Huttopia La Plage Blanche

We had a good value tent stay here, and the river, forest, birds, and insects made it easy to relax and enjoy being outdoors. There’s plenty to do for families, from the pool and playground to basketball, football, kayaking, and hiking. The staff were lovely, quick to help, and spoke very good English. I also liked the artisanal beer and local products at the restaurant, though we didn’t try the wine. The camping was inexpensive for what you get, and I’d recommend it for the atmosphere and nature. We’d come back, hoping some things improve. Our pitch was messy and poorly prepared, with uneven ground and roots and sticks sticking out. The grass, bushes, and dead trees need attention, and the poor roads kicked up clouds of dust whenever cars or staff quads went by. Facilities could be cleaned more often. The restaurant needs more food choices, and the pool could use a better clean, more chairs, and umbrellas. The store could stock more groceries, toys, and souvenirs.

The river is the campsite’s main draw, but we found out too late that it was contaminated with blue-green algae. Our two-year-old developed a rash all over and a fever after our family had spent five nights here in August. Other campers told us about the water first. At reception, staff said the warning was on the website and supposedly in the booking email, but we checked and found nothing there. We saw no clear on-site warnings either, just small “No Swimming” signs at two beaches without explaining why. The owners made no effort to keep people, including children, out of the water. That puts guests’ health at risk, especially kids, and feels deeply irresponsible. I plan to check with local authorities whether it’s even legal. There’s no real shop, just a strange assortment of trinkets and a couple of warm white wines at reception. No cold drinks, beer, bottled water, or snacks. That’s a problem when the nearest small supermarket is 10 km away and you don’t have a car, so come with all your supplies and enough fridge space for the whole stay. There were trees around, but none by our pitch, which sat in full sun from morning to evening. With the river off limits, the only way to cool down in 34°C heat was the small pool, and it was always packed. That finished off an already miserable stay. We wouldn’t return, even if we were paid. At least our child recovered after a few days. I’d tell people to avoid this place, though that’s just my view. After management replied, we still had to say we saw no river warning before or during the stay, until we raised it at reception on day two, after our child was already sick. Management said guests who ask will get a clear answer, which is exactly the issue: you have to ask. The warning they said was in the booking email wasn’t there. If a notice exists on site, it must be very small or hidden, and we weren’t the only ones affected. I understand the business perspective of staying quiet, but I wouldn’t want to take that legal risk.

Everything else at the site was good quality, but being unable to swim in the river was a real letdown. Green algae there can cause a rash, and we only learned about it beforehand because of another Google review. Huttopia gave no advance warning, and the signs at the site were minimal. We wouldn’t have booked if we’d known.

It’s a peaceful spot with lots of birds, close to the places we wanted to see, and the staff were friendly. The pool was lovely and warm, though the other facilities feel tired. Getting in was awful, with deep potholes along the access roads, and the grass on the pitches was far too long.