Olympic fever has hit us like a Bolt out of the blue (sorry we couldn’t resist that) here in the Caravan Guard offices with only 84 days until the start of London 2012 which start on the 27th July. We asked our special Olympic correspondent to don his track suit and get set for the off by looking at campsite arrangements within easy reach of the Olympic venues.

There are a number of large temporary sites arranged for the Olympic Games by several different organisations, many are for tent campers only, and those for tourers and motorhomes are already getting booked up.

If you are not a member of one of those organisations and you are trying to make your own plans we hope that the following information may be helpful. These are sites which have availability at the time of writing (2/05/2012) and do not represent a recommendation as to quality. It is essential that you make contact with the park to establish availability, price, grading, opening hours and any special services being offered for Olympic visitors. It’s wise to phone the site to make your booking, not all are taking bookings via websites and you may want to ask which specific services they offer, i.e. transport to and from the nearest train station or time the site barrier closes.

If you have tickets for events remember that it is necessary to leave early to get into the venues and you may be returning late in the evening.

If you don’t have tickets but still want to soak up the atmosphere, remember there are Live Sites, big screens, being erected in regions around the UK including Hyde Park in central London, Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets and Woolwich.

Don’t forget the Paralympics too, which are just as exciting and start on the 29th August.

The sites listed for London all have a railway station nearby, this is the recommended form of transport for speed and comfort, driving to a venue is not a practical option.

For more information: http://www.london2012.com/

Olympic venues in London:

The new Olympic Park

• Stadium (athletics, opening/closing ceremonies)
• Aquatic centre (swimming, diving, synchronised swimming, water polo)
• Velodrome (track cycling)
• BMX track (BMX cycling)
• Hockey complex (hockey)
• Multi-sport complex (basketball, fencing, handball, volleyball, modern pentathlon events)
• Tennis complex (Olympic training venue and Paralympic competition venue)

Venues in and around London

• Greenwich Arena (badminton, rhythmic gymnastics)
• Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, (canoe slalom)
• Wembley Stadium (football finals)
• Wimbledon (tennis)
• Lord’s Cricket Ground (archery)
• Horse Guards Parade (beach volleyball)
• Hyde Park (triathlon)
• Regent’s Park (road cycling)
• Greenwich Park (equestrian; modern pentathlon)
• ExCel exhibition centre (boxing, judo, taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling, table tennis)
• The Dome (gymnastics – artistic/trampolining; basketball)
• Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich (shooting)
• Eton Dorney, Berkshire rowing centre (rowing and flatwater canoe/kayak events)
• Hadleigh Farm, Essex (mountain biking)

Caravan sites within reach of Olympic Venues in and surrounding London:

Homestead Lake Park
Thorpe Road (B1033)
Weeley
Clacton-on-Sea
Essex CO16 9JN
T: 01255 833492
F: 01255 831406
Email: lakepark@homesteadcaravans.co.uk

Willows
Lippitts Hill,
High Beech
Loughton
Essex
IG10 4AL
T: 07816 847541

Lee Valley Campsite
Sewardstone
Sewardstone Road
Chingford
London
E4 7RA
T: 020 8529 5689
F: 020 8559 4070
Email: scs@leevalleypark.org.uk

Highclere Country Touring Park
Newbarn Lane
Seer Green
Buckinghamshire
HP9 2QZ
T: 01494 874505 / 875665
F: 01494 875238
Email: Highclerepark@aol.com

Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park
Meridian Way
Edmonton
London
N9 0AR
T: 020 8803 6900
Email: leisurecentre@leevalleypark.org.uk

The Elms Caravan and Camping Park
Lippitts Hill,
High Beach
Loughton,
IG10 4AW
Email: info@theelmscampsite.co.uk
Web: http://www.theelmscampsite.co.uk
T: 0044 (0)20 8502 5652 (8.30am – 8.30pm)

Caravan sites near Eton Dorney rowing centre:

