Independent Campsite Reviews

This is a really lovely site set in the grounds of a chateau about 10 miles inland from some beautiful sandy Vendee beaches like Brem sur Mer. There are only about 150 pitches so it is much smaller than some of its neighbours in the area and the pitches are spacious and well defined. Some of the pitches are probably too well shaded unless it is very hot but when we asked to move when a pitch we liked became free the reception staff were very accommodating. If you like big pools and everything to be very modern and purpose built then this is probably not the site for you but if you like the idea of the bar being in the old stable and the kids amusement area in an old barn then you will love it.

The two pools, one either side of the chateau, are not big but one has a double toboggan slide and baby pool and the other is often very quiet. There are very few sunbeds which means people either bring their own or lie on the grass around the pools (no swathe of concrete here or towels on the sunbed syndrome). There are three lakes for fishing and canoeing, horse riding, trampoline, ping pong, pool, table football etc. There is a small playground area and an area described as a football pitch but the grass was really too long although there was a really good tournament one day. Entertainment is very low key but good, including a boules tournament, live band, barbecue laid on by the owners, disco, etc etc. One negative point is that there is no shop to speak of so you have to cycle three minutes down a path into the village where there is a boulangerie, pharmacy and good little Vival supermarket.

To be honest the sanitary facilities were not always spotless but they were plentiful and the showers were hot and powerful and we never had a problem using them. The staff were always helpful but there do not seem to be many of them so you might meet the same person in the reception and then again in the takeaway. There is a very relaxed feel to the site and there are many people who have been going back there for years. By being inland you escape the traffic and crowds of the seaside towns but you are close enough to nip to the beach or towns like St Gilles or Les Sables d'Olonne if you fancy a change. The site is also only 3 miles from the Lac du Jaunay which is beautiful to walk round or for canoeing. When we were there at the beginning of August there was probably an even number of French, Dutch and British on the site which created a good atmosphere.

All in all I would definitely recommend this site, especially to families and we may well return there next year.