2_4_DiscoverBenelux_13_Januar_2014_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 17/12/2014 15:22 Page 30
Discover Benelux | Special Theme | Summer Destinations
Summertime dreaming When hearing about the wonderful location of camping La Nautique, in the south of France, it is tempting to wish away the cold winter days. The campsite in Languedoc-Roussillon is situated in a beautiful nature reserve, just a stone’s throw away from a large inland sea along the Mediterranean coast where flamingos are dotted around the beaches. TEXT: MYRIAM GWYNNED DIJCK | PHOTOS: CAMPING LA NAUTIqUE
La Nautique is also surrounded by picturesque fishing villages and acres of vineyards that produce the region’s excellent Corbières wines. Located nearby the former Roman stronghold of Narbonne and in the middle of the Cathar Country with its magnificent castles, there is also plenty to see for culture enthusiasts. “From fishing to wind surfing, sightseeing and wine tasting, there is something here for everyone,” says camping co-owner Miriam Malquier. But its location is just one aspect of La Nautique’s appeal. The family-run camping was set up in 1995 after the former neglected campsite was completely rebuilt. Starting with two stars when they opened, La Nautique now boasts four stars and has an almost endless number of facilities on site. “There is a bar, shop and restaurant, swimming pool and paddling pool, beach volleyball and tennis courts, ping-pong tables, mini golf site,
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football pitch, pétanque area, playgrounds and we have Wi-Fi covering over 70 per cent of the site,” Malquier says. The 16-hectare site has 270 normal camping pitches – each with private washroom, shower and toilet facilities – and 120 rental mobile homes. A unique feature of La Nautique is that every facility and several of its mobile homes and chalets are wheelchair accessible. “In 2005 we were the first campsite in the south of France to gain the ‘Tourisme & Handicap’ quality label. We also rent out wheelchairs, both normal and electrical ones and wheelchairs for in the water,” Malquier continues. During the high season, the camping hosts a range of daily entertainment and kids’ club activities, including night openings of the swimming pool, foam parties, ghost walks, live music and more. Six times a week in July and August, the camping’s mascots Charlie and Kiwi pick
up the children for the Cool Kids activities, for adolescents there are sports championships and adults can enjoy zumba, aerobics and aqua gym classes. Malquier concludes, “There is always something going on. All our activities are aimed at an international audience and we also always try to have speakers of Dutch, English, French and German on shift every day.” La Nautique is currently taking bookings for the 2015 season and will open on 1 March. www.campinglanautique.com