Highclere Country Touring Park
Newbarn Lane
Seer Green
Buckinghamshire
HP9 2QZ
T : 01494 874505 / 875665
F: 01494 875238
E-mail: Highclerepark@aol.com

Laleham Camping Club
Laleham Park
Thameside
Laleham
Middlesex
London TW18 1SS
T: 01932 564149

Caravan sites near Paralympics road cycling Brands Hatch:

Thriftwood Holiday Park
Plaxdale Green Road,
Stansted,
Sevenoaks,
Kent TN15 7PB
Sevenoaks, Kent,
TN15 7PB
T: 01732 822261
F: 017 01732 82226132 824636
Email: info@thriftwoodholidaypark.com

Caravan sites near Weymouth-Portland (sailing):

Pebble Bank Caravan Park
90 Camp Road,
Wyke Regis,
Weymouth,
Dorset
DT4 9HF
Contact: Ian and Dot Hartley. T: 01305 774844
Email: stay@pebblebank.co.uk

East Fleet Farm Touring Park,
Chickerell,
Weymouth,
Dorset.
DT3 4DW
T: 01305 785768
F: 01305 784680
Email: enquiries@eastfleet.co.uk

Bagwell Farm Touring Park
Knights in the Bottom
Chickerell
Weymouth
DT3 4EA
T: 01305 782575
F: 01305 780554

Portesham Dairy Farm
7 Bramdon Lane,
Portesham,
Weymouth,
Dorset, DT3 4HG
T: 01305 871297
Email: info@porteshamdairyfarm.co.uk

Caravan sites near the various Olympic Football venues:

Old Trafford (Manchester)

Holly Bank Caravan Park
Warburton Bridge Road
Rixton,
Warrington,
WA3 6HL
T: 0161 775 2842
Web: www.hollybankcaravanpark.co.uk

St James’ Park (Newcastle)

Derwent Park Caravan and Camping Site
Rowland’s Gill,
Gateshead,
NE39 1LG
T: 01207 543 383

Bobby Shafto Caravan Park
Cranberry Plantation
Beamish
County Durham
DH9 0RY
T: 0191 370 1776
F: 0191 370 1783
Email: info@bobbyshaftocaravanpark.co.uk

Hampden Park (Glasgow)

Craigendmuir Caravan & Camping Site
Clay House Road,
Stepps,
Glasgow,
G33 6AF
T: 0141 779 4159
F: 0141 779 4057
Email: info@craigendmuir.co.uk

Millennium Stadium (Cardiff)

Cardiff Caravan Park
Pontcanna Fields
Cardiff
CF11 9XR
T:029 2039 8362
F:029 2039 8362
Email: CardiffCaravanPark@cardiff.gov.uk

Vale Touring Park
Port Road West
Barry
Glamorgan
CF62 3BT
T: 01446 719311

City of Coventry Stadium (Coventry)

Hollyfast Caravan Park
Wall Hill Road
Allesley
Coventry
CV5 9EL
T: 024 76 336411
F: 024 76 338007
Email: sales@hollyfastcaravanpark.co.uk

A time of unexpected and enforced rest is how I came to read, again, Peter Mayle’s book ‘A Year in Provence’. Written over 20 years ago, it’s a witty review of the author’s first year living in the Vaucluse area of Provence. I wondered if the area had changed.

Within hours I had a map of France beside me; the route was planned and the medieval hilltop villages mentioned in the book were highlighted. Bonnieux, Gordes, Lacoste, Ménerbes and the town of Cavaillon. I suggested to Dave that we took the caravan to the Vaucluse this year.

Mr Mayle described Cavaillon as a trading town. He wrote about the Monday morning market, the pleasure of enjoying life drinking a coffee on the terrace of a bar… so we did just that at the Fin de Siècle café where we are told the author is known to imbibe.

His book had a big impact on the town’s shops. We saw the Fromagerie des Alpes cheese shop, where we were told that Mr Mayle buys cheese and the Boulangerie Auzet which had to rearrange its shop to welcome tourist groups, especially Japanese groups. The then owner, Gérard Auzet, was even contacted by a Japanese firm to market a baguette bearing his name in Japan.

