Independent Campsite Reviews

Phone:

Fax:

Website:

Email:

Online maps:

Paper maps:

Institut Géographique National Série Bleue

Latitude:

Longitude:

Hello,
Being the new owner of this campsite, we would ask you to renew your confidence in us for the 2011 season.
For your information, there is no longer a problem with cold water, as the two boilers are new.
We will be giving special attention to the satisfaction of our clients.
We will do our utmost to ensure that the toilet facilities are as clean as possible.
Thank you to everybody, and please do not hesitate to call us if you wish to receive any further information about the site.
Jean Yves Masse

As the owners of this campsite, we would like to explain the dissatisfaction of a handful of our clients.

Following our first season at this campsite, we can be sure of one thing: the change of owner has not been accepted by some of the regulars. And we can understand this, as we are not Jean Claude, we're not the same age, nor do we have the same outlook on life. Certainly, we have taken note of some comments, and for the new season coming, we plan some changes: we will be making a welcome booklet, in order to avoid taking too much time on paperwork and explanations when campers arrive.

On the other hand, we will remain unmoved on the subject of dogs: they can visit our site if they are kept on a lead, which is good for everyone's safety. Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict the behaviour of a dog, especially when it is outside its normal environment. For teenagers, we have created them a place at the bottom of the site so that they do not disturb others, but we have also had to engage security staff, because teenagers don't know how to return to their pitch without making a racket. We remind you that most holidaymakers do not appreciate being woken at 3-4am! And finally, the campfires that were sanctioned by Jean Claude are simply prohibited by local law!

Furthermore, we have had to expel 3 families over the summer. We are not here to be insulted, and to spend our time continually calling to order one particular family. This is unacceptable.

On a campsite, the campers must show a bit of civility, and respect the rules of communal life.

As in ALL campsites, bathing shorts are forbidden, dogs must be on leads, and there is a time after which noise is unacceptable. Here, it is 11pm in the main site, and midnight around the bar. We defy you to find a campsite where dogs are allowed to run free, and youths can talk at 4am like it was the middle of the day, insulting the owner and threatening other youngsters.

For us too, these few families and their friends have spoilt our first season.

During the welcome drink, we made clear that this was our first season, and that we were open to any suggestions for improvements: which have been taken up in the case of prizes for the bingo and the pétanque from August onwards, and the recruitment of a second member of entertainment staff.

We have done a lot of work in 2011, and during the season, we have experienced NO power cuts of more than a few minutes (except those due to EDF). The water in the two toilet blocks has been hot, and we have even installed hot water to the washbasins.

The families who have complained are those who were expelled, and who clearly will want to discredit the campsite. That's understandable.

Since the start of the year (2012) we have bookings from people who came in 2011 for the first time, and who want to come back. That's great! Thanks to them.

We also thank those who have supported us, and those who have made constructive criticisms, which we will not hesitate to take into account.

See you soon!

Céline and Jean Yves

Hello everybody,

We've just come back from our holidays at the Rocher de la Granelle.

We met the new owners, at pretty much the same time as people who have sent reviews above. We don't know them, but we respect them.

First of all, we bid a welcome to the new owners, and a happy retirement to Jean Claude.

The campsite is certainly superb, and has great potential.

A campsite with a pool, tennis court, football, volleyball, pétanque, games room, washers and driers, small grocery, snack bar, brasserie and bar? Already pretty good isn't it? La Vézère alongside where you can canoe. Lovely pitches.

What you must realise is that there are rules, and that every camper should understand how to live within those rules, such as with respect to noise. By all means have a good time, but there are hours you should keep to. Midnight would be good.

Yes, the new owners have had to install cameras following damage to their equipment.

The night watchman? If he turns up, it's just to make sure the rules are obeyed, to keep the noise down, and to stop damage. That's normal.

And finally, we have a dog, which for the whole week was kept on a lead as the owners request, here as elsewhere, even though it knows how to behave and is well trained: the behaviour of a dog can change from one moment to another. In some restaurants, parks and other places, they're not allowed at all, even on a lead. Ours hasn't died because of it.

From: campers disappointed with the attitude of some others, who would like their own rules everywhere.

I've just returned from my stay at the Camping du Rocher de la Granelle. I can say that the site has potential, and I think that Jean-Yves and Céline will make it a great site. It's full of charm, convivial, family friendly, good location, well maintained, large open pitches, well divided by hedges.

