Campsite News

This site no longer accepts touring units

We have been advised that development work at Camping Le Cabellou Plage in southern Brittany is incomplete and a number of planned amenities (notably the swimming pool complex) are likely to be unavailable for the 2008 season.
We will inspect the site fully during 2008 and provide a full report in the 2009 editions of our France guide.

We have just learned that Camping Valderredible at Polientes in northern Spain has closed permanently.
For those seeking an overnight stop en route to or from Santander, Camping Municipal Fuentes Blancas (ES90210) may be a good alternative.

Rivendale Caravan and Leisure Park (UK3850) have added an innovative new service for the 2008 season. A hot tub can be delivered to pitches - please contact the site for more details and prices.

Just 1 mile from exit 27 of the A6 motorway and only a few minutes from the centre of Tournus, Camping de Tournus is now open.
This site is owned by the same team who run the very popular Chateau de l'Eperviere (FR71070)and is an excellent base for exploring the pretty little town of Tournus (best known for its abbey and excellent restaurants) and southern Burgundy.
For full details, please visit their website www.camping-tournus.com

We have just been informed by Banbridge Tourist Information Centre (May 08) that the Caravan Park there has had to close due to refurbishment of the main tourist building and will not reopen.

2008 marks the 50th anniversary of Beverley Holidays.
Much has been achieved over the 50 years and the parks have become an integral part of the area of Paignton and the wider Bay with many tourists visiting them over the years.
In 1956, builder and caravan enthusiast, Joseph Stanley Jeavons and his wife Marion had a dream of opening a caravan site in Torbay. They bought 21 acres of farmland in Goodrington with beautiful views over the Bay and moved from Womborne in Staffordshire with their three sons Peter, Alan and Michael. Beverley Park opened in 1959 with just 10 caravans, a few tents and a shop – with the famous Beverley Sisters as the inspiration for its name! Established as a successful family-run, Beverley Park earned its five-star status in 1975. At the time, it was just one of four parks to have been awarded this accolade in England. Beverley Holidays now consists of five parks over 42 acres, with 406 caravans, 23 lodges, 200 touring pitches and 30 privately owned caravans.
Beverley Holidays celebrated their 50th anniversary with an ‘All That Glitters is Gold’ party. On the night, £1,236 was raised towards ovarian cancer in memory of Judith Jeavons.
We would like to pass on our warmest congratulations to al the team, at Beverley Holidays with our best wishes for their continuing success.
For more information please visit www.beverley-holidays.co.uk

If you like camping in France, why not indulge in some cycling in France?
A new guide to leisure cycle routes in France, south of and including the Loire, has been published.
Ranging from short family-friendly “pootles” to longer multi-day rides, these are all signed routes on quiet roads or traffic-free paths.
Often, they are accessible from Alan Rogers-listed campsites – e.g. gentle Dordogne riverside riding from Argentat, a Mediterranean coastal trip from Sete or you could stay at Camping des Sources at Santenay and explore the Route des Vins de Bourgogne.
Full details of distance, terrain, attractions along the way and detailed Michelin maps are included for each ride along with photos, to give a flavour of the areas covered.
CYCLING SOUTHERN FRANCE – Loire to Mediterranean.
By Richard Peace £12.95
Available online or over the phone from www.cordee.co.uk or from all good bookshops
Publishers www.excellentbooks.co.uk

The owners of Camping Chateau l'Eperviere (FR71070) have recently acquired another campsite in the pretty little town of Tournus, in southern Burgundy.
They are now looking for a couple to manage this site on their behalf for the 2008 summer season.
The site is just 1.5 km from exit 27 of A6 motorway with a view over the river. There are 2 small sanitary blocks, 1 main building with reception / bar / shop in one area, on first floor 1 studio with kitchenette, bathroom and seperate toilet for couple working on campsite.
Ideally they are seeking a couple who would be willing to do a bit of everything on site, reception, shop and bar, cleaning sanitary blocks, general maintenance and living on site for 5 months. They need people who know a bit the campsite world and who are willing to work hard, be flexible and enjoy contact with customers.
They offer a monthly salary and a percentage of the turnover of the campsite, free accommodation on site and the possibility to work in a independent way, but with the security of back up being just 12 km away For full details please contact Gert Jan or Francois at Chateau l'Eperviere. Tel 00 33 385 94 16 90 (domaine-de-leperviere@wanadoo.fr)

During August, the city of Langres in central France organises the Estivals des Hallebardiers. Special shows will be performed simultaneously throughout the city every Friday and Saturday at 21.00.

A spectacular son et lumiere show will be staged in the Gorges de la Vingeanne at Aprey (20 km from the Kawan Village Lac de la Liez) on 25, 26 and 27 July and 1, 2 and 3 August. During this performance, 50 characters in medieval costumes will stage demonstrations in a succession of scenes of sorcery and enchantment, including the Legend of the Vingeanne.

The market of Louhans is one of the biggest markets in France. Every Monday morning the little medieval town of Louhans and its main street with the 157 arcades welcomes a picturesque market. It is actually the poultry market which has given the Louhans market its reputation. After all, the toen is situated in the home land of the famous Poulet de Bresse! You will find everything you’d expect at a good French market, from eggs, butter, cheeses to all other traditional local produce. The market is always busy, particulalry during the summer months. It is advisable to go to the market fairly early to get a good parking place. Louhans market is an absolute must when you visit Burgundy!

From 25th July until 17th August 2008, Cormatin castle organizes theatre shows during the « Rendez-vous de Cormatin ». Six theatre shows will be given at either the theatre room of the castle, or in the château gardens outside. During the Rendez-vous de Cormatin, concerts are organized as well at the church of Cormatin.

