Site Guide - Eurocamp Independent

DR018 Soleil Plage
HHHHH
Vitrac
“This campsite is fantastic, and we did not want to leave. We should have stayed for longer”
The Kirkland Family
Campsite Contact Details:
Domaine de Soleil Plage
Caudon
24200 Vitrac
France
Tel: 0033 553 283 333
Arrival Procedure
Eurocamp Independent customers should go straight to the campsite
reception on arrival where they will be required to fill in a registration
form. Reception, where English is spoken, is open from 9am to 12pm
and 2pm to 7pm throughout the season. Customers unavoidably
delayed, arriving after the barrier is down (11pm to 8am) should leave
the car outside the site and go to the bar to find a member of staff.
We advise that you ring ahead to warn the campsite if you expect to
arrive late.
As Eurocamp couriers (on site from 9th May to 12th September) will be
unaware of your arrival, we recommend that you visit their reception
area as soon as you have settled in. Please take your completed
courier card with you.
Please note – if you have booked an overnight stop in a mobile home
or ready erected tent please see the special arrival procedures on your
accommodation voucher.
Don’t forget we’re on the end of the
phone if you need us
Call 0044 1606 787 666
our office hours are:
Monday- Friday Saturdays
Sundays & Bank Holidays 9.00 am - 5.30 pm
10.00 am - 2.00 pm
closed
©Eurocamp Independent 2015
Life On Site
This is a friendly award winning campsite, located right by the river, offering a perfect base from which to explore this wonderful region.
Useful Information
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Food and Drink
Swimming pool: There are three swimming pools on site. The first is an outdoor
lagoon pool, which is heated, open from mid April until late September and which has
an adjoining jacuzzi and sun terrace. This pool also has a two lane waterslide which is
suitable for all the family. The second is a covered pool which is also heated and open
from mid April until late September. The third is a children’s pool which is an outdoor
pool, heated and open from mid April until late September. This outdoor pool complexes
are attractively surrounded by flower and palm tree displays and have wooden walk
bridges across them. French regulations stipulate that traditional swimming trunks, not
shorts, must be worn in the pool.
Washblocks: There are three sanitary blocks on the campsite, which are clearly separated
for Ladies and Gentlemen. Please note that most campsites do not provide toilet paper in
the wash blocks, and some campsite sanitary blocks do not have toilet seats.
Barbecues: Charcoal, gas and electric barbecues are allowed on your pitch.
Internet access: This is available in the campsite reception, and WiFi is available all over
the site.
Gas bottles: These can be exchanged on site.
Motorhome service point: There is a motorhome service point on site.
Fridge hire: Fridge hire is available on site. We would be happy to book this for you.
Please contact us for more details.
Electricity: There will be a 16 amp standard 3 pin European electricity connection on
your pitch.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed on site, but must be kept on a lead. If you require any up to date
information on taking your dog abroad, please get in touch. We’d be happy to book any
necessary vets appointments on your behalf.
Housed in a converted Périgordin farm building, the campsite restaurant is open from
early May until mid September and serves authentic French cuisine, including regional
specialties. Three course and children’s menus are also available. There is also a takeaway on site which is open from early May until mid September, and which serves
pizzas, chips, burgers, steak, roast chicken, paninis, quiche, sandwiches, salads and a
dish of the day. The cosy bar serves local and internationally branded drinks and has a
television showing local TV channels.
Shopping
There is a small shop on the campsite which sells essential groceries including bread,
milk, beer, wine, juice, meat, toys, fruit and vegetables. The shop is open from early
May until mid September. The nearby town of Sarlat (8km away from the site) a
pharmacy, a post office, a butchers, a bakery and a Champion supermarket.
Campsite Activities and Entertainment
We have picked out a few things to do on site that may be of interest to you. For a full list of campsite activities, please refer to our brochure or website.
Fishing can be carried out in the River Dordogne from early May until late
September. Permits are required and can be obtained from reception.
