Campsite recommendations around the west coast of France - La Rochelle area

[NicolasH]

We are going to Benodet in Brittany during the summer for a week and we are thinking of extending our trip and heading down the west coast of France as far as La Rochelle.

We are looking for campsite recommendations around La Rochelle, Ile d Oleron and Ile d Re.

Thanks. Nick

 

[Bigsidavies]

We stayed at the municipal site at St. Martin de Re. Basic, slightly cramped, facilities ok. But for us we could walk into town for a few beers and it was easy to drive to the beaches nearby.
Depends what you want.
If you want a site to stay at sat around the van during the day with a pool and restaurant then look elsewhere.

 

[NicolasH]

We stayed at the municipal site at St. Martin de Re. Basic, slightly cramped, facilities ok. But for us we could walk into town for a few beers and it was easy to drive to the beaches nearby.
Depends what you want.
If you want a site to stay at sat around the van during the day with a pool and restaurant then look elsewhere.

Thanks @Bigsidavies. We are definitely beach people and have been to Ile de Re before. I’ll check out the site you mention. Cheers Nick

 

[JOG]

Where are you staying in Benodet? Camping du Letty?

Anywhere down towards La Rochelle and Ils de Re will be more cramped, but still lovely

 

[Salty Spuds]

Ille de Re is a bit Gucci. Oleron is more laid back & chilled. Noirmoutier even more so, an cheaper. If you’re going in French school holidays, you’ll struggle anywhere to get a pitch tbh. I don’t think you’ll have the luxury of picking & choosing, it’ll be whatever is available, if anything.

 

[NicolasH]

Where are you staying in Benodet? Camping du Letty?

Anywhere down towards La Rochelle and Ils de Re will be more cramped, but still lovely

Yes, we are staying at Camping du Letty - have you been, John?

 

[NicolasH]

Ille de Re is a bit Gucci. Oleron is more laid back & chilled. Noirmoutier even more so, a cheaper. If you’re going in French school holidays, you’ll struggle anywhere to get a pitch tbh. I don’t think you’ll have the luxury of picking & choosing, it’ll be whatever is available, if anything.

Thanks @Salty Spuds. We are going around the 20th July. Going to book in advance. We’ve been to Oleron as well, and really liked it.

 

[JOG]

Yes, we are staying at Camping du Letty - have you been, John?

Four or five times now! The first time was about 20 years ago (pre-kids!) Then we were back with kids…..owners son had taken over the business. He pumped a couple of million into developing the place. It is now very family-friendly.

The best bit is the beach access. The water flows fast when the tide is changing but it’s great fun.

If you have kids, you’ll love it!!!

 

[NicolasH]

Thanks! We do have two kids so I’m hoping we’ll love it!

 

[Salty Spuds]

Thanks @Salty Spuds. We are going around the 20th July. Going to book in advance. We’ve been to Oleron as well, and really liked it.

Try Noirmoutier. Much quieter than IdRe & more laid back, but you still get the island vibe. Great for cycling/food/exploring

 

[Ayjay]

I too would rather stay away from Ole do Re. We stayed at Camping Signol on Ole d'Oleron a couple of years ago and may well be back there next month (or Noirmoutier or both!). I posted about it at the time (see Post 6375 here: Where Have You Been In Your Van Today? - go forward a couple of pages to Post 6422 for pictures of the beach). All in all, a lovely place - there's also a good network of cycle paths and quite a few options for boat trips from the town (Boyardville). The only downside that we found was the complete absence of a supermarket (of any size!) within walking distance of the campsite (theirs was closed) but there is a farmers style open market a few days a week in the town.

 

[NicolasH]

Try Noirmoutier. Much quieter than IdRe & more laid back, but you still get the island vibe. Great for cycling/food/exploring

Thanks @Salty Spuds, I'll check it out.

 

[NicolasH]

I too would rather stay away from Ole do Re. We stayed at Camping Signol on Ole d'Oleron a couple of years ago and may well be back there next month (or Noirmoutier or both!). I posted about it at the time (see Post 6375 here: Where Have You Been In Your Van Today? - go forward a couple of pages to Post 6422 for pictures of the beach). All in all, a lovely place - there's also a good network of cycle paths and quite a few options for boat trips from the town (Boyardville). The only downside that we found was the complete absence of a supermarket (of any size!) within walking distance of the campsite (there's was closed) but there is a farmers style open market a few days a week in the town.

I've just checked your post out @Ayjay and that looks good too. Thanks for sharing. Nick

 

[denz1968]

We are staying at Huttopia Oleron.
Never been before but close the sea and looks quite relaxing