Case study: Spring family weekend at Camp du Domaine with two 15-year-olds.
Every year, with the return of the warm weather, we treat ourselves to a family weekend in the spring with our two 15-year-old teenagers. This year, we were looking for sunshine, so we decided to go for a weekend in Bormes-les-Mimosas at the Camp du Domaine campsite.
As soon as we arrived, we knew we had made the right choice:
- Camp du Domaine nestles in an idyllic setting, right on the water in the Bay of Bormes-les-Mimosas. One of the most beautiful bays in the world. And that’s just the beginning!
- The campsite has everything you need for a family vacation, from sports fields to shops and restaurants.
- the campsite organizes entertainment for the whole family: sports activities, muscle-building on the beach, evening get-togethers, etc.
- the campsite is ideally located for enjoying the Côte d’Azur: charming coves, boat trips, Mediterranean markets, bike rides, etc.
So we spent 3 days at Camp du Domaine in a van with our two 15-year-old teenagers over the Pentecost weekend. From the moment we arrived, we had the rare feeling of being in a paradise: a campsite with its feet in the water, overlooking the bay of Bromes-les-Mimosas. As the campsite faces east, every morning we were treated to the spectacle of sunrise over an azure horizon. We got up on purpose to enjoy it. Then, after the wake-up call organized by the campsite on the beach at 9 a.m., we’d have breakfast facing the sea with fresh bread and pastries bought from the campsite bakery. Coffee, hot bread and dreamy scenery… What more could we wish for the first camping weekend of the season? Especially as the weather was exceptional, with blue skies and not a cloud in sight. Well, exceptional for us… it seems to be quite common here.
The whole weekend was perfect. However, if I had to pick one memory in particular, I’d go for our bike outing. We rented 4 electric bikes from the campsite. Our teenagers, who are sometimes reluctant to exert themselves, were immediately won over by them. We set off on a beautiful, safe cycle path. It’s built on an old railway track. From the campsite, we headed for Le Lavandou, then Pramousquier, with many stops in small coves with crystal-clear, little-frequented waters. A little before Saint-Tropez, the cycle path leads away from the sea and into the vineyards. A pleasant change of scenery. After a short visit to Saint-Tropez, we set off for the return journey. A 1h30 ride punctuated by swimming breaks. A great family day out, sporty but accessible thanks to the electric bikes.
In addition to our bike ride, we took the time to stroll through the narrow streets of Bormes-les-Mimosas and Le Lavandou, a maze of colorful houses and small shady squares bathed in a Mediterranean atmosphere. In Lavandou, we spent a delightful evening, in every sense of the word, at the restaurant Les Tamaris. This restaurant, a 10-minute bike ride from the Camp du Domaine campsite, faces the Saint-Clair beach, considered one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. We enjoyed a succulent bouillabaisse that we still remember. A real culinary experience for our teenagers, who were just discovering this typically Mediterranean dish.
Over the weekend, we did everything by bike. Including a visit to the island of Porquerolles. It’s so convenient: the boat departs just 500 meters from the campsite. We boarded with our bikes. The crossing takes less than an hour. A mini-cruise that lets you admire Bormes-les-Mimosas from the sea. We were even lucky enough to spot two dolphins. The island of Porquerolles is simply magnificent, with its wild beaches, little paths and unspoilt landscapes. We also took the opportunity to visit the Fondation Carmignac. A real surprise! This foundation, perfectly integrated into nature, houses a remarkable art collection. Even our two teenagers, who are usually bored by museums, loved it. And that’s saying something!
The advantage of staying at a campsite with as many facilities as Camp du Domaine is that our two teenagers were never bored when we returned from our outings. They took part in a soccer tournament during which they met up with other teenagers, whom they met on the beach afterwards. They also tried their hand at archery. It was a first for them and, considering their performance, I’m glad we don’t have to rely on their hunting skills to feed us!
Those 3 days at Camp du Domaine went by way too fast. It really is a unique, timeless place. Sea, sun, nature, cultural visits, sporting activities, family time… everything came together for an unforgettable weekend. In agreement with our children, we decided to return as soon as we had the chance. They regretted not having been able to try their hand at paddle-boarding or any of the other water sports on offer at the campsite. There’s still plenty to see, including the Fort de Brégançon (20 minutes from the campsite), Collobrières and the Massif des Maures (30 minutes from the campsite), Hyères and its salt marshes (25 minutes from the campsite) and La Londe-les-Maures (20 minutes from the campsite). And above all, I miss the sunrise over the Mediterranean!
Leave a Review