Site Guide - Eurocamp Independent

BS012 L´Escale Saint-Gilles
HHHHH
Bénodet
“Beautiful place, good location, will definitely be back!” The Lines family
Campsite Contact Details:
L’Escale Saint Gilles
29950 Bénodet
France
Tel: 0033 298 570 537
Arrival Procedure
Eurocamp Independent customers should go straight to the campsite
reception on arrival. Reception, where English is spoken, is open from
9am to 7pm in low season and 8.30am to 8 pm and in high season.
The campsite barrier (which is closed from 11pm to 8am) is operated
by a code which will be given to you by the campsite reception.
Customers unavoidably delayed, arriving when reception is closed
should leave the car on the visitor’s car park and check if there is a
member of security in the campsite reception, or 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. All customers will be provided with an ID
bracelet on arrival which must be worn for the entire duration of your
stay.
As Eurocamp couriers (on site from 15th May to 13th September) will
be unaware of your arrival, we recommend that you visit their reception
tent 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
A large and lively site, superbly located just moments away from a golden sandy beach and with a bustling resort close by.
Useful Information
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Swimming pool: there is a fantastic water complex including an indoor heated
pool with slides and slopes, and outdoor lagoon with rivers, slides and paddling
area. In addition there are jacuzzis and a spa pool, both facilities are for
adults only and charges apply. French regulations now stipulate that traditional
swimming trunks, not shorts, must be worn in the pool also shoes should not be
worn in the pool area. The pools are heated and are open from mid May to mid
September.
Washblocks: There is 1 sanitary block on the campsite, which is unisex. 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: Charocal barbecues only are allowed on your pitch.
Internet access: Internet and WiFi access is available on the bar terrace and
over half the campsite. Both services are chargeable.
Gas bottles: These cannot be exchanged on site.
Motorhome service point: There is a motorhome service point on site.
Fridge hire: This is not available on the campsite, however it is possible to freeze
ice packs at a small cost.
Electricity: There will be a 6 amp, 3 pin standard European or 2 pin electricity
connection, up to 15 metres from your pitch. A continental 2 pin adaptor may be
required.
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on this site.
Food and Drink
The modern ‘Le Safran’ restaurant and terrace, is located by the bar, it offers three
course menus and a children’s menu. It opens from June to the end of August. A
Take-Away offers a wide choice from pizzas, burgers, chicken and chips as well as local
cuisine (mussels, couscous, paella and grilled meat) and is open from mid May to mid
September. You can also purchase sandwiches from the bar.
Shopping
There is a well stocked general shop open daily all season and selling bread,
baguettes, croissants, dairy products, vegetables and general grocery items and
alcohol. There is also a small clothes shop/kiosk.
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.
During the day
• Games Room – the games room with pinball machines and arcade games is
open from mid May to late September.
• Cycle hire – mountain bikes, adult’s bikes and children’s bikes can be hired by
the day or by the week. Helmets, baby/child seats and trailer bikes should also
be available for hire.
• Gymnasium – there is a well equipped gym and fitness room where you can
enjoy free Step Sessions once a day in July and August. There is a small charge
for the gym.
• Table tennis – there are four table tennis tables on site, but you will need to
bring your own equipment.
• Tennis – there is one full size tennis court on site which has a gravel surface.
Please note equipment cannot be hired.
• Kayaks – these can be hired on site to take to the beach.
• Children’s Clubs – The site run the “Sunny Club” for 4 to 12 year olds with
sports, crafts from Monday to Friday in July and August.
• In July and August the site provides aquaqym, fitness sessions and sports
tournaments, led by a sports coach 6 days a week and hosted in French, English
and German.
During the evening
In high season, the bar becomes the focus for family orientated entertainment with
karaoke, family discos, magic shows, bingo, cabaret and quiz nights. A children’s disco is
also held once a week in the bar. The family disco takes place three times a week in July
and August, starting at 8.30 p.m. and finishing at midnight. There is Satellite TV in the
bar showing Eurosport, TF1 and other French channels, as well in a separate TV room.
Excursions
The campsite does not organise any arranged excursions.
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.
