Site Guide - Eurocamp Independent

GR016 L’Orée du Bois
La Palmyre HHHH
“Friendly staff and a helpful owner who was always smiling. Thanks to you all!”
The Cotton Family.
Campsite Contact Details:
Camping L’Orée du Bois
La Fouasse
17570 Les Mathes
France
Tel: 05 46 22 42 43
Arrival Procedure
Eurocamp Independent customers should go straight to the campsite
reception on arrival where they will be required to fill in a registration
form. Reception, where English is spoken, is open from 9am to 12
noon and 2pm to 6pm in low season and 9am to 1pm and 2pm to
7.30pm in high season. Customers unavoidably delayed, arriving after
the barrier is down (11pm to 7am) should leave the car outside the site
and go to the main campsite reception to speak to security or to the
bar to find a member of staff. We advise that you ring ahead to warn
the campsite if you expect to arrive late. Identification is to be left in
reception (either a passport or Camping Carnet). On arrival you will be
given a code for the barrier and a security bracelet.
Please note that there are no Eurocamp Couriers on this campsite.
Don’t forget we’re on the end of the
phone if you need us
Call 0044 1606 787 666
our office hours are:
Monday- Friday Saturdays
Sundays & Bank Holidays 9.00 am - 5.30 pm
10.00 am - 2.00 pm
closed
©Eurocamp Independent 2015
Life On Site
A lively site and the perfect location for a beach and sightseeing holiday.
Useful Information
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Swimming pool: The campsite has a fantastic water complex (heated to 27
degrees!) which includes three sets of waterslides, a dedicated toddler ‘lagoon’
and a ‘wellbeing’ area which offers fountains and Jacuzzis amongst other things –
definitely something for all the family.
Washblocks: There are four sanitary blocks on the campsite which are all unisex,
as well as 40 private toilet blocks. Please note that if you book a private toilet
block a 50€ deposit is required for the key, and the block must be cleaned on
departure (or else you can pay 20€ for it to be cleaned). Please note that most
campsites do not provide toilet paper in the wash blocks, and some campsite
sanitary blocks do not have toilet seats.
Barbecues: Gas barbecues are allowed on camping pitches and there is a
communal barbecue area which is open to everyone.
Internet access: WiFi access is available across the site.
Gas bottles: These can be exchanged on site.
Motorhome service point: There is a motorhome service point on site.
Fridge hire: This is available on the campsite. We’d be happy to arrange this for
you. Please contact us for more details.
Electricity: There will be a 6 amp standard 3 pin European electricity connection
available up to 50m from your pitch.
Dogs: A maximum of 1 dog is allowed on your pitch as long as it is kept on a
lead. If you require any up-to-date information on taking your dog abroad, please
get in touch. We’d be happy to book any necessary vets appointments on your
behalf.
Food and Drink
The campsite has a wonderful restaurant which offers a wide range of local specialities
(salade de gesiers, seafood platters, noix de saint Jacques) and not so local dishes
(tex-mex, fajitas, burgers) so there should be something to keep everyone happy. The
restaurant and bar are combined so you can expect a lively atmosphere in the evenings,
and may even be tempted to try one of the many cocktails on offer. The restaurant and
bar are open throughout the season. There is also a take-away service on site which
serves pizzas, paninis, burgers and French fries which opens in July and August only.
Shopping
The campsite shop is run by a charming French couple and is well stocked with fresh
fruit and veg, cooked meats, wines and beers, fresh bread and pastries etc. as well as
beach toys and souvenirs. During July and August the shop also stocks an international
selection of newspapers and magazines. The shop is open daily all season.
Campsite Activities and Entertainment
We have picked out a few things to do on site that may be of interest to you. For a full list of campsite activities, please refer to our brochure or website.
During the day
The site run children’s club (Grizzly Club) is free for 4 to 10 year olds.
The Animation team organise pool games, aqua-gym, and sports tournaments.
Play area and Games room have a range of games for 2 to 15 year olds.
Archery is available in high season.
During the evening
This campsite offers an excellent range of evening entertainment, particularly
throughout July and August when there is something on offer every evening. This
can range from children’s discos, magic and puppet shows, through to live bands and
karaoke evenings. There are also regular discos for 16+ which should go some way
to keeping the teenagers amused – never an easy task.
Excursions
The ‘mini-train’ runs from the site and calls at both the local market and the famous zoo
at La Palmyre. Cycle hire is available on site so you can take advantage of the recently
opened cycle path which runs directly from the site to the beach, although it should be
noted that the final section of this path runs along the main road. The campsite runs
various excursions in July and August including a visit to Fort Boyard. There is a bus stop
just 200m from the site with services to Royan, Les Mathes and La Palmyre.
