We are planning to go to France for the first time next May/June.We would like somewhere where the weather would be warm but not too hot. We heard of somewhere where you could cycle through the pinetrees to the beach.Any ideas? Thank you.
Campsite in France good for easy cycling
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Hi Margaret
Many of the campsites on the Ile de Re would satisfy your criteria.
The island is cyclist's paradise as it is criss-crossed with a VERY extensive network of cycle tracks including ones to the beaches.
When we were there in 2008 the weather was warm and sunny but there was often a pleasant sea breeze to balance this out a little.
We stayed at Camping Providence at the far end of the island from the bridge. It was not the most polished of campsites and very French but we enjoyed our fortnight there. We can read my reviews of the site and general comments on Ile de Re on the (1)caravantalk website
http://www.caravantalk.org.uk/topic/20611-france-poitou-charantes/
or
(2) ukcampsite.co.uk website. Sorry I can't give the exact link for the latter as my ukc account is playing up at the moment. If I remember correctly the ukc campsite search section, also, has reviews for other Ile de Re Campsites.
In fact, come to think, I believe that the Ile de Re has a website listing all of its campsites - can't remember the link but you could probably google it if interested.
We generally liked Ile de Re VERY MUCH. Some interesting towns and villages, good beaches and everything one could want for a holiday. The road access for caravan is good although of course one does has have to pay the toll for the bridge to cross onto the island, it's free to leave!!! We did not leave the island during our fortnight's stay as there was plenty to occupy us and several supermarkets, etc for shopping.
Regards
Tim
Many of the campsites on the Ile de Re would satisfy your criteria.
The island is cyclist's paradise as it is criss-crossed with a VERY extensive network of cycle tracks including ones to the beaches.
When we were there in 2008 the weather was warm and sunny but there was often a pleasant sea breeze to balance this out a little.
We stayed at Camping Providence at the far end of the island from the bridge. It was not the most polished of campsites and very French but we enjoyed our fortnight there. We can read my reviews of the site and general comments on Ile de Re on the (1)caravantalk website
http://www.caravantalk.org.uk/topic/20611-france-poitou-charantes/
or
(2) ukcampsite.co.uk website. Sorry I can't give the exact link for the latter as my ukc account is playing up at the moment. If I remember correctly the ukc campsite search section, also, has reviews for other Ile de Re Campsites.
In fact, come to think, I believe that the Ile de Re has a website listing all of its campsites - can't remember the link but you could probably google it if interested.
We generally liked Ile de Re VERY MUCH. Some interesting towns and villages, good beaches and everything one could want for a holiday. The road access for caravan is good although of course one does has have to pay the toll for the bridge to cross onto the island, it's free to leave!!! We did not leave the island during our fortnight's stay as there was plenty to occupy us and several supermarkets, etc for shopping.
Regards
Tim
- Jul 15, 2008
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I would agree with the above...
But I would stay on the mainland at one of the many campsites near La Rochelle.
The area is full of interest for all tastes and Cherente Maritime has a climate similar to the Mediterranean.
Cyclists are well looked after in La Rochelle itself with bikes to hire if needed.
You can cycle free over the bridge (3km) to enjoy the Ile de Re.
There is free parking at Le Belvedere at the La Rochelle end of the bridge and this is signposted.
There is bike hire here also.
Came back myself from just such a trip on September 7th. Had a great time!
http://www.bernezac.com/uk_index.htm
But I would stay on the mainland at one of the many campsites near La Rochelle.
The area is full of interest for all tastes and Cherente Maritime has a climate similar to the Mediterranean.
Cyclists are well looked after in La Rochelle itself with bikes to hire if needed.
You can cycle free over the bridge (3km) to enjoy the Ile de Re.
There is free parking at Le Belvedere at the La Rochelle end of the bridge and this is signposted.
There is bike hire here also.
