Riding Campsites

Relaxing amidst the tall pines of this ten-hectare hillside site is pleasant, but if you are looking for more activity there are many cycle ways and walks to enjoy in the lovely local countryside. The site provides over 480 pitches (280 with 6A electricity) with trees giving shade. Some pitches are level but for many you will need levelling blocks. Some site roads are a little steep so care is needed and also while travelling on the local main roads through the woods (keep to speed limits) as the occasional wild boar ventures out onto the roads. The entrance area is decked with flowers and a blaze of colour when in bloom and very welcoming.

Camping des Familles is a friendly, family site located in the countryside and offers a relaxed atmosphere. It lies on the promontory of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde Estuary, the largest river estuary in Europe. There are 100 pitches with 46 on level grass for touring, all with 6-10A electricity, neatly hedged and with small trees giving some shade. Mobile homes are also available to rent. It is in the Médoc region just north of Bordeaux, an area famous for its vineyards, woods, sandy beaches, rolling dunes, marshes and châteaux.

Huttopia les Châteaux is a well situated, wooded site on the outskirts of the small town of Bracieux, and convenient for many of the best known châteaux of the Loire valley. There are 350 pitches, 282 of which are reserved for touring. Some are grouped in blocks of four between hedges, and all have access to 6/10A electricity. Mature trees provide shade throughout most of the site. Rental accommodation includes mobile homes, chalets, Romany-style caravans and wood and canvas tents. A heated swimming pool was added in 2015.

This campsite is situated on the beach in the small fishing village of L’Ampolla, famous for its gastronomy, peaceful beaches and coves. The site offers 87 large grass shady touring pitches with electric hook up connections available a and fully equipped bungalows for rent. Ideal for couples, families and anybody who wants lots of activities including fishing, excursions (walking, cycling, horseriding, boats), watersports (windsurfing, kite-surfing, kayaking and waterskiing), as well as good food and relaxation.

Camping Sandaya Rivièra d’Azur is an excellent site near the Côte d’Azur that will take you away from the Mediterranean coast's bustle. Spread out over ten hectares, this is a well-equipped holiday destination with pitches arranged along avenues. The 188 touring pitches average 100 sq.m. in size, and all have electricity connections and, unusually, private sanitary facilities (although washbasins double as dishwashing sinks). There are 340 accommodation units for rent, most of which were installed after ongoing investment by the owners. There is a free shuttle to the beach at Saint Aygulf.

This quite large but peaceful, lakeside site with its modern bar/restaurant and swimming pool complex, is useful as a stopover, or indeed for longer stays to explore the region. It can be very busy during the school holidays, but is quiet and relaxing outside the main season.

In the region that the Kings of France chose to build their most beautiful residences, this pleasant, shaded site has been developed in the surroundings of an old 800-hectare forest, just 1 km. from the banks of the Loire river. For those seeking a relaxing holiday, it provides 169 pitches, including 111 for touring units, all with 10A electricity (119 Europlugs) and 58 with full services. The friendly family owners continue to develop the site with a multisports court and an attractive swimming pool complex. During July and August, they organise a programme of trips including canoeing and riding excursions, as well as twice weekly concerts and shows.

Just forty minutes from Florence and an hour from Pisa, this site is beautifully situated high in the Tuscan hills, close to the fascinating town of Pistoia. Part of an old walled estate, there are impressive views of the surrounding countryside.

On the edge of a pine forest and just a short walk across the dunes from a fine sandy beach, this could be an ideal spot for a seaside holiday. Les Cyprès is a very French campsite with good basic facilities and a pleasant modern pool complex. The 300 pitches are in an arc curving out towards the sea in both directions from reception; the 141 touring pitches of varying shapes and sizes occupy the southern end of the arc. All have access to electricity (10A) and water, though long leads are required in places and some are more suitable for tents because of the trees.

This attractive five hectare site is a member of the Huttopia group. It can be found close to the popular seaside resort of Saint Trojan-les-Bains on the south side of the island. There are 163 pitches (56 for touring), which vary in size, most of which have electrical connections (10A French type). Huttopia Oléron Les Pins is situated in a lightly wooded setting on undulating, sandy terrain, just 1 km. from the nearest sandy beach. A number of specially designed wood and canvas safari-style tents are available for hire; the latest range are equipped with a shower, WC and sink. Large units should telephone ahead to ensure suitable pitch availability.