To those who criticise the rules: the entertainment finishes at midnight, and you can party until midnight. There is a small core of disrespectful people who don't consider other who might like a bit of peace, and need to rest. Worth noting that in some campsites you have to be quiet after 10pm. I myself have a teenager and a dog, and I didn't encounter any problems, though I did meet some of your type of people, who I saw up on top of their car, legs in the air, so they could take photos in positions that I would call obscene, and partying through the night. Next day, they were thrown out, to my delight. The surveillance cameras bother you, but why if you're not doing anything wrong. And police? I only saw them once, paying a courtesy visit, even though I was there several weeks. But I understand why they've introduced a night watch, and also the fact that the noisy ones were thrown out allowed the site to regain its calm, and the campers were able to get the most out of their holidays, while respecting others, and benefiting from the facilities and entertainment of the site.

Good luck to the new owners.

Disappointed with the new owners, who don't like teenagers (even though their own children will grow up too).

In fact, it's simple: if you have teenagers or animals (and there is a difference!) you're not welcome at this campsite. It's all the same if, after a hard year, you want to relax amongst friends by joining in a few festive drinks!

It's a shame. This campsite has great potential, but it seems it has given up on being a holiday campsite, and is becoming a retirement home!

It's a shame for this campsite, where there used to be an excellent atmosphere, where you could live the good life, that it's totally changed its outlook. Now, there's a practically daily visit from the police, surveillance cameras, night security and expulsions – we can have all of that in our cities. The new owners ought to think hard before spoiling such a campsite, as they have in their hands a magnificent place!

Hello everybody. We too were unpleasantly surprised by the welcome at this campsite. Right at our arrival, we had hardly had a hello when we were immediately put in our place with a very long (10 minutes at least) explanation of the segregation of rubbish sacks! We had travelled through the night, and could hardly listen to this long discourse, when we would have preferred a coffee and a warmer welcome. Unfortunately, all our contacts with the owners were similar. Cold and distant.

Otherwise, the setting is superb, the site is well maintained, though perhaps the toilets could do with more cleaning. Happily, the people on the site were really nice, and respectful of others. No problem there!

Hello everybody. Well, it's not news, but the lady of the campsite makes a good show, but behind the façade it's something else. She has a gift for muddling people. Yes there is new stuff, but when you provide sheets and pillowcases, they really should be changed, but not for this lady, you pat them or turn them over, and find that they're dirty, very dirty, and they ask you for a deposit of €50 for the cleaning, but they don't even do it. And I'm not even going to talk about her attitude towards her staff. What a crap atmosphere. I could say more. The grounds are nice, but the rest...

Hello.

We were at this campsite at the end of July/early August, when there were some problems with the regulars – they just forgot that it is polite to respect other people who have also come here to relax. These people, who know very well how to complain, nevertheless do not know how to keep their dogs on a lead, nor to wear swimming trunks in the pool. But they're the first to make a racket at 4am, and those who were thrown out did not hesitate to hurl insults at the owner!

So, in this case, I support their expulsion.

What's more, the new owners have a lot to do at this site. During the welcome drink, they made very clear to us that this was their first season, and that they weer open to all suggestions.

As for the presence of a night watchman, we noticed a significant improvement once he had been put in place by the new owners. We were able to sleep.

We wish them good luck, and we hope that they can generate a new clientele that is more to their taste.

As for those who are disappointed, I'm not sure that they'll find a campsite where they'll accept that their dogs are not on a lead, and where they can make a racket through the night.

There we go! I was a bit apprehensive on returning here in 2011 (see comments above). But I couldn't have been happier to be back in your campsite, after the previous owner, who was a bit too relaxed for my taste. I've known this campsite for a long time: my parents came here when I was a teenager, and now it's me that brings my 8-year-old daughters. I have found a peaceful site, with clean facilities, good supervision, and a steady, sunny disposition on the part of Céline and Jean-Yves. They have lots of plans, and you feel that they'll get on with them. I'll be back in 2012, and my daughters are eager to be back on the water slide. Congratulations on so quickly regaining the two stars that were lost by your predecessor. Good luck for the future!

I'm not going to defend or condemn anyone, just report what I observed during my holidays spent at the Rocher de la Granelle in 2011.

Considered today as a youngster, which is true (18 years), I can say that 2011 is the year when I have been the least content at this campsite, out of about 15 years spent here.

The activities were all present, and they are a real plus for the campsite, whether for youngsters or adults. The facilities have been renewed, everything is clean and well maintained.

However, the old owners and the new are like chalk and cheese. On the one hand, you had an owner who let the campsite live, even if it meant losing a star, and on the other hand, the new owners who in my view have breathed a breath of fresh air into the site. However, for me there are two sides to the coin, as I find the new owners over-protective towards the category of campers who demand peace. It's their right, they're the owners, and it's their rules. Some will find this a benefit, others a failing, it's a question of your point of view.

