A paradise for walkers and sports enthusiasts

With 1,250 kilometres of Grande Randonnée (GR) trails and 5,300 kilometres of Promenades et Randonnées (walks and hikes), Aveyron is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Ask at your campsite reception. They’ll be able to tell you which are the most beautiful walks around you. The region is also a delight for lovers of white-water sports and the great outdoors. The hiking trails are ideal for mountain biking, while the Dourbie, Tarn and Lot rivers are ideal for canoeing. The cliffs and rocky outcrops of the region are also renowned among rock-climbing enthusiasts. At the confluence of the Tarn and Dourbie rivers, Millau is famous for paragliding. In the evening, as the sun sets, it’s not unusual to see dozens of sails colouring the blue skies of southern Aveyron.

Camping le Muret, between the Viaur and Aveyron gorges

Camping Le Muret is a small campsite with 44 places, including 34 camping pitches, in the heart of the Ségala countryside. This is authentic countryside, nicknamed the land of 100 valleys because of its location between the Aveyron and Viaur valleys. The small lake at the heart of the campsite adds to the charm of the place, especially at the end of the day when the rays of the setting sun are reflected on its surface. The campsite restaurant serves local produce to remind you that Aveyron is also a land of good food.

Camping le Val de Saures between Lot and Truyère rivers

Situated at the confluence of the Lot and Truyère rivers, Val de Saures campsite awaits you in the village of Entraygues in Aveyron, a delightful medieval town. It offers 103 places on 96 pitches spread over 2.6 hectares of shady grounds. Close to the shops, it’s the ideal destination for motorhome users, who won’t need to move their vehicle to get to the village.

Campsite Via Natura les Cerisiers near Millau

At the entrance to the Gorges du Tarn, Les Cerisiers is a delightful campsite on a human scale with 80 places, including 70 camping pitches. A member of the Via Natura association, this campsite nestles in an exceptional natural setting at the entrance to the Gorges du Tarn. It is set in 2.5 hectares of wooded grounds. There are some 300 trees of around fifty different species. The Tarn, which borders the campsite, offers a pleasant swimming beach for all the family.

Campsite in Aveyron with heated swimming pool: Les Prades in the Gorges du Tarn

Camping Les Prades enjoys an idyllic location in the spectacular Gorges du Tarn. It has two private beaches where you can go swimming or children can play in the river. Although it has a unique natural environment, this 4-star campsite also has all the comforts you could wish for, with a heated swimming pool, spa, bar and restaurant.

Camping le Roc qui Parle in the Dourbie valley

Le Roc qui Parle campsite nestles in an exceptional setting in the heart of the unspoilt Dourbie valley. The campsite slopes down to the river Dourbie, where campers can enjoy a refreshing swim. Two kilometres away, the village of Nant offers shops and restaurants in the shadow of its medieval covered market. The campsite offers 70 spacious, green pitches.

Campsite with swimming pool in the dourbie valley: les 2 Vallées at the gates of the village of Nant

Just outside the village of Nant, in the Dourbie valley, you’ll find Les 2 Vallées campsite. This campsite has a heated swimming pool and access to the Durzon river which runs alongside. The village of Nant is within walking distance of the campsite. It is a charming medieval village with shops (butcher’s, baker’s, supermarket, etc.) and several restaurants around the medieval covered market in the centre of the village. It will be particularly attractive to motorhome owners, who won’t have to move their vehicle during their stay in Aveyron.

The post Our top campsites in Aveyron for holidays in a caravan, tent or van appeared first on Emplacement de camping pour caravanes, tente et camping-car.

Derived from the SpaceTourer, the exterior of Citroën’s new van takes on the silhouette and colour of the legendary Type H, thanks to the work of Italian coachbuilder Caselani, while retaining the comfort and technology of today’s vehicles. For the interior, Citroën turned to Slovenian interior designer Bravia. The Type Holidays has a pop-up roof that allows you to stand upright in the vehicle, and offers sleeping accommodation for two, a bench that opens to form a bed, two side doors, a kitchenette and a folding table.

A diesel-powered van

While Stellantis, Citroën’s parent company, has already announced the discontinuation of certain vehicles such as the Berlingo and SpaceTourer in petrol or diesel mode, the Type Holidays will be offered in two diesel versions (a 145 bhp 2.0 BlueHDi in manual mode, and a 180 bhp 2.0 BlueHDi in automatic mode).

