Our final destination this year in France. We decided to return to one of our old haunts from the 80's when we used to windsail. Many a happy summer with the kids was spent in this area.
Sadly the campsites we used to use are now full of huts and no longer taking touring units. However, we settled on trying a small municipal site by the lake near Biscarosse, south of Bordeaux.
Camping Du Lac Eulalie en Born
We had stayed here many years ago and remembered it as a small municipal site. Our stand out memories were of the "announcements" ( reminiscent of "Hi de Hi")A ding dong, was followed by the announcement, usually telling a camper to go to reception as there was a phone call waiting. Those were the days!!
The site was right on the edge of Biscarosse Lake in a beautiful setting.
We arrived in the afternoon to a half empty site. I had rung to check there were spaces. As it turned out it was beautifully quiet.
We had an enormous pitch under a tree and the sun was shining. The lake beach had expanded considerably since our last visit. Supervised by lifeguards in the high season.
A board walk led down to the lake. There was also a beach bar with restaurant a marina and swimming pool..
The campsite reception opened at 2.30, so we wandered into the beach bar and ordered lunch. Very nice it was too!!
We stayed on the campsite but there was also a large Aire next door with facilities for 10 Euros a night. We paid 23.36 Euros a night including electric but thought it was well worth it.
Toilet and showers were unisex but very clean with loads of hot water. Shopping was a short bike ride away on a dedicated bike track. There were small local supermarkets in either direction which stocked all the essentials. Bread was available daily from the restaurant which also had a small stock of emergency provisions, shampoo, shower gel, toilet rolls and a good local wine selection.
Bike riding in the area was so easy. Loads of dedicated bike paths everywhere. The nearest beach was Mimizan Plage but we were quite happy with the lake. The village of Gastes was a short ride away where there was a bakery, pizza bar, small supermarket but not much else. In the opposite direction was the village of Eulalie en Born where there is a small supermarket and bar. About 5k to Mimizan town, which we will try next time.
For Christmas our lovely children bought us a paddle board which Den was itching to try! The perfect place as the lake was so near and very shallow. Also this time of the year very warm, so no wet suit required! We pumped it up ( note to self, buy an electric pump!)
A bit of excitement and a few splashes later.
It worked!!! I happily took the photos and held the towel. Sorry kids...next time, once Dad has mastered it.
Sadly the next day the lake was closed! The first time that blue algae had appeared in this area. No more swimming or paddleboarding, such a shame. At least we got to try it, so we will have to go back next year.
Eleven nights flew by. Time to go home.
We followed the familiar route back to Calais via St Jean D'Angeley, Rouen and Escalles. Rather a damp overcast drive back through France. The blue algae had also brought the wet weather and a feeling that Autumn was on the horizon.
Still, we had a great holiday and can't wait for next year. A return to Eulalie and the lake definitely on the cards. Au Revoir France😊😎
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