Prey to the tourist hype, many of us flock
to Paris or the Riviera for our fix of fine dining and glowing foreign weather. Meanwhile the discerning French head straight to their west coast. Sandy,
pine-covered beaches front a coastline of variety, with Roman cities,
slumbering villés and a scattering of
small islands. Follow the sunflower-flanked roads a few miles from the waves and you’ll
find campsite La Bretonnière, the perfect base for exploring the region.
Situated around a pleasant fishing lake,
the green fields of La Bretonnière play host to over 150 pitches along with a
small number of holiday huts and safari tents. With such variety campers can
decide on exactly what size space they want, from smaller ‘nature’ spots all
the way up to roomy ‘privilège’ pitches, ideal for caravans and motorhomes. Trees and tall
hedgerows provide plenty of shade from the summer sun, though when it comes to
cooling off most people know exactly where to head.
Overlooking the natural waters of the lake,
the recently built swimming area is the perfect remedy for those who are used to altogether more British weather. Two covered
swimming pools and a wading pool are accompanied by a play area where fountains
squirt water in all directions (although please note, like many French swimming pools it's strictly speedos for gentlemen so make sure you have appropriate swimming attire). The space is a delight for kids and, surrounded
by decking with a small wooden bar, it’s not a bad spot for parents to lounge
about either! Sitting in the balmy summer sun you can enjoy a drink or two
while the little ones clown around in their own watery world. The poolside fun
is complimented by a hedge-lined field on the other side of the campsite where
there are tennis and volley-ball courts, a football pitch, petanque court and a
children’s play area.
As much as the onsite activities will soak
up your day, Camping Paradis La Bretonnière is an excellent base for hopping in
the car and heading elsewhere. Most are attracted to the beaches sweeping
north to the incredible island of Noirmoutier. Cut off by the sea at high tide,
this charming off-shore paradise is reconnected when the water recedes
revealing the famous Passage du Gois, an old paved causeway that can still be
crossed by car if you get your timing right. In the opposite direction the town of La Roche-sur-Yon, a few
miles inland, has changed its reputation since it was described as "the
dullest town in France" by an English guidebook in the early
1800s. Now populated with good bars and restaurants, the town is preceded by
numerous smaller villages, home to the usual independent shops and cafes that
France is so famous for.
This delightful position that provides
access to both the coastline and the quieter inland attractions makes Camping Paradis La Bretonnière a good place to start exploring Western France. Something
that can only start, however, when you persuade yourself to leave the poolside sun lounger and put down that bottle of local vino!
