Le Vieux Port Holiday Park

4 readers found this review helpful

We went in June 2008 with Keycamp. I would say that the campsite looks really nice and the caravan we stayed in was brand new so couldn't complain there. We chose a villagrand caravan which although looked good was not very comfortable, no proper sofa area, was more like sitting at a kitchen bench. Also, the toilet was separate from the shower room and had no hand basin so you had to walk from the toilet to the shower room to wash your hands (not very practical). The reps were friendly and helpful enough. Unfortunately, quite a lot of facilities were not open (as it was not summer season yet), these included the plunge water slides, the train to the beach, the take away, fresh meat and veg in the shop, entertainment and more. This was not obvious from the website, some dates mentioned but mostly just said "in the summer", whereas on site, the dates were stated clearly (so why not so on the website). Also, the caravan was a long walk from all of the facilities and the beach and with two children (2 and 4 yrs), it was a drag.
The bar and restaurant that was open was very expensive I thought (5.20 euros for a pint of beer) and the restaurant menu was very limited. I only ate there once and chose the steak as there was nothing else I fancied (snails, duck, salmon) and the quality was poor. The steak was more fat than meat and quite small, disguised by a mound of chips and salad. Only two choices for children (nougats or burger). Overall it cost 50 euros for four meals (two main adult courses without drinks and two kids menu meals).
Would also warn against changing travellers cheques at reception as they charge a hefty fee (for a 100 euro cheque they offered 88 euros in return). Go to the post office instead, they charged me nothing.
We thought that if we went down south, the weather would be better than the north. Unfortunately, the weather was not very good and I understand from talking to others that have been there both at this time and in the summer, that the weather is always unpredictable and we regularly experienced torrential rain and thunder storms. The campsite was pretty empty when we went so didnt experience noise nuisance but I was told that in summer you cant move for people and tents and I would imagine that the pools would be impossible to sit round in high season as they are a lot smaller than they look on the pictures. My daughter absolutely loved the Fun Station kids club and couldnt praise them highly enough.
Overall, I would say that the camp is pretty but the woods you are located in blocks out a lot of the sun when at the caravan and it is always a fair walk to any facilities. Locally, there is a supermarket very close but it is expensive (as they all are around this area) and the staff and local people were very miserable and mostly unfriendly. I wouldnt go there again. We made the most of it as we were on holiday but much preferred the overnight stay we made in Houlgate (le havre) on the way.
I can imagine though that older kids would love it in high season with football, table tennis, etc.

3 readers found this review helpful

Just returned to Australia after a fabulous holiday in Europe. Stayed in Siblu parks in Loire Valley, Vieux Port and Vilanova Park Barcelona.
I had my 16 yr old twin daughters with me and we absolutely loved the park at Vieux Port. Gorgeous setting in the pine forest beneath the sand dune and in a very clean and new cabin. This was one of the best places that we stayed on our 7 week trip and I would highly recommend it!
I loved all the action, the beaches and the village of Vieux Boucau.We rented bikes and rode up to Seignosse on the fabulous bike trails. My girls went surfing every day at one of the many great beaches. We loved it so much that we are planning another surf trip to France and we'll stay there again.

1 reader found this review helpful

Hated the site from the moment we arrived! Site very, very noisy and cramped! My step-daughter said it reminded her of a refugee camp! Our pitch was so small that we just managed to get our caravan and awning up but had no extra room to sit outside and sunbath/relax! The camper van was so close to us in the next pitch that I could have shaken their hands through the windows!
The pools were small and very over crowded. Couldn't swim if you tried!
The showers and toilets were good but nobody seemed to keep to the male/female areas! The local area was good.
The noise started every night at approx. 10 p.m. and carried on until 2/3 a.m. and with the train running through the campsite, announcements in cars, and being so crowded you were woken up early in the morning! I have arrived home very, very tired!
If you are young and single then this is the site for you. Families beware!

3 readers found this review helpful

Just returned from Le Vieux Port spending two weeks at the site and we were really pleased with our holiday. We booked with Siblu, the Siblu Rep's were so helpful and friendly, nothing was to much trouble for them.
There is something for everyone on this site, we had three U16's with us, the youngest was 3 the eldest 15. As it was high season the pool was very busy and found it difficult at times to get a sunbed.
The bar on site is expensive, the take-away caters for all tastes and is reasonable. There is a steep walk to the beach but there is a train running around the site every 15 mins which goes to the beach.
The water was unsuitable for younger children to paddle in as the ocean here is more suitable for surfers, but approx 3 miles down the road is Port D'Albert which is a pretty little village with a lake and sandy beach which was better for the children to play.
The site is set amongst pine forest and you could sit outside your caravan and watch the red squirrels chasing each other from tree to tree, but watch out for the pine cones falling from the tree's, they are huge!!!!
Overall we where extremely pleased with the whole experience and would recommend the site to others.

2 readers found this review helpful

What a fantastic holiday! I've got 2 teenage children and one 7 year old. This campsite is perfect for catering for all ages. Yes, I would have to admit it is very busy, however I would use the term 'lively' which is exactly what my family is looking for. The children were never bored on this holiday due to the excellent facilities on offer. Especially the magnificent swimming complex that is safe and life guarded that I could leave them for hours whilst me and my husband enjoyed the piece and quiet of our holiday home garden.
Entertaining teenagers is one of the hardest things to do. Especially when they do not want to be seen with you! But I felt that I could let them go off to do their own things whilst I did what I wanted to do. The bar and restaurants were excellent, and the discos in the evening were perfect for a great night out.
The surrounding area is superb, especially the magnificent beaches which are perfect for my 15 year old son to surf at.
Overall I would have to say I immensely enjoyed my holiday. If I was asked was it a quiet, relaxing holiday, I would have to say no. It was quite busy, and noisy at some times in the afternoon. But I am no way near 50 yet and I enjoy being active!
I was looking for an exciting and busy holiday, providing kids activities and excellent facilities for teenagers to enjoy and that is exactly what I got. But I also did get to relax on the beach and the beautiful pine forests. I was very impressed and would definitely go back again.

1 reader found this review helpful

Very busy and noisy, especially at night. Music kicks off about 11:30 and never ends.
Unable to visit swimming pools due to lack of space to sit and overcrowded.
People and bikes constantly running around the campsite, morning, noon & night.
Lack of park and play areas for children, one small area outside the camp so not to secure.
Loud music. Good selection of bars and restaurants, a little expensive. Access to site very busy due to other campsites nearby. Supermarkets in local area too busy to shop, and expensive. Traffic around small towns very slow moving. Caravans not maintained too well.
Only good point is the access to the beach, excellent for surfing and body boarding, lifeguards till 7 pm.
Verdict :
No good for families, good for singles.