Avoid: rough site

18 July 2026 at 06:16:10
I want to start by saying the woman who dealt with us at the end was lovely - and did her best. However, the issues at the site were numerous, combining to make it deeply unpleasant for us. This isn’t a relaxing site at all,
Even before we arrived, our stay was not welcoming or relaxing. There was... an issue paying the deposit and my UK sensibilities were horrified at the prospect of paying €300 cash as deposit when other reviews had mentioned issues getting the deposit back. The issue was a technical fault with the deposit company, Swikly, which they acknowledged when I emailed them directly. But it was a stress and immediately made me feel like I didn’t trust the campsite. As a point for the campsite to improve, it would have been great customer service for them to email Swikly to check for issues, rather than telling me the link was working when they tried. If you don’t get a second chance at a first impression, I’d say the smell of cannabis on site as we arrived and went to reception didn’t do anything to improve our concerns about the site as we arrived.
The site is really cramped, with small pitches for both tents/tourers and static units. As a result, a lot of cars were parked along the main road that ran through the site. One day, the camping pitches across from us even parked 2 cars side by side, further narrowing the road. Our bedroom backed on to this road and I was woken by cars driving through the site at 6am. Between the parking, the volume of cars moving around the site, staff driving the wee buggies fast, and electric scooters, we didn’t feel it was safe for our kids (3,6,9) to ride their bikes on the site - and this is one of the reasons we stay on campsites: the kids get freedom to ride around and to play outside. It wasn’t possible here. And the issue seems to be known, with the reception staff asking if it was the cleaner with glasses who was driving round the site like she was Colin MacRae or Lewis Hamilton (having seen her again as we were leaving, I can confirm it is the cleaner with glasses).
The static van itself was tired and old, with a lot of damage inside. I was told when I booked in that I should check the inventory in the van - which we did, using the handily laminated price list. It was NOT reassuring to know how much we’d be charged for breaking each item in the accommodation. At first, I wondered why I had to do the inventory, and why the site didn’t trust that the cleaners would ensure everything was there when we arrived. But on further inspection it became clear the cleaners were not up to much. I was impressed that the site provided different bins for recycling, glass and general waste - until I lifted the lid on the general waste bin and nearly vomited with the smell. It had clearly contained emptied ashtrays and the liquid left inside the bin simply added to a deeply revolting stench. I tried to rinse it but it needed a good bleaching, and I didn’t have any. There were cobwebs, dirt on the floor, and a forgotten hair clip in the bathroom. All signs that this is a place no one takes pride in or cares about. There was even the tip of a screw poking out of the wooden banister on the steps into the unit - sharp enough to cut but small enough to remain undetected. Rough. The whole place seemed rough. I still cannot understand why the TV would be placed on a wee shelf next to the bathroom door - so easy to bump into. We moved it out of the way as we didn’t want to risk the bill for replacing it. And the salad spinner looked dirty but when I lifted the lid, it became clear it was mould so I suspect it was put away damp. We only cooked some pasta in the place, and cut up a baguette for lunch - causing the handle of the bread knife to crumble. Doubt it was worth the €6 the price list stated.
I wasn’t impressed by the facilities on site either - and calling it “Plage” seems a bit of a stretch. I went down to the “beach” on the first day and was again left disappointed. I thought the site was on a stretch of coast with a few sandy inlets - and there was one. It’s small and littered with beach debris that made it look uninviting. Yes, drift wood is natural but they could have made an effort to clear the debris. However, a lack of effort and a lack of pride characterise this place. Even the washing machines were unpleasant with the seals being full of scum, stones, hair, or a combination of detritus. They needed a good clean too. Even something as small as brushing the sand off the terrace for guests arriving would have gone a way to making the place seem more welcoming. We were offered a different van, but by then, I’d booked a different site. The issues at this place as so numerous, it was about more than the accommodation.
The play parks were decent for the kids. And they enjoyed the waterside. There was one big corkscrew on and a splash area with water guns that were also a hit. But there are not enough beds around the area - or enough space for the volume of people wanting to be there. This is the first site that enforced the tight trunks rule - not an issue for us but my son was wearing his baggies at first as his tight trunks were getting washed after being worn the day before. He was immediately sent back to change. Fair enough. The lifeguard was keen to impose the rules - blowing his whistle with gusto at the kid who jumped into the pool. He didn’t show the same degree of attention when my daughter slipped on the nonslip mat and scraped her knee. Apparently a crying bleeding child doesn’t warrant any attention…
The combination of all of this meant that from day 1, we looked for other places to stay, booking a Eurocamp unit further along the coast. I have more faith in their customer service. I cannot believe how busy the site is, but it must be fine for some people. We just had a terrible experience. The receptionist really did want to try and make our stay better - offering a newer van in a quieter area. However, we’d already booked Eurocamp, and the issue of site safety for the kids wouldn’t have changed. We left 5 nights early.
I’d say that this place is past its best, the owner has got her money out of it and she’s not bothered. Her sarcastic smile and thumbs up at me as I left indicates the absolute disregard she has for her customers. With so many other sites, there is no need to go to this one. I’d look elsewhere. The Vias area is very touristy and intense. My husband reckons it’s the Blackpool of France. And loads of people love Blackpool. Just not us.
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