What to Expect

Star-ratings explained

The French star-rating system relates to the number of facilities available per camper. The number of stars is given by the individual local authorities and reflect the facilities provided, not necessarily the quality of the site or the installations. All French sites were re-rated in 1994.

In other countries the star rating systems also operate according to facilities and services offered and not the quality provided. The classification of the sites tends not to be as rigorous as in France.

Campsite Facilities

Sanitary Facilities
All sites provide hot showers which are usually free. However, in Germany, Austria and Switzerland there is usually a small charge. Camping du Letty and Camping Les Abers, both in Brittany in France also make a small charge. Most 3 and 4 star sites provide wash basins in individual cubicles, and toilets are the sit down type rather than the squat type. Toilet paper is not supplied at all sites.

Childrens play area
All sites provide some form of play area. Some may offer a wide range of facilities including slides, climbing frames, swings and play houses suitable for the younger children. Others may only have a slide.

Games room & T.V
All sites have some indoor games, including table football, pool, table tennis and often electronic games. Usually they are in a separate room or on smaller sites in the bar. All sites have a T.V, often in a separate television room. Some owners only allow it to be used if there is a special sporting occasion.

Washing machines and dryers
All sites offer washing machines for use and the majority also offer tumble dryers. There is always an extra charge for this. Irons will be loaned if required.

Ice and hire of fridges
All sites have a service to freeze packs or sell ice blocks. Some sites hire out fridges or freezing compartments.

Swimming pools
Most sites open their pool as soon as the site itself opens and remain open until the end of the season, although in some areas the dates may change according to the weather. If you are travelling at the beginning or end of the season and it is important for you that the swimming pool is open, please check with us. The majority of sites have banned the wearing of all bermuda-style shorts in their swimming pools. Men and boys therefore must wear swimming trunks. An increasing number of sites have installed indoor pools or have retractable covers so that they can extend the period they are open. Campsites with both indoor and outdoor pools sometimes only use the covered pool during the low season.

Tennis, Mini-golf etc
The cost of tennis and mini golf and other activities such as horse-riding is not normally included although, on many sites, tennis is often free outside July and August.

Shops, bars & restaurants
The size of the shops on the sites varies tremendously from stocking basic provisions like bread, milk and a few tinned foods to large supermarkets which cater for all your needs. It is the smaller sites which tend to stock only the bare essentials. Bars and restaurants are available on most sites. Restaurants vary greatly and most sites offer a limited menu with often the same selection as the take away meal service.
Please note that facilities such as shops, bars and restaurants may not be operational outside the peak periods.

Electrical hook-ups
Under each site we have indicated the different power supplies available. If you are planning to run a fridge and lights only, then 2-3 amps is generally sufficient. If you have a 1Kw kettle then 6 amps will be required. If you are planning to take other electrical equipment or a more powerful kettle then add up the total wattage required at any one time and divide by 220 to give the amps needed. Please note that electrical supply is not always constant in some areas of France and other countries. All electricity prices are indicated for the amperes available, please indicate to us the amperage required.

Water and drainage
Many sites have fully serviced pitches with a water tap and a waste water drain. If you require a pitch with water and waste water drainage please indicate this to us. If you need to make a direct drainage connection please ensure that you request this at the time of booking. This service is available on many sites but the number of pitches with all these facilities is usually limited.

On most sites the charge for electricity has to be paid on pitches with water and drainage even if you do not require electricity.

Pre-erected tents and static caravans
We are able to give you an idea of the proportion of fixed accommodation units on a site. We have indicated when there are no tour operators and when there is only one present which does not affect the ambiance on the site. An increasing number of sites have their own static accommodation available for hire. We are able to make reservations for several of these sites if you'd prefer a static caravan or mobile home, or if friends or family wish to join you on site who don't have their own tent or caravan.

Animation
The French term for organised activities and entertainment is "Animation" - the programme varies from site to site. We have indicated the range of activities available and given brief details of any excursions organised by the sites. Most sites will organise sporting competitions - tennis, boules, ping-pong and some also organise games in the swimming pools. Evening entertainment varies from a weekly dance to nightly discos and theme evenings.

Barriers
A large number of sites now have automatic electronic barriers. These are usually opened by a magnetic card or key for which you have to pay a deposit at the reception. Most sites do not unlock these barriers before 07.00 - 08.00 in the morning, and close them again between 22.00 - 23.00. It is usually possible to leave your car in the car park overnight. However it is important to take these times into consideration when planning your journey.

Websites
A large number of campsites now have their own websites. Some are excellent, providing extra information and photos, while others merely have an introductory page.