy days.

    @Chelle_C will be toasted when we have a "free" family meal out during the holiday.

    Now, if only I can find an Irish Ferries Black Friday deal that will allow me to do a similar trick for the outward Dublin - Cherbourg route :p


  • Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭gaillimh


    Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on the areas of Serignan, Gruissan and Valras (and their corresponding "Plage" beach areas)?
    Which would you consider the nicest area?
    Looking at Yelloh Serignan Plage but wondering if the other 2 areas might be nicer.
    Also not 100% sure whether or not to go with a campsite and just stick with a beach apartment rental instead as our kids are still very young (1 and 3).
    Thanks very much for any opinions.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭Baybay


    gaillimh wrote: »
    Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on the areas of Serignan, Gruissan and Valras (and their corresponding "Plage" beach areas)?

    Not familiar with Gruissan so can’t comment.

    Serignan Plage, long sandy beach, is maybe a couple of kilometres away from the village of Serignan itself. There’s quite a big car park, tented restaurant on the beach & a few shops etc selling beach items, fruit, possibly other stuff, I can’t really remember now. Been a few times to the beach & restaurant but not in the last couple of years.
    Serignan itself has shops, banks, hairdressers, restaurants (one of which, L’Harmonie we quite enjoy), McDonalds, petrol station etc

    Valras Plage isn’t that far from Serignan, probably a few kilometres. It’s got plenty of restaurants on a newly renovated “place”, a promenade, on the beach there’s play facilities, beach bar etc. Its a very popular summer resort, amongst the French also & usually does great July 14 fireworks! There’s karting nearby too plus all the ice cream & beach item shops you’d need.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,671 ✭✭✭jay0109


    Eurocamp Black Friday sale is on. Up to 50% off for accomm stays in April or May only.
    Poor effort so far


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,950 ✭✭✭fdevine


    40% group scheme discount should still be working for Eurocamp


  • Registered Users Posts: 118 ✭✭GeneralSherman


    jay0109 wrote: »
    Eurocamp Black Friday sale is on. Up to 50% off for accomm stays in April or May only.
    Poor effort so far

    Agree 100%


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,671 ✭✭✭jay0109


    fdevine wrote: »
    40% group scheme discount should still be working for Eurocamp

    What's that?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭MorganIRL


    jay0109 wrote: »
    Eurocamp Black Friday sale is on. Up to 50% off for accomm stays in April or May only.
    Poor effort so far

    I done dates and June and they applied a reduction, didn't check cause the 1 wk (cause reduction didn't apply when u put 2 wks in) was the same as 2 wks with canvas, albeit a different location but same area.


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