Dordogne 2018
Hi Everyone. We are thinking of going to France next year for the first time with the caravan. We would really like to go to the Dordogne ideally around the Sarlet area. I have 3 questions:-
Best ferry crossings for going to the Dordogne
Any recommendations for campsites, our kids have flown the nest so ideally looking for quieter sites ideally with a pool.
Any recommendations for stopovers on the way down?
Thanks
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Good stopover at neufchatel en bray at camping St claire, essential to book though. Amazing site in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Huttopia. Excellent position, best toilet/shower block we've come across, 5 minutes to shops, bars etc. Definitely go for riverside pitch. Hope that helps. We went on tunnel as oh doesn't like ferries, dearer but quicker & easier.
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Just a few miles south of the Sarlat area (there are a few 'Sarlats in France) and on the Dordogne is Campsite Perpetuum
We stayed there 3 years ago and besides being a great site with all facilities, it was a good base for surrounding trips with nearby 'Domme' being worth a visit and 'Rocamadour'.
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Like Dave we've stayed at Perpetuum and found it an excellent site, well located for visiting most of the touristy bits of the Dordogne. This site is also next to the river and it accepts the ACSI card. When we went last year in September it cost 13 euros a night for a pitch, electricity and 2 adults. There is also a swimming pool on site and a small snack bar/ drinks area.
With regard to ferries then you pays your money and takes your choice. Go the longer way via Dover and the ferry will be cheaper but the journey to the Sarlat area longer. As you're based in Merseyside I would take the ferry from Portsmouth, either to Caen or St.Malo. Last year we went out via Caen and back via St.Malo but didn't go directly to Dordogne.
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Shevi, A quieter site with a pool which you might like is Camping Bouyssou near Tursac - that's 15 miles from Sarlat and outside the crowded area. It has just 20 pitches which is attractive to me, although other people will say they want a bigger site with a bar, a restaurant and a more flashy pool, but still want it to be quiet ! That's where it gets difficult, especially in peak season. So much depends on when you are going.
Overnights depend on the ferry crossing you choose, but from where you live I too would be looking at the Portsmouth routes rather than the slog via Calais.
Enjoy your planning.
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You don't say what time of year you are going but if it's off-season (not July and August) then you should definitely invest in an ACSI card. Also there is no need to book. Overnight stop will depend on what ferry you are taking and time of arrival in France.
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Well, yes, perhaps buy the card, but it does tend to tie people only to look at the 15% of French campsites which are in that marketing scheme, while there are real bargains to be had and real gems to be found among the other 85% - like the small site I recommended at Tursac !
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I agree Eurotraveller but if you are touring it can be very hit or miss finding a good site. Even some recommendations may not suit (we have had many such). ACSI sites are, of course, not all perfect but they are inspected and usually reliable, also, their database gives lots of information and many reviews.
We find that it is worth the investment just to stay at Bien Assise near Calais which without the card can cost over 30 Euros. Have tried almost every other site close to the port without much luck.
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Channel crossings - would definitely check out the prices with the Club and make up your mind. We travel from South Yorks and do the shorter crossing wherever we're going to. Also check out Tesco vouchers - they can take a hefty chunk out of the cost if you spend money on their Rewards scheme/credit card.
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Going in June then you will not need to book , just travel and stop when the mood takes you. I'd recommend going via Rouen and Le Mans, that way you're avoiding Paris. The Dordogne is a beautiful area with loads of sites, if you land in one you don't take to then there are plenty of options.
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We stayed at Chateau de Lacomte Country Club adult only site between the Lot and Dordogne valley's. Very quiet and good for exploration. Run by an English couple the site has a friendly bar and good restaurant. If you would like any other information let us know
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Hi, We stayed at Soleil Plage this year and used Camping Cheques bought as part of an ITX package from the Club. The site was very pleasant but some pitches get little sun so best to check before choosing.
So far as routes the ITX included a BF crossing and as et says Portsmouth to Caen would be a good choice.
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We went to the Dordogne in July this year and found there was no need to book. We tended to use the ACSI App (the full list not the discounted list) and just searched for a site in the area we were going to next. Spent no more than two nights in one place.
We sailed Portsmouth to St Malo and stayed a few days in Brittany before going south. In the past we have gone from Brittany to around Saumur in the Loire and the Dordogne from there, but this time went straight from Brittany.
We returned, via Champagne region, from Zeebrugges to Hull for a couple of nights in York before heading home.
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Good afternoon Shevi ,
Thank you for posting on the Club forum today.
Overseas site bookings can be made on Tuesday 17th October 2017 from 08.45.
You may wish to view our sites in France in the link below.
https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/overseas/france/
Our Travel Team would be delighted to assist with any ferry quotes, the number to call is 01342 316101.
Kind regards.
Kimberley.
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