European Drivers’ Kit
It’s compulsory to carry certain items when driving in Europe, so we’ve
gathered together some of the essentials you’ll need in this handy pack for
just £24.99 inc P&P.
Call 0844 406 9876 to order yours
* Please note this must be purchased up to two weeks prior to
departure. You must read the terms and conditions on our website
before placing an order by telephone
For more comprehensive information about the campsite or local area
before you travel, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy
to help. Further information can also be found on our website.
call: 08448 440 440
click: www.eurocampindependent.co.uk
Please be aware that in the early and late season, the complete range of activities may
not be available. Any opening times are for guidance only, as these may vary and are
subject to change by the campsite owner. Please check at reception on arrival.
just £24.99
inc p&p
Around & About
The Gironde area is ideal for a combination of beach holidays and sightseeing. There are
lots of exciting places to visit in the region, including La Rochelle, Cognac, the zoo at La
Palmyre and the Bordeaux vineyards.
While you’re here try...
Cognac
The world’s most renowned eau-de-vie was
described as the ‘brandy of the gods’ by Victor
Hugo. Pineau des Charentes is a fortified
mixture of cognac and grape juice and makes
a delicious digestif.
Oysters
Marennes, a world renowned oyster farming
capital is the place to go to sample this
delicacy. Locally produced oysters can be
enjoyed all year round, although they are said
to be ‘milkier’ in taste in the summer months
between May and September. For a real appreciation of their flavour, eat them as
they are or with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Foie Gras
A speciality in south-west France, this dish is a delicacy that is said to have originated
as early as 2500 BC in ancient Egypt. Foie Gras is now part of the cultural and
gastronomic heritage of France. Its flavour is described as rich, buttery and delicate
and it is often served as an accompaniment to steak.
Beaches
You will be spoilt for choice for beaches along this particular stretch of the Atlantic
coast. Known as the Cote Sauvage (The Wild Coast) the beaches here are protected by
forests and dunes to the back but are pounded by the Atlantic breakers at the front.
Here are a couple of suggestions for beaches near the campsite.
La Grande Cote – just 4.5 km from the campsite, this fantastic stretch of beach is the
closest to the campsite and enjoys European blue flag status and also has lifeguards
in attendance. Look out for the partially submerged Second world war German
Blockhauses which lie just off the coast.
St George de Didonne – around 14km to the south of St. Augustin, the village of St.
Georges-de-Didonne boasts an active beach which is the local centre for sand yachting.
Sporting Activities
•Golf – The ‘Golf de Royan’ is an excellent 18 hole course in St. Palais-sur-mer.
The course can be booked in advance and more details are available at campsite
reception. A driving range and equipment hire are also available here.
• Horse Riding – The ‘Centre Equestre de Maine Gaudin’ in St. Palais-sur-Mer offer
horse riding for all abilities, from pony trekking in the forest to dressage and jumping.
www.centre-equestre-royan.fr
• Go – Karting – for the more adventurous amongst you, there’s a fantastic
go-karting track in Royan with prices starting from 15€ for a 10 minute session for an
adult (11€ for under fourteens). www.karting-royan.com
•Watersports – this 70km stretch of coast offers plentiful watersports, from
waterskiing to sand yachting (both available at St. Georges de Didonne) kayaking to
sea cruises. With so much going on, you might want to get up to date information on
tides and activities from the campsite reception. www.royancroisieres.fr
Must Sees and Dos
Please see your European Guide for additional information about your local area.
La Palmyre Zoo – The ‘Zoo de La Palmyre’ is a well renowned zoological park with an
impressive collection of animals from around the world. Set in a woodland setting and
just 7km from the site, the zoo features giraffes, lions, tigers, bears…the list goes on…
but is particularly well known for its large collection of great apes.
La Rochelle Aquarium – one of the largest collections of marine life from all over the
globe, the aquarium in La Rochelle (72km) is well worth a visit (particularly on a rainy
day). The town of La Rochelle is also well worth a visit.
Cognac – lying around 80km to the east of Les Mathes, this world famous town is home
to innumerable brandy producing houses, including Hennessy, Martell and Remy Martin,
all of which offer guided tours and, more importantly, tastings! The old town (Vieux
Cognac) is littered with interest buildings which date from the 15th to 18th centuries all of
which are scattered along narrow cobbled streets. Well worth a visit.
Saintes – 30km from the site, this is a busy market town with an attractive centre of
narrow lanes and medieval houses. There are some impressive Roman remains and
beautiful Romanesque churches. Saintes is the birthplace of Dr.Guillotin.
Please note: Eurocamp Independent has not vetted any off site activities.
Customers should undertake their own safety checks.