This led Peter Mayle and Gérard Auzet to write a book called Confessions of a French Baker about the Auzet family and their know-how. The book is still available in the shop which is now owned by Frederic Frechet and is now called “Sol e Pan”. Twenty different breads are baked each day so we had another coffee and sampled some of the specialty biscuits baked on the premises. The shop serves food from 7am to 7pm. No, Mr Mayle had not been in on that day…yet.

We lunched at restaurant David and Louisa, on the Cours Gambetta. This was an excellent Provençal-style lunch cooked by David, a former French rugby player, who told us that Mr Mayle eats there and also at Maison Gouin at Coustellet, a butcher’s shop with an excellent restaurant.

We visited Café Clérici at Bonnieux also patronized by Mr Mayle; the panoramic terrace has spectacular views and Bonnieiux is known for its two churches, one at the top of medieval village, the other at the bottom.

Bonnieux and Gordes both featured in the film A Good Year, based on a novel of the same name written by Peter Mayle. We visited the winegrower at Château La Canorgue at Bonnieux, also featured in the film and were told that Mr Mayle had bought wine there recently; so did we.

The Restaurant de la Gare in Bonnieux, is still there. No longer owned by the old lady mentioned in the book, it passed to her grandson who ran it very successfully following the publicity given to it in A Year in Provence. It was sold two years ago.

I asked Mr Mayle if he thought the area had changed and he replied “Not very much. The local wines have improved, and there is a wider choice of hotels, chambres d’hotes, and pleasant restaurants. Apart from that, I haven’t noticed any significant changes. The sun still shines for 300 days a year, there are still plenty of places where you can find peace and solitude, and the pace of life is still on the slow side, which I like.”

I asked if anymore books are planned and had an intriguing answer “On average, I’ve written a new book every two years since 1990. I’m going to try to keep this up.”

I had to ask if Massot, his interesting neighbour, ever sold his house; he did and retired to Cavaillon on the proceeds!

For more information (French required): http://www.cavaillon-luberon.fr/en/

Recommended caravan sites to stay at:

Camping Les Fontaines, at Pernes les Fontaines.

Pascale and Pièrine are the delightful owners of this campsite. It’s a quiet and popular site, with Wifi, a quality restaurant and lovely colourful landscaping. English is spoken. Fab views of Mont Ventoux from some pitches!

You can use Camping Cheques as payment in low season.

http://www.campinglesfontaines.com/

Camping Nostradamus, at Eyguières near Salon de Provence.

A lovely unpretentious family owned and run campsite within a farm. The staff spoke English, the owner Gilles is charming and plans to develop the site over the next 2-3 years. There is Wifi (chargeable) and good quality food at the simple restaurant. You can again use Camping Cheques as payment in low season.

http://www.camping-nostradamus.com/anglais/anglais.htm

Recommended by Liz

The Lookout Holiday Park
Corfe Road
Stoborough
Wareham
Dorset
BH20 5AZ
www.caravan-sites.co.uk

This is a low key, family orientated, privately owned park at the edge of the Purbeck Hills. The pitches are on two fields and most have 10amp electric hook-up with mains water taps not too far from most of them. No gazebos are allowed and it’s a dog free park. There are a few hard standing pitches most of which were occupied by seasonal caravans when we visited. It’s not what you would call a well manicured park but the staff were friendly, knowledgeable and the facilities block was cleaned to a high standard. Facilities include a play area, games room and a well stocked shop. There is a bus stop right outside the park with buses to Swanage, Poole and as far as Exeter. There is no dedicated motorhome service point. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a pitch away from the road noise.

Opening times

All year

Costs

From £16 per night in low season for outfit, awning, mains hook-up and maximum of six people. Seasonal pitches from March to October are available. Please check for up to date information before booking.

Eat and drink

You’ll find food for all tastes at Wareham which you can walk to, drive or take the bus.

