Set on the southern fringes of La Brenne Regional Nature Park, Eco Glamping Lambertière is a hidden haven in the heart of south-central France's Limousin region. Helmed by lovely English ex-pats Joanna and Paul, this capacious countryside setting sees just two bell tents spread across a single open meadow surrounded by hedgerows and pockets of woodland. This amplitude of space is central to the beauty of a stay here. You never truly feel as if you're staying on a 'campsite' per se – more like you have discovered a secluded countryside clearing of your own (all the more achievable by hiring both bell tents for a truly private experience).
The bell tents themselves are the family-sized five-metre versions, sleeping four apiece (though an additional infant could easily be accommodated if necessary). Inside, the tents are relatively spartan with just a double bed, a pair of camp beds, and some drawers for storage. Bedding and pillows are also provided but you'll need to bring your own towels. Think comfy camping rather than the kind of super luxurious (some might say, sanitised) accommodation available at some of the more premium (some might say, pricey) offerings. Ultimately, in such a gorgeous setting, the bells and whistles and fripperies of modern technology simply aren't required here.
Eco by name and by nature, the glampsite's green credentials are evident throughout. A compost eco-toilet is provided and recycling is high on the agenda. An additional gas-powered shower promises hot water, while an outdoor kitchen-cum-dining shelter (made from up-cycled corrugated iron and local timber) comes equipped with a fridge, gas cooker, and hot water for washing-up. There is also Wi-Fi and electric sockets for charging devices. And those with an eye on food provenance will be delighted to know that organic veg boxes and meat can be delivered from the neighbouring farms.
Surprisingly for what outwardly seems a rather humble setup, Eco Glamping Lambertière punches above its weight in terms of onsite activities. Joanna is a glass and ceramics artist of some renown, and runs regular courses in stained and fused glass making. These one-day workshops are tremendously therapeutic, and all ages and abilities are catered for. Try your hand at creating a decorative stags head, cactus or lantern – the ultimate memento of your stay at this truly memorable Limousin hideaway.La Brenne Regional Nature Park is a vast wildlife-rich region dotted with over 2,000 lakes and innumerable bird and plant species. There are many swimming lakes in the area, with the closest just 8km away. It has a water slide and pedalos, with a lifeguard on duty for the afternoons during summer school holidays. CPA Lathus (0033 5 49 91 83 30) is an outdoor activities centre, just 25 mins drive away. They offer a wealth of experiences for all ages and abilities canoeing, kayaking, sailing, rafting climbing, orienteering, archery horseriding. A little under an hour's drive away, there's also Lac de Saint-