I'll explain a bit more: concerning the youngsters (around 16-25 years) who like to amuse themselves after midnight, and also the adults who like to sit out late at night with friends on their pitch. (Here, I'm responding to some points that the owner raised).

Concerning the youngsters, you say you've created an area for them in one corner of the site, which is a good move, made in good faith, but it's certainly not a campfire around which you can sleep under the stars, as this is now forbidden, rather it's a table and a spotlight, situated at the far end of the football field, behind a defunct pool, containing hundreds of broken bottles. And the spotlight seldom works, and when it does, you get bitten by loads of mosquitos.

As for the adults, I have the example of my parents, who you reminded of the rules, as they were playing cards at 11:30pm.

As I see things, this site is now aimed at those who like to go to bed early and get some peaceful sleep, and not at those who like to have a good time in the evening on their pitches, nor at youngsters, as they are too noisy for the others. I know you have to show a certain respect for each other and for the rules, but for me, getting the most out of my holidays is essential, and now that these things are forbidden, I no longer can call it a holiday.

For the week-end of the 14 July, we wanted to take a trip to the Dordogne, more specifically to Bugue. We found the Rocher de la Granelle on the Internet. So, we took it, and found it to be very pleasant. It's very peaceful, the pitches are large or very large, and extremely well maintained. It's large and airy. The owners, who are new, are very pleasant. They even organised a picnic on the banks of the Vézère, topped off with accordion music, provided by a camper from the Pas de Calais. Many thanks to this gentleman. After that, a fireworks display, which was superb. What joy. We urge our fellow campers to try this site. What's more, the shops are really close, so we could go there on foot!

I've been going to this campsite for 7 years, and each year has been better than the previous, meeting old friends and making new ones – a joy. It's true that sometimes the water is not really hot, and that there are sometimes power outages, but it didn't matter, as there was a heart to this campsite, thanks to Jean Claude.

Until this year, when no sooner than I arrived, he said goodbye, and the new owners (who I think have never camped themselves) welcome you by taking your money for a holiday you haven't even started yet. There's a toilet at the site entrance, but there's no longer any toilet paper in it. Why? The new owners tell me that they've lost a star, so they're no longer obliged to provide it. What a brilliant response; bravo. For the bingo prizes, where they previously might have been DVD players, home cinemas and the like, this is replaced by an ice cream, or by free entry to tourist attractions, offered by way of publicity by the attractions themselves.

And if you want to shave, do it before 10:00, as after that time there is no light in the toilets, and it's too dark (another economy I guess), but Mr & Mrs Owner, with the money you've saved in Bingo prizes, you could have invested a bit in light! I could say a lot more, but it would be too long! Oh yes, I was forgetting, if you have teenagers or a dog, don't go to this site, as they are not truly accepted, but tolerated, according to Mrs Owner. Jean Claude, why have you abandoned us?

Finally, Mr & Mrs Owner, thank you for spoiling my holiday.

We spent 2 weeks in July at this campsite.

When we arrived, the first thing the owner said to us was that we had to segregate our waste, and for the purpose gave us two bin-bags. Nice welcome. It was our job to do the inventory (several things were missing that we had to get replaced, and they gave them to us but reluctantly).

No hanging space for clothes, and no broom, nor bucket.

Even the entertainer did not really know how to do her job properly.

Not recommended.

Like you, I've read the reviews from previous years, and they have no relationship at all with the present. We were welcomed by very friendly owners, who cared that we were happy in a really lovely clean setting. In a place like this, you can't help but have a good holiday, and the Dordogne is so lovely.

Whitsun weekend, we decided to go to the Dordogne, and by chance, we found this campsite.

There, we found a place where the setting is magnificent, the children are kings, and tranquillity is respected. Apparently, we experienced new owners, who informed us of the new investments they had made (new water heaters for example). And they were in the process of installing a new barrier at the entrance.

The pool was also very pleasant, with the large pool suitable for swimming, and the children having great fun on the slide.

What's more, shops are nearby.

We'll be back!

We have tried the new owners, and we can assure you that they're doing all they can to ensure the campsite is in top condition for the season. We found the site to be well maintained, blooming with plants, and the hedges cut. We were warmly welcomed, and joined in with a barbecue evening that was very friendly. We wish them all the best for the future, and hope that lots of our fellow campers pay a visit.

Well done to the new owners, who give their all to ensure that their site is welcoming, clean, and that all their campers enjoy themselves when they come to stay here. In my case, I tried their new mobile homes, in this green, well maintained setting. What joy.

