Quirky Camping

Quirky Camping is well placed for plenty of scenic sites in the Dordogne and Charente, including châteaux, prehistoric caves and pretty market towns. The owners recommend market day in Riberac on Friday or a trip to Villebois Lavalette for their Saturday morning market under an old oak structure: joining in with the locals having oysters and beer is a must. Plenty of good but affordable restaurants are available locally, with a four or five course lunch costing between 12 and 15 euros, often with wine included. Bergerac is about an hour's drive away for those who want to investigate French wine further, or you could take a day trip to St Emilion (an hour and 45mins) or Bordeaux (two hours). Cognac is another good day out, for tours around the brandy houses and wanders around its shops or along the river. Plenty of outdoor activities are around too: try canoeing along the river from Brantome to Bordeilles with its fortified châteaux, or exploring the quiet and well-signed local lanes by bike or on foot. Several river beaches are within easy reach or you could visit Lake Jemaye 40 minutes away, where there’s a beach with canoeing, walks, and bars and restaurants overlooking the waterfront. Poltrot a 15-minute drive into the Charente has scenic picnic spots along the river, nature walks and a labyrinth.