Provence

[jcshill]

Planning a trip down to Provence this year.We have stayed at Pernes la Fontaine but we would like another site.
Looked through this years Acsi book and there appears several to choose from.
If you have experience of this region and preferences of sites which you liked we would appreciate your thoughts.
Many thanks
John

 

[RayS]

As usual with these replies it depends what you want. We favour sites towards the CL end of the spectrum.
Starting north east the municipal at Sisteron south of Grenoble is excellent, big pitches, and quiet. Sisteron itself quite interesting in a 'border town' sort of way - best supermarket etc. about 5 miles south, but some excellent drives all round. Then a bit further south east near the Gorge du Verdon a Dutch owned farm site near Riez - Vauveniers - very quiet, beautiful views, huge amount of space available off-peak (closes end September). The sites at Moustiers themselves are very congested and busy. Nearby Lac St Croix has a high season site. (all in CC book).
To south west Arc en Ceil site at Rouissillon not bad if a bit shaded. Town very interesting- pigment mines for famous painters etc and excellent local wine. Good day trip north up Mt. Ventoux beloved of Tour de France fans - see wheere our one-time champ. Simpson literally died within sight of the finish line. Otherf good camping a la ferme on raod from Apt to Cereste (but not in book) signed from road direcection Celleste. Le Clerc and Intermarche in Apt. Beautiful quiet countryside around with many good cycle routes if you are that way inclined.
Off peak very quiet and enjoyable - high season I'm not sure I'd risk it, but others may not agree.

May see you there September / October 2011 !

 

[jcshill]

Thank you Ray We were considering aiming towards Grenoble and then swing down to Sisteron and then off towards Agde area. The advice gien is appreciated and will use your recommendations.
Thanks again John

 

[RayS]

John, Grenoble area is pretty busy with quite dense traffric at rush hours. Also more mountainous than a bit further south. There's a site in the book to the south, near where the ring road straightens up to go south, but I can't find it on Google earth. Lyons to Grenoble is not too wonderful either. This year plan to stay in the Apt area perhaps going up as far as Digne les Bains, but to approach from Avignon.
If you want something interesting on the return leg, go west from Avignon and then up the free autoroute towards Clermont Ferrand, stopping at Mileau for at least one night to go and have a good look at the bridge. The site '3 rivers' is on the main road which runs up the east site of the town but is not too noisy. Another good overnight is at Orcet just off junction 8 of the autoroute south of CF. Well run Dutch owned site with good big pitches.