’
Kids s
Club
Tumble Tots
Age 6 months - 5 years
18/5 – 10/7
Mini Fun Station
Age 6 months - 5 years
18/5 – 13/9
Fun Station for All
Age 4 - 12 years
18/5 – 21/6
The Station
Age 9 - 12 years
22/6 – 30/8
Mini Fun Station
Learn to Swim
Age 1 - 5 years
18/5 – 13/9
Leo’s Fun Station
Age 4 - 6 years
22/6 – 30/8
Mini Fun Station
Learn to Ride
Age 3+
18/5 – 13/9
Mac’s Fun Station
Age 7 - 9 years
22/6 – 30/8
Base
Age 13 - 17 years
22/6 – 30/8
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
just £14.99
inc p&p
Around & About
This lovely rural area has fabulous beaches and gentle rolling countryside, scattered
with charming villages and fishing ports, while the historic city to Quimper can be easily
reached for a little culture and shopping. If you want to explore off the beaten track,
look out for the Blue Map ‘Route de Randonnant’ covering the local villages, this will
help you to navigate the many single track country lanes.
While you’re here try...
Seafood
The seafood of the region is wonderful mussels, oysters, prawns, langoustines etc.
can be found in abundance in the markets
and the numerous seafood restaurants and
should be washed down with a glass or two
of Muscadet, the delicious dry white wine
produced by the neighbouring Loire region.
Galettes
Made with salt and buckwheat flour, these
delicious Breton Pancakes are filled with
cheese, bacon or any other savoury content.
Locally produced cider
Brittany’s refreshing cider is classified like wine with an “appelation d’origine
controllée” (AOC).
Beaches
There is a small sandy cove just across the road from the site entrance and the main
beach at Bénodet, with its children’s beach clubs, is just a short distance away. There
are long stretches of sandy beaches running along the coast for miles by Beg-Meil and
Cap-Coz, near Fouesnant, has a good sandy beach in a lovely bay setting. Kerlann,
near to Ste. Marine, is sandy and quieter than the other beaches. Plage de Kerveltrec
is another popular, sheltered and unspoilt beach.
Where to Shop
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Bénodet (1.5 km) has a chemist, a ‘tabac’, a supermarket (‘Carrefour’), a post
office and small branches of the major banks, which usually open on a limited
basis throughout the season (Monday is the usual closing day for banks in the
area). The nearest shops are a short distance from the back of the site, where the
‘Corniche du Poulquer’ meets the seafront.
Fouesnant (9km) has a good variety of shops, including a chemist, a post office,
a ‘tabac’, several banks (‘Crédit Agricole’ and ‘Crédit Mutuel’ both have cash
machines), and the nearest big supermarkets (‘Intermarché’ and ‘Super U’). The
‘Super U’ supermarket here is often cheaper than the ‘Géant’ hypermarket in
Quimper.
Concarneau (20km) an old fishing port; there are many craft and souvenir shops
in the old fortified island within the harbour.
Quimper (20km) the regional capital, here you will find every type of shop and
hypermarkets.
Local market days (usually mornings only) are as follows:
Monday – Concarneau, Bénodet
Wednesday - Quimper
Friday – Fouesnant, Concarneau, Quimper
Saturday - Quimper
Sunday - Quimper
Benodet
Sporting Activities
• Fishing – sea fishing trips take place daily (except Sunday) from the ‘port de pêche’
in Bénodet. Freshwater fishing in the River Odet, upstream from Bénodet – a permit
is required (available from ‘Inscription Maritime’, Fouesnant).
• Windsurfing - tuition and board hire available from the ‘Centre de Nautique’,
Fouesnant,
• Scuba Diving - from the ‘Centre International de Plongée’, Beg-Meil.
• Canoeing - hire from the ‘Centre Nautique de Cap Coz’.
• Waterskiing - hire from ‘Filovent’, Bénodet.
• Golf – there is an 18 hole course the ‘Golf de la Cornouaille’, La Forêt-Fouesnant
and the ‘Golf de l’Odet’, near Bénodet where you need to book 48 hours in advance
for 18 hole course (but not for 9 hole course) and an official handicap required for 18
hole course.
• Riding - at ‘Le Lasso’, 200 metres behind the site.
Must Sees and Dos
Please see your European Guide for additional information about your local area.
You can take a river cruise from Bénodet on the River Odet to the medieval regional
capital of Quimper, spend a few hours shopping or site seeing, before returning down
river. Alternatively,take a sea cruise to the beautiful Iles de Glénan.
