Arrival: first pleasant surprise
We put the caravan down in mid-July, right in the middle of the high season. I was dreading a crowded, noisy campsite… but in fact, no. The pitch was well shaded, spacious (around 100 m², we really had plenty of room), in a super green natural setting. The estate covers 15 hectares – that’s a lot of air!
The welcome was super warm, with lots of practical information to get us off to a good start. We felt at home straight away. And what about the kids? They had already spotted the lake from the car and were asking to go for a swim. We didn’t even finish unpacking…
The lake and the water park: our happy routine
What convinced us to choose this campsite was clearly its direct access to Lake Montrevel-en-Bresse and the Carré Tonique Aquatic Center. And we weren’t disappointed!
We quickly found our rhythm: mornings at the water park, afternoons at the lake. The aquatic center is really impressive: five pools, two waterslides, a water play platform where Finn spent hours splashing around and laughing his head off. He would have slept there if we’d let him!
For swimming in the lake, there were two beaches: one supervised, open to the public, and another reserved for campers, accessible directly from the campsite. It’s the little things like this that really make the difference. You could go with your hands in your pockets, without worrying about a thing.
Then one morning, an activity leader suggested an aquagym class in the pool. Emma looked at me with her big eyes and I jumped at the chance: a mother-daughter moment I already cherish. We laughed and let off steam, while my husband and Finn enjoyed the slides. Just perfect!
Water sports: for thrill-seekers
The leisure center was another dimension. I wasn’t expecting so much choice: towed buoys, parasailing, electric surfing, pedal boats, electric boats… There were so many extra water activities, it was hard to choose.
In the end, we opted for the inflatable structure with its diving towers and slide: a real concentration of sensations that delighted everyone, even the adults (yes, I jumped too, and I loved it!). And we also tried out the giant family paddle: the four of us balancing on a single paddle is a real test of team spirit, I assure you. We ended up in the water, of course – but with a lot of laughter.
Kids’ and teens’ clubs: a breath of fresh air for everyone
Finn and Emma each got their own space. Mini-club for Finn, teen club for Emma – and frankly, it was one of the best decisions of the week.
Finn spent two afternoons doing arts and crafts (he came back with creations he was very proud of). Emma, on the other hand, took part in treasure hunts and volleyball, ping-pong and basketball tournaments – she’s usually reluctant to take part in anything on vacation! They both met new friends with whom they continued to hang out for the rest of the week.
What about us? We had a few hours to ourselves. A quiet beer at the guinguette, our feet in the sand. Small luxuries, big pleasures.
Koh-Lanta afternoon: the most fun time of the week
The campsite organized a Koh-Lanta afternoon on the beach, and we all got together: campers of all ages, children, parents and grandparents. It was an incredibly convivial time, with fun challenges and a great atmosphere. That’s exactly what we’re looking for in this type of vacation: activities that we can all enjoy together, without anyone feeling excluded.
There was also a pétanque court, and while we played with the other campers, Finn enjoyed a brand new playground right next door. We could keep an eye on him while having a drink – bliss, really.
The tour of the lake and the walks: we got our legs moving too!
We’re not just water enthusiasts (well, almost). We also walked around the lake, about 6 km, in just over an hour. An easy, pleasant, well-marked trail. At reception, we were told that there are 22 signposted land trails starting from the site – we’ll make a note of that for next time!
For mountain bikers, the base de loisirs also offered rentals, with 9 marked circuits totalling 128 km, including the Voie Royale (approx. 20 km). My husband was delighted, even if we didn’t have time to do everything.
Evenings: entertainment, guinguette and… fireworks!
The evenings at the campsite were really top-notch. We dined several times at the beachside guinguette – feet in the sand, relaxed atmosphere, a great way to end the day. There was also entertainment every evening: a concert, a cabaret show (quite funny, we laughed a lot), enough to liven up the vacations without ever getting bored.
And the most magical moment? July 14th. We were still there, and we watched the fireworks being fired directly from the lake. Finn was in awe, and Emma even put down her phone (yes, she did!). It was one of those family moments that you don’t make, that just happen, and that you’ll never forget.
A cultural outing: the Monastère Royal de Brou
We also took a day off the campsite to visit the Monastère Royal de Brou in Bourg-en-Bresse (about 18 km away). And here’s a pleasant surprise: we were able to get there without a car, as the bus goes right by the campsite. How convenient!
The tour is really dynamic with children, and the town of Bourg-en-Bresse allowed us to do a bit of shopping and try some local specialties – including the famous Bresse chicken in cream sauce in a restaurant. Delicious.
A committed, well-thought-out campsite
A little bonus I appreciated: the campsite has been awarded the Pavillon Bleu label, which says something about its commitment to the environment. What’s more, we took part in an afternoon introduction to recycling crafts – a really fun way of raising children’s awareness of ecology in a playful way. Finn loved it, and it led to some great family discussions.
The verdict: we’re back!
Frankly, this stay at La Plaine Tonique ticked all the boxes. A magnificent natural setting, direct access to the lake and water park, tons of activities for all ages, entertainment that brings the whole family together, and a friendly atmosphere from morning till night.
We’re already looking forward to coming back – perhaps for a long weekend in May 2026, to enjoy the calm of the off-season and discover other facets of the site. Finn is already asking for the inflatable.
If you’re looking for a campsite for an active family vacation, without having to drive all over the place to find activities, La Plaine Tonique is the place for you, La Plaine Tonique is the place for you.. We’ll go back with our eyes closed. 🌊☀️
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