Canoe hire is available on site throughout the season. Two or three man canoes can
be hired by the house and customers may also use their own canoes (which may be
kept on their pitch) on the river. Life jackets are provided.
A games room on site has a pool table, pinball machines, table football, air hockey,
table tennis and computer video games.
Cycle hire is available on site throughout the season. Adults and children’s standard
and mountain bikes can be hired, as well as baby seats and trailers.
Tennis can be played on the full size tennis court on site, which has a tarmac
surface. This is charged per hour and equipment is not available to hire.
The site run children’s club is for children aged 5 -12 years old, and is available 6
days a week from early July until late August. Activities include face painting, water
games and treasure hunts.
During the evening
Evening entertainment is available six times a week from early July until late August and
includes bingo games, karaoke competitions, quiz nights, BBQ meals and theme evenings.
Excursions
The site arranges canoe trips down the River Dordogne, with return by bus, and organised
walks and mountain biking in the local area in high season. Please ask at the site
reception for full details.
European Drivers’ Kit
It’s compulsory to carry certain items when driving in Europe, so we’ve
gathered together some of the essentials you’ll need in this handy pack for
just £14.99 inc P&P.
Call 0844 406 9876 to order yours
* Please note this must be purchased up to two weeks prior to
departure. You must read the terms and conditions on our website
before placing an order by telephone
For more comprehensive information about the campsite or local area
before you travel, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy
to help. Further information can also be found on our website.
call: 08448 440 440
click: www.eurocampindependent.co.uk
Please be aware that in the early and late season, the complete range of activities may
not be available. Any opening times are for guidance only, as these may vary and are
subject to change by the campsite owner. Please check at reception on arrival.
just £14.99
inc p&p
Around & About
With beautiful meandering rivers, charming mellow stone villages and rich vineyards, the
Dordogne is the heart of rural France and has some of its loveliest countryside. It is a
green and fertile land of undulating hills, prehistoric caves and medieval towns.
While you’re here try...
Foie Gras
Literally meaning ‘fat liver’ this expensive delicacy is the speciality of the region and
you will see signs advertising it everywhere, appearing beside the roads and outside
shops. Anything to do with geese or ducks is on sale in shops, supermarkets and is
always somewhere on the menu in any restaurant. Items on menus that are served
à la périgourdine are stuffed with, accompanied by, or have a sauce of, foie gras
and truffles.
Walnuts
Throughout the region you will find walnut trees growing in serried rows in fields.
The nuts are harvested by shaking machines in the early autumn. The French use
them to make super oils for salads and cooking and in a range of alcoholic drinks
including liqueurs.
Regional Cheese
There are numerous types of cabécous (goat’s milk cheeses) such as Cabécou de
Rocamadour which is soft with a nutty taste. Picadou is Rocamadour wrapped
in leaves and aged, resulting in a much stronger taste. Made from sheep’s milk,
Roquefort is one of the best blue cheeses.
Beaches
Sporting Activities
• Horse riding – is available at L’Etrier de Vitrac (Route de Combelongue) for children
and adults aged 10 and above. Instruction is available, although only those with
previous experience can ride in low season. www.etriervitrac.free.fr
• Golf – 18 hole course at Domaine de Rochebois in Vitrac (Route de Montfort). No
handicap required but insurance is necessary. www.rochebois.com
• Windsurfing - windsurfs can be hired on the River Dordogne at Montfort Plage from
early June until late August.
• Boat trips - along the River Dordogne are available through the company Gabarres,
from both La Roque Gageac (Place Le Bourg) and Beynac (Route La Balme).
www.gabarres.com
Must Sees and Dos
Please see your European Guide for additional information about your local area.
La Roque Gageac - 7km
The village of La Roque Gageac is a regular winner of France’s prettiest village, with its
ochre coloured houses sheltering under dramatically overhanging cliffs. Wander through
the lanes and alleyways or take a canoe over the river for a better view of the village.
www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org
Sarlat - 8km
The regional capital, this is a busy medieval town with a 17th Century cathedral. The old
town is mainly pedestrianised and it is relaxing to wander through the cool, shady lanes
and courtyards. There are many museums and galleries to visit.
www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org
Domme - 9km
A well preserved bastide town perched high above the river. Beneath the town are
hundreds of metres of caves which can be explored.
www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org
There is a small, private river beach which lies adjacent to the campsite, which is
generally sandy but pebbly in parts. It has beautiful views of the surrounding hills and
rugged rock faces across the river, and is a safe spot for swimming.