Quimper – 20 km
Quimper has medieval heart centered around its gothic cathedral.. Across the square from
the cathedral is the regional art gallery with some of the finest paintings outside Paris.
There is also The Breton Museum, Le Quartier (Contemporary Art Centre) and The Still
Museum.
www.quimper-tourisme.com
Concarneau – 20 km
This historic fishing port features a walled island, accessed by a footbridge in the harbour.
Inside the narrow streets are filled with little shops, café’s and restaurants. This historic
fishing port features a walled island, accessed by a footbridge in the harbour. Inside the
narrow streets are filled with little shops, cafés and restaurants.
Pont Aven ‘The Village of Artists’ – 34 km
This lovely village was a particular favourite of the painter Paul Gaugain. There are some
pretty riverside walks, especially along the Promenade Xavier Grall, and many galleries,
craft shops and cafés to enjoy. Parking can be difficult within the village itself in the
summer.
Jardin Botanique de Cornouaille’--10 km
On the D44 between Pont L’Abbé and Bénodet, this lovely garden makes for a refreshing
change from the seaside. It is planted in the ‘English style’ and there is a plant center at
the entrance, along with a small mineral museum.
www.parcbotanique.com
Manoir-Kerazan – Loctudy 17 km
This lovely chateau houses a unique collection of Quimper pottery and numerous paintings.
There are spacious grounds and beautiful gardens to explore.
www.kerazan.fr
Le Faou – 61 km
This picturesque village is listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Many of the
buildings built in stone and covered in vertically placed wooden slates and along the main
street the upper stories protrude out over the ground floor.
Events
Festival of Cornouaille – Quimper
This great Breton festival is a 9 day event which takes place around the end of the
third week of July every year and features more than 200 shows and cultural activities,
culminating the a great parade of folk costumes (guises) and the crowing to the Queen of
the Festival.
www.festival-cornouaille.com
Please note: Eurocamp Independent has not vetted any off site activities.
Customers should undertake their own safety checks.
Getting To Your Site
Location Just one and a half kilometres from the town of
Bénodet.
Directions Continue along the N165 and take the exit sign
posted Concarneau/Fouesnant/Benodet. At the first roundabout
take the 3rd exit direction Concarneau/Fouesnant. At the next
roundabout take the 2nd exit direction Benodet. You will
know you’re on the correct road when you cross over a level
crossing almost immediately after turning onto the D44. After
approximately one and a half miles turn right again at the T
junction onto the D783. The road rises and falls for about one
and a half miles. Take the second turning on the left, following
the signs to Benodet/Fouesnant, continue down this road where
you will drop down to a roundabout at Foret Fouesnant. Go
straight across following the Benodet/Fouesnant signs. You will
come to a set of traffic lights where you go straight on. After
about 2 miles you will arrive at a roundabout, go straight over.
At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit following signs Beg
Meil/Mousterlin. After a short section of dual carriageway you
will approach another roundabout. Turn left in the direction
of Benodet/Point l’Abbe on the D44. You will continue along
this road for approximately 5 miles, passing a police station on
the right. At the next roundabout with ‘Netto’ on your right
go straight over. You will pass over 3 roundabouts continue
straight over all of them following Benodet signs. At the fourth
roundabout before you enter the town of Benodet take the 3rd
exit direction Le Letty. Continue down this road until you reach
the mini roundabout, where you take a right turn. After 400 yards
(passing Camping Le Letty on the left) the road bends sharply to
the right, turn left here. L’Escale St Gilles is on your right after
about half a mile.
New Law re Breathalysers in France
Please be aware there is a new law coming 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-thespot fine if you cannot produce this product when asked.
GPS co ordinates:
47.862715 / -4.095862 (lat./long.)
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.
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
Campsite location
© Michelin et Cie 2015, Authorisation No. GB1503001
Extract from Map - 308
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
Bénodet
Tel: 0033 229 402 714
Dentist
Bénodet
Tel: 0033 298 572 251
Hospital
Quimper
Tel: 0033 298 526 060
Vet
Fouesnant
Tel: 0033 298 566 101
Office de Tourisme de Quimper
Place de la Résistance, 29000 Quimper. Tel: 00 33 298 530405
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.