Local attractions

Attractions include the Swanage Steam railway, the pretty and historic village of Corfe and its castle. The Tank Museum at Bovingdon is interesting. http://www.dorsettouristinformation.co.uk/

Directions to site

From Poole on the A351 towards Wareham, drive through Wareham and the village of Stoborough, the park will be on your left.

Grass pitches with electric hook up

Nicely spaced pitches

Many pitches have hard standing

Park entrance

Childrens play area

Recommended by Liz

Fallowfield Dene
Hexham
Northumberland
NE46 4RP
www.fallowfielddene.co.uk

It’s a secluded yet large site, which is particularly well placed if you want to explore the Roman history of the area as Hadrian’s Wall is very near by, or if you are on your way to or from Scotland. It’s convenient for the ferry port at Newcastle and is used by our continental friends as an overnight stop. The pitches are on grass with 16 amps electric hook-up. There are a large number of seasonal caravans on the site, which limits the number of touring pitches available. Twin axle caravans are allowed and there is a motorhome service point. There is a small shop but more shops are in Hexham.

Opening times

11 March to 2 November 2011

Costs

Nightly costs; from £16 per night for two people including electric hook-up.

Extra people; ₤3.00

Children 5-15 years; £1.50

Children under 5 years; no charge

Awning; ₤1.00

Mains electric hook-up; £2.00

Pets; £0.50

Special off-peak offer; stay for seven nights and pay for only six.

Extra charge include barrier card: £5 returnable deposit paid on arrival.

Eat and Drink

The Boatside Inn at Warden serves well recommended food, www.theboatsideinn.com Or Alnwick Castle has a nice courtyard café www.alnwickcastle.com

Local attractions

Newcastle and Tyneside are just 30 minutes away with shopping at the famous MetroCentre, one of Europe’s largest indoor shopping and leisure complexes. For outdoor enthusiasts there are many footpaths and bridleways to explore, including the Pennine Way National Trail and the C2C National Cycle Route.

www.visitnortheastengland.com

Directions

From the A69 Newcastle to Carlisle road, follow the signs for Acomb, Bellingham and Rothbury A6079. In Acomb look for signs on the right to Fallowfield and then signs for the site down a narrow road with passing places.

Insurance Tip

If the weather is going to be windy then it’s particularly important your awning is covered for damage – unlike some insurers Caravan Guard provide cover for storm damage to awnings, including any damage to the caravan itself. Check your caravan insurance policy and make sure you’ve got adequate cover in place.

Many pitches are seasonal

Mature trees are a site feature

The reception

The sections of the camp all have Roman names

This area still has red squirels

Well presented touring pitches

Recommended by Liz

Camping des Lacs
La Guerlie
16150 Pressignac
France
www.campingdeslacs.fr
(In English using Google Translate)

The grassy pitches are hedged and numbered at this park which is owned by the local community but managed independently. Set in the inland area of the Charente region, it is in a fantastic setting beside a lake; as you can see from the pictures we visited the park when it was sunny and also on a rainy, cold day and we still liked it. Although the pitches need some basic maintenance most of them have water, drainage and 16 amp mains hook-up and there is a motorhome service point. Pets are allowed and English is spoken.

Some of the facilities are only open at weekends or in high season but include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, play areas and the nearby water sports facilities.

Opening times

May to end of September 2011

Costs

From €18.00 per night for two people, outfit and awning in low season.

Children under 12 years; from €3.00

Extra persons over 12 years; from €5.50

Electricity; from €3.50

Pets; from €3.00

Prices correct at May 2011 please contact the park for up to date information.

Eat and drink

There is a restaurant on site, but try the fabulous English owned Le Soleil Couchant lakeside bar and restaurant just across the bridge which is open all year.

Local attractions

How’s your history? Does Richard the Lionheart ring any bells? Follow his alleged route, or play a round of golf. Visit the great cognac houses, at Cognac and the cognac and Pineau de Charente cellars.

Aubeterre sur Dronne is a small town, one of the “most beautiful villages in France” with an unusual Romanesque “monolithic” church, carved out of the rock.

