In 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!
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
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