With its blend of retro design and modern technology, the all-new Type H is sure to win over its audience. There is one small downside, however: its price. We’ll have to wait until it goes on sale in early 2024 to find out the final price, but initial rumours suggest a figure of around €90,000. A relatively high price compared with the competition. Will the vintage charm be enough to take the plunge? The answer will be in the first half of 2024. Citroën hopes to deliver the first models before the summer of 2024. So we should be seeing a few of them on French campsites.

Type Holidays on the Citroën website.

The post A Citroën van for a vintage camping holiday appeared first on Emplacement de camping pour caravanes, tente et camping-car.

Every year, in May and even more so in June, our Belgian neighbours take to our roads to head for the sun and enjoy the amenities of France. Nearly ¼ of Belgians say they go camping, and it’s fair to say that we often see them out and about with some fine equipment.

A few semantic details about French-speaking Belgians, however, which can also be referred to as belgicisms: while many appreciate the motor-home, or camping-car for the French; more and more appreciate the residential caravan that we call the mobil-home; others have opted for the camping car, which across the Channel means an extendable folding canvas caravan… But there are also die-hard caravanners, and there, the word is the same.

The summer period is therefore the best time of the year to see our ancestors on the road again, in what we French would call retro caravans… In short, all this to say that in the 50s, 60s and 70s, the flat country saw a number of manufacturers who built inventively, looking for lightness or emphasising comfort, sometimes all 3 at the same time. We’re going to introduce you to five of these brands in this article.

Let’s start with the charming Wa-wa au, the brainchild of Louis Dombard. Most of them had a roof that could be lowered for journeys, an isorel body that was therefore very light, and twin wheels with a rubber ring suspension system. The first of these were called 160, 180 or 200, depending on the width of the body. Very popular in the retro world, they are nevertheless rare on our roads, but keep your eyes peeled…

More common and more widespread are the Constructams, which appeared around 1959 in East Flanders. They can be recognised by their half-height polyester body and rounded windows at the front. Very bright, with rounded wooden furniture, they are also very pleasant to tow, as their centre of gravity is low. They are called Condor, Coral or Comet, depending on their size.

Another brand that enjoyed some popularity was De Reu caravans, which appeared in Bellem between Ghent and Bruges. The wooden fittings were just as well designed and similar to those of the Constructam, but they were quite distinct externally. The first shape was characterised by a straight front with a line descending towards the rear, then in the mid-1960s they adopted a more classic line with rounded corners and a pop-up roof. In different ways, their names evoke small dwellings, the Cahute, the Casbah or the Casa Blanca. They were built until the mid-1980s.

Another technical solution that allows a very particular shape are the Bourgeois, born in Ostend in 1960. Two brothers chose pressed aluminium to build a caravan with a rounded shape. They also have very effective hydraulic brakes. This time, the names don’t evoke escapism, but simply size: B36 for the 3m60, B43, B50.

Let’s finish with the Belgian grail, the Notin of the flat country, with the astonishing La Tortue, built in Ypres from 1950. They are immediately recognisable by their parallelogram shape, which gives them a look that “causes a sensation”, as the advertisements say. The brand called this line “Mercury”. Designed to improve their penetration of the air, they offered numerous solutions to improve comfort: a two-piece polyester roof to provide natural air conditioning, metal shutters on the inside of the windows, a large boot at the rear to store the caravanners’ ‘brol’ (the familiar Belgian version of ‘barda’), and an integrated footboard. They were fairly heavy, however, as comfort was essential, but their island names – Micorca, Corsica, Mallorca, Capri, Capri MK II for the brand’s flagship, a twin-axle vehicle 6.85 metres long and 2.20 metres wide – were an invitation to long-distance travel and exoticism.

Now that you’ve read this article, and with a bit of luck, I’m sure you’ll soon be seeing some of these beautiful Belgian ‘ancestors’ on our roads.

To write this article, we found informations in

–Le camping a évolué, le campeur aussi – La Libre , article du 6/02/2015

– http://www.rccf.net/

-Sylvie et Franck Méneret, Caravanes de France et d’ailleurs (1920-1960), ETAI 2010

–Digue dingue Dong

– https://www.bocc.be/

The post Belgian caravans appeared first on Emplacement de camping pour caravanes, tente et camping-car.

