A great family holiday (La Croix du Vieux Pont Campsite)

Member Name: Saphy

Product:	La Croix du Vieux Pont Campsite
Date:	07/06/09 (293 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good childrens facilities and accessible to EuroDisney and Paris

Disadvantages: Not enough places of interest in close proximity

I returned yesterday from a weeks stay at this campsite with my husband and two boys aged 4 and nearly 3.

We booked the holiday through Eurocamp. We went with them to a different campsite last year and found them to be efficient and cheap plus we not only got an early bird discount but also a repeat booker discount.

We got a boat from Dover-Calais (90 minutes) and then drove to the campsite. We took the motorways, which were free flowing although very expensive. To drive on the A1 we were charged 14 euros (an unexpected expense!). It took us about 3 1/2 hours.

Upon arriving I went to the campsite's main reception. The male at reception (possibly the owner) was very helpful, polite and fluent in English. He gave me a map, details of trips that the camp run to Eurodisney and Paris and directed me to the Eurocamp reception.

Numerous guests arrived at the same time, which I think that the Eurocamp staff found stressful.

Last year we booked a two bed comfort mobile home with decking. Although manageable we found this accommodation too small for two boisterous toddlers so opted for a three bedroom superior with decking. The mobile home was much larger and more aesthetically appealing than last year. We were also on a private, good sized plot with hedging on two sides, in a quiet cul-de-sac with only 7 other homes, four of which were unoccupied. We were very near the shop, swimming pool and bar. It was great to be close to the amenities but I was concerned that it would be noisy. My fears, however were unfounded. It was very quiet throughout the week and I really felt like we had our own private space. Because it was a lone road with a dead end tucked away I felt that the children were safe from any traffic.

The mobile home itself was clean, however we did need to wash utensils etc before using as the previous visitors had not done a very good job! I had ordered sheets, which were in the mobile home upon our arrival as were towels which we hadn't ordered but were gratefully received. There were lots of blankets in the home, which were well and truly required. The nights were freezing!! There was a small gas fire but we did not want to use that throughout the night so getting out of bed in the morning was mind over matter!! The kitchen was reasonably well equipped and did have a fridge freezer which was a great benefit.

The campsite had a wealth of child friendly activities. The swimming pool was split into three different areas. The childrens pool was very pleasant, although not room for enough loungers. There were lifeguards. I was disappointed however when I spoke to one of them about the older children coming into the young childrens pool and pushing the little children out of the way on the small slides. I was told by him that it was not his problem it was up to their parents (who I imagine were sunbathing by the older children's pool). I did approach some of the children (in poor French) which did stop it temporarily but did put us off from using the pool again.

There were three lakes on site. You could hire pedaloes and kayaks at one, plus there were dry side activities such as a bouncy castle, trampoline and electronic motorbikes/cars. Next to another of the lakes was a beach, which we felt was a really thoughtful touch. The boys absolutely loved taking their buckets and spades there and having a splash in what they regarded as being the sea. There was also crazy golf in that area, which was in good condition.

There were three play areas on site, which had swings, slides and climbing frames.

We also hired bikes from the main reception. These only cost 3 1/2 euros per bike, per hour which we felt was good value (cheaper rate for more than an hour). We explored the local area on them, which was very pretty with beautiful buildings.

There was a bakery and shop on site. I felt that the shop was too small and we did a majority of our shopping at the supermarket in the village, Vic-sur-Aisne. There was also another shop that sold English newspapers and magazines as well as maps and gifts.

Rather than do a day trip to Eurodisney we stayed at a hotel overnight. I am glad that we did do this as one day there would not have been enough. It took us less than 90 minutes to get there so had two whole days on the park.

We also went to Reims for a few hours, which was an attractive city with historical sites such as the cathedral to see.

All in all we had a great holiday. The campsite was clean and spacious with a wealth of activities for children. It was very accesible to Paris, Disneyland and Parc Asterix but we would have liked more local places of interest.

Summary: Great campsite with wide range of children's activities