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quoteIn this weekly series experienced caravan journalist Liz King reviews some of the best touring caravan sites across the UK and Europe. Keep checking back or subscribe to our newsfeed using the Facebook, Twitter or RSS icons on the right of the page – that way you’ll never miss a trick!
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Castel Camping La Garangeiore
85150 Saint-Julien-des-Landes
France
www.camping-la-garangeoire.com
www.les-castels.com/en
This is caravanning in a grand style on the grounds of a privately owned château, the site of a Gallo-Roman stone temple. On certain evenings a gourmet dinner is served in the family dining room.
Set in over 500 acres of tree filled parkland, away from the hubbub of the busy coast, the pitches are on grass and many have water, electricity and drainage. If you fancy splashing out then you can book a Castel Premium pitch with a BBQ, fridge, outdoor furniture, parasol and one hour free internet per day.
Pets are allowed, English is spoken and there is a motorhome service point. Facilities include bars, restaurant and takeaway, swimming pool, free fishing, guided walks, playgrounds, boules, games room and bike hire.
Opening times;
April 9th 2011 to September 24th 2011
Costs;
Nightly costs; per night for outfit, for two people and awning in low season on pitch with electricity from €17.50
Children under 10 years; from € 2.50
Persons over 10 years; from €4.50
Pets; from €3.00 each
Special low season discounts available using Camping Cheques.
Extra charges include Wi-Fi, booking deposit and tourist tax.
Please check the prices before you make your booking.
Eat and drink;
Why leave the site? You don’t have to worry about drinking and driving as the restaurant with outdoor terrace offers traditional French cuisine. The Take Away serves simple but tasty takeaway choice of meals and snacks with a “Plat du Jour” each day, salads, chips, home-made pizzas and Rotisserie Chicken.
Or what about Cook it Yourself at The Garden Grill? A convivial atmosphere with outdoor tables equipped with grills where you buy and cook your selection of meat or fish. Or try your hand at making crepes!
Local attractions;
The sandy beaches of the Vendeé are just 12 kms, or visit The Logis de la Chabotterie, there’s a vast network of cycle paths with picnic places and a number of 18 hole golf courses.
Directions;
Leave D6 towards Saint-Julien-des-Landes on the D21 and drive through La Chapelle-Hermier. The park will be on your left.
The Chateau on-site is stunning
Spacious pitches
One of the sanitary blocks, which are clean and modern
Plenty of space for an awning and chairs
The pool is fantastic to lounge around
Plus slides for the more adventurous
There’s also an onsite bikeshop where you can rent bikes during your stay
La Garangeoire no longer takes Camping Cheques but takes ACSI. Not all pitches are as in the pictures, we have been there four times, some are very shady