5 gute Gründe für den Camping-Urlaub

Jeder hat sich schon einmal gefragt, ob er für seinen Urlaub wirklich auf einem Campingplatz reservieren soll. Campen kommt uns veraltet und unpraktisch vor, dazu kommt die Karikatur, die wir vom Fernsehen oder vom Kino her kennen. Dabei bietet das Campen heute alles, was man sich für seinen Urlaub wünschen kann! Seine Vorzüge haben sich mit den aktuellen Tendenzen verbunden. Hier eine kurze persönliche – nichterschöpfende – Liste der Gründe, warum Campen Klasse ist!

Guter Grund Nummer 1: die Wohltaten eines Aufenthalts in freier Natur 

Wecken Sie den Naturmenschen, der in Ihnen schlummert! Eine verdiente Pause vom schnellen Leben in der Stadt mit seinem Stress – Campingplätze liegen in natürlicher Umgebung und bringen somit Erholung, Entspannung und Loslassen. Sobald man seine Koffer abgestellt hat, spürt man die beruhigende Wirkung. Keine Uhr, keine Verpflichtungen, kein Terminplan  - dafür der Eindruck, den Rhythmus verlangsamen zu können. Endlich!

Die Charente-Maritime bietet zudem eine Vielfalt von Landschaften: Pinienwälder, Dünen, Sümpfgebiete, Weinberge … ideal, um sich zu erholen und je nach Lust und Laune eine völlig neue Umgebung zu entdecken.

Guter Grund Nummer 2: Erinnerungen für Ihre Kinder

Wir erinnern uns alle an unsere ersten Ferien auf dem Campingpatz, an die Platznachbarn, die zu Freunden wurden, an die freien Nachmittage mit den Spielkameraden, vielleicht sogar an einen ersten Kuss … Campen ist eine Fabrik für Erinnerungen, eine „Proustsche Madeleine“, die vergessene Emotionen wachruft und uns lächeln macht. Warum sollten Ihre Kinder diese Erfahrung nicht machen? Ob es sich um Kinder oder Jugendliche handelt, Ihr Nachwuchs wird sich auf dem Campingplatz wie ein Fisch im Wasser fühlen, denn hier werden Freiheit und Sicherheit miteinander vereint.

 „…Campen ist eine Fabrik für Erinnerungen, eine „Proustsche Madeleine“, die vergessene Emotionen wachruft und uns lächeln macht... “

Die meisten Campingplätze bieten heutzutage Aktivitäten und Ausstattungen speziell für die Jugend: Kinderklubs und Jugendklubs, sportliche Aktivitäten, Themenabende, Multifunktionssportfelder, Spielplätze mit Rutschbahnen, Wasserspiele …die Liste ist lang! „Mama, Papa, mir ist langweilig“ ist ein Satz, den Sie auf dem Campingplatz ganz bestimmt nicht hören!

 Finden Sie einen Campingplatz mit Aktivitätsangebot für die ganze Familie

Guter Grund Nummer 3: Vergessen Sie nicht Ihren Badeanzug

Es ist Sommer, es ist heiß … Na und?  Das Schwimmbecken auf dem Campingplatz bietet allen eine Oase der Frische. In der Charente-Maritime besitzen viele Campingplätze ganze Poolbereiche mit Wasserrutschbahnen und oft sogar auch Wellnessräumen. Denn während die Kinder im Wasser toben, kann man sich endlich ein wenig Auszeit gönnen. Spas und Balneobereiche sind gut vertreten und bieten Ihnen Entspannung und Erholung.

Auch der Regen kann Ihnen den Spaß nicht verderben: es gibt immer mehr Campingplätze, die überdachte Poolbereiche besitzen, damit Groß und Klein sich auch bei schlechterem Wetter amüsieren können.

 Finden Sie einen Campingplatz mit Schwimmbad

Guter Grund Nummer 4: Es gibt nicht nur Wohnwagen auf dem Campingplatz

,,Zelt mit 4 Plätzen für Erwachsene, 2 Plätzen für Kinder, seitliche Belüftung, wasserdichte Nähte, Doppeldach, polyetisierter Zeltboden“ … Vergessen Sie das Zelt von Patrick Chirac im Film ,,Camping“! Die vielen verschiedenen Unterkunftsarten, die man auf modernen Campingplätzen vorfindet, bieten jedem - sei er nun der abenteuerliche oder der behagliche Typ, der Komfort liebt – die richtige Wahl. Das Wort "Feiluft-Hotelgewerbe" existiert nicht zufällig!

