A look back at a family vacation with children aged 5 and 9 at the Plages de l’Ain campsite near Lyon.
When we chose our campsite for our last vacation, we wanted to stay close to Lyon as we had family to visit. However, we needed a natural campsite with activities for our children aged 5 and 9. So we chose the Plages de l’Ain campsite:
- les Plages de l’Ain campsite is 25 minutes from Lyon
- the campsite is nestled in a natural environment, between the river and the forest
- the campsite has direct access to the River Ain for swimming and water sports activities
- the campsite has a heated swimming pool
- an educational area on the campsite with ponies and other animals, and educational events.
- the campsite is very well located for visiting the Ain region, as well as Lyon
Before arriving at the campsite, we stopped off in Lyon to see some family and visit the city. The campsite is only 25 minutes from Lyon, yet the atmosphere is very different. In just 25 minutes, you go from the hustle and bustle of a big city to a campsite nestled in a natural setting on the banks of the Ain river. It was very hot during our vacation, and we also gave up the city heat for the cool shade of the plane and lime trees. Simply idyllic!
Camping on the banks of the Ain river
Our vacation began with the Sunday morning market in the village of Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans, just 1 km from the campsite. We stocked up on local produce, including Bresse poultry, Comté cheese and Bleu de Gex. It was still very hot for our first day in the Ain. Fortunately, the river, which must not have exceeded 22°C, was a real bubble of coolness. We spent the whole afternoon playing in it with the children.
Camping with mini-farm for children’s enjoyment
On Monday, we stayed at the campsite. It offers various activities and entertainment inspired by Native American traditions. Accompanied by Jessica, the animator, the children had the opportunity to get close to the animals, feed them and brush them. We’re city dwellers. So it was a wonderful discovery for our children. The difficulty was to explain to them that we couldn’t have a pony in the city!
Visit to the Parc des Oiseaux
On the advice of Françoise at the campsite reception, we went to the Parc des Oiseaux the following day. This animal park, located in Villars-les-Dombes, is home to no fewer than 2,000 birds of 250 species. Once again, the children were in for a real treat. Especially during the show at the end of the day, when the birds of prey soared overhead. On our return, we were pleasantly surprised to discover a local farmers’ market on the campsite. We weren’t at the end of our (good) surprises either, as the children took part in a campfire and roasted marshmallows animation. All this was accompanied by Indian legends told by the hostess. Several months later, they still have stars in their eyes when they tell us about it.
On Thursday, we took a trip to the medieval village of Pérouges. A lovely visit just 10 minutes from the campsite. A real plunge into the Middle Ages. In the afternoon, the children enjoyed the two heated swimming pools.
Pony ride on the campsite
If we had to rank the best moments of our vacations in the Ain, the pony and carriage rides would probably be at the top of our children’s list. So our eldest tried his hand at pony-riding. The apprehensions of the first few minutes quickly vanished. He gained confidence and ended up loving it. When Jean-Luc, the campsite owner, told us that next year there would probably be horseback riding, our son could already see himself changing horses.
The following day, we took the children to the Balme caves. A very pleasant visit on a hot day. There was an underground labyrinth that kept the children very amused. They also loved the story of Mandrin, the famous historical bandit often compared to a French Robin Hood.
Family canoe trip on the Ain river
We rounded off our stay in the Ain with a canoe trip. The 3-hour trip was punctuated by refreshing swims. Once again, it will be a wonderful memory for our children.With this vacation at the Plages de l’Ain campsite, our children made a lot of memories. Back home, they spent hours telling their grandparents all about the mini-farm, swimming pool, canoeing, campfire, pony rides and more.
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