Came back myself from just such a trip on September 7th. Had a great time!
http://www.bernezac.com/uk_index.htm
Have a look at the Camping Cheque website www.campingcheque.co.uk for details of two sites on the Ile de Re and one on the Ile d'Oleron - any of which would cost you just
La Palmyr / Les Mathes near Royan.
Coastal paths and forest paths and early morning you can cycle along the beach from La Palmyr harbour to Royan and lunch on the gentle run back.
Coastal paths and forest paths and early morning you can cycle along the beach from La Palmyr harbour to Royan and lunch on the gentle run back.
This is a wonderful site and area and I've even cycled there!
http://www.camping-laveniseverte.fr/
http://www.cybevasion.com/campings/france/campings_coulon_34619.html
My piccies:
[URL=http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1495165971027722090jDEtoZ]
http://www.camping-laveniseverte.fr/
http://www.cybevasion.com/campings/france/campings_coulon_34619.html
My piccies:
[URL=http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1495165971027722090jDEtoZ]
Hi Margret
We stayed at Le Pin Parasol (http://www.campingpinparasol.fr/) near the Vendee Coast. You could cycle from the site to loads of places to visit or do what we done and took the bikes to one of the many beach car-parks. From there we cycled along the many cycle paths already in place, plus they are already building more to link up the coastal cycle route. Large seaside resorts have proper cycle paths and places to lock your bike up.
Hope you find this of interest.
Kev & Max...
We stayed at Le Pin Parasol (http://www.campingpinparasol.fr/) near the Vendee Coast. You could cycle from the site to loads of places to visit or do what we done and took the bikes to one of the many beach car-parks. From there we cycled along the many cycle paths already in place, plus they are already building more to link up the coastal cycle route. Large seaside resorts have proper cycle paths and places to lock your bike up.
Hope you find this of interest.
Kev & Max...
"La Palmyr / Les Mathes near Royan.
Coastal paths and forest paths and early morning you can cycle along the beach from La Palmyr harbour to Royan and lunch on the gentle run back."
I would recommend this area also - have a look at Bois Soleil in Camping Cheques Book - if you have a car bike rack also options are even better. Nice day out from Royan is to park at port in Royan(free) and catch ferry across the Gironnde estuary to Le Verdon and cycle down alongside the tourist train route to Soulac Sur Mer. Meschers and Talmont also interesting rides.
La Palmyr / Les Mathes near Royan.
Coastal paths and forest paths and early morning you can cycle along the beach from La Palmyr harbour to Royan and lunch on the gentle run back."
I would recommend this area also - have a look at Bois Soleil in Camping Cheques Book - if you have a car bike rack also options are even better. Nice day out from Royan is to park at port in Royan(free) and catch ferry across the Gironnde estuary to Le Verdon and cycle down alongside the tourist train route to Soulac Sur Mer. Meschers and Talmont also interesting rides.
Coastal paths and forest paths and early morning you can cycle along the beach from La Palmyr harbour to Royan and lunch on the gentle run back."
I would recommend this area also - have a look at Bois Soleil in Camping Cheques Book - if you have a car bike rack also options are even better. Nice day out from Royan is to park at port in Royan(free) and catch ferry across the Gironnde estuary to Le Verdon and cycle down alongside the tourist train route to Soulac Sur Mer. Meschers and Talmont also interesting rides.
My daughter and I are planning to walk part of the Canal du Midi next year and I have just bought a book called "Cycling the Canal du Midi" by Declan Lyons as I couldn't find one on walking the area. Lovely area, excellent weather and comfortable cycling too. If you don't want to go that far south, have you thought of canal towpaths elsewhere in France?
Jo
Jo
Another thought. Some years ago we stayed at a campsite near Hourtin on the Medoc. Generally flat area, with access to lake and sea. Also masses of VERY up-market wine growing!
Another thought. Some years ago we stayed at a campsite near Hourtin on the Medoc. Generally flat area, with access to lake and sea. Also masses of VERY up-market wine growing!
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