Camping L’Etang Bleu

If you know a little French, even just une peu, you’re likely to recognise that the name of this campsite in the North Dordogne translates as 'Blue Lake Camping'. Sounds rather nice, doesn’t it? And it’s not just near a lake or by a lake, it has its own private lake. It’s just one of the attractions of this pretty and relaxed place that’s close to the attractive town of Brantôme and in the heart of the Périgord Natural Park.

It was in fact the lake that persuaded French-speaking British owners, Marc and Jo, to buy what was a derelict campsite more than 20 years ago. They left their jobs in London to start a more family-friendly life in the sun. They were living the dream — a fact that was documented in a 2002 TV programme of the same name, in fact. Fast-forward through the years and that derelict site is now a lovely place to stay.

In the European tradition, caravans and motorhomes are as welcome as tent campers and there are mobile homes on site too. But in a break from Euro camping rules, choosing a pitch is relaxed, not rigid. Campers are left to choose their spot according to preference, but rest assured, if you arrive when it’s busy, every pitch is green and spacious with access to an electric point nearby. In addition to the lake, which you are welcome to fish, there’s a swimming pool and a well-equipped gym on-site as well as table tennis, pool and table football. There’s a friendly bistro and a bar too with seating overlooking the swimming pool.

Marc and Jo still live on-site and are happy to share their 20 years' experience of exploring the Périgord. They’ll tell you where to get the best menu du jour or where to head to for a produce market on any particular day. They’ll tell you which towns and villages are best to visit and can even book you in for rock climbing, go-karting or zip-lining. No doubt they’ll mention nearby Brantôme. A 15-minute drive from the site, this town is a magnet for visitors with its riverside setting on the Dronne, its lively market and its historic abbey. It’s a catch-all kind of place, a bit like Camping L’Etang Bleu itself — as good for active explorers who want to take to the water as for those who simply want to relax by it.