Jardin de Marqueyssac -12km
The gardens in the grounds of the Château de Marqueyssac are some of the best kept
gardens in France. There is a nature pavillion displaying flora and fauna from around the
Dordogne. A light show takes place in July and August on Thursdays.
www.marqueyssac.com
Where to Shop
Château of Castelnaud - 14km
This is one of the most popular Châteaux in southern France. Built high on a hill in the
13th Century it changed hands many times. The Château has been home to the Museum
of Medieval Warfare since 1985.
www.castelnaud.com
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Sarlat - This large town is the closest to the campsite (8km away) and has a
pharmacy, a post office, a butchers, a bakery, several restaurants and bars and a
Champion supermarket.
Le Bugue - A little further from the campsite (42km away) this town has an
increased number of facilities including several banks (with cash points accepting
most card types), a petrol station, a tabac (English newspapers available) and an
Intermarché supermarket.
Bergerac - This second largest town in the region (75km away) is a bustling
market town and has a medieval centre with quaint, specialist and boutique style
shops. Renowned for its cheese and wine production, there are also regular food
markets held in the old town.
Local market days (usually mornings only) are as follows:
Monday - Les Eyzies.
Tuesday - Salignac
Wednesday – Sarlat
Thursday - Domme
Friday - Souillac.
Saturday - Le Bugue
Sunday - St. Cyprien
Jardin de Marqueyssac
Musée National de Préhistoire - 32km
The National Museum of Prehistory which reflects ever expanding archeological research
and contains the most important collection of items from the Paleolithic era, in France.
www.musee-prehistoire-eyzies.fr
Grottes de Lascaux - 37km
The original Lascaux cave is closed to the public, but a replica has been reproduced 200
metres away. The reproductions include the galleries, ‘the great hall of the bulls’ and
the ‘painted gallery’. These caves, discovered in 1940 by teenagers, are one of the most
renowned archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century.
www.lascaux.culture.fr
Aquarium du Périgord Noir - 38km
Europe’s largest private aquarium, with more than 200 metres of aquariums displaying
fish from all around the world. Diving exhibitions and touch tanks are the main features.
www.aquariumperigordnoir.com
Rocamadour - 51km
Built almost vertically halfway up a cliff, Rocamadour and its setting is hard to beat. The
reason for its popularity since medieval times is the supposed miraculous ability of the
cathedrals black madonna. The views across the valley are stunning. A popular location for
tourists and pilgrims, it gets extremely busy in summer.
www.vallee-dordogne-rocamadour.com
Gouffre de Padriac - 61km
The Gouffre de Padirac is a natural limestone cave. 103 metres down to the river - by lift
or stairs will take you to the start of the tour. The visit lasts 1.5hrs and is 2km long.
www.gouffre-de-padirac.com
Château of Hautefort - 68km
One of the most prestigious châteaux in southwest France, classified as a historical
monument. Built between 1630 and 1670, it is surrounded by superb gardens.
www.chateau-hautefort.com
Please note: Eurocamp Independent has not vetted any off site activities.
Customers should undertake their own safety checks.
Getting To Your Site
Location:
Domaine de Soleil Plage is situated on the banks of the
River Dordogne and is due south of the town of Sarlat.
Directions
From Souillac: Follow the D703 (sign-posted Sarlat). At
the edge of the village of Cazoules, branch left at the
junction with the D704A (sign-posted Carsac Aillac / La
Roque Gageac / Bergerac). Upon arriving at Carsac, turn
right onto the D704 (passing under the railway bridge).
