From The Sunday Times
March 2, 2008

The 15 best campsites in France

Whatever kind of site you're after, Jonathan Knight, author of Cool Camping France, has been there.

Corporate camp sites, Euro-techno discos, communal Agadoo - the list of continental camping faux pas is longer than the Channel tunnel. Yet, contrary to popular belief, France is blessed with an enviable selection of small, characterful places for pitching up: clifftop camps with cracking views, remote farms tucked away in the countryside, lazy, shady riverside hang-outs and a bunch situated right on top of some great places to eat and drink. Just don't forget to leave room in the boot of the car for a case or two of the local wine on the way home.

LA BROUQUERE, Gondrin: you can't go wrong with a camp site in an old winery in the Gers that has only six pitches and the motto: 'Arrive as a guest and leave as a friend.' With a pool-cum-hot tub, a terraced patio, a gorgeous bijou home and fields and fields of vines and sunflowers, you've the makings of the quintessential French site. But the real attraction for gourmands is that this is foie gras country. Well, actually, the whole of France is foie gras country, but here you can visit farms that offer a tour of their pâté-production facilities and a sampling of all things duck. From omelettes and sausages to tarts and jams - you name it, there's duck in it. Add in a quantity of the locally produced armagnac and you'll be in serious need of a postprandial walk. Or maybe just a waddle.