Gut ausgestattete Mobilhomes, Cottage mit 5-Sterne-Komfort, Chalets und auch ungewöhnliche Unterkünfte wie Jurten, Safarizelte und Carrelets - die Auswahl in der Charente-Maritime ist groß und bietet etwas für jeden Geschmack und für jedes Budget.

Guter Grund Nummer 5: Nie ohne Internet-Verbindung

Nun, habe ich Sie überzeugen können? Sind Sie bereit für einen Camping-Urlaub im nächsten Sommer? Aber nun befällt Sie ein letzter Zweifel, der kalte Schweiß bricht aus: kann ich dann meine Lieblingsserie schauen oder meine Fotos in den sozialen Netzwerken posten? Beruhigen Sie sich, atmen Sie tief ein – alles ist gut. Campingplätze sind mit gut funktionierenden und leistungsfähigen WLAN-Verbindungen ausgestattet. Ob kostenfrei oder gebührenpflichtig, die Möglichkeit wird Ihnen in jedem Fall bei Ihrer Ankunft angeboten.

 Finden Sie einen Campingplatz mit WLAN

Aber vielleicht kann man auch die Gelegenheit nutzen und eine Technologie-Entgiftungskur machen?

We've been on holiday on the Ile d'Oléron for a few days and the children haven't yet quite worked out what it is they're looking at! Fort Boyard, venue for the adventure game broadcast in 31 countries, is just off the coast and can be seen from the Saumonards beach at Boyardville.

Fort Boyard from Saumonards Beach

Access to the beach is easy, and we park in the shade of some beautiful old pine trees. We could also have come by bike, as there's a well-kept cycle path through the forest. There's a little pathway across the dunes, and here we are on the beach.

The receptionist at the campsite wasn't fibbing - the Saumonards plage is beautiful! Dunes, forest and sand as far as the eye can see... The lifeguard station means it's perfect for a family outing! While my husband tries to carry parasol, icebox, surfboards, picnic, dinghy, towels and bag, the children run to the water, while I settle down with a lovely view of the lifeguard. As the children run into the water they suddenly stop - it's finally clicked! They recognise Fort Boyard, the majestic stone fortress surrounded by water - from the telly. Seeing it on TV is one thing, but seeing it in real life is quite another, two hundred feet long; a hundred wide and 70 feet high. Visited by such totally current stars such as Frank Bruno, Sharon Davies and the late Leslie Grantham off of East Enders, the fort has also seen people from lots of different countries famous some time ago make a brief return to TV for charity.

A magnificent panorama of Fort Boyard

While the children build a mini Fort Boyard in the sand, I settle back with my book.

The sea is beautiful and calm and while their father is swimming in the distance, the children tell him to try and swim all the way to the fort - if only. Ideal time for a little reading and relaxing in the sun. Although the lifeguard is supposed to be monitoring the beach, I'm pleased to see he's not looking at the sea much, so I make sure the children don't go too far, especially since there's a nudist beach a little further along! I see my husband has come back to shore up there.

Between two swims the children tell me they can see the old Games Master character in the tower of the fort. It's 2 kilometres from the coast, so unless they have particularly good eyesight, I doubt that. I suggest a snack and we ll get an ice cream at Boyardville Marina. Chocolate, butter caramel or violet and lemon meringue - what a treat!

We'll come back tomorrow to take the boat trip around the fort - like a band of brigands taking it by surprise! 

We watch one of the boats returning to the port, and seeing the smiles on the faces aboard, we make up our minds to come back tomorrow for the boat trip around the fort - like a band of brigands taking it by surprise! In the meantime, we visit the Fort des Saumonards, which dates back to the 17th century and has more recently been used to host summer camps.

No doubt we'll return during our week's camping holiday, certainly for a picnic on the beach, facing the sunset, to admire the beautiful colours of the wonderful Ile d'Oléron

Campsites nearby

5 good reasons to go camping!

We've all thought twice before booking a camping holiday. Remembering the caricature of Carry On films and scout camps can blind you to the fact that today's camping experience has it all, combining the outdoor life with modern facilities. A small, non-exhaustive and personal list of why camping is the smart move this summer!​

1: All the benefits of going green

Wake up the man of the woods lying dormant inside you! Getting away from a hectic city life to a campsite in a natural preserved environment is an instant trigger for relaxation and letting-go. As soon as the bags are in the tent, the soothing effects of the campsite takes hold. Put your mobile away, and feel yourself slow down, Finally a bit of peace!