In 1960, the Société Sud-Aviation produced mainly the Caravelle series of planes, the Alouette series of helicopters and participated in the study and production of ballistic missiles. It is a national state-owned company that employs 23,000 workers in the south-east and west of France.  Sales of the Caravelle are slowing down and it is a question of keeping all these employees employed by the French state busy. The company therefore sought to diversify and produced Frigéavia refrigerators, Téléavia television sets, etc.

The caravan market was buoyant in the early 1960s and, with the agreement of the State, this new activity was created in the St Nazaire factory where engineers were working on what was then called “camping trailers”. The beginnings were small-scale. Initially, about twenty caravans in parts were imported from the United States and built under a Terry licence. The first models actually built by Caravelair had an undeniable American caravan feel. 

In September 1961, the new manufacturer presented to the national press the two models called “la Corsaire” and “la Goélette” which would become the future Bretagne (3m30) and Armagnac (4m20) when they arrived on the market a few months later. They are of classic design with an electrically welded profiled steel frame, independent wheels and torsion bar suspension. The interior is lined with laminated wood panels. Later on, different printed wood species will be possible, such as sycamore. 

From this time onwards, Caravelairs were distributed by Trigano in other regions of France. This brand, like Digue and Sterckeman, quickly underwent a process of industrialisation of its production. Trigano, a specialist in the world of leisure, gradually acquired shares in the company and the production site was extended to Trignac, 7 km away. Other models were quickly proposed, all of which were named after regions of France, except for the small “Alouette”, with its 2.90m long access through a large double door at the rear. It is possible to choose a colour for the central strip: turquoise blue, jade green or chamois beige. Many remember the Caravelair caravans produced by Dinky toys 1/43 that were part of our childhood games. The brand is also visible on all the roads of France thanks to its after-sales service and its Estafette stamped Caravelair. 

In the 1970s, SEMM Caravelair was bought by Trigano. Shortly after this takeover, the production of Caravelair caravans moved to Tournon sur Rhône in the Ardèche, where they are still produced.  From 1972 onwards, new, very square shapes were adopted and the models were also named after French or even foreign towns (Hossegor, Lugano, etc.). In 1974, the group was in difficulty and it was the Crédit Lyonnais that took control before returning to the Trigano VDL group to which it still belongs.

Caravelair and Sterckeman caravans are still produced in Tournon sur Rhône in the Ardèche. It is possible to visit the site by booking in advance. 

References :
– Digue Dingue Dong
– Sylvie et Franck Méneret, Les caravanes de France et d’ailleurs, ETAI
– Page Facebook RCCF – Bruno Crotta
– Trigano (entreprise) — Wikipédia (wikipedia.org) 
– Trigano VDL (visite du site actuel)
– Bruno Crotta for the aerial photos of the production site. 
– Caravaning, n°75, octobre 1961

The post Caravelair caravans, 60 years of caravanning history in France appeared first on Emplacement de camping pour caravanes, tente et camping-car.

Festive weekend in Brissac

If you have equipment or even a van to sell, this year there will be a second-hand market area where buyers and sellers can meet.

In addition to the exhibition, the Camper Van Weekend is also a festive event with three days of music at the We Love Van festival. 9 bands will take turns on stage during the 3 days of the weekend. You can find all the information about the Camper Van Weekend on the website www.camper-van-week-end.fr.

Campsites around Brissac

The festival offers a campsite for those who wish to sleep on site. However, if you prefer a little more peace and quiet, we have a selection of campsites with pitches for caravans, tents, motorhomes and vans around Brissac.

The post Camper Van Weekend in Brissac appeared first on Emplacement de camping pour caravanes, tente et camping-car.

CampervanCo is a Scottish van fitter that was founded in the year 2000. A few years ago, the company made its mark with the first hybrid van with low greenhouse gas emissions. This model paved the way for the brand new fully electric van that was launched in February. With zero CO2 emissions, CampervanCo is several years ahead of the British government’s expectations, which have set a target of no more polluting vehicles by 2030.

Like its predecessor, this new model is designed on a Japanese base. It is in fact a Toyota that serves as its support. The roof is covered with 930 watt solar panels which, according to the manufacturer, should power the lights, induction hob, heater or fridge for several days without having to be plugged into the mains. The Scottish manufacturer has also taken its environmental credentials to the extreme. In order to avoid owners having to buy a second vehicle, CampervanCO has opted for a very flexible van that encourages multi-use. The Toyota Proace Eco REVOLUTION can easily be converted from a 4-seater van to a 7-seater MPV by removing the kitchen. A very practical idea for people who do not have the budget to afford a fully equipped van and a vehicle for everyday use.

