publication date: Oct 21, 2009
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author/source: Sian Minett
Located about 30 km from Millau in the
Dourbie valley between the Tarn and Cervennes,
Val de Cantobre is breathtakingly beautiful. The
main buildings (reception; shop; restaurant and pizzeria) are located in restored
medieval farm buildings whilst the pitches are in
terraces on the hillside.
We stayed in a
Eurocamp Holidays three bedroom Comfort mobile home with
stunning mountain views on either side up to the
limestone plateaux. The pitch was extremely
large and grassy and the badminton net was soon erected! The
children amused themselves whilst we sat back, relaxed and enjoyed the
scenery. Our mobile home had
decking which was a welcome
addition: it helped keep the mobile home
clean as we weren't trailing in dust (or mud after it rained!) and really made the most of the
outdoor space.
The
swimming pool complex is
fantastic. Not only did the pool area have equally
beautiful views, the main rectangular pool for
swimming was separated from the
aquaparc with slides and a lazy river and there was also a
toddler pool and splash area for the little ones which meant that all needs were catered for in
clearly defined areas. Pool
regulations were enforced which ensured that a
safe and happy time was had by all. The pool area benefited from a lovely
shady terrace with tables and chairs as well as
sunbathing areas.
There was
plenty to do on the parc with a small
mini-golf course; ping-pong tables and a river at the bottom of the
campsite with a
small beach. There is also a site-run multi-lingual
Kids Club which offered a good range of
activities. The
Eurocamp Holidays reception had a particularly
good selection of board games and toys to
borrow and we spent some fun evenings playing
Dutch Scrabble (yes - it does make a difference!)! Our
Eurocamp Holidays rep was exceptionally helpful and went out of his way to
make our stay as enjoyable as possible.
The parc felt
very safe with a security card operated barrier for cars, and parc and
Eurocamp receptions located either side of the barrier.
During the
summer there is a huge variety of
trips and excursions on offer, ranging from
canoeing to a trip to the local
biscuit factory in nearby Nantes. There are regular
escorted walks and trips to see local wildlife including bats, beavers and
birds of prey - many of which involve only a short drive, if one is required at all.
The parc produces a great
guide book which provides a
fascinating potted history of Val de Cantobre as well as
comprehensive details of scenic drives and places of interest, with
discount offers at many attractions.
Canoeing is a
popular activity and half- and full-day trips are arranged on both the
Dourbie and Tarn rivers, with the latter trip snaking under the famous
Millau Bridge. If you haven't already
driven over the bridge it is well worth a trip - with the approach from the north
particularly spectacular. Other local activities include many
caves to visit; mountain biking and
horse riding: the area is great for anyone who enjoys
being outdoors.
The
nearest town to Val de Cantobre is
Nantes which hosts a lovely little
market and is a beautiful example of quintessential
French life. Heading in the
opposite direction from Nantes, the winding road takes you through the truly spectacular
Dourbie valley and makes the trip to Millau a pleasurable experience.
To book or for more information visit
Eurocamp