The Charente-Maritime also offers a great diversity of landscapes, with pine forest, dunes, wetlands, beaches, vineyards and beautiful countryside ... the ideal place to relax and get a different perspective on life.

2: A souvenir factory for your children!

We all remember our first camping holidays, the people in the next tent who became friends, the rope swing over the river, the tipsy parents and the rain - and sometimes even a first kiss! The campsite is simply a memory factory, repository of buried emotions and nostalgic images. Why not pass the experience on to your own kids? Younger children or early teens, they'll feel right at home at the campsite, where fun, safety and a real sense of freedom are brought together.

"The campsite is simply a memory factory, repository of buried emotions and nostalgic images..."

Many campsites now offer activities and facilities especially for young people, with kids clubs and teenagers activities, sports, theme parties, water slides... the list goes on! "I'm bored" is hardly ever heard nowadays at the campsite, with fun activities for the whole family. Find a campsite with family activities.

3: Don't forget your swimming trunks!

It's summer, so naturally it's off to the swimming pool at the campsite, an oasis of freshness. In the Charente-Maritime, lots campsites have aqua parks, often with water slides, saunas, jacuzzis and steam rooms. In fact, while the kids have fun, may be it's time to finally think a little about yourself. There are lots of spa therapy services in the area, offering the latest Zen treatments.

Why let the rain ruin your pleasure? More and more camp sites have indoor swimming pools, so you can swim and have fun in all weathers. Find a camp site with a pool.

4: Check out the latest generation of luxury tents!

"Marshal 4 berth, 2 adult, 2 child, side ventilation, seam sealed, double roof, polymerized floor ... with storm door and mosquito net!" Forget Sid James in Carry On Camping, because even if it's only your first attempt to get your pole up, the different types of accommodation found these days at the campsite are of truly outstanding comfort and quality, for both adventurers and those who like a cosy home from home. We don't talk about 'outdoor hotels' for nothing!

Fully equipped mobile home, cottages with 5-star comfort, chalets and unusual accommodation like yurts, gypsy caravans, safari tents and even fishing huts! The choice is vast in the Charente-Maritime and suitable for absolutely all budgets.

Traditionalists, who long for the "true camping" experience need not go without - there are still lots of bare pitches where you can bring your own tent, however old, or your caravan or camper van. This is what makes the campsite such a varied holiday idea - there's always something for everyone!

5: Wifi! 

I'm sure I've managed to convince you and you're all set to go camping this summer. I know exactly why you might still say no! Wifi withdrawal causes cold sweats, and terrible anxiety... but calm down, breathe deeply, everything is sorted. Campsites are now equipped with high-performance Wifi connections. Sometimes free, sometimes with a charge, Wifi is always offered on arrival. Discover all campsites offering a good Wifi connection. Or - if you think you can manage it... why not try a total technological detox for a few days?

I'd already heard a lot about all the hidden treasures along the Gironde estuary, and we decided on a cycling holiday between Saint-Georges-de-Didonne and Talmont-sur-Gironde. Let me tell you all about it!

We made the charming seaside resort of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne our starting point, well, I say starting point, but it quickly became a small holiday all on its own. This small city has the scent of happiness and holidays of yesteryear, where you seem to have not a care in the world. The unique atmosphere was at once homely and different, with the local market facing the church, all the smells and colours wonderful food and wine, and lots of delicious things to take for our first picnic!

As we left, we passed by the cliffs of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne with the forested Mediterranean-like scenery above us. This is the Point de Suzac, a Nature Park on the estuary, well hidden and unspoiled. We'll return with pleasure one day, but as we'd spent a little more time than planned in St Georges, we thought it better to make some progress on to Meschers sur Gironde, our next step.

"Saint-Georges-de-Didonne has the scent of happiness and holidays of yesteryear"

Off we go to to Meschers sur Gironde through small roads winding between the sea and the forest. Lots of campsites are located here in a relaxing and very pleasant setting. Along the Boulevard de la Corniche then the cliffs, almost side by side with troglodytic caves with exotic names like Regulus and Matata… Since the dawn of time, people have lived in these incredible houses built into the cliff. The legend even says that the Saracens in the eighth century hid smuggled salt to avoid paying the salt taxes. The setting is enchanting, authentic and unique. Charente-Maritime with its "carrelet" fishing huts flanking the cornice on the wide estuary of the Gironde is a constant visual delight. We had a a pancake and a drink opposite the Médoc, and started to think about a tour of its famous vineyards another time.

