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

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

Trip to France 2001

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

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

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

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

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

Kay & Harry Rogers. CLIC. June 2001

Camping Domaine de La Brabanne--- Second report--- ...For more fishing sites go to www.madcaravanner.co.uk/
Route de Montagne
F33330 Saint Emilion
Aquitaine Region
France

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

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

A member of Sites et Paysage de France

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

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

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

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

Date of visit June 2004

Harry Burrows. CLIC. July 2004

Camping Domaine de La Barbanne
Route de Montagne
F33330
Saint Emilion
Aquitaine Region
France

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

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

Date of Visit: June 2006

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Cuff. CLIC. September 2007

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ducan Andrews. CLIC. December 1999

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

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

Mobile reception very poor.

Site visited July 2002

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

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

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

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

David Klyne. CLIC. October 2002

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

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

Site visited: June/July 2002

Mobile reception OK.

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

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

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

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

Time of visit June/July 2002

David Klyne. CLIC. August 2002

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Cuff. CLIC. October 1999