Sites suitable for adults without children

[johnfryett]

We've just returned from France - not the best holiday we've had. We stayed on two Huttopia sites in the Loire Valley. Both were in poor condition and caravan owners seemed to be a low priority in terms of facilities. Our main problem, however, was that the sites were mainly being used by families with young children whose presence impacted on almost everything. The swimming pool was unusable unless we wanted to be splashed or dive-bombed continuously. Much disruption / noise around the pitch from early till late. Kids' "activities" taking place within yards every morning and late-night bonfires as well.
Having read some reviews while we were there, I understand that Huttopia's reputation with UK caravanners is not good - but I'm more interested to find out whether anyone has succeeded in finding small, quiet continental sites more suitable for adults without children. Not necessarily "adults only" but certainly less like a school playground.

 

[VicMallows]

Didn't the name (Hutoppia) and their website give you a bit of a clue as to the sort of sites they were likely to be?

In answer to your question, we have never had any problem finding small quiet sites in any country we have visited. It is important though to seek out really comprehensive guide books which list practically all sites ..... not just a tiny selection of 'selected' sites which often translates to all-singing-all-dancing (or even worse just those which have paid to be included).

Insisting on booking in advance will also tend to limit you the bigger, more commercially oriented sites, and of cause restrict you if for whatever reason a site doesn't really suit you.

 

[RayS]

In my experience over the past 15 years relatively few sites in France and Spain are Adults only.

The advice given that you should try to avoid parks with playgrounds, big swimming pool complexes, entertainments etc. is just what i would have said If you can try to avoid school and public holidays in popular areas - easier said than done unless you are retired, but you can find out the French school holiday periods easily on-line - they vary from region to region.

if you are happy to use the facilities in your caravan then try some of the camping a la ferme sites which can be a bit primitive in facilities but for this very reason not likely to attract young families. They may also offer larger pitching areas per outfit which enables a greater separation.

Complaining to the parents - however justified - is likely to be unpopular and often counter productive. Don't book long stays - in fact don't brook at all - and vote with your feet ( or by hitching up and moving on)

 

[Buckman]

if you are happy to use the facilities in your caravan then try some of the camping a la ferme sites which can be a bit primitive in facilities but for this very reason not likely to attract young families. They may also offer larger pitching areas per outfit which enables a greater separation.

Tell us a bit more about these "La Ferme" sites. We would prefer to spend July / August in the warmer parts of France due to the terrible summers we have in the UK, but do not want to pay premium rates.

 

[RayS]

Camping a la ferme sites are as the name suggests at farms or properties with fields which may not be actively farmed. The facilities provided very considerably but generally tend to the basic. Electricity can be 'rural' and wifi may not be available.
There seems to be no general rule about the number of outfits (CLs and CSs in UK are limited to 5).
Sites can be found on line by Googling camping a la ferme together with the name of a Department or town, or in the usual site guides.
Fees can vary considerably and can be a bit higher than you may expect but pitches can be very large, views open, and traffic low.
On working farms expect some noise from agricultural activities, sometimes early in the morning or from animals. .
Owners may have little English s o it helps if you can manage the basics of asking for a pitch but no essential - they will know why you are there.

 

[PaulT]

Have a look at http://www.bienvenue-a-la-ferme.com as well. These are camping a la ferme with the added advantage that you can buy produce direct from the farmer.

 

[outdoors]

http://www.camping-municipal.org/
Whilst living in France we made full use of this great site, just plumb in the area you wish to tour.