Versailles

[emmerson2]

We've got a week in northern France before we meet up with friends near Brugge, and fancy going to Versailles. There are only two sites in Caravan Europe. One would cost us over forty euros per night, with electricity and two dogs, and the other would not be much cheaper, but sounds bl**dy awful!

Anyone got any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[ValA.]

When are you going Emmerson? Have you tried the Camping Cheque, Touring Cheque and ACSI. There are a few ACSI sites around Paris - but more over to the east rather than the Versailles side. Camping Cheques, too, offer two sites to the south of Paris and Huttopia at Rambouillet. Camping International at Maisons Lafitte accepts Touring Cheques and the ACSI card up until 1st July, and again after 30th August. We stayed there lots of times in the past, and although it's not a site I would particularly recommend (the sanitary blocks were muddy - but it was just after the 'Great Storm' when the site was in a mess anyway - that's the last time we were there) it is convenient for Versailles and Paris, being on a nice route which takes you almost past the front of the palace! It's also walking distance to the station to get a train into Paris. We've also stayed at the Huttopia at Rambouillet (not the Versailles one) which is lovely but only takes one animal.

Ot what about Les Courtilles des Lido at Moiret sur Loing? That's a very pleasant site, in the Foret de Fontainbleau - and is part of the Touring Cheques network so

 

[emmerson2]

Thanks for the info, Val, but whilst I was out with the dogs, Herself has found what sounds like our kind of site at camping le Fosse Rouge, near Vernon, which is 40 miles from Versailles, so within day visit distance. It also appears to be very rural, too. A bit like our CLs, only bigger!

 

[chrissie2]

If my memory serves me right (and it often doesn't these days), Vernon is very close to Giverny, so do try to visit Monet's gardens while you are there. It is a nice easy run in from there to Versailles, so that site should be perfect!

 

[emmerson2]

Thanks chrissie. The whole area looks fantastic!We've only got a week to fill in before meeting friends in Brugge, but it looks as if that won't be enough. I can feel a return trip coming on! Oh the joys of retirement!

 

[albert3]

Hi Emmerson

We have stayed at Huttopia at rambouilet found the pitches basic, the toilet blocks average or below. We have also stayed at Huttopia at versailles not the easiest site to get to some narrow streets but most were one way, reception was very good excellent english and veryt cooperative and they accept Camping cheques, the pitches were as basic as you could get and in woodland. One reason for this is that they have a 'back to nature policy which I interpreted as leaving the pitches as they come as when I was there there had been no maintenance to the pitches at all. All that aside the toilets and showers were excellent very large cubicles and very clean. Note the bar is expensive

It is very close to the palace of Versailles which is worth every penny charged, but try to get when it not too busy and try to ignore the type of visitor who rushes up to every exihibition, pushes every one out of the way to take a photograph even when asked not to take photographs.

All in all I would reccomend the site for the palace of versailles and Paris

 

[Guest]

We have used Rambouillet a couple of times and although we didnt last year im sure when we went in 2007 the san blocks had been updated from when it was a municipal site.Its a lovely area with an easy run into Paris, also with a rail station about 2 miles from the camp.

 

[ValA.]

We stayed at Huttopia at Rambouillet too - and thought the sanitary blocks were first class - huge wet-room type showers, very modern washbasins, and loos - and all in very pleasant pine-type cabins.

The pitches are quite big - but forest floor rather than grass, with natural woodland all around. I'd go back.

 

[Gafferbill]

Emmerson.....I would plan on a having a full day at the Palace of Versailles.

The gardens are huge and there can be long queues for the actual palace buildings, unless you are luckier than me.

If you come across any Seine ferries on the back roads whilst touring ...they are free and fun.

 

[Gafferbill]

Emmerson.....I would plan on a having a full day at the Palace of Versailles.

The gardens are huge and there can be long queues for the actual palace buildings, unless you are luckier than me.

If you come across any Seine ferries on the back roads whilst touring ...they are free and fun.

To clarify....I meant solo on the ferries, not with your caravan

 

[emmerson2]

Thanks for all your replies. We've settled on the site in Vernon.

 

[Woody3]

Emmerson,

If you are intending to go to the Brugge area give serious thought to staying in Gent instead. Brugge is very commercial and full of Brits along with all that that carries, whereas Gent is just as attractive and has much more to see - including some very nice shops. Brugge is 30 mins on the motorway, Brussels slightly less.

For Gent stay at Blaameersen camp site which is just SW of the city and next to the national watersport centre. It is a large site (albeit with a little noise from the ring road) with good modern clean facilities, a snack bar that is open every evening, and a full restaurant with bar. There is a large lake adjacent in which you can swim or just walk around. There is a bus service into the city every 15mins outside the gate.

On the other hand there are few sites around Brugge and what there is are of poorish quality in our experience.

 

[emmerson2]

Emmerson,

If you are intending to go to the Brugge area give serious thought to staying in Gent instead. Brugge is very commercial and full of Brits along with all that that carries, whereas Gent is just as attractive and has much more to see - including some very nice shops. Brugge is 30 mins on the motorway, Brussels slightly less.

For Gent stay at Blaameersen camp site which is just SW of the city and next to the national watersport centre. It is a large site (albeit with a little noise from the ring road) with good modern clean facilities, a snack bar that is open every evening, and a full restaurant with bar. There is a large lake adjacent in which you can swim or just walk around. There is a bus service into the city every 15mins outside the gate.

On the other hand there are few sites around Brugge and what there is are of poorish quality in our experience.

Woody, we're staying at Eeklo, which is halfway between Brugge and Gent.