Camping les Lavandes

We only stayed two nights, because a storm forced us to, and this just wasn’t the right place for us. There were cockroaches all over the campsite, which made it hard to keep them away from the tent and pack everything carefully. The campsite has potential, but it felt like the people running it didn’t know how to treat guests or keep them happy. The entrance tables are described as a common space, but you’re made to feel uncomfortable there unless you buy food or drinks. There are no tables or chairs by the pitches, so we ate on that terrace at first, then on the ground beside our tent after the “warm” welcome. The tables mostly seemed to be used by the owner and his friend, or for hanging their household bed sheets. Otherwise, they stayed empty. If you want customers, treat them like people first. No one wants to look at someone’s laundry. There was a grill, but it didn’t seem as though they wanted anyone to use it. There were no coals available to buy, and none in the local shops. The camping area is large and has lots of pitches, but there’s little greenery and no privacy between them. The bathrooms were acceptable, but not very clean. The one near our tent has only a single bathroom and gets crowded quickly, although there are more toilets by the entrance. Its shower also drained so poorly that we ended up washing in a puddle of dirty water. We did appreciate that they provided liquid soap and toilet paper, which is unfortunately a luxury at many campsites. The campsite is near a main road, so it’s not particularly quiet. There are some play structures, but after it rained overnight, they were too wet to use during the day. The owner kept reminding us that certain areas were “private” and “not insured,” so it was hard to let our two-year-old daughter explore. We understand that rules and private areas need to be respected, but some courtesy and hospitality should still be there, especially at a place that says it welcomes families.