Where to Shop
Royan - a large town which is only around 5km from the site and offers a good mix of
larger supermarkets as well as independent charcuteries, boulangeries, fishmongers and
traiteurs.
St Palais sur Mer – another good sized town with all the usual range of shops you
would expect, as well as a Super-U supermarket.
Local market days (usually mornings only) are as follows:
Les Mathes – Friday morning & every day from mid-June to mid- September
Royan – every day except Monday
Meschers-sur-Gironde – every day except Monday
Marennes – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings.
La Rochelle
La Palmyre Zoo
Getting To Your Site
Directions
From the North take the D14 La Tremblade road to
Arvert, then turn onto the D141 to Les Mathes and follow
signs for La Palmyre. The site is signed at the second
roundabout.
From the South take the D25 from Royan towards La
Palmyre, then towards Les Mathes to where the site is
signed at a roundabout.
New Law re Breathalysers in France
Please be aware there is a new law coming in to force from
1st July 2012 that makes it COMPULSORY for all motorists
in FRANCE to carry a single use breathalyser. We advise that
if you are travelling to (or through) France you should carry
at least two disposable breathalysers in order to comply with
this new law. The breathalysers you purchase must comply
to French regulations and will carry the ‘French certification
mark’ ‘NF’. These should be purchased prior to departure
in the UK but can also be purchased on the ferry, in most
French supermarkets, service/petrol stations or chemists. You
could receive an on-the-spot fine if you cannot produce this
product when asked.
GPS co ordinates:
45.729790199691166 /-1.1800861358642578 (lat./long.)
Campsite location
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the GPS coordinates provided, we strongly advise you
cross-reference your end destination with the map above and the campsite address before you commence your journey.
© Michelin et Cie 2015, Authorisation No. GB1503001
Extract from Map - 324
Key Dates
Important Information
French Public (Bank) Holidays 2015
Friday 3rd April - Good Friday (Vendredi Saint)
Sunday 5th April - Easter Sunday (Pâques)
Monday 6th April - Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)
Friday 1st May - Labour Day (Fête du Travail)
Friday 8th May - Victory Day (Fête de La Victoire)
Thursday 14th May - Ascension Day (Ascension Catholique)
Sunday 24th May - Whit Sunday (Pentecôte)
Monday 25th May - Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte)
Tuesday 14th July - Bastille Day (Fête Nationale)
Saturday 15th August - Assumption of Mary (Assomption)
Car breakdown - Please note that in the event of breakdown all customers insured
through Eurocamp Independent should consult their Insurance Terms and Conditions
booklet. Couriers on site will have information of local garages.
Due to recent European legislation it is now a requirement when driving in Europe that all
cars need to carry a reflective jacket at all times. These reflective jackets can be purchased
almost everywhere in Europe for approx 8 to 15 Euros each.
Personal Injury The chances of you and your family either having an accident or
becoming the victims of crime whilst on holiday are extremely low. However, you should
encourage the members of your party to take the same sensible precautions that they
would do at home.
Try to avoid walking alone at night, and keep to well-lit main roads where possible. You
should try to avoid short cuts like alleyways, waste ground and wooded, bushy areas.
Stay alert: be aware of what’s going on around you.
It is always worth letting someone know where you are going, the route you intend to
take and when you expect to return.
We want you to have a safe holiday - please read campsite notices carefully and ensure
all members of your party understand the rules and regulations as they are there for your
own safety.
French organisations and businesses close on public holidays. Although some shopping
centres and grocers open for part of the day, the majority of shops do not. Police stations
and hospitals do not close. When a public holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, it is
common practice to “make the
Handy Hints and Tips
Shop Opening & Closing - The classic French shopping days are Monday to Saturday,
with shops generally open from 9 a.m. to Midday, and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Stores generally
close on Sundays.
Please Note - Although some larger stores or those in popular tourist areas may remain
open at lunchtimes and Sundays, this is optional and not guaranteed.
Dialling Codes - If dialling the UK use 00 44 and drop the first 0 from the dialling code If
dialling The Republic of Ireland use 00 353 and drop the first 0 from the dialling code
Tourist Information Office
Emergency Information
Emergencies. In the event of an emergency please contact the main campsite reception
for details of local emergency services.
Doctors
Les Mathes
0033 546 224 180
Dentist
Breuillet
0033 546 227 154
Hospital
Malakoff
0033 546 395 252
Vet
Breuillet
0033 546 025 956
Royan Tourisme
1 Boulevard de La Grandière - 17200 Royan
Tél : 0033 546 050 471
Every effort has been made to ensure the information provided in this guide, to the best of our knowledge, is both helpful and correct at the time of going to press.