Camping La Belle Etoile

We paid extra for the site's “cancellation without reason” insurance because the website made it sound flexible. It said we could cancel without giving a reason, but didn’t mention that this would only get us 70% of the cost back. When our plans changed, I called to cancel. The manager was rude and unprofessional, saying it was a lot of work for her and calling me “silly” for cancelling after booking. I was quite upset by how she spoke to me. The insurance company later confirmed that without a documented reason, only 70% of the booking would be refunded. The way this option was presented on the campsite's website gave a misleading impression, and the lack of transparency, along with management's poor response, means I can't recommend staying here. Customers should be told clearly that cancelling without a valid documented reason won't get them a full refund.

My German friend and I had a campsite reservation, but I found the reception experience extremely unwelcoming. I greeted the receptionist in English since neither of us spoke French. After asking for the booking name, she switched to German to speak with my friend, even though I was standing there talking to her in English. She didn’t say anything else in English or return my greeting. I believe it was because of my brown skin, and I found the treatment disrespectful and racist. It’s unacceptable for staff at a place tourists pay to stay to behave this way. I’d give the service zero stars and complain of discrimination based on skin colour.

Our two-room tent bungalow, listed on the campsite website as a “sweet cocoon,” was clean and quiet, with a handy little kitchen and fridge. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the toilets and showers were spotless, with hot water. It’s easy to reach from Paris without a car, just one train stop from Paris Gare de Lyon. The kids’ playground is great. Our two-year-old loved the trampolines and bouncy castle. We also enjoyed the warm, covered pool at the end of September, catching the last days of summer. Fontainebleau Castle and forest are very close.

The location worked well for us, about a 30-minute walk and then a 30-minute train ride from Paris. It’s a family-run campsite with around 200 pitches, plenty of activities for children, and lots of kids around. A couple of things to know: men need Speedos for the pool, as regular swim shorts aren’t allowed. For bread orders, bring cash or spend at least €5. Some of the sanitary facilities are dated, and the staff weren’t especially friendly.