Ardèche Camping
Boulevard de Paste
F07000 Privas
Rhone-Alpes Region
France

Tel: 00 33 4 75 64 05 80
Fax: 00 33 4 75 64 59 68

E-mail: jcray@wanadoo.fr
Web site: www.ardechecamping.fr

To Find Site:
Exit the A7 autoroute at junction 16 at Loriol and follow signs to Privas. At Le Pouzin the recommended way is to follow the lorry route for Privas it is well signed. As you approach the town you cross a river bridge and arrive at a roundabout, the road to the town climbs up ahead. At this roundabout take the second exit, you will pass an Intermarche on the right and the left turn to the campsite is about 50 metres further on.

Ardeche Camping is a lovely little site set out along a river valley with both the town of Privas and the approach road high above you. The entrance to the site is barrier controlled, a key fob is loaned when you arrive at the site, on exit the barrier raises automatically on approach.
In the low season only the lower part of the site is open and only one of the toilet blocks. There are more pitches set out on terraces behind lower section. There are in total something like 150 pitches all on grass and of a good size. Mature trees provide shade to most pitches.

The site has two toilet blocks which are to a good standard but they contain both English and Turkish style toilets.
Ardeche Camping now boasts a new swimming pool which whilst open still had bits to be finished. Just a few yards from the campsite is a covered swimming pool for colder days.
The reception area also contains a bar and what looked like a high season takeaway/restaurant, the terrace extends towards the swimming pool. Bread can be ordered for the morning, on the two days we were there a young lady came round the site taking orders, a nice touch.
Other facilities include a nicely shade boules area where the owner seems to organise competitions.
Out of season the campsite accepts Camping Cheques which gives you a small saving over the regular fees.

The town of Privas is only a relatively short walk away albeit uphill all the way! There are quite a few cafes and restaurants as you may well need a beer by the time you get there. It seems a typical small French town but nothing to mark it out as exceptional - unless of course I missed something.
Almost across the road from the campsite is and Intermarche and a kilometre or so out of the town is a new (air conditioned) Hyper U but just take care if you visit here with a motorhome as there is a height restriction on the underpass from the direction of the campsite.
Obviously if you have time the whole Ardeche region is available and this campsite would be a good base for those wishing to avoid going further into the Ardeche with a caravan.

David Klyne. CLIC. June 2005
For images of the above site and other reports go to www.caravantravels.co.uk

Camping Le Chante Merle
D109
F26600 Chantemerle les Blés
Drôme
Rhone-Alpes Region
France

TEL : +33 (0)4 75 07 49 73
Fax : +33 (0)4 75 07 45 15

Email: campingchantemerle@wanadoo.fr
Web site: www.campings-ardeche.com/camping_ang/..

Site visited September 2006

Our second night halt is another 270 miles further South, just off the A7 south of Lyon.

The site boasts a pool, bar/rerstaurant, but is mainly geared for residential chalets.
Facilities are a bit 'tired' looking and it's not really set up for tourers as the pitches are quite small.

Just off the autoroute, so some traffic noise, but OK as a night halt.

James Russle. Dunc n Dots caravan travels. March 2007

Tel: 33 04 75 03 11 31
Fax: 33 04 75 03 08 06

E-mail: Via the web site
Web site: www.chateau-de-senaud.com/us/

To find site exit A7 at Chanas junction and take N7 south towards Valence. In about 10km follow signs to site, narrow and rough approach.

We used this site, not far south of Lyon, as an overnight stop as we were heading north on our way back to Calais. It was lunchtime when we arrived and there seemed to be no instructions on how to attract anyone's attention. Eventually we were told to press the button on the reception wall. Our welcome to the site was not exactly friendly. We were not able to pay in advance for our one night stay and we had to pay for a barrier card despite the fact that we did not want to use it!
Our second disappointment was the pitch we were allocated, it had difficult access, was sloping with a sheer drop at the far side of the pitch. On the plus side each pitch had its own water, waste and electrical hook-up.
The toilet blocks were good. there was a tennis court and a swimming pool. Additionally there was a small shop but bread had to be ordered the day before.
There are some permanent caravans and mobiles on site but these tend to be in separate areas away from the tourers.

