The Orchard

Camping & Caravanning

SMALL, QUIET, RELAXING CAMPSITE SET IN RURAL FRANCE

OPEN 1st MARCH - 31st OCTOBER

Before we moved to France, our holidays were the most important part of the year. We know how stressful life can be nowadays so that's why we're offering you a peaceful haven where you can de-stress, relax and re-charge those batteries. Your holiday is important to us so let La Grande Vigne be the perfect choice for your break from everyday pressures. You can sit and relax, drink a glass of wine and watch the beautiful sunsets.

• No overcrowding – we only let 5 pitches at a time

• No boundaries or marked pitches - choose your own spot and spread out

• No grimy shower cubicles - clean, modern washroom

Our site is an easy drive from the N10 (approx. 5 miles) – no difficult roads to negotiate if you are towing. Ideally placed for one night stopovers on your way further south or travelling back to the ferry ports. The flat orchard measures 2300 square metres, is bordered by fruit trees and set in beautiful rural countryside. There are electric hook-ups fitted on both sides of the orchard with both 6 amps and 10 amps supply and a fresh water source installed on one side.

We are located on the outskirts of a village called Messé, between Vanzay and Sainte-Soline, about an hour’s drive from the beautiful and historic port of La Rochelle and 45 minutes south of Poitiers.  It’s a great area for a family holiday with plenty of things to see and do including Futuroscope (the famous futuristic theme park), the canals of ‘Green Venice’ in the Marais Poitevin, beaches on the Atlantic Coast, chateaux, wildlife parks, medieval towns, markets and amazing roman architecture including an incredibly well-preserved amphitheatre at Saintes. You can spend a very interesting day in Cognac, just over an hour's drive away, visiting one or more of the famous distilleries and sample the famous "eau de vie"- Hennessy, Martell, Courvoisier, Remy Martin and Otard. And of course the food is great wherever you go…!!

Facilities on site include a ‘proper’ heated washroom with shower, wash basin and WC and additional WC and washing-up area just outside, both with free hot water.  We also have a laundry room with washing machine and tumble dryer. There are barbecues available for you to use free of charge - just provide the charcoal, cook yourself a beautiful French steak and wash it down with a local wine.

There is an above-ground pool in a fenced and gated terrace area.  The pool measures 7.5m x 3.5m and is for fun rather than serious swimming. After a long, hot, sunny day, it is fantastic for cooling off. It has a raised wooden deck around one side for easy access. Chairs, tables, parasols and sun-loungers are provided for use on the terrace.  Within this area, we have laid a boules court for your entertainment - don't worry if you don't have your own set of boules, we have some you can borrow. Many a happy hour can be spent playing this traditional French game and if there is plenty of interest, we can organise a "friendly" competition amongst all the holidaymakers. There is also a dartboard located in this area. We have an extensive English book/video/DVD library plus indoor games and outdoor toys for you to borrow.

Bicycles for hire - we have 4 brand new adult bicycles for hire (see photo gallery) including helmets so that you can take in the surrounding countryside at your own pace. We can lend you a rucksack or two if you fancy a picnic! Or you could use them to bring back a bottle or two of wine from the local town.