The Huttopia group is renowned for its ‘natural’ campsites. Huttopia Douarnenez has an attractive forest setting just 400 m. from the superb Plage des Sables Blancs. There are 124 pitches here, of which 86 are reserved for touring, some with excellent views across the vast sweep of the Bay of Douarnenez. They are well shaded and grassy, and all have 13A electricity. There are also a number of fully equipped safari-style tents (some with wood burning stoves) for hire as well as a handful of Romany-style caravans. An impressive range of amenities includes a swimming pool and bar/restaurant, and a large safari tent with a wood fire for communal entertainment.

With easy access from the A6 autoroute and the N6, this attractive and welcoming site is perfect for overnight stops. But stay awhile and get to know this delightful region with its wine heritage, historical monuments and magical rolling landscape. This is a neat, well-ordered campsite situated in the heart of Beaujolais. It's surrounded by vineyards and just walking distance (within 1 km) of the pretty village of Fleurie (one of the premier Beaujolais crus). Here you'll find all the shops and amenities you'll need.

Situated in the heart of Andalusia, Huttopia Parque de Doñana is the perfect base for exploring the region amid the Andalusian provinces of Huelva, Seville and Cadiz, nestled in the heart of the Doñana National Park (the largest protected natural site in Europe and a UNESCO biosphere reserve). Nature is everywhere here, and with 200 touring pitches on this site, it is the preferred place to explore the surrounding region.

Yelloh! Village Camping Les Mouettes is a sheltered site on the edge of an attractive bay, with access to the sea at the front of the site. In a wooded setting with many attractive trees and shrubs, the 457 pitches include 63 for touring units, all with electricity, water, drainage, and private sanitary facilities.. The remainder are taken by tour operators and by 406 mobile homes and chalets to rent.

Situated on the southwest edge of Dartmoor, this holiday park has been developed on the grounds of the old Langstone Manor house. The touring pitches are tucked into various garden areas with mature trees and flowering shrubs or in the walled garden area with views over the moor. There are 40 level grass pitches, which vary in size (35 with 16A electricity). A popular camping area has been terraced with open views over farmland and the moor.

Yelloh! Village le Sérignan-Plage is a lively and vibrant Mediterranean site with direct access to a superb 600-metre sandy beach (including a naturist section). When you arrive at this site, the reception is very modern and efficient, and a map is printed to show you and direct you to your pitch. This is one of the largest sites I have visited, but as it is spread over such a large area, it does not feel like you are on a large commercial site. Touring pitches, number 273, are separated from an even larger area of mobile homes for rental. Pitches are generous and divided by low hedging and have direct access to the beach. There are approximately 1000 mobile homes and chalets for rental, plus some privately owned units and a good number of tour operator pitches. 

Camping Ribamar lies to the north of Alcossebre, tucked away within the National Park of the Sierra de Irta, a magnificent landscape of intense colours. Alcossebre is a delightful resort town which has retained its Spanish identity, unlike some of the larger resorts to the north, and offers three Blue Flag beaches and a wealth of cafés and restaurants. Although a little over two hours drive south of Barcelona, this is a very underpopulated region with excellent long-distance footpaths and cycle paths.

Within easy reach of all the attractions of the Périgord region, Sandaya has created an attractive and friendly family campsite at les Péneyrals. There are around 274 pitches, 122 of which are for touring. The pitches at the bottom of the hill tend to be quieter as they are further from the main facilities but are all level and grassy (some on terraces), with electricity (5/10A), and most have some shade.

Camping d'Angers Lac de Maine lies in the heart of the Anjou region, just on the outskirts of Angers and downstream from glorious Saumur. It offers direct access to the large lake, and there's plenty to see in the surrounding countryside, with medieval castles, vineyards and quaint historic towns to explore, perhaps following one of the bike trails. Stroll into Angers in an exceptional setting in the heart of the Loire Valley with its castle, cathedral, gardens, quays and markets.

Alannia Costa Blanca (formerly Marjal) is a fully equipped site situated 15 km. inland on the southern Alicante coast, close to the towns of Crevillente and Catral and the Parque Natural de El Hondo. Around 1,200 hardstanding pitches range in size from 90-95 sq.m, and all have electricity (16A), water, drainage, TV and high-speed internet connections (charged).