Sunbed Wars

“Sunbed Wars”

Written on: 19/09/2012

La Baume is a large typically southern French campsite with a mixture of static, caravan and tent pitches. All the major companies have accommodation here. We were with Eurocamp and out static was adequate. The site was clean, there was a well stocked site shop. The pools were also very good. Sunbed etiquette has changed dramatically in recent years. There simply isn't enough space around the pool areas for everyone wanting to use it and therefore there is the usual morning influx of "towel layers"
On the one day we did this (family of 5) we had a very pleasant morning at the pool. We witnessed a few people, mainly French throwing people's towels off beds and taking them for themselves. Fair enough if they'd been there for hours. One man thought he should have a bed and threw towels off the beds next to ours. The couple that owned them were sitting 3 metres away on the side of the pool ! When we then went for lunch, I witnessed our belongings being thrown off our beds within 2 minutes of leaving. This led to a confrontation. Not what you need on a relaxing holiday.
There's a great kids pool. Good bars and evening entertainment.I reccommend it if you're comfortable with the stress of keeping a sunbed in your posession and are happy to confront the occasional arrogant local who think it's their right to arrive at the pool mid morning and take any bed they wish !