West Coast of France with a dog

ellemae
ellemae Forum Participant Posts: 41
edited January 2018 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

We shall take the shuttle over and meander over to the west coast. Over the past three trips we have found parts of the trip quite stressful with a dog. We are considering south of Bordeaux as not sure about the Vendee area, told that it is uninteresting. Would  be grateful for any information on this area. We would love to be able to walk the dog on the beach and cycle along forest trails to the beach. 

We shall be going mid May not particularly fussed about high temperatures more so that it s pleasant to walk. Any thoughts on end of April?

Comments

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2018 #2

    No need to go south of Bordeaux. Camping La Palombiere at Les Mathes / La Palmyre will be open from 1st April and has ready access through the forest to the big beaches on the Cote Sauvage there - with no dog restrictions - and many miles of off road cycle tracks.  We were almost the only people on the site last year in June so April will be super solitary ! 

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited January 2018 #3
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • meecee
    meecee Forum Participant Posts: 304
    edited January 2018 #4

    Good advice from ET above - Vendee although flattish is not uninteresting and has good forests, beaches and places to visit.  The coast south of Bordeaux is much wilder, strong currents, powerful waves and 'baines' which can drag people down, perhaps not so good for dogs. Although the Landes area has attractive forests we did not find the seaside/lakeside resorts very appealing. Further down in the Biarritz area is nicer though hilly and more crowded.  I recommend doing what I do on winter days - loads of research on t'internet and google earth smile  good luck!

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited January 2018 #5

    Have you considered La Venise Verte, a bit inland but nice for you and the dogs with lots of paths for walking and cycling? 

  • Collingham
    Collingham Forum Participant Posts: 7
    edited January 2018 #6

    You could try Twin Lakes on the D730 between Mirambeau and Montendre.  Nice relaxing site which is dog friendly with English owner.  The 2 lakes are great for fishing. Around 45 minutes drive north to the beach at St George de Didonne. A little further there is Royan. On the way stop off at Mortange sur Gironde, Talmont sur Gironde  or Meschers for seafood.

    Large supermarkets a few miles away at both Mirambeau and Montendre.

    Unfortunately  there is no public transport, but everywhere is motor home friendly. A train runs a couple of miles away in Montendre. For a day in Bordeaux you could drive by car to the park and ride.

    Also worth a visit is Jonzac, Pons, Saintes and  Cognac. The roads are quiet compared to England.

    Hope this helps.

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
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    edited January 2018 #7

    Another vote for Ile de Ré. We stayed on a site very close to the sand dunes ideal for a dog and cycling. Also as mentioned, the coast from Royan to La Palmyre (good zoo) is worth a visit.

    Despite annual tours around France for 30 years we have managed to avoid the Vendee. It has never appealed.

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