Huttopia Etang de Fouché Huttopia

‘Campez comme vous aimez’ is the motto at Etang de Fouché campsite, a 20-acre plot on the shore of a long, narrow lake fed by the River Arroux. It’s the sort of campsite where you would expect them to have a motto. A team of staff keep the place in working order, rather than family campsite owners, and the space has well over 100 pitches, each numbered and marked on a map. Yet despite this somewhat more commercial feel than most Cool Camping recommendations, it still maintains a thoroughly family-friendly atmosphere and feels a far cry from the euro holiday park scene. ‘Camp as you like’ is the direct translation and it seems to fit the bill. There’s something for everyone here.

The best pitches are those spread along the waters edge, thankfully reserved for traditional tent campers – so if you’re brining your own tent make sure you ask for one of these spots. There are also electrical hook-ups for campervans, caravans and tent campers who want a little extra power for their blow up beds, while pre-pitched ‘glamping’ options include wood and canvas tents, chalets and roulottes. All are serviced by no fewer than four family-friendly wash blocks, with baby changing facilities, disabled access and covered washing up areas outside.

The reception block is the centre for all the other facilities. There’s a heated swimming pool, playground, table tennis, volleyball court and boules pitch, plus an onsite restaurant with terrace. Inside the reception building, you can also order freshly baked baguettes and croissants for the morning and rent bikes for a day pedalling around the lake and beyond. Indeed, despite the heated pool, it’s the lake that soaks up most of your swimming time. A sandy beach slopes into the water – safe for swimming and life-guarded during peak season.

Beyond the campsite boundaries, you can cycle or walk easily into the town centre of Arnay le Duc – with all the needed amenities – while some of Burgundy’s most famous vineyards are also within pedalling range. Nuits-Saint-Georges and Pommard both offer tours and tastings. You could take a bottle of plonk back to the campsite with you too. You are on holiday after all.