Caravanning Sep20 Eastern France
We would like to visit Eastern France (north or south of say Besancon) later this summer. We have a week booked at Les Bois du Bardelet with another 10 days or so before we return to the UK (via Cherbourg). We cant make our minds up whether to go to say south of Besancon or north or both (say 5 days at each). Looking at the various searches for sites they seem very thin on the ground. We are not looking for "activity" sites and would be happy with the smaller quieter sites if possible.
Any suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated.
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If it was me I'd be heading into Alsace and split the 10 days between north and south. Has lots to see and do.
Haven't got my guide book to hand for exact names of sites but those at Colmar, Riquwihr, Ribeauville and one near Strasbourg are ones we've stayed at in the past.
When I get some time I'll look them up if you are interested.
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John
"We are not looking for "activity" sites and would be happy with the smaller quieter sites if possible."
Your chosen site is a Les Castels site and these generally are all singing all dancing type sites with lots of amenities. Also the site closes 13th September so it would seem you will visit that one first then head off to the East which leaves you a long drive back to Cherbourg, from the Bescancon area that could be in excess of 450 miles. Personally I would go to the extreme location and then work back towards the ferry.
As Wherenext says the Alsace area has a lot to offer. It's in the wine growing region and the Wine Route is very picturesque. I stayed at Ribeauville at a site called Pierre du Courbetin which is a very short walk to the town. It is a basic site but with very good facilities with resident Storks which will come to visit for tit bits. Both Colmar and Strasbourg are very interesting to visit. Also you are not far from the German border with trips into the Black Forest. A very nice area but a longer driver back to Cherbourg then Besancon.
Just a few pointers for you to consider
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I'd agree with harry up thread: You're staying near Gien, then travelling quite a way east, to then have to go all the way back again. Is there a possibility of doing it the other way round as far as your dates are concerned?
Many years ago we stayed at Camping du Git near Champagnole, which is south of Besancon, link HERE We liked it there, but don't know what it's like now, it certainly wasn't an all-singing all-dancing site. One day we went to Lake Geneva from there; we liked the area and did stay there about 2 or 3 times.
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We spent a fantastic month in France this Jun 2023. We overnighted at the Plough & Harrow pub near Deal. Reservation side very disorganised (couldn't find the booking and didn't have a table for dinner) but we were able to buy a meal (very tasty) and eat in the 'van.
An hours wait to get through French passport control
1st stop in France was at Guignicourt near Reims. Again disorganised reservations with "no booking". Did have space but no electric for the 1st night. Once the French "Bank" holiday was over and the place emptied it was great with great cities to visit (Reims/Laon/Soissons).
Next was Huttopia's I'ill Camping at Colmar. Location couldn't be better with a bus stop to Colmar centre outside the site or a mile walk along a main road BUT the site was VERY disappointing. Noisy, cramped and "unloved" with the only chemical waste a kilometer away. As a result we cut short our planned 8 nights and added them to Ounans near Bescancon. Don't get me wrong, we LOVED Colmar and the area. The Wine route was amazing. Strasbourg vibrant and the Sunday excursion on a steam train from Vogelsheim followed by a cruise on the Rhine to Breisach very different. Sooo much to see and do in the area. Don't forget to visit to Haut-Koeningshof Castle-preferably late afternoon when the crowds have gone.
Huttopias La Plage Blanche at Ounans was completely different (except the CW was also a kilometer away!). The Jura is a great area to visit with historic towns and cities, waterfalls, cheese museums and caves and of course the vineyards and their caves.
3 nights at Troyes and a final night at St Quentin completed our most enjoyable holiday.
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with the only chemical waste a kilometer away.
I am glad you enjoyed your holiday. We also liked Colmar, although I can’t remember where we stayed as it was over 30 years ago. We must get round to visiting that part of France again. I think you were a bit unlucky with your sites, we’ve stopped on a lot over the years and although we’ve come across some very strange set ups, can never remember ever having to go a kilometre to empty the cassette.
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