20 metres after the bridge turn left onto the D703
(sign-posted Vitrac / Domme / Bergerac). Continue past
the Cingle de Montfort to Montfort. Turn left onto an
unclassified road towards the Château and follow signs for
Domaine de Soleil Plage.
New Law re Breathalysers in France
Please be aware that a new law came in to force from 1st
July 2012 that makes it COMPULSORY for all motorists in
FRANCE to carry a single use breathalyser. We advise that if
you are travelling to (or through) France you should carry at
least two disposable breathalysers in order to comply with
this new law. The breathalysers you purchase must comply
to French regulations and will carry the ‘French certification
mark’ ‘NF’. These should be purchased prior to departure
in the UK but can also be purchased on the ferry, in most
French supermarkets, service/petrol stations or chemists. You
could receive an on-the-spot fine if you cannot produce this
product when asked.
GPS co ordinates:
44.825058 / 1.253107 (lat./long.)
Campsite location
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the GPS coordinates provided, we strongly advise you
cross-reference your end destination with the map above and the campsite address before you commence your journey.
© Michelin et Cie 2015, Authorisation No. GB1503001
Extract from Map - 329
Key Dates
French Public (Bank) Holidays 2015
Friday 3rd April - Good Friday (Vendredi Saint)
Sunday 5th April - Easter Sunday (Pâques)
Monday 6th April - Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)
Friday 1st May - Labour Day (Fête du Travail)
Friday 8th May - Victory Day (Fête de La Victoire)
Thursday 14th May - Ascension Day (Ascension Catholique)
Sunday 24th May - Whit Sunday (Pentecôte)
Monday 25th May - Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte)
Tuesday 14th July - Bastille Day (Fête Nationale)
Saturday 15th August - Assumption of Mary (Assomption)
French organisations and businesses close on public holidays. Although some shopping
centres and grocers open for part of the day, the majority of shops do not. Police stations
and hospitals do not close. When a public holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, it is
common practice to “make the bridge” (faire le pont) by taking off the Friday or Monday
so creating a very long weekend.
Handy Hints and Tips
Shop Opening & Closing - The classic French shopping days are Monday to Saturday,
with shops generally open from 9 a.m. to Midday, and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Stores generally
close on Sundays.
Please Note - Although some larger stores or those in popular tourist areas may remain
open at lunchtimes and Sundays, this is optional and not guaranteed.
Dialling Codes - If dialling the UK use 00 44 and drop the first 0 from the dialling code If
dialling The Republic of Ireland use 00 353 and drop the first 0 from the dialling code
Tourist Information Office
Important Information
Car breakdown - Please note that in the event of breakdown all customers insured
through Eurocamp Independent should consult their Insurance Terms and Conditions
booklet. Couriers on site will have information of local garages.
Due to recent European legislation it is now a requirement when driving in Europe that all
cars need to carry a reflective jacket at all times. These reflective jackets can be purchased
almost everywhere in Europe for approx 8 to 15 Euros each.
Personal Injury The chances of you and your family either having an accident or
becoming the victims of crime whilst on holiday are extremely low. However, you should
encourage the members of your party to take the same sensible precautions that they
would do at home.
Try to avoid walking alone at night, and keep to well-lit main roads where possible. You
should try to avoid short cuts like alleyways, waste ground and wooded, bushy areas.
Stay alert: be aware of what’s going on around you.
It is always worth letting someone know where you are going, the route you intend to
take and when you expect to return.
We want you to have a safe holiday - please read campsite notices carefully and ensure
all members of your party understand the rules and regulations as they are there for your
own safety.
Emergency Information
Emergencies. In the event of an emergency please contact the main campsite reception
for details of local emergency services.
Doctors
Dentist
Hospital
Vet
Sarlat
Sarlat
Sarlat Sarlat
0033 553 591 949
0033 553 310 944
0033 553 317 575
0033 553 285 157
Office de Tourisme, 3 Rue Tourny, 24200, Sarlat. Tel: 0033 553 314 545
Every effort has been made to ensure the information provided in this guide, to the best of our knowledge, is both helpful and correct at the time of going to press.