Martigues, les Chalets de la Mer ****

There’s plenty of space between the chalets, which we really liked. Number 57 must be lovely in midsummer because it's so shady, though that shade was too much for us in autumn. Inside, the chalets are laid out well, with good equipment and lots of storage. The bathrooms, including their large showers, and the toilets were perfectly adequate. We only wished there were more room to move around the bed, and the bedding felt a little firm to us. The site is impeccably maintained, the welcome was very warm, and the staff were helpful.

The chalets are spacious, functional, and shady, though a bit dated. A facelift and some upkeep of the outdoor areas would help. We came home with some unwelcome guests! The welcome was perfect, but the village is so quiet it may not suit teenagers or young adults. There's very little entertainment, the site feels lifeless, and everything stops by 10:30 pm because neighbors complain. When it rains, there's no evening entertainment at all. You'll need a car to get around, and Carro itself is very quiet. Their other site is quite nice, especially the infinity pool with its sea view ;-) It’s much the same otherwise, except for a dance party at 11:30 pm. You still absolutely need a car, and the sites are only 3 km apart.

We had a fantastic two-week stay and were able to have our grandchildren with us. There were lots of squirrels, and the chalets were pleasant and well spaced. It's close to the port and beach, though shops are a 20-30 minute walk away. Nearby, there’s only a bakery and a small convenience store. It's a shame the green spaces weren't well maintained at the end of the season, especially around the play areas. All in all, it was a very good stay for us.

The pool was nice and clean, and the entertainment was decent, though basic. It dropped off a lot in the second week, after August 15th. The village bakery is excellent. But the campsite snack bar was disappointing: the staff were unfriendly and quickly overwhelmed, and the food was average despite affordable prices. This place may suit people looking for peace and quiet. The campsite is fully pedestrianized, which is good for children, but unloading everything on foot when you arrive is a hassle. The chalets look attractive outside but are old and not very clean inside. The kitchen equipment is basic, and the fridge is too small for four people. Beds were very uncomfortable. A car is essential: the supermarket is 20 minutes away, and the village shop is overpriced. The area doesn't feel summery at all, with no shops or stores and little holiday atmosphere. It's a quiet campsite.