In the far South of Burgundy, on the edge of the Beaujolais region, the « Hameau du Vin » is a superb museum completely dedicated to wines and their history, the largest and most important wine museum in Europe. Housed in the former railway station (dating back to the 19th century) of Romanèche-Thorins, the museum will please all people with an interest in wines, but also the children. A great day out for everyone!

Burgundy is a land of gentle slopes and many valleys, vineyards and villages, waiting to be discovered. Cycling is probably the best way to discover the little country roads winding through vineyards, pastures and picturesque little villages.

If one city has contributed a great deal to Burgundy’s prestigious reputation, it is Beaune. OK, Dijon is the indisputable capital of the region, but Beaune has to be given credit for being Burgundy’s wine capital. The smallish city only counts approx. 35.000 inhabitants and is indeed situated in the heart of the famous vineyards. Its well known Hospices with their characteristic Burgundy roofs organises every year the traditional and world famous Hospices de Beaune wine auction.

Prices for Camping Terme Ptuj (SV4440)in the Alan Rogers Central Europe Guide are valid for 2008, although we indicate that they refer to 2007. We apologise for any confusion.

Langres is a city brimming with History and history-related tales. As an aid in your visit of one of the “50 most beautiful cities of France”, the Tourism Office of Langres proposes audio guides – the Guide-Man®. Barely larger than a cell phone, this Guide-Man® accompanies you throughout your sightseeing tours with audio explanations (available in English, Dutch and German) of the various parts of the city. In addition, the Guide-Man® provides valuable information on 40 works in the Museum of Art and History. In partnership with Le Camping du Lac de la Liez, the Tourism Office of Langres has reserved a Special Offer for site guests until 15 June 2008 – rent one Guide-Man® and get the second Guide-Man® free!

Ever thought of combining a holiday in the mountains and helping protect endangered species at the same time? This is exactly what Camping Soleil du Pibeste offers. The campsite has an ideal location 400 metres above sea level in the Pyrenees: 7km from Lourdes, less than 1 hour from the Spanish border. It belongs to the ‘Pibeste Nature Reserve’ which contains 19 birds of prey species, often visible from the campsite. Camping Soleil du Pibeste offers stays of 7 or 2 nights dedicated to observing the raptors, with a full range of related activities. 5% is donated to the League of Birds. A 7 night holiday here starts at just 260,40€ (4-person chalet) A 2 night holiday here starts at just 82,95€ (4-person chalet) Visit: www.campingpibeste.com

The Rhone-Alps regions of the Ardèche and the Drôme offer so much in the spring-time. Here you'll find one of France's most iconic landscapes, with multi-coloured fields and blossoming orchards of almond and cherry. The outdoor-minded come here for canoeing, walking and climbing. Some campsites offer themed stays, for instance Camping Sunelia Ranc Davaine charges from 170€ per person for a 3 night package discovering the local heritage. Discover all this and more at www.camping-rhonealpes.co.uk

As days lengthen, why not discover the Lorraine? In Northern France, adjacent to Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium, this area is truly in the heart of Europe. It’s a region of thermal spas, natural treasures, places of history, magnificent cities. The event everyone is talking about this year is the “Fête Européenne du Camping-Car” held from May 29th to June 1st 2008 at the Maldine Lake. This cheerful gathering is organized every year in a different location, with the simple aim of a warm convivial gathering in a delightful spot. In May, June and September, take advantage of the 2=3 special offer: all 25 ‘Campings Qualité Lorraine’ offer the 3rd night free for 2 paid ones. Discover the complete brochure and more at: www.tourisme-lorraine.fr

With early summer on its way, Esterel Caravanning offers a great coastal setting, between star-struck Cannes and the glitterati of St Tropez. As the Cote d'Azur starts warming up so this family campsite will be getting into gear with a lively bar and regular concerts. The swimming pool will be heated, the grocery shop open, the sports equipment available. With off-peak prices from as little as 18€ for a pitch for 2 (instead of 23€), there are many good reasons to head to the Med.
Discover more about this family friendly gem at www.esterel-caravaning.fr

We regret to announce the permanent closure of Camping Playa de Torres (ES86890) in Villajoyosa, north of Alicante. There are many good alternatives in this popular area and you may wish to consider Camping Costa Blanca (ES86900) at El Campello.

It has come to our attention that the opening dates for this campsite are incorrect in the 2008 Alan Rogers France Guide.
The correct dates should read 15th June to 6th September.
We apologise for any inconvenience.

We have been informed that the 9 hole putting green on this site is no longer available. The area is now used for general recreation, and, from this spot, there are excellent views over Camarthen Bay to the Gower peninsula. Please note too that the excellent family shower room is not equipped with a baby bath.

We would like to congratulate Stroud Hill Park (UK3575)on being selected as the AA Campsite of the Year for 2008. This excellent site has also been awarded Huntingdonshire Restaurant of the Year in 2007.

We are aware of an error in the 2008 Alan Rogers Britain and Ireland guide. We indicate that dogs are not allowed on this site.
We regret that this information is incorrect – dogs are welcome on the site, which is ideally located for exploring the Exmoor National Park, and is great dog walking country.

We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2007 Alan Rogers Campsite Awards.
We have carefully considered more than 2000 campsites featured in our 2005 guides, and have taken into account comments from our site assessors, our head office team, and, of course, our readers.

More Information

Alan Rogers Guides were recently asked to work with The Observer (circulation 450,000) on a special camping supplement. The result was a unique 32 page camping guide including 82 campsites in 14 countries. With Alan Rogers own campsite reviews for each, the special camping supplement included a wealth of information and articles about modern camping and campsites across Europe, many bookable with the click of a mouse at www.alanrogers.com or www.alanrogers.travel.

If you have some news we can feature on this page, please forward it to us with a title & image to editorial@alanrogers.com