Directions

In Verneuil on D13, turn left signposted La Guerlie, Pressignac and signs for campsite. The site will be on your right just over the bridge over the Lac de Lavaud.

Insurance tip

Don’t forget to take out breakdown cover for when you use your motorhome in France, and if you already have cover in place elsewhere then check your recovery company doesn’t have restrictions on the size or weight of your vehicle. Caravan Guard offer breakdown cover without size or weight restrictions in the UK and Europe, visit our Motorhome Insurance page for more info.

A view of the beach by the lake on a sunny day

All pitches have electricity water and drainage

Hard standing area for motorhomes

There are large pitches all around the site

Tree and hedge lined pitches

Motorhome service point

The outdoor pool is great for kids

Recommended by Liz

Le Château de Fonrives
47210 Rives-Villeréal
France
http://www.campingchateaufonrives.com/

Set in the grounds of a privately owned Château on the borders of the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne, this family run site is peaceful in low season but a hive of activity in high season. The hedged pitches are on grass and many have water taps. The electric hook-up is just 6amps electricity, so care is needed with the use of electric BBQs, kettles and microwaves.

Facilities include a Fitness room, sauna, Jacuzzi, two swimming pools, water slides, sun terraces, crazy golf, tennis, pétanque, and lake fishing. There is a charge for some of the facilities in high season. Wi-Fi is available around the bar, restaurant and sun terraces. English is spoken and pets are allowed. There is a motorhome service point. You can walk into the little village of Rives through the park’s own woods.

Opening times

9th April to 1st October 2011

Costs

From €15 per night including electricity, outfit and awning for two people in low season.

Children under 6 years; from €2

Additional people over 6 years; from €4

Pets; €2

Prices exclude booking fee and refundable barrier key deposit.

Prices should be checked before you make your booking.

Eat and drink

We enjoyed our meal in the site restaurant, but in Villeréal you can find hotels or a number of eating places offering regional cuisine or simple crepes or Italian style.

Local attractions

You are not far from wine producing areas of Bergerac for tasting and buying, many châteaux and Bastide towns and in Villeréal, on Monday evenings throughout the summer, discover and taste local products. http://www.france-voyage.com/communes/villereal-16709.htm

Directions

From Villeréal, take the D207 towards Issigeac. Keep on this road and the park will be on your left. It is signposted in Villeréal.

Insurance tip

Planning a trip to France? Caravan Guard’s touring caravan insurance policy offers caravanners the freedom to tour Europe for up to 90 days at a time.

There are five hard standing motorhome pitches

A path around the lake has exercise points

There is also a childrens play area

In addition to a motorhome service point there are also 5 special pitches with electricity, water and drainage

Large open pitches

Mini golf and tennis on site

Part of the reception

Pitches with shade

There are 3 lakes on site

View of the pool area from the top of the slides

Recommended by Liz

Castel Camping Séquoia Parc
Saint Just-Luzac
17320 France
http://www.sequoiaparc.com/
www.les-castels.com

This is a huge park, a camping village, set in 45 hectares in the grounds of a 19th century château with beautiful trees in the grounds, not far from the Atlantic coast. The pitches are on grass and are spacious, most are divided by hedges but you could book a luxurious Castel premium pitch with water, drainage, electricity, chairs, table, sunbeds, BBQ, fridge and limited free Wi-Fi. English is spoken and there is a motorhome service point. Facilities include an aqua park, boules, multi-sports ground, bar, restaurant, shop and takeaway. Entertainment is organised in high season.

There is some road noise during the day heard on some pitches.

Opening times

May 14 to 5 September 2011

Costs

From €20 per night for two people, outfit and awning in low season on basic pitch with 6amp electricity.

Extra people over 12 years; €7

Children aged 3-12 years; €3

Pets; €5 each

There are special discounts apply for bookings in excess of 10 nights in low season. It’s wise to check with the campsite for up to date information.

Extra charges include Wi-Fi, bike hire, go-kart hire, tennis, diving lessons, horse-riding, use of safe, and massage.

