Camping Les Bains, St Honore-les-Bains (Calais 370 miles)
 The town of St Honore-les-Bains is just a tad off the beaten track. The nearest town that you might have heard of is Decize, or failing that, Nevers.
Looking at a map which shows all the larger towns in France, it’s about half-way between Auxerre and Nevers, a touch to the left! The easiest route from the Channel is down the A26 to Troyes, over to Auxerre, then across country til you get there; but the last bit is seriously rural, and feels like the journey is taking forever!
But despite the journey, the place is worthwhile. The Spa town of St Honore-les-Bains is charming and peaceful, with a selection of small shops and a small supermarket - not very super, at that. The nearest place for serious shopping and supermarket priced petrol is probably Luzy, to the south, while Decize, to the west, is larger. It is certainly a good place to amble around, but there is - true to the Spa tradition - a casino, if you feel so inclined! This comes complete with men in very black suits standing outside; but the ones we saw were a bit too weedy to get into Bond films.
Camping Les Bains is on the way out of town on the Vandenesse road (D106), past the Casino. The entrance is on the left heading out, and could be a bit tight if you have a big outfit, but once you’re inside and near reception, there’s just enough room to nudge over to the left while you book in. In 2005, the receptionist’s English was workable, but the lady owner was a determined non-speaker of the wicked Anglais! But she was very charming, knew exactly what you wanted, and there was never a problem. Her husband was also a cheery soul, and despite his lack of our tongue, and vice-versa, he made every effort to understand our pidgin french.
In June, the site had plenty of space. You’re put rather firmly on a pitch, but it is negotiable in the end. Pitches vary in size, but all are adequate; and the shower/toilet block was very clean and well-maintained. There are also some gites on site, but not occupied during this early season for the French. The pool and play area was very clean and tidy, as was the cafe.
The site was generally quiet and peaceful, with a mix of nationalities. It might be a little louder in peak season, but I have the feeling that madame wouldn’t take too kindly to a lot of noise . . . Other English visitors, staying for longer than us, said it was an ideal site for a restful chill-out.
A good place to stop and stay for a relax.
We booked the site and Eurotunnel through the Caravan Club. The outfit was a Nissan Almera + Gobur Carousel 10/2, and the trip date was June 2005.
Chris Gosling; editor |
