Like most Eurocamp Holidays parcs the waterpark at Les Petits Camarguais is fabulous for the children and James (eight) rated it a perfect ten. He spent three straight days doing nothing but going up and down the waterslides! There is a large shallow area for toddlers and the slides are quite small so it is well suited to younger, rather than older children. The pool complex is surrounded by a large sunbathing area with plenty of shade when the heat of the day gets too much and overlooking the pool is a small outdoor fitness gym so the more energetic can work out whilst keeping a watchful eye on your charges! Younger children are really well catered for at Les Petits Camarguais as there is a small playground and regular organised activities during high season including a bouncy castle and a French-speaking site run mini-club. For older children there are ping-pong tables and an all-weather court for ball and racquet sports.
During high season the parc lays on a wide range of activities and entertainment for all ages ranging from aqua aerobics to wine tasting; karaoke and cabaret to kids shows. If you enjoy organised entertainment, you could easily spend your entire holiday on the parc without getting bored. Generally, the site has something of a holiday camp feel about it. There are no tents - just mobile homes - on a grid iron layout and the pitches were quite cramped. As a result, whilst the scheduled entertainment always finished by 11.30pm and therefore didn't disturb our sleep, the same could not be said of our neighbours chatting into the not so small hours as the pitches were on the small side. Our three bedroom Comfort mobile home was not a Eurocamp Holidays one (although the company has its own mobile homes elsewhere on the parc) and was a bit tired, although perfectly adequate as the weather was excellent and we were rarely inside.
Les Petits Camarguais felt very safe with a security card operated barrier for cars and the entrance patrolled by a security guard. Even very young children were able to cycle around the parc or pop to the shop unaccompanied, giving them a sense of freedom and independence that many English children are unable to experience at home. The Eurocamp Holidays reps were very pleasant and helpful but not intrusive, which we welcomed.
During high season a free shuttle bus stops outside the parc to take you to L'Espiguette, which is a gloriously unspoilt wide beach, flanked by dunes, which shelves gently into the sea so it is safe and very clean.
The surrounding area is flat and marshy with an abundance of wildlife, including flamingos galore. Horse riding is a popular activity in this area and there are plenty of stables within walking distance of the parc. You can also take a boat trip to enjoy the area from the water.The spectacularly well preserved medieval walled town of Aigues-Mortes is nearby and definitely worth a visit. Both Le Grau de Roi and Port Camargue are good places to go for an evening stroll (and enjoy the excellent mini-golf course and seaquarium at the latter) and to watch the sun go down.
The Roman splendour of Nimes is easily accessible for a day trip, as is Pont du Gard, the beautifully preserved aqueduct which we decided to combine with the Haribo museum (but were defeated by the lengthy queues at the latter!). The splendid Montpellier, Arles, Sete and Avignon are also all within easy distance.
To request a brochure or make a booking, contact visit www.eurocamp.co.uk
