Hi Pauline,
We've been to La Garangeoire twice but the last time would be about four or five years ago so things may have changed since then.
Based on our experience ( and our likes/dislikes, everbody is different) I would recommend it. We would definitely go back again.
The pitches are very large, perhaps the largest I have ever encountered either in the U.K. or abroad. I would recommend you go for the fully serviced pitches with electric, water and drainage. The pitches are separated from each other by hedges, there are also a number of trees around but I don't remember that being too intrusive or too overhung with trees and branches. Several toilet and shower blocks around all kept very clean. My other half is very "funny" about using site facilities, Garangeoire is one of the few sites where she would use the shower facilities rather the the onboard shower.
At that time there was an outdoor heated pool with separate area for smaller kids with a third area for smallish water chutes. When I say heated, it was heated to a very comfortable level. I've been to a few who claimed their pool was heated but would still have given you hypothermia!
A restaurant and bar with a terrace area overlooking the pool. Meals were also served in a courtyard area. Take away food was also available. Some entertainment was provided in the bar area but not everynight ( at least not at the time we were there, late June/ early July) This finished reasonably early in the evening - by that I mean it din't go on till the small hours. After that the park was very quiet, they did have a night watchman who patrolled and did ask anyone making what was thought to be an unreasonable noise to quieten down. I know that because people we met there who were staying in a static and sitting outside chatting till 1am (ish) were politely asked to keep the noise down.
Activities on site included archery, horse riding, organised cycling trips and boating on a small lake.
The site is next to (part of I suppose) a very large wooded area which has many paths leading through it, ideal for summer walks.
Small town with reasonable supermarket about five minutes drive away ( town name escapes me for the moment).
It is a little distance away from the beaches of the Vendee but that does mean it is also less hectic and not so busy. From memory I think about a 20 minute drive can take you to various beaches. There was a nice one at Bretignolles (sp?)
The site was part of the Castel group. I can remember something about a once weekly guided tour of the chateau's wine cellar.
I found the staff very helpful, English(as well as Dutch, German, and goodness knows what else) spoken in Reception. The first time we were there a night of localised thunderstorms with
strong winds was predicted by the met office. Site staff went round all pitches advising of this and offering assistance to take down or secure tents and awnings. It was the site owner who came to us in her golf buggy and said she had organised staff to be on duty in the office all night in case anyone needed help.
Anything specific please ask. Hopefully someone who has been there more recently will come forward with more info.
Robert
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