Hello,

In 2010, the toilet blocks were of an impeccable cleanliness, the staff was conscientious and friendly, and the activities and the evenings unforgettable.

There will be a change of owner for 2011.

I'm really looking forward to the change of owner for 2011. The campsite has an enormous potential, with an enviable location. But the reviews here are true. The toilet facilities are in a disgusting state, and no one cares. The pool has to be seen to be believed (shame that the big pool behind is no longer accessible), a little supervision (apart from parents) would be welcome for the slide, to encourage proper usage, and to allow our young children to use it without risk of being flattened by a teenager or adult.

But it's also worth noting that some campers, once they're out of their own home, let go a bit too easily (I remember using the toilet after someone who had failed to flush – surely an elementary rule…)

Jimbo, that’s perfectly perfect!!!

Very good description overall, the children …????

This year, we hired their home for 8, which was in a deplorable state: mouse droppings in the fridge and the pots, cats poo, …

If I were not 43 years old with 3 children, and if I were more ambitious, I would offer to buy this fabulous site which is worth a goldmine.

Hi everybody.

I’ve been a hardened camper for 25 years.

The setting is magnificent.

I booked in March 2009 for a campsite with stars.

On arrival in July, the stars had vanished.

The pitch had not been mown, but hey, that happens.

Boiling water in the showers for 72 hours, but hey, that happens.

Cold water in the showers for 4 days, but hey, that happens. 3 plumbers had to come before it was repaired.

The toilet blocks have become old.

Cleaning of the toilet blocks deserves no stars, they don’t smell clean, and they’ve not seen disinfectant.

Jean-claude, your campsite has potential, but your staff is lightweight, you need to make a big effort at the toilet blocks, and you need to make some investments to regild this particular lily.

The owner, Jean-Claude blows hot and cold, everything depends on the time of day, and the problems he has at that moment. At times the life of the party, at others an iceberg.

My camping friends, La Granelle is a potentially pleasant place to stay in the Dordogne, but at present it’s a return to camping in the 80s.

Looking forward to its revitalisation in the 21st century.

JIMBO

Pleasant setting, hired tent impeccable.

On the other hand 0/20 for the cleanliness of the toilets and the pool.

As for atmosphere, entertainment is better on their website than in reality.

I hope that since summer 2007, the campsite has developed in a positive sense.

The owner of the campsite appears very pleasant when you are making your reservation, but who proves to be cold and unpleasant when you arrive. What's more, the showers were cold 3 days out of 4, and the cleanliness was very limited (a spiders web remained more than 5 days at the side of one of the toilets!!). The activities are also very disappointing: for example, the mussel and chips evening with no music, and finishing at 9:45! I would give this only 2 stars. Many of the regulars are in their retirement.

Right of reply by the campsite to the review above :

I am indeed very disagreeable to imbeciles who confuse a campsite with a car racing track. Children run around, and feel at home. Some do not understand, and as I indicated to them, I am full up for them up until 2025.

Perhaps they will have the pleasure of having children, and fearing for them on seeing idiots driving too fast...

How petty to avenge oneself in this way over a disagreement completely justified, and confirmed by all their neighbours.

I wish them happy future holidays, but on another campsite, if they can find one that allows their speed!

Jean-Claude

I was lucky enough to stay here for a week, which was much too short, for I discovered, with my children Gino and Jade, and my wife Valérie, a very agreeable environment, a very family-friendly campsite, with a very friendly activity leader and manager. And I hope to return next summer. Thank you Jean-Claude, and change nothing about the way you are.

Franck, Valérie, Gino and Jade

Well done, the whole team.

Super friendly campsite, you can relax there and enjoy yourself enormously. Activity leader for children and adults, of very high quality, and friendly, always there to be of service, and to give good advice for visiting in Périgord. As for Jean-Claud, there to make our stay the most pleasant and comfortable it could possibly be. Thanks to all the team for this magical stay, and what's more, the Dordogne is very pretty, to discover or rediscover.

Family from Paris, with pre-teens, we have finally found the ideal campsite.

Rest and river for mother (passing little cafés for chitchat over a snack, very convivial).

Fishing and even computer for father.

Pool and activities for the pre-teens, and the opportunity to quickly make friends in this campsite with a very human face (which is not necessarily true at this age of 12-14 in the new factory campsites).

All this with a friendly welcome, warmth, and super evenings shared with all the family.

In summary, a campsite to be recommended!

This campsite is very pleasant, and one settles in very quickly. We would like to stay as long as possible!