Eat and drink

There are 3 bars on site, a takeaway and the Carrousel restaurant. If seafood including oysters and mussels are your thing, then a short drive in your vehicle, or hire a bike if you prefer, will take you into the fishing village and you can sample the catch of the day.

Local attractions

Oyster beds, www.oysters.us/marennes Painting exhibition in Marennes, the 12th century St Peter’s Church which has an 85m high bell tower, take a daytrip to the Ile d’Oleron and several local markets.

Directions

Well signposted on the D728. From Marennes turn left into the parc.

Insurance tip

Planning a trip to France? Caravan Guard’s touring caravan insurance policy offers caravanners the freedom to tour Europe for up to 90 days at a time.

There are large pitches available

The impressive château

Many pitches have water, electricity and drainage

One of the five pools

There’s plenty of space for motorhomes too

Many pitches are tree or hedge lined

The modern reception

The Children’s farm

The high quality laundry facility

Recommended by Liz

Kawan Village Moulin du Périé
47500 Sauveterre la Lémance
France
www.camping-moulin-perie.com

This is a rural, rustic retreat off the beaten track but it’s worth making the effort to get there. The grass pitches are broken up by shrubs and trees with many shaded pitches dotted around – with some fully serviced pitches also available. Run by a delightful English speaking French family, the second generation of the family is now involved, and the welcome is warm and friendly. A handy information book in English is given to new arrivals and the small shop has English newspapers in high season.

There are no large facilities but there is a swimming pool, a games area and children’s playground; everything is cosy like being in the owners’ own home and the garden is reminiscent of an English country garden. Pets are allowed and there is a motorhome service point.

Opening times

14 May to 17 September 2011

Costs

Nightly costs; Two people, outfit and awning in low season on basic pitch is from €14.60 per night in low season.

6amps mains electric hook-up; €4.30

10amps mains electric hook-up; €6.75

Children 2-7 years; €2.00

Extra people over 7 years; €4.70

Pets; €2.40

Camping Cheques are accepted in low season.

Eat and Drink

There are some fabulous cholesterol boosting gourmet meals served each week in the restaurant at very reasonable prices and weekly theme nights including a BBQ and gastronomic meals. The informal bar is simple and has an outside terrace.

Local attractions

Fumel is not attractive, but does have a nice château which is a listed Historic Monument and le Château de Bonaguil hosts a firework display in summer. Villefranche du Périgord is surrounded by attractive countryside, lovely for a relaxing drive through sleepy villages.

If you’ve got an interest in history then remember this region featured in the One Hundred Years War between England and France and there are some beautiful “Bastide” towns.

Directions

From Fumel on D710 turn right over the railway line in Sauveterre la Lémance. In the village turn left and follow the signs to the site which is some way out of the village.

Insurance tip

Travelling abroad with your motorhome? Caravan Guard’s motorhome insurance policy offers an optional 8 months European insurance cover and European breakdown cover. If you’re an existing Caravan Guard motorhome insurance customer, please ensure that you have European cover selected before starting your European adventures.

The parc is set in beautiful natural surroundings

Many pitches have shade available

Caravans and motorhomes are welcome

An idyllic setting

Plenty of space

There is also a small lake

Small terrace outside the bar

The family baudot

Recommended by Liz

Castel Camping L’Etang de la Brèche
Varennes-sur-Loire
49730Saumur
France

http://www.etang-breche.com/
www.les-castels.com/en

English is spoken at this very popular, four star, family orientated campsite, which has a distinctly English ambience.

Located in the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage area, it’s a large camp site and the generously large pitches are on grass, most have water and drainage and 10amps electricity is available to many of them. It’s a well established campsite and the mature trees and shrubs provide some shade. Castel Premium pitches are available if you want to treat yourself. There is a motorhome service point and limited Wi-Fi is available.

Free facilities include heated swimming pools, water slides, lake fishing, and play areas for children. There is a well stocked shop, a bar with a terrace, a takeaway and a pretty restaurant where good food is served at reasonable prices.

