Camping Echo Du Malpas

The best part was the riverside setting. Our five grandchildren, aged 8 to 14, spent their days on the Dordogne, which felt safe for swimming, paddle boarding, and drifting on rings. We came as three generations and stayed in a chalet, caravan, and motorhome. Getting the latter two to our pitches was difficult because the track was steep and in poor repair, and the pitch electricity kept dipping or tripping. The outdoor pool was a big letdown for the children. The slides, which had helped persuade us to book, were out of order and looked as if their pump had been removed ages ago. The pool itself seemed clean, but leaves and twigs left around the edge made it uncomfortable to walk barefoot. The indoor pool was okay, though the jacuzzi was out of order too. Other facilities felt inadequate. The bar was meant to open at 5pm, but getting a drink involved fetching Muriel from reception to serve through a hatch on an unwelcoming terrace. The indoor seating, play area, and conservatory were being used for storage, and there were no refreshments before evening. It wasn't somewhere we wanted to spend time socially. We also booked a canoe trip through the site. The student in charge was a seasonal worker and didn't take much care sizing the children's life jackets or explain the river. The Dordogne is generally very safe for canoeing, but after we capsized we learned there are several stretches of rapids, including one tricky but “exciting” section. Our boat went over there, and we helped a canoe behind us after it capsized too, pulling a mother and her canoe from the water. The Dutch family were shaken but safe. They were staying elsewhere and had at least been warned beforehand. We came with family for a holiday across three types of accommodation. The site is family owned, and Muriel and Christian work hard and are friendly, with what seemed to be just a couple of seasonal staff helping them. They also seem very stretched. The place looks shabby in several areas, with clear signs of underinvestment. It seems to have aimed for a four-star holiday camp, but I'd give it three stars at best. With a more honest description before arrival, we probably wouldn't have booked, despite the fabulous location.