Should I book my sites in France in advance?

[Tim_374565934]

Hi. I am planning my first caravan overseas trip this August to France. The plan is Loire Valley and then the Dordogne (3 weeks and a bit in total). Dover to Calais booked, however should I book my sites in France in advance of travelling? I quite like the idea of being flexible and moving on when we are ready or stopping when we need a travel rest on the way. On the same hand I dont want to be travelling and cant get in to the good sites. Please can you share your experiences.

Finally can you recommend any good sites in the Loire or Dordogne regions (for a family with 2 young children)?

Thanks

 

[emmerson2]

Tim, at the time you are going yes, definately, as that is the time that the French take their holidays!

I always go now, (May/June) and only ever book the first night or two, and have never had a problem.

A tip: wherever possible, book municipal sites. Most towns have them, they're always fairly cheap, and generally very good.

 

[emmerson2]

PS, at the western end of the Loire vally, near Saumur, try le Chant d'Oiseau. (Google will give you details)English-owned, very friendly, and well-placed.

 

[ValA.]

If you can go the last two weeks in August, rather than the first two, you will find many more pitches available, and so you can be more flexible with choice of sites. However, with two young children you may be just as well booking, especially if you're going earlier in August.

 

[vansmudge]

I agree with the advise to pre book. If you want advise on sites you could opt for the services of Camping & Caravan Club or Caravan Club. You will need to decide how far you want to travel and they will do the rest.

If you prefer to do your own planning, then try looking at the ASCI or Camping Cheque sites. The cost beneifits will not be available to you in August but the internet will give you a good idea of where the sites are located.

One thing is for sure, this being your first time in France - it will not be your last!

Enjoy

 

[Ruth_5123617]

PS, at the western end of the Loire vally, near Saumur, try le Chant d'Oiseau. (Google will give you details)English-owned, very friendly, and well-placed.

So another fortunate who has found Le Chant, were there last summer and hope to visit them again next year, best to book though, even in June!!

 

[RayS]

Some of the more popular sites in France have a minimum stay period in high season and are quite expensive. If you do take a chance and go without any bookings, try to get to your chosen site soon after lunch - or even just before say around 12.00 and you should stand a good chance of getting a pitch. arrival by 12.00 would still leave you a couple of hours towing in the morning - say 100 miles - which may be ample for a change of scene.

Recomment you get the CC site Guide Europe volume 1 then you can pick out your sites and phone ahead. I'd always have a second (or even third) choice in mind too.

 

[Tim_374565934]

Thanks all for the advice. I have seen a number of Castel sites which look good quality.

 

[emmerson2]

So another fortunate who has found Le Chant, were there last summer and hope to visit them again next year, best to book though, even in June!!

Hi Ruth. Isn't it just a great site, and smashing people! Stu got severely castigated on here some years ago, as one or two people considered his posts as advertising, so we went there to show support for a couple of ex-pats trying to make ago of life in a foreign land. Like all of le Chant's visitors, we fell in love with the site, and Stu & Syb.Sadly, we can't get back there again this year, as we shall be on the eastern side of France, but if you go, say Hi to them for me!