Opening times

14 May 2011 to 11September 2011

Nightly costs

From €16.50 per night for outfit and awning in low season on a basic pitch.

Children under 4 years; no charge

Children 4-12 years; from €4

Extra people over 10 years; from €6

Pets; no charge.

Electric hook-up; from €3 in high season, no charge in low season.

Please check for up to date information.

Extra charges include tennis, pony riding, bike hire and safe hire.

Eat and Drink

Don’t forego the site restaurant, but if you venture into Saumur, it’s packed with places to eat; we ate delicious mussels at le Café de la Bourse and a decent lunch at the café in the car park at the château.

Local attractions

Visit the Tourism Office in Saumur where English speaking staff will ply you information about châteaux, gardens, the National Horse Training School and the tank museum. It’s in middle of vineyards, so wine tastings are available too.

www.ot-saumur.fr

Directions

It’s on the north bank of the river Loire. Leave Saumur on the D952 towards Tours and the campsite will be on your left about 6 kms from Saumur. It is well signposted.

Insurance tip

Planning a trip to France? Caravan Guard’s touring caravan insurance policy offers caravanners the freedom to tour Europe for up to 90 days at a time.

Site entrance

Spacious pitches

Rose gardens next to the heated outdoor swimming pool

Bike and pedal car hire and pools area

Internet room

Launderette and shower block

Many pitches have water & drainage as well as electricity

Multisport area

The pitches are set around well established trees and shrubs

The terrace bar, shop and takeaway

Plenty of open space and several play areas

Recommended by Liz

L’Etang Bleu
Vieux Mareuil
Dordogne
France
http://www.letangbleu.com/

This quiet park has friendly, welcoming English owners and is set in rural France. There’s no disco or karaoke but there is a bar serving snacks and light meals, where themed suppers are held weekly in season, plus a children’s play area, table tennis and children’s animations. The subject of a television documentary a few years ago, the park has been the subject of considerable improvement and has large, grassy, hedged – perfect for relaxing outside the van with a bottle of wine, especially as BBQs are allowed. There is also 10 amp electricity on each pitch, as well as water taps and drains near to most. It’s been the subject of intensive improvement since the owners bought it eight years ago.

The site has a swimming pool, paddling pool, games room, a children’s play area and a small shop stocked only in July and August. There is also an unfenced fishing lake. There is a motorhome service point and a bus stop nearby to Périgueux the capital of the Dordogne area; the fare is €2 per person.

Opening times

1st April to 5th November.

Nightly costs

from €5.75 for pitch fee in low season.

Extra people over 7 years; from €3.75

Children 2-7 years from €1.25

Children under 2 years; free

Mains electric hook-up; from €4.00

Pets; €3.00

Extra charges include Wi-Fi and fishing.

Special offer; from €14.25 per night for two people, outfit and awning in low season, bookable in advance for a minimum of four nights. Please check for up to date information.

Eat and Drink

If you eat and drink on site, then you don’t have to worry about drinking and driving, but there are places to eat in Nontron, and the local village has basic facilities. We bought a tasty sandwich in the bakery. If you want to splash out, try Michelin starred Moulin de l’Abbeye at Brantôme.

Local attractions

The area is good for those who like walking or cycling. Brantôme on the River Dronne is known as The Venice of the Dordogne, and has a magnificent Benedictine Abbey. Périgueux has a cathedral which is part of the World Heritage Sites of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela.

Directions

From Nontron on D 708 towards Mareuil, turn left onto D93 just after St Sulpice de Mareuil. The parc will be on your left and is signposted.

Insurance tip

Travelling abroad with your motorhome? Caravan Guard’s motorhome insurance policy offers an optional 8 months European insurance cover and European breakdown cover. If you’re an existing Caravan Guard motorhome insurance customer, please ensure that you have European cover selected before starting your European adventures.

Photos

The pitches are big enough to accomodate large motorhomes

Water and waste water disposal is adjacent to most pitches

Plenty of open space

The good-sized onsite swimming pool is great for cooling off