2_4_DiscoverBenelux_13_Januar_2014_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 17/12/2014 15:22 Page 28
Discover Benelux | Special Theme | Summer Destinations
Where nature is comfortable TEXT: HARUN OSMANOVIC | PHOTOS: DOMAINE DU PRé
Every summer season, hundreds of families from the Benelux travel to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the French Vendée region, to find a quiet haven of peace and nature. The Domaine du Pré has the advantage of being just fifteen kilometres away from the beach of Saint Gilles Croix yet also on the shores of the lake of Jaunay, making the site ideal for a relaxing time in the middle of a protected nature reserve. With its brand new facilities – built in 2011 – the Domaine du Pré offers many activities for all types of visitors. At the heart of the park you will find a 500 square metre artificial lake with sandy beaches, water games for kids, paddling areas and a deeper water area for adults to swim. Between July and August, the
Domaine du Pré offers a club for kids with regular activities after which the entire family can meet for delicious local cuisine served at the park’s restaurant. The facilities are all equipped with tasteful modern furniture: studios for two, cottages for up to eight guests, the Domaine du Pré can accommodate your every need. All the equipment for babies and toddlers can be provided and is available on site in family cottages. If you want to keep more to yourselves with all-inclusive services – cleaning, bed linen and more – ask for the Privilege cottage for a peaceful and relaxing stay. Whatever your preference, the Domaine du Pré will surely invigorate you and yours because nature is comfortable. www.domainedupre.com
Full days and stomachs in Les Landes TEXT: MARTIN PILKINGTON | PHOTOS: CAMPING LE TATIOU
Concluding that Dutch and Belgian campers who return to Camping Le Tatiou year after year do so because the flat Landes country reminds them of home is too simplistic. After all, the nearby beach of Lespecier is unlike anything in the Netherlands, and few will live in surroundings as naturally beautiful as the site’s scented pine woods.
Mengé: “And there are loads of things to do. Within the site we have two playgrounds for kids and teenagers, superb sports facilities, outdoor fitness area for adults, a great swimming pool and paddling pool, and of course you can also play boules. And in the evening we have activities like dancing, karaoke, and theatre for everyone!”
to the restaurant: “They serve plenty of regional dishes like duck confit and ‘salade Landaise’ with duck breast and gizzards if guests fancy a taste of the South West,” says Nathalie. “But if they want simple home cooking we’ve got a mini-mart too – or simpler still, roast chicken and French fries to take away!” www.campingletatiou.com
Nearby there’s an adventure park, paintball and archery are available, plus a network of cycle paths links to neighbouring towns and Lespecier beach. The Bias site has naturally evolved since it opened in 1974, these days offering ‘campétoiles’ (small tents on stilts), bungalows, and mobile homes, along with spacious pitches for touring caravans and tents. “People across the age range are attracted by the friendly family atmosphere here,” says reception manager Nathalie
28 | Issue 13 | January 2015
It’s nice to feel at home, but on holiday it’s great to sample local specialities, which at Le Tatiou only requires a stroll