Riding Campsites

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.

This site is in a rural location and great for the beach which is just across the road, 3km down the road is the town of Blanes with its shops, supermarkets and nightlife. There are 100 well-spaced pitches, these are not separated to any degree, but there are trees offering shade on most pitches; there are also a further 80 mobile homes/glamping units and tents available for rental. The site shop was well stocked, and the standard of food served in the restaurant was excellent, offering a lovely view over the modern pool complex.

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.

This site is now part of the Yelloh Village group, and standards on their sites are consistently high - Camping La Plage du Dramont is no exception. Check-in was efficient, and English was spoken; there is a large waiting area, and once you pass through the initial barrier, you will then be given directions to your pitch. There are 113 touring pitches, which have electric hook-up points available. These are generally open plan, under tree shade, but very dry and dusty due to the Mediterranean climate. 

Camping Pégomas is a well-organised, family-run site and is open for a long season. It is located on the edge of the beautiful Provençal town of Saint Rémy-de-Provence, probably best known for its Roman remains and its links with Van Gogh. There are 110 flat and well-shaded pitches here, mostly with 6A electricity. Several mobile homes are available to rent. Onsite amenities include a swimming pool, a bar and a small shop. There is a good range of shops in Saint Rémy, which is just five minutes away on foot. Gas and electric barbecues are allowed on site, and there is also a stone fireplace available for use by all.

The Camping Belle Plage is situated with direct access to a clean, sheltered, sandy beach on the perennially popular Morbihan peninsula. There are 79 grassy touring pitches (80m²), some with shade and in pairs. Ten of the pitches (100m²) have a private water tap. All pitches have 10A electricity connection (EU plug). A short walk around the bay leads to the village of Lomener, with shops, restaurants, a pharmacy and a bank, while it is just a short journey to the attractive old town of Ploemeur. A bus service from outside the gate runs to Ploemeur and Lorient, useful for those with motorhomes.

This attractive, high quality site, ideal for families with young children, is in a rural setting and well situated for exploring the less well known eastern part of the Loire Valley. Two lakes (one for boating, one for fishing) and a pool complex have been attractively landscaped in 18 hectares of former farmland, blending old and new with natural wooded areas and more open grassland with rural views. There are 245 large, level grass pitches with 120 for touring units. All have at least 10A electricity, 15 have water, waste water and 16A electricity, and some 30 have hardstanding. Eight have individual en-suite sanitary units beside the pitch.

Camping Sandaya le Col Vert is a large, well-maintained campsite, well-laid out on the shores of Lac de Léon, that offers 259 touring pitches and 548 mobile homes for rent. The pitches range from simple ones to those with water and a drain, and there are eight with private, well-designed, modern sanitary facilities.

Located close to the Morbihan gulf, Yelloh! Village Mané Guernehué is a smart, modern site with excellent amenities, including an equestrian centre and a variety of pitches. Some are terraced beneath pine trees, others in a former orchard with delightful views of the surrounding countryside.

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.

The Château des Marais campsite is a good base for visiting the château at Chambord and the other châteaux in the Vallée des Rois. The site, providing 115 large touring pitches in avenues, all with electricity (10A), access to water and drainage and ample shade, is situated in the oak and hornbeam woods of its own attractive, small château. Twenty-five designated motorhome pitches are on hardstanding and grass. An excellent swimming complex offers pools with two slides, two flumes and a lazy river. There is an on-site tourism office where bookings can be made. Used by a UK tour operator. There is also a pizzeria separate to the main bar and restaurant.

A friendly welcome is assured from the owners of this spacious site situated in quiet, flat countryside near the pleasant small town of Pont-de-Vaux. The 2.5 hectare (six-acre) site has 54 large (100-400 sq.m), level, grassy pitches, all of which are available to tourers. Almost all are separated by hedges and most are shaded by trees. All but three have electrical connections (10A) and water. Because of its friendly and tranquil atmosphere, the site is popular with English and Dutch visitors alike, who choose to break their journey here for several days to or from the South of France.

Le Champ Neuf is located in Saint Quentin-en-Tourmont on the Bay of the Somme. It is a quiet site, 900 m. from the ornithological reserve of Marquenterre, the favourite stop for thousands of migratory birds; birdwatchers will appreciate the dawn chorus and varied species. This eight-hectare site has 197 pitches, 79 for touring, on level grass with 6/10A electricity.

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.

Situated on the west coast of the island of Ile d’Oléron, les Gros Joncs is owned and run by the Cavel family who work hard to keep the site up to date and of high quality. There are 50 or so touring pitches of a good size (some extra large) with tall pine trees providing a choice between full sun and varying degrees of shade. All have water and 10A electricity to hand. The main building not only houses a light and airy reception, but also a modern, beautifully presented bar and restaurant, a fully stocked and competitively priced shop, an attractive indoor swimming pool and a magnificent spa.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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).