‘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 Hipcamp 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.