One of my many problems is that wherever we go with the caravan, I have this unshakeable conviction that a much better site exists just around the next bend, a few miles down the road or in the next town or village and if only I had driven that little bit farther, we'd be on the perfect pitch.

But does this perfect pitch really exist or is it a figment of my fevered imagination?

This got me thinking about what I'm really looking for when camping and I came up with a short list of desirables, in no particular order of importance:

1. A picturesque, tranquil location preferably near a river or canal

2. Clean and comprehensive facilities with lots of hot water at sinks, basins and showers. Soap, toilet paper and hand-drying faciilties provided

3. Within walking distance of a small town or village with a supermarket and fuel station.

4. Partial shade on good-sized, level pitches

5. Pleasant, helpful people in the reception

6. Heated, preferably covered swimming pool

7. In an interesting area with lots of places to visit for days out.

8. Non exorbitant nightly pitch fees.

9. The ability to have visitors during the day without having to pay a supplement.

10. EDIT - Free WiFi at every pitch not just near reception.

That will do for a start, but what would be on your list; have you ever found the perfect site and if so, where?

The sites that have come closest to achieving 'perfect' status for us so far have been:

a. A non-ACSI site at Remoulins, near the Pont du Gard (but the Mistral can be a problem) - now part of a major chain and has lost its charm

b. ACSI campsite at Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne ticked just about all the boxes and my highest rated so far

c. ACSI site at Séverac-le-Chateau just off the A75 north of Millau.

d. ACSI 'Le Puits de l'Auture', St Palais sur Mer (sadly no pool)

e. ACSI site at Mirabel et Blacons, near Crest, Drôme

What about you?

Please don't let me mislead you as I can't comment regarding facilities for people with disabilities.

Severac-le-Chateau is a lovely site but it's a stiff climb to the medieval town and castle. A site in Millau itself might suit your particular needs better. We've used the middle one of three along the riverside from the roundabout, Les Erables I think.

When we were in Millau last year they were in the middle of extensive refurbishment of the town centre pedestrianised area and it looked as though it was going to be very attractive when completed.

Zitat

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Quote Aaron Calder:- That will do for a start, but what would be on your list; have you ever found the perfect site and if so, where?

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Difficult question. I spent some time last night thinking about this one.

Firstly, the main thing I'd like to add to Brian's list is a private (non walk through) pitch. People who walk diagonally across your pitch rather than taking the road/footpath which adds perhaps 20 metres to their journey, really rattles me.

As to the perfect campsite, I can't remember there ever being one. We've stayed at many dozens of wonderful campsites but there's always something that lets them down eg. perfect pitch, perfect view, toilets clean but only adequate.

Randa

{irony}Thank you very much.[/irony]

Quote: Aaron Calder wrote in post #7

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{irony}Thank you very much.[/irony]

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And the nightly rates are SO reasonable.

Zitat

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Quote Rambling Robin :- Apart from the pool I think my drive fits the bill..............?

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Zitat

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Quote Aaron Calder :- And the nightly rates are SO reasonable.

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Right, so that settles it then. Although they don't have a pool, next year's Eribafolk meet is around at Rambling Robin's house. Where do you live by the way?

Randa

Seriously though, this question has been preoccupying us for some days now. Every year we add more campsites to the top of our list. We've added 3 or 4 in this year alone.

So, to get the monkey off our back (don't mean you Brian ) we've narrowed it down to two, ie. at least for this week.

1) http://www.camping-soleil-de-provence.fr/CAMPING_GB.htm (not ACSI). 4km above Vaison-la-Romaine and 360 degree views incl. Mont Ventoux.

We stayed here at Easter so it was very peaceful. The pool wasn't open however. The lady site owner visited all the campers and presented us with a chocolate Easter egg. Large, private emplacements, all with good views and nice gardens. The ones on the top had exceptional views all around but were very windy.

2) http://www.campingcard.co.uk/france/lowe...aliotis-110189/ On the edge of the town of Pontorson and the cycle track to St Michel runs through the campsite. Really nice emplacements and well tended gardens. We treated ourselves to a pitch with a private bathroom which was state of the art.

(pity about the name however. A better name would be a breath of fresh air )

Randa