So would I recommend this site. Yes for a longer stay but it seems a hassle for overnight. Further into the site are some lovely large pitches with superb views over the valley below. If you could insist on one of these pitches you could have a very pleasant stay.

Date of visit, early July 2001

David Klyne. CLIC. July 2001.

Camping L'Eden--- A second report
La Baule Escoblac
F73210 Landry
Rhone-Alpes Region
France

Tel: (33) 04 79 07 61 81
Fax: (33) 04 79 07 62 17

E-mail: info@camping-eden
Web site: http://www.camping-eden.net/idx_pres01_uk.htm

At first glance a typical french site. Two shower/toilet blocks with the older block having a mix of english and french style toilets, but take your own loo roll. Generally clean and showers are free.

Pitches vary in size from just big enough for a small van to enough space for a twin axle, awning, tent and a couple of cars, all separated by trees and hedges. You can get pitches which are not shaded but most have shade at some time during the day. 10 amp electric with Uk style connectors.

There is a pool, a kids pool and a water chute. Mini golf and a kids play park. A lake on site is full of Carp and is free to site users.
The usual shop does hot croissants and bread plus some basic supplies and you can also get simple take away food for a very reasonable price. The bar just outside the site is run by the site owners. It always appears shut, just knock and it opens, anytime. Regular entertainment is available; for old and young a like.

La Baule is a beach resort but there is plenty to do for the none beach types. We liked the inflatable playground near Nantes which cost about £4 to get into for the day and was great fun for everyone, try table football with humans for a starter.

Back to the site review though. Unlike most sites in France you are not frowned upon for talking after 10pm. In fact in the site area by the bar and up away from the pool you are allowed to party the night away if you wish. If you require quiet the manager will site you away from this designated noisy area.

David Benison. CLIC. September 2001

Camping L'Eden
La Baule Escoblac
F73210 Landry
Rhone-Alpes Region
France

Tel: (33) 04 79 07 61 81
Fax: (33) 04 79 07 62 17

E-mail: info@camping-eden
Web site: http://www.camping-eden.net/idx_pres01_uk.htm

I have been visiting this particular site for many years. Firstly in 1994, when myself and then young family travelled with our 24 foot twin axle caravan, which was accomodated easily in most of the pitches.

The site has been improved each year and the areas adjacent to the swimming pool side are now turned over almost completely to Static vans and mobile homes.

The facilities are very good with a fairly new block in the pool area and an older but very clean block near the reception end. There are all the usual facilities for washing and ironing and showers are still free.

There is a shop and small cafe where all the usual items are available throughout the high season. Pizzas, frites, etc are all available from the cafe and a nice continental breakfast can be enjoyed in the sunshine overlooking the lake, where campers can fish free for giant carp.
The ducks which have been there for years are a constant draw for the younger end who feed them all the table scraps daily.

There is a small bar just outside the main gate and a massive Leclerc hypermarket is only minutes away by car.

There is a large pool and a small kiddies pool and a great water slide into a seperate plunge pool, mini-golf, table tennis and of course a Boules pitch.

The same family have been running the site from our first visit and always make you welcome. My last visit was on my own with my tent in June of last year following a trip to St Nazaire. The Weather was amazing and the welcome from Madame and family as warm as ever, with questions about my now grown up daughters.

Within five minutes drive is the fabulous resort of La Baule, which boasts the finest promenade and beaches in the whole of northern France. Also the medi-evil City of Guerande is only minutes away and within half an hour are fabulous must vist places like La Roche Bernard and Piriac sur Mer

Whether you are middle aged like me or with a young family, you won't find a more perfectly positioned site for a beach holiday or a touring base or a mixture of both.

We are going back in late August early September to try a static now that I have parted with my tourer.

If I sound a little biased, maybe I am, for I have spent many happy holidays here and wouldn't hesitate to reccomend it to anyone.