When it comes to electric vehicles, the subject that always comes up at some point is range. This is probably where the problem lies. The Scottish manufacturer announces a range of 230 km to 330 km depending on the battery model chosen (50kWh or 75kWh). Since these figures are those announced on the Toyota website for its standard vehicle, this range should probably be revised slightly downwards with the weight of the interior equipment of its version equipped with a lifting roof. It’s a relatively short range, but one that lends itself well to those who like to take their time on holiday. It also makes it necessary to go to campsites with a charging station for electric vehicles in order to stop over.

This vehicle is priced at £69,995 or approximately €80,000.

The post Camping with an electric van: zero emission for the Toyota Proace Eco REVOLUTION appeared first on Emplacement de camping pour caravanes, tente et camping-car.

Our campsites for caravans, tents and motorhomes in the Landes

106 kilometres of beach near your campsite in the Landes

When one thinks of the Landes, one thinks above all of the Atlantic Ocean. It must be said that a single beach of fine sand hemmed in by dunes stretches for 106 kilometres without interruption. Ideal for basking in the Landes sun during your camping holiday on the Atlantic coast. Unless you prefer to indulge in the regional sport of surfing. The rollers of the ocean make the South Atlantic coast in France a popular destination for surfers from all over Europe to challenge the ocean waves. These 106 kilometres of beach are punctuated by 15 seaside resorts with different styles that will please everyone: Hossegor, the French surfing capital, Capbreton with its lively seafront, Biscarosse which is one of the largest seaside resorts on the coast, Mimizan and its gentle way of life, Seignosse, popular with sportsmen and women, Vieux-Boucau and its pedestrian shopping streets, Moliets and its golf course set on the dune, Messange and its large beaches Labenne and its blockhouses transformed into works of art, Vielle-Saint-Girons and its wild beaches, Lit-et-Mixe whose beach is one of the most beautiful in the Landes, the peaceful resort of Contis, Soustons, divided between the ocean and the marine lake, Ondres and its very natural seafront or Tarnos, the most southern of the Landes seaside resorts. There is something for everyone near your campsite by the ocean in the Landes.

Nature holidays on a campsite in the Landes

Set back from the coastline lies the vast pine forest of the Landes. A preserved natural area, punctuated by lakes that offer a pleasant alternative to the Atlantic Ocean when it is a little too rough. You will have plenty of time to discover this forest on foot or by bike. There are some 600 kilometres of cycling and walking paths. Rarely have you had so much fun cycling with your family. To fully appreciate the charms of the Landes forest, you can go for a walk in the Landes de Gascogne regional park. This natural park invites you to discover the authentic Landes during a canoe trip on the Leyre, this small river which ends its course in the Bay of Arcachon and offers almost 90 kilometres of waterways in the depths of the forest, in a tunnel of vegetation, a visit to the Marquèze ecomuseum which plunges you into the life of the Landes of 150 years ago, or the Arjuzanx National Nature Reserve, where the cranes come to winter.

votre camping en bord de lac dans les landes

While the waves of the Atlantic Ocean are a delight for surfers, some prefer the calm waters of the lakes set back from the Landes coastline. These lakes, nestled in a forest setting, are ideal for water sports and swimming. The lake of Cazaux-Sanguinet is the second largest lake in France with its 55 km². It is bordered by numerous beaches as well as small marinas and water sports centres. It is linked, via the coastal canal and the Biscarosse lake, to another large lake, the Parentis-Biscarrosse lake, which covers 35 km². In addition to these two large lakes, the Landes hinterland is dotted with smaller and larger lakes such as Lake Léon, where you can take the Huchet Stream, Lake Hossegor with its fine sandy beaches and the Port-d’Albret marine lake at Vieux-Boucau. Wherever your campsite in the Landes is, there will always be a lake nearby to go swimming in.

The Landes, a land of culture and tradition

Of course, nature is the number one asset of the Landes. However, the traditions and cultural riches of this region should not be forgotten. Wellness and gastronomy are on the agenda for your camping holiday in the Landes. For wellness, the Landes can count on its 5 thermal spas. Dax and Saint-Paul-lès-Dax are home to 16 of the 19 thermal baths in the Landes. This is the perfect way to get back in shape after a few good things during your stay in the Landes. Because the Landes is also a region of good food, proud of its culinary traditions. Among the emblematic dishes, there is of course duck and all its variations (confit, foie gras, etc.), but also asparagus and Armagnac. You can combine gastronomy and heritage during your camping stay in the Landes in New Aquitaine. From Labastide d’Armagnac, one of the most beautiful bastides in the Landes, built in the 13th century, a walk takes you from castle to castle on the large estates where the delicious brandy is produced.

