The River Charente is a languidly meandering waterway with its own unique charms. Once decreed by no higher authority than French monarch François I as 'the most beautiful stream in the kingdom', La Charente snakes its way through some of south-west France's most ancient counties. It is also where visitors to this enchanting corner of the country can find one of the region's loveliest campsites, Camp Laurent.
When expat Tracey and Pete first laid eyes on the Poitou-Charente, it was love at first sight. Setting up camp (quite literally) in the summer of 2013, Their vision was of a tranquil retreat– easily achievable due to the adult's only admittance policy.
Nestled in eight unspoilt acres just outside the sleepy village of St-Laurent-de-Ceris, Camp Laurent has ample room for just 10 emplacements all with electric hook-ups. The pitches overlook the river and valley below, while butterflies, rabbits and the odd roe deer dominate the scene. Facilities are more than adequate with wet-room style bathrooms featuring hot-showers, modern toilets, laundry and a washing-up adjacent to the 200-year old stone barn. With the river on your doorstep, you could be forgiven for neglecting the brand new, open-air, wood-panelled pool – just the ticket for cooling off in France's second sunniest region.
With the ever changing levels of our river in recent times, fishing and canoeing are only available when conditions allow. the campsite boasts 400 metres of tranquil waterside frontage. It still makes an ideal base to fish the Charente's abundant trout, pike, perch and eels. You can still dip your toes in for a lazy paddle, while cruise boats can be taken in more capaciously fluvial sections upstream – a great way to explore the idyllic nearby towns and villages. You'll take in such famous names as Angoulême, Saint-Savinien, and Cognac – yes, the very same. Just be sure to appoint a designated skipper for the return leg.
Camp Laurent offers a large tree-lined camping meadow located at the top of a bank overlooking the River Charente and a beautiful oak woodland. We want to ensure that Camp Laurent provides the very best for it's campers. We have excellent facilities that will cater for all your needs, we also strive to run a clean as well as friendly, welcoming campsite.
Whether you're here to kick back, relax and unwind enjoying the peaceful campsite atmosphere or even if you’re here to make the most of the many activities on offer in the region (including chateaux visits, beautiful old french villages, markets, cycling, kayaking, ), we’ll do our very best to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Our campsite facilities include: 10 Spacious pitches offering views over the wooded valley and the River Charente. 3 luxury bathroom-style toilet and shower facilities, including lots of free hot water. Drinking water. 6amp electric hook-up. Grey water and toilet waste dump points. A lovely outdoor washing-up area under our beautiful old oak tree. Our brand new Visitors Cabin, where we keep our tourist information, books, magazines, cycle and walking maps, fridge, freezer and washing machine facilities. The beautiful above ground pool, essential for those long hot days. A short meandering path down to the River Charente where you can fish, enjoy the campsite canoe, walk your dog, or simply read a book, with the feeling you have stepped back in time. Bike rental via Bikehire Direct to enjoy the many cycle routes include route 48 that passes right by our entrance. Low level solar lighting throughout the site to allow you enjoy the beautiful panoramic skies and the stars at night. Our local village of St Laurent de Ceris offers a Boulangerie and lovely French Restaurant.