Tony Kennedy. Internet. June 2006

02/11/07. Tony has sent a mini update....he writes
I popped down to St Nazaire on 14th October and the weather was so good I pitched my tent for a couple nights at Camping L'Eden.
It was as always good to be there and the owners who are still as nice as ever, have been working further wonders with the site. Each time I visit more and more space is given over to static homes. However the owner assures me that the remaining touring pitches will remain. This will be about 30 pitches in all so booking in mid and high season will be imperative.

Still my favourite place and still my favourite site.

Camping L'Escale--- Second report below
F74450 Le Grand-Bornand
Rhone Alpes Region
France

Tel: 33 (0)4 50 02 20 69
Fax: 33 (0)4 50 02 36 04

E-mail: contact@campinglescale.com
Web site: www.campinglescale.com/accueil_e.html

Mobile reception OK.

Site visited: June/July 2002

To find site: From Annecy follow signs to Thônes and then take D909 to La Clusaz. At St Jean-de-Sixt turn left at roundabout following sign for Le Grand-Bornand. After about a mile turn right and follow camping signs, also signed as Valleé du Bouchet. At the roundabout exit right into the site.

This site has 149 pitches set out on terraces, the site is open from 1st December to 30th September as it caters for both winter and summer visitors.
The site has a superb location situated at the head of a valley about 20 miles from Annecy in the village of Le Grand-Bornand which is surrounded by mountains. A walk of a couple of minutes from the site will take you to the village centre. Wednesday is market day but there are also a couple of small supermarkets and a Boulangerie. At the far end of the village are two ski lifts. Le Grand- Bornand is a popular centre for 'Para Pente' or Para Gliding. In fact their arrival in early evening creates a fascinating display which you can either watch from the comfort of your pitch or walk a hundred yards out of the site and you can stand and watch them land close up. There is one main toilet block on site, of excellent standard, divided into showers and toilets, both unisex. Under the reception and washing up facilities as well as a laundry. Pitches vary in size from quite generous to tent size. Booking for this site is available via the CC ABS.

The possibilities for tours from this site seem almost endless. Annecy is an easy excursion from the site, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a little further. Geneva can be achieved via a mix of bus and train. There are several spectacular tours up the various mountain passes within minutes of the site. This one of our favourite sites second only to Camping Natterersee near Innsbruck for an impressive location. Highly recommended.

Date of visit late May 2002.

David Klyne. CLIC. August 2002

Camping L'Escale--- Third report below
F74450 Le Grand-Bornand
Rhone-Alpes Region
France

Tel: 33 (0)4 50 02 20 69
Fax: 33 (0)4 50 02 36 04

E-mail: contact@campinglescale.com
Web site: www.campinglescale.com/accueil_e.html

We went to this site last summer.
Even though we had asked for a large pitch (as we have a large khyam tent) we were placed on a small one. We were moved the following day and woke to a balloon going up over our tent around 8.30.

The camp site is in the most picturesque of surroundings.
We have nothing but compliments about the site it was clean and the staff were very helpful.

The swimming complex was suitable for families with younger children. Teenagers need a little more. but they were soon satisfied with archery, mountaining biking, etc, etc, all provided by the site.

The food was good both in the restuarant and takeaway service.

Le Grand Bonnard village is lovely swiss chalet style village and the week we were there they had a lovely festival for children (kids from 0 - 18 - 75) very professional, and all for done a free!!
La Clusaz, the village up the road, has a summer luge and loads of things for kids to do (including a proper ice rink, yes in the middle of summer!!)
Annecy, Chamonix as well as Geneva are all a must, including the Olympic Museum at Lausanne (good value for money too)

In short this is a great site for families of all ages

Julie Rigg. Internet. July 2006

Camping L'Escale
F74450 Le Grand-Bornand
Rhone-Alpes Region
France

Tel: 33 (0)4 50 02 20 69
Fax: 33 (0)4 50 02 36 04

E-mail: contact@campinglescale.com
Web site: www.campinglescale.com/accueil_e.html

Camping L'Escale is a clean and pleasant campsite a few miles North of Boulogne, just off the old N1.