Talmont sur Gironde is the final goal of the day. We've been talking about it for a long time, and the village is beautiful. It has all been well worth the effort! Ranked among the "Most Beautiful Villages in France," Talmont offers the decor of an old citadel on the cliff with small village houses that are today home to local artisans and artists. The high point of the show is the magnificent church of Sainte Radegonde, which seems to be suspended above the waves of the largest estuary in Europe. Pause for a selfie to immortalise the day, and we start walking along the ramparts where we discover a magnificent alignment of carrelet fishing huts.

"The church of Sainte-Radegonde seems to be suspended above the waves"​

It's already the end of the day and we return return to the campsite, tired but happy. More daring riders can extend the trip to the charming village of Mortagne sur Gironde, while fans of ancient history should definitely visit the Gallo-Roman archeological site at Fâ.

A famous and safe cycle route from Royan to Sète passes by here, the "Canal des Deux Mers à Vélo". Looking forward to our next adventure across the Charente-Maritime then...

Camp sites nearby

Today, I'm taking my boyfriend for a city break to La Rochelle. This is the first time he's been to the town, which is one of my favourites. He's in luck - today I've been inhabited by the spirit of a tour guide! La Rochelle, here we come!

First stop: Les Halles market place. It's Saturday morning, when the market is really bustling, with twice as many traders as on weekdays. Around the central 19th century building, stalls with a thousand colours and scents, tasty local treats, fruit and vegetables, the ripe Charentais melons and strawberries - you'll hear "Mara des bois du pays! called out by one of the market's favourite stallholders - it means the strawberries are fresh and cheap!.

Inside the market building there are fresh fish caught in the morning, oysters, whelks, and other shellfish and crustaceans. A dozen fresh oysters at a good price, to be eaten on the terrace in one of the cafes on the marketplace.

A town imbued with history…

Next stop the Natural History Museum, with its fascinating ethnographic collections and plant garden, it takes a two good hours to make the whole fascinating tour.

Time for a ride I think - criss-crossing the streets of the Old Town of La Rochelle, with its beautiful arcades and old half-timbered facades, by bike. The names of the streets are evocative of the dynamism of commercial activities in the city - the rues des Merciers (haberdashers), Cloutiers (nailmakers), Minage (Mining).

The many shops along the streets are a little too tempting for me and we put our tour on hold for little light shopping.

A few indulgences later, we're back in the saddle again.

A short break in front of the cathedral of Saint-Louis, inspired by Versailles. Behind the building are two streets, rue Pernelle and rue Aufrédy. I get to tell my feller the story of the couple from La Rochelle, where the husband spent their entire fortune in commercial expedition to Africa. They ended up in poverty and were taken in by local nuns. Seven years later the expedition unexpectedly returned with untold riches. They use their money to build a new convent and hospice, and devoted themselves to helping the poor.

We ride down to the old port, passing by the Town Hall, currently undergoing restoration following a fire, although its flamboyant Gothic enclosure can still be visited. This is one of the most visited buildings in the city, and you can see why!

… and authentic charm

Passing under the Grosse Horloge (the big town clock), once part of the city defences, and here we are at the Old Port of La Rochelle, with its three majestic towers, its marina and its long walk around the docks. A real picture postcard before our very eyes!

Over to the left is the district of the Gabut and its colourful Nordic style buildings. The day is already getting on, and as the sun sets on the port, it's time to enjoy the show on the terrace of one of the cafés. La Rochelle is also known for its nocturnal effervescence, and we have a long evening ahead as the city lights up, the bars and restaurants get crowded and a festive and intoxicating atmosphere takes over.

What if we stayed a little longer? Here's the opportunity to trek around the Saint Nicolas district by night, an old sailors haunt that today is the most bohemian part of the city. We enjoy a a drink and a meal on one of its charming squares.

My man is clearly delighted by the discovery of this beautiful city. Tomorrow, I'll take him to see the exotic and colourful fish in the Aquarium of La Rochelle, then we'll go and spend the day at the beach by the Port des Minimes.

Campsites nearby