Independent Campsite Reviews

Coastal sites have the reputation for being cramped and for not having to try so hard on-site, as they know you are there for the sea-side. The Squirrels was no different. The main complex was nice enough - very good reception (with pay-as-you-go internet access!), the single unheated pool was never busy as it was sooo cold! Incredibly it did have a brand new indoor pool - which seemed a strange investment, but suited us as we had quite poor weather. But as the water was warmer there it was the kids swim of preference. "We could have done this at home!" I moaned as I tried to read my book to that familiar noise and smell. There was also a new small fitness suite with rowing machines et al. All free. Quite good.

There was almost no grass on the pitches, and too many Brits for my liking. Nearly half of it was tour-operated, with prominent Canvas Holidays reps around the place and kids clubs. 10% were mobile homes, and not a spare centimeter to be found! Kids had to play in the tracks or on empty pitches - which never stayed empty for long. Each pitch had its own water tap and drain which was good, and we hired a fridge quite reasonably. (What a difference that makes - I can feel some of your disapproval from here!).

The loos and showers were unisex and always seemed to be being cleaned but never very clean, if you can understand that. Partly perhaps because they weren't quite adequate (although I never queued), and partly because the site was sand under pine trees - the sand got wet and got everywhere.

It was across the road from the rocky coast, but a short drive/long walk/nice cycle to two excellent beaches which had a mix of sand and rocks. We caught 14 crabs and found it easy to get away from the very popular stretches. Some really great cliff top/sand dune walks.

Jard itself is not too remarkable, but while highly dependent on tourists (the population dwindles to 2,000 in winter) it is not spoilt or loud because of that. Many French holiday homes and some building. The port has a good seafood restaurant, and a good number of interesting places within easy reach. We went to La Rochelle because the weather was poor (2 hour drive) and that was great. Les Sables d'Olonne has some quite magnificent cheap seafood restaurants all in a strip on the front (30 mins). 4 course meal for 2 + 2 with wine £50. And the nearby chateau is very well presented (10 mins).

I suspect we could have done a lot worse, and had it been hot and sunny (as it should be in August!) we may not have been so critical. But 3 and half stars only - could do better.

I totally agree with the review above, even though I only stayed at the site about an hour. We arrived from the Dordogne in a rain storm, and were dismayed to be given the last pitch on site which was very close to the indoor swimming pool, and was only just big enough for our large trailer tent and car. No room left for table, chairs, playing, etc. Continuous sound of shouting and children running and cycling by our space. Left shortly afterwards, and stayed overnight at a site on the edge of town. Next day, drove all the way back to Limeuil.

Although halfway true, the above reviews are a little on the pessimistic site. Yes, the British like to travel with hugely oversized tents, and that may cause pitches to be a little too small. We stayed in a Eurocamp tent (can sleep 6) with 2+2, and found enough space for an outside table with 4 chairs and sufficient space for the children to play - both on the pitch and between pitches.

Almost 30% of the pitches were empty when we were there, and that of course gives a lot more space. We had no complaints about the showers or toilets, but then again - there was no rain when we were there.

In evaluating your stay, Eurocamp asks you to rate the weather during your stay - how right they are. Ratings on the camp site will be highly influenced by the weather during the stay.

Like the reviewer below ("anon" of August 2004), we are regular visitors to this site, partly because of the strict but friendly way in which the site has been run by the proprietor - under new management in 2005, so we hope that nothing will change? The other main reason for our loyalty though is that we have made a lot of friends amongst the many other families who go back there year on year, many of whom are Dutch. It is a very safe environment for young children, yet the port is close enough to give the teenagers something to do. Enjoyment ratings will be affected by which part of the campsite you are on - the best pitches go early, and of course by the weather, which was so reliable, but has been variable recently.

I return to this campsite every year as do many other people that over the years we have met and befriended. There are now 36 odd of us who return with our families year after year. Our parents chill out and go and visit places during the day whilst the 30 something of us aging between 14 and 25 catch some rays by the pool, play cards and enjoy ourselves. Some of us have been going for 18 years and our nationalities vary between English Dutch French and German. The port is only a left right left right 5 minute walk away and is very friendly and safe. All in all I have to strongly disagree with the first two reviews. As far as we are concerned it is a very friendly family site where everyone abides by the rules to do with sound. As for the showers and toilets they have always been clean when we've been there and the staff work flat out to make sure it’s that way they're a lot worse in other campsites. The bar staff are friendly and Jard is a beautiful town. One of the friendliest places you'll ever visit.

This was our first year at this lovely campsite. It has recently been taken over by a couple of French families who did their utmost to make us feel welcome and who were extremely friendly!! The pitches were indeed sandy but so what. We had a great pitch at the back of the site with plenty of room. Granted some of the other pitches were quite close together but the site as a whole was well kept. The toilet blocks were always clean and the reception area was extremely well maintained.

The site has a heated indoor pool, which was also extremely clean; this was a godsend because we had a few days of bad weather. There was a children’s club that children 5 and up could attend. The onsite entertainment was a bit ropey!! We put this down to the fact that they were just finding their feet after taking over the site. They had a Caribbean and Spanish night which consisted of some dodgy music, rum punch and sangria. They also had a quiz night, questions in French and English. At least they were trying!! My only gripe with the site was that the children’s play area was pretty sparse and was also situated beside the entrance to the campsite near the road. The staff at the site more than made up for this...they were polite, friendly and very patient!

If you are travelling with children, a visit to the chateau at Talmont St. Hilaire is a must. The children can dress up as mediaeval knights and princesses and can go jousting on Shetland ponies, crossbow shooting and can practise calligraphy. They also put a show on in the grounds of the castle starring Richard the Lion Heart! It was a great day out.

La Rochelle is about 2 hours away where there is an aquarium, which is worth a visit. The best beach we found, was a 10 min. drive away and was called Les Mines it was also very child friendly.

We will return to this site!!

(This review has been translated somewhat from the original vernacular)

Really brilliant - perfect!

All the people are friendly and good to be around, and there are some sexy ladies! The showers and toilets are really clean. The pools are brilliant as well. However, I did once see something unpleasant in the Jacuzzi.

All in all, I loved it, and revisit every year - I love the French totty! Jard is such a friendly place, but watch out for the pickpockets (like me!).

I visited Les Ecureuils, Jard sur Mer camp site July 2007 and found that there were to many rules, its a place I felt couldn’t relax, the toilet blocks were not of the standard I thought they would be. Before I finish if anyone rents a mobile home off the site don’t clean it before you leave as they will take your 50 euro deposit anyway whether you clean it or not. Over all rating of the campsite very poor.