We stayed in the 'overnighters' area, a seperate field at the front of the site, but there is a larger area at the back where you can stay for longer. The overnighters field has electricity connections.
The washing and bathing facilities are well kept and clean, and there are a couple of small play areas for children.

There is a very small shop and because it is part of the bar it is more or less permanently open (handy when you arrive at 6:00 on a Sunday).

The real downside for me was the noise. I am quite a light sleeper, and found it quite difficult to get a good nights sleep because of the relatively close presence of the A16 Autoroute, which was quite audible at night time. Notwithstanding this, a good stopover if you are getting off or on the ferries, as you don't really need to book (unlike the sites in Guines or Eperlecques).

This one will go in the memory bank.

Paul Robson. Internet. September 2006

Camping Les Ripettes--- Second report below
Route de Saint Trivier de Courtes
Chavannes Sur Reyssouze
F01190 Pont le Vaux
Rhone-Alpes Region
France

Tél: 03 85 30 66 58
Fax: 03 85 30 66 58

E-mail: info@camping-les-ripettes.com
Web site: www.premiumwanadoo.com/camping-les-ripettes/

I found this site in the CCC Carefree brochure and it is it’s 1st season with the CCC.
The current Owners Bob and Angela have only had the site 18 months and have plans to improve the site further. As mentioned Les Ripettes is British owned but French and Dutch are spoken well.

On arrival, via a small lane, the site is obviously well secluded and could be described as hideaway. Angela walked us around the site and offered us the choice of 2 pitches, on reflection I think we chose the wrong one but that was our fault and there was nothing fundamentally wrong with the pitch we chose, it was just we made friends with people who were based near the other choice!

The first impression is that the pitches are huge! We are talking 20 metres by 10 metres at least, in fact the first decision on arriving at the pitch was where the hell to put the caravan, not how do we squeeze on caravan/awning/tent/car etc!

Facilities are limited compared to larger sites as you would expect, mainly to 2 swimming pools but has a well stocked reception with Swing ball and various open air games and there is a table tennis table and small kiddies play area.The pools although nice, were cold for our 4 year old whilst we were there! Clearly this is not Bob and Angela’s fault, I certainly used the pools but if may have been helped if there was a ‘paddling pool’ for little ones. There was a shallow part of the pool in the main one but Anya is very shy and wouldn’t play in it when the big kids were in the main part.

Entertainment consists of a weekly BBQ, and every 2nd or 3rd nights Bob sold Chips and Crepes from the Kiosk. We didn’t partake in the BBQ as it was usually after Anya’s bedtime but it was certainly popular.

There are two shower/toilet blocks, both unisex and typically French. There is also a disabled toilet and shower. At first I was concerned that there weren’t enough toilets but I never came across any queues or anything to confirm my fears.

The inclusion in Carefree has obviously increased the British contingent and I fear has upset some of the long term Dutch who have been coming to the same site for many years, I felt that some of the negative comments I heard from the Dutch were tainted by the fact that the site has new owners. It is worth adding that the original owner, a French farmer, still lives on site and the previous owners live nearby and do pop in to see their old ‘regulars’, by all accounts Bob and Angela have a tough act to follow and the best of British luck to them.

My conclusion, a nice well run site. Useful as either a stopover heading North or South but also for a longer break.

Ed & Emma Berresford. CLIC. October 2005

Camping Les Ripettes
Route de Saint Trivier de Courtes
Chavannes Sur Reyssouze
F01190 Pont le Vaux
Rhone-Alpes Region
France

Tél: 03 85 30 66 58
Fax: 03 85 30 66 58

E-mail: info@camping-les-ripettes.com
Web site: www.premiumwanadoo.com/camping-les-ripettes/

Some images of Camping Les Ripettes:
Image 1 Reception --- Image 2 View of the pitches --- Image 3 Multi-national --- Image 4 Our pitch

To find site:.....Multimap. Area map
Leave A6 Autoroute at either Macon or Tournus and head towards Pont de Vaux. From Pont de Vaux take the D2 signed for St Trivier de Courts. After about 4 kms you pass through a village called St Bénigne, as you exit the village there is a tall water tower on the right. Take the next left and then left again for the campsite, it is well signed.

