We arrived at Calais after our journey through Euro Tunnel Terminal on La Shuttle at around 1.00 pm after a relaxing 35-minute journey. Ahead lay a two-hour drive to the Berny-Rivière, Paris and our destination La Croix du Vieux Pont Eurocamp.
The views
Day 1
We arrived at the park reception where we booked in. The staff where really keen to let us know what was on for the week ahead places to go and things to do both in the camp as well as outside the site.
They provided us with a map of the site showing our location and how to get to our mobile home. The place was buzzing and by the looks of it the weather had been really good, lots of tanned holidaymakers enjoying themselves
We drove round to our mobile home with our two sons and our daughter keen to check out our accommodation as well as grab the best rooms.
Our home had three good sized bedrooms, a well fitted lounge/kitchen area, a shower room while outside there was a large decking area with table and chairs, as well as sun loungers, you couldn’t want more, everything was there.
kids sorted out their rooms unpacked grabbed the beach towels and just disappeared. We stayed, unpacked sorted out our room then just lazed on the loungers on the decking area in front of our mobile home. With all the driving done for the day enjoyed a glass of wine while we took in our surroundings around our accommodation.
For our first evening we decided to have a BBQ, there was a gas one so we had no messing around trying to get it lit. We had brought food from the UK so on it went, it appears that lots of families had the same idea from the cooking smells coming from the neighbouring homes.
When the kids came back, they had been down to the ‘lagoon’ a fresh-water lake with its own sandy beach. They also checked out the other swimming pools at the parc. Now they just wanted to come back, eat, and then continue exploring.
After a few glasses of wine and our dinner we decided to go and have a walk around and see for ourselves what was there. Everyone was so nice and chilled and from chatting to visitors we knew we were in for a good time.
On the way down to the centre of the Parc we passed some large wooden lodges which looked spectacular set amongst the tree’s, two storeys high with upper balconies and great views, they were really cool, the kids said next time we should stay in one.
We went to the pub to have a drink there appeared to be a pizza restaurant opposite with lots of people eating and drinking inside and outside and with it being so warm many were outside. One thing noticeable was the kids had total freedom here it must be that safe.
So much to do, indoor football pitches, table tennis area, a huge park area with swings and slides and bungee jumping frames. Then there was, a fabulous indoor-outdoor swimming area consisting of three pools, a jacuzzi, two giant water slides, toddlers pool, and an artificial river walk. There were restaurant’s and eateries all set on the hillside. There was even a Canopee which is similar to Go Ape, this is situated off site but the camp run a daily bus service to and from the facility.
On our way back to our accommodation we found the onsite shop and the bakery, I did find out there was also large local supermarket 15 minutes away so we would not go hungry.
Back at the chalet we sat outside on the deck area, chilling waiting for the kids to come back, we had no internet no tv just us our books and a bottle of wine, it was so nice just to be able to relax, talk, and play cards.
DAY 2
Next morning, we had breakfast on the decking it’s like a big extension to your mobile home, then we all walked down to the Lagoon pool, a large , passing a large lake with giant swan shaped peddle boats to take out on the lake.
At the pool the sun was shining the water looked so inviting. Our kids had a list of what they wanted to do so there were lots of activities for free and you could get involved with water aerobics that sort of thing. The kids all wanted to try the tree climbing and the zip wire at Canopée.
That evening the kids voted to go for the pizza restaurant, great food reasonable prices. The kids wanted to say around the bar for the free Wi-Fi, typical kids and their phones catching up with their mates.
Day 3
The next day and a different pool this one seemed to be more for the adults so the boys went playing football and our daughter went chilling round the Lagoon with a couple of friends she had made, while we chilled by the pool knowing that they would come back when it was time to eat.
After a few hours, they arrived back having finished their activities we all met up at the pool area which is really warm and tropical before we all returned to our Chalet. We opted for a take-away and sent them off to get pizza and garlic bread and sides.
After lunch the lads returned to their football while our daughter and her friends all spent the rest of the day at the pool.
That evening we all went to the onsite rest restaurant and enjoyed a late night of French cuisine, and I must say the food and drink was stunning.
We had decided to take the train into Paris the next day to see all the attractions that the capital had to offer so it was off to bed as we had an early start.
Day 4
Next day it was a case of early to rise, grab breakfast and drive into the town of Compeigne were we parked the car and boarded the train to Paris Gare Du Nord Station.
After a 40-minute journey we arrived at our destination, so it was out onto the streets of Paris our first destination about a twenty minute walk The Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica in Paris at the summit of the butte of Montmartre. We had lunch and coffee in a Paris Bistro, before heading over to the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile, then jumping a bus to the Eiffel Tower. Then it was off to the Louvre and a look at the Mona Lisa.
Then pretty much exhausted it was back to the station to catch our train back to the campsite feeling fully ‘cultured out’.
That evening was spent listening to live music at Lagoon’s Beach Bar Terrace and drinking cocktails and beer - what could be better way to unwind after a great day out swinging through the trees?
The next few days, we just spent unwinding, enjoying all the Parc facilities, recharging our batteries, enjoying the freshly baked bread and pastries from the onsite bakery, and sunbathing around the pool. The kids I think I can safely say tried out and enjoyed virtually every attraction available from, canoeing, fishing, tennis, volleyball, karting, crazy golf, (there is also an eighteen-hole golf course nearby),and football, to name a few, only appearing when we had the barbeque on the go.
The next few days, we just spent unwinding, enjoying all the Parc facilities, recharging our batteries, enjoying the freshly baked bread and pastries from the onsite bakery, and sunbathing around the pool. The kids I think I can safely say tried out and enjoyed virtually every attraction available from, canoeing, fishing, tennis, volleyball, karting, crazy golf, (there is also an eighteen-hole golf course nearby),and football, to name a few, only appearing when we had the barbeque on the go.
The food was beautiful, the steaks, the fish, all mouth watering and the sweets were ‘to die for’ and the service was second to none. After feasting so well we sat outside enjoying cocktails well into the night, as the kids went playing pool or table football in the games room.
The final day, in the morning we took a walk in the countryside around the parc then spent the rest of the day poolside.
About the Parc
La Croix du Vieux Pont has four pools, including one with a retractable roof and an outdoor pool. Add friendly bars and two restaurants, one overlooking the pool, plus a whole host of sports and activities like canoeing, tennis and karting, the whole family is sure to have a fun filled holiday. And with Paris an easy day trip away, what’s the chance that you’ll want to take in the sights there, too?
Another great thing about the parc is that they have kids clubs which they can go to for free so again the adults can enjoy a bit of time by themselves knowing that their children are being entertained and looked after.
The kids have got me already booking again next year, they are even wanting to go back to the same parc that’s how good it was. I would definitely recommend a holiday like this, great fun lots of families enjoying themselves in a totally safe environment. I would definitely recommend it
For More Information click here
There is also a twice weekly coach service to Paris and Disney Land Paris as well as regular bus services to Canopee and the offsite Golf course details from the site staff.
Tagged in Holidays