Charente Maritime, La Motte Review

Overall Rating

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not for people wanting alot of noise and to be entertained

Hadn't been to Southern France or Charente Maritime, where La Motte is, before and travelled across most of France via PARIS courtesy of my daft tom tom satnav. I think the owner was wondering if we would ever get there as we should have arrived about dinnertime but got there about 6.30 ish.
If you are looking to recharge your batteries in the heart of the Southern French Countryside in a friendly relaxed atmosphere,then look no further.
La motte is nestled in between pretty villages and ancient hamlets and woodlands, fields of sunflowers and lots of carefully tended farms with endless Grapevines. The site itself is just minutes from the pretty town of Montguyon with its good mixture of eateries,bars,banks(cash machines) and also 2 supermarkets(1 netto-great) Its easily accessible from the N10 road and only 10 mins from the dordogne area).

The site is lovely and quiet and is safe and secure for children to play (has sandpit and playarea/swings)as there is a security barrier and no through road,which I found very reassuring,especially if you have little ones...a sentiment echoed by many of the families staying there...The pitches are a very good size compared to English sites and French ones as well, with most being shaded by mature trees, perfect for all those hot summer days(no steaming hot van!)
The shower block/toilets/wash area are modern and immaculate, also has a laundry room with new washing machines and ironing facilities.Big bonus with messy kids on their hols!(yes Ive got 2 of those and theyre about as messy as you can get).

My youngest (11) spent some of her time fishing on the lake at la motte, plus bike rides (bike hire available) feeding the shetland horses (duke and Fantasia) there and the ducks (maisey and daisy) and pygmy goats (april and amy)(all very cute and loveable). Lake Beauvallon is minutes round the corner and has lovely sandy beaches good food and pedalo/boat hire, with wooden playhouses for the smaller children and plenty shaded areas .Also a number of other swimming lakes within minimal travelling distance with varying facilities..Fantastic weekly local markets (day and night) were you can eat drink be merry and buy the gorgeously fresh local produce...we love french cakes...just the best..not fancying the snails though

Lots of places close by to visit (either free or very little cost) including local museum, Roman ruins, Castle, horseriding (just across from the site and another a few minutes around the corner), many swimming lakes (some with jet skiing and quad bikes, amongst other activities)some cheap clothes / shoes / fancy goods larger stores on a retail park a short car ride away near jonzac for a bit of retail therapy if needed....yes we did that a few times..and couldnt believe how cheap it was...
a big multinational annual music festival on in July at Montguyon....plus fairs and other festivals as well in the area throughout the summer months.... We really didnt want to leave to go home (and we had been there for the whole summer holidays!!!)we felt so relaxed there, a general opinion shared by other campers who we spoke to as most were already repeat customers or intended going back again for some more peace and chill out. Great to see owners working in support of and in harmony with nature in developing the site plans .

Cant wait to visit again and de-stress!(and hopefully leave our caravan there)
A few weeks out of our lives that have had such a positive influence in many different ways.....
Many new friends lots of laughs and great experiences better French language skills and memories to last a lifetime.....

Like the song...we really did have the time of our lives....