This campsite has been owned and run for the last three years by an English couple, Angela and Bob, who are very welcoming. The campsite has about 55 pitches, all on grass and most are enormous compared to normal campsites. I reckon ours was in the region of 200 sq metres and there are larger ones!
The electric points are a useful 10 amps. Water points are convenient to pitches.
There are two toilet blocks, one which forms part of the reception block and another 'porta cabin' style on the other side of the site, both are uni-sex.

The site has two swimming pools. You can order bread from the site office. Les Ripettes accepts 'Touring Cheques' although with a handy 10% reduction on site/person fees in the low season there is not much of a saving.

This campsite is useful for an overnight stop heading South or North on the Autoroute. It is also a good site for a rest for a few days or longer as it is so peaceful and relaxing.

Pont de Vaux has a couple of supermarkets as well as several restaurants. Macon and Tournus are within easy reach.

David Klyne. CLIC. June 2006
www.caravantravels.co.uk
Site Reports and Stories of our Travels in the UK and Europe

Camping Les Truffieres--- Second report below
F26230 Grignan
Rhone-Alpes Region
France

Tel/Fax: 00 33 (0)4 75 46 93 62

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

Mobile reception OK.

Site visited: June 2002

To find site:-
Leave A7 Autoroute at Montelimar Sud and take N7 south in the direction of Pierrelatte, after about a kilometre turn left onto the D133, which becomes the D541 and follow signs to Grignan and Nyons. Just before Grignan, you will see the fortified village ahead of you, turn right onto the D71, after about a kilometre turn left at site signs.

This is a medium sized site with perhaps just under a hundred pitches. It is open from 1st April until 30th September. Booking is advised in the main season.
The original part of the site has well delineated pitches with good shade. At one end of this section is a nice swimming pool with a smaller children's pool. As part of the swimming pool complex there is also toilets and showers but these tend only to be open in the peak season. The main toilet block is in the middle of the site and is of an excellent standard and kept very clean. Contained within this block is a washing machine and dish washing facilities. More pitches have been developed to one side of the main toilet block in what was an oak wood. (This is how the site got its name.) They are of a good size delineated by hedges and oak trees. However the nature of the site does mean that on some pitches there are trees that can restrict the use of the full area of the pitch. This would likely only be a problem to someone with a large van and help is always on offer from the site owners to help position vans on pitches. Also on site is a Bar and Restaurant which again only opens in the main season. From early June a baker calls each morning. Entrance to the site is controlled by a barrier system, which requires a key for which you pay a €20 returnable deposit. Dogs are not accepted at this site.

We very much enjoyed our five-day stay here. We were made to feel very welcome by sister and brother team Jacqueline and Patrick who obviously have a lot of very loyal customers. The site is peaceful and perhaps avoids the roasting heat of the Ardeche, which lies across the A7 to the west because there is plenty of shade. It is also deep in Cote du Rhone country, so if this is one of your favorite wines there are plenty of places to sample it. The fortified village of Grignan is only a few minutes from the site and is well worth a visit. I would also suggest that you visit the Chateau and pay €1.50 to access the grounds; there are superb views of the surrounding countryside and distant mountains. There are two supermarkets in Valreas which is a few miles on towards Nyons.

Date of visit early June 2002.

David Klyne. CLIC. August 2002

Camping Les Truffieres
F26230 Grignan
Rhone-Alpes Region
France

Tel/Fax: 00 33 (0)4 75 46 93 62

E-mail: mailto:info@lestruffieres.com
Web site: www.lestruffieres.com

We are a family of 4, with children, one of each aged 11 and 8. We have been to the camp site for the past 2 summers and are booked to go again this year.
There are not many British families on the site, which is mostly use by Dutch and French families. We do love the site though, it is clean, friendly and not too noisy.

If you want Discos and entertainment it is not the site fo r you, if you simply love an outdoor family holiday, time to be together and explore together it is great, we would recommend it.

Our son and daughter became ill when we were there last year and Jacqueline was most helpful, booked a doctors appointment and helped us.

Sharon Powell. Internet. March 2005