Camping l'ile Batailleuse

Maine et Loire
Saint Florent Le Vieil
44370

Varades
Loire.

France

All units accepted. Open May to September. 100 pitches.

Directions:
St. Florent le Vieil is about 15km east of Ancenis and 25 km west of Angers, situated on the Loire.

A fair sized ex municipal site on an island in the Loire, just north of the town itself. It's easy to find as it's just off the main road in and out of town. St Florent le Vieil is in Maine et Loire, but the site is technically in Loire-Atlantique as the boundary between the two departments runs along the river.

On first glance the site looks a little shabby, but we came to the conclusion that this was because the sandy soil means the grass is rather sparse. In fact it is a good, basic site with no unnecessary frills. The pitches are all of a good size, well marked out and shady. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the site has a relaxed atmosphere. There is one central block of toilets etc., with unlimited hot water. Unusually the main loos & showers are on the first floor, with dish and clothes washing at ground level. There is also a somewhat exposed pissoir for the chaps on ground level!

Facilities are well maintained & clean. There are varying styles of shower, some with push buttons and some with mixer taps and all a little idiosyncratic, but more than adequate. The price are very reasonable; The site was reasonably busy but not overcrowded in early July.

Bread and croissants are delivered daily from a local boulangerie - you order and pay for them at the office the night before then collect anytime after 9:30 am. There is loads of information available in the office, and the staff are knowledgeable about the town and it's surrounding area.There is a small children's play area and petanque pitches on site.

The site is within a short walk of the small town of St. Florent le Vieil, which is dominated by the abbey church on the cliffs above the river. The older part of the town is traversed by little 'ruelles', ancient alleyways that connect the town to the river. A fabulous view is to be had from the ramparts near the church, overlooking the river and the countryside to the north. One of the Grand Randonee footpaths runs along the Loire and is easily accessible. Fishing is possible in the river but I think permits are required. Traditional black 'barques' can still be seen puttering along the river, and can be hired on the nearby river Evre.

There is a selection of small shops and a few restaurants and bars in the town. There is an Ecomarché, which closes at lunchtime, on the main road heading out of town. We bought lovely pastries and bread in a boulangerie on the main market square. A local vineyard produces white, rose and red wines. It is possible to visit and enjoy a degustation, but we found this out too late on the day we were leaving. However the wine is on sale at the Ecomarché; it is reasonably priced and very nice - well worth seeking out Apparently the rose is their speciality. The campsite bureau can give directions to the vineyard and information on opening hours.

Janette Lee. .

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