First Trip (Continental Caravanning)

Being a novice caravan owner i.e. owning a caravan from 2012, and experiencing our first trip in UK (wales) in August of same year, we decided to venture over the channel for this year’s holiday.  We were that close to giving up the “joys of caravanning” after the 2012 holiday due to bad weather, and the caravan site resembling the day after Glastonbury.

After extensive research, we decided to head for the Burgundy region, and a particular overnight stop (Chateau Eperviere) in Gigny Sur Saone.  This was my first error, as a drive from the North West of England, and a crossing at 11.30pm left me with an exhaustive drive through the night.  This site was very well maintained, with all facilities on hand.  Pleasant and courteous staff, however I didn’t utilise any of the available facilities due to me recuperating myself ready for the next leg of the journey to Rumilly (about 3 ½ hours’ drive). 

This site (Camping Le Madrid) was easy to locate and was very convenient for local shopping (being very close to the town centre).  On arrival we were given a map of the site, and told that we could pick which pitch that we required (from a list of highlighted pitch numbers).  This site was impeccably maintained with a very informative site owner (Steffan) who was fluent in English.  Daily bread/Croissants etc. were available to pre order for the following morning.  An on-site pool, Bar, and children’s play area were all very welcoming, particularly as we had a three year old child with us.  Annecy was in a reasonable ½ hour drive away, however there was a local lake with artificial beach within walking distance which provided great days out “cruising” on our dinghy.

The onsite Wifi and also the guidance of the owner/staff ensured that we were clued up with the local attractions etc. and options further afield.

The onsite restaurant was adequate, and they had a musical evening with a country band on the 2^nd to last night that we had booked.  All in all, we were very happy with the site, and possibly would have stayed for the full 2 weeks had we not already pre-booked our 2^nd week in Bourdeaux.  I couldn’t rate this site highly enough, and I will definitely be returning in the near future.

On to the next stop (Chatelas des Bois), which is a Castles site based in Bourdeaux.  This was a completely different site to our first stop, as it has an extensive entertainment program and caters for families.  The swimming pool was the highlight, however there was also an extensive inflatable play area to entertain all ages of children) On-site football field/ Boules etc. were also a bonus.  Good onsite shop and excellent Wifi service made this site, however steep gradient on entry/exit did give me a few nights of worry! 

We left this site at 7am in the morning as I didn’t want anyone around as I would be “booting” it up this steep incline praying that my car was up to it.  No worries as it did!

Decided to do run from Bourdeaux to Calais in one run, and grab an overnight stop in Calais area.  This was at Chataeu Du Gandspette who were very hospitable due to us turning up at 9.30pm.  Legs down, Elec hook up and off to bed!  So no review, apart from them being very hospitable. 

Ferry was booked for 11.00am next day, and this went very smooth.

All in all, a very good first time experience, and after 2 years of owning the van (nearly selling it) this has revitalised my passion for caravanning, so already in the process of organizing next summers hols!

Driving in France was a doddle, which seems to be totally different in the UK!

Only downside, clutch finally gave in 3 miles from house , so thank god for ADAC!

This will be another story for another day!

Thanks for reading, Jason, Jane and Hugo (our 3 year old son).