Our selection of campsites in the Landes

A selection of the most beautiful campsites in the Landes for holidays in a caravan, tent or motorhome.

The post Camping in a caravan, tent or motorhome in the Landes appeared first on Emplacement de camping pour caravanes, tente et camping-car.

OUR CAMPSITES AROUND THE GULF OF MORBIHAN

The Gulf of Morbihan extends over a little more than 40 km² between Vannes to the north and Arzon and Sarzeau to the south. Its chiselled granite shores form as many capes, points and outcrops from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the sumptuous landscapes of the gulf. To discover this enchanting spectacle, a cameo of blues and greens changing with the light, a hundred kilometres of marked paths are as many threads to play the tightrope walker between sea and land. Dozens of hours of iodised walks are in prospect. For cycling enthusiasts, a cycle route links Vannes and Arzon. Eventually, this will be connected to the cycle route that will lead from Roscoff to Nantes. For water sports enthusiasts, the Gulf of Morbihan has a lot to offer. Sailing, kite-surfing, scuba diving, sea fishing, kayaking, etc. The list is long. No chance of getting bored during your camping holiday in the Gulf of Morbihan.

Boat tours also take you to the Gulf of Morbihan. This is undoubtedly the best way to appreciate all its charms. There are day and half-day cruises.

Discover the islands and islets from your campsite in the Gulf of Morbihan

One of the specificities of the Gulf of Morbihan is the numerous islands and islets that make up its landscape. Take advantage of your stay on the campsites of the Gulf of Morbihan to discover them. Legend has it that these are the tears of fairies driven out of Broceliande. There are more than 30 of them. If the majority of these islands are private and cannot be visited, some of them welcome you for beautiful walks. The islands of Sept Îles and Berder are accessible on foot at low tide. The tour of each of them takes about an hour. Several of the islands in the Gulf of Morbihan are inhabited. The Ile aux Moines is only 5 minutes away from the Port-Blanc pier (Baden). It is the largest of the islands in the gulf but also a real natural paradise. The scents of the sea mingle with the essences of camellias, fig trees, mimosas and fuchsias. With its 7 km length and 3 km width, it is ideal for cycling or walking. There are no less than 14 hiking trails. During your walks, you can see many migratory birds nesting on the island. Off the coast of Vannes, the island of Arz is in fact an archipelago made up of 8 islands. The largest one, crossed by coastal paths, is also worth a visit. It is accessible from Vannes and Séné. The crossing takes about 20 minutes.

The heritage of the Gulf of Morbihan

If the Gulf of Morbihan seduces above all by its natural beauty, one should not forget to visit the charming towns and villages that dot its shores. Vannes in particular is worth a visit. This city built in an amphitheatre at the bottom of the gulf has a beautiful old medieval town built around the cathedral of Saint-Pierre. It is surrounded by ramparts. You will be able to admire very beautiful coloured half-timbered houses and elegant private mansions.  In addition to Vannes, Auray is one of the towns to visit in the gulf. The port of Saint-Goustan has a real cachet with its old buildings and restaurant terraces. It has preserved its authenticity and its medieval architecture. It is very pleasant to walk around, but you can also admire it from the heights.

Gulf Week

Every odd year, more than a thousand traditional and classic boats from all over Europe meet for the Semaine du Golfe. A beautiful spectacle not to be missed during your camping holiday in the Gulf of Morbihan. As the tides change, elegant riggings and other boats call in at around fifteen ports where festivals, exhibitions, entertainment for children, etc. are organised. Don’t forget to book your stay at a campsite in the Gulf of Morbihan so that you don’t miss out on the event.

Our campsites in the Gulf of Morbihan

A selection of campsites in Brittany for caravans, tents and motorhomes around the Gulf of Morbihan.

The post Camping with caravan, tent or motorhome in the Gulf of Morbihan appeared first on Emplacement de camping pour caravanes, tente et camping-car.

The post Bus shuttle between the ar kleguer campsite and the town centre of saint-pol-de-leon appeared first on Emplacement de camping pour caravanes, tente et camping-car.

The post campsite la roquette among the top 100 acsi appeared first on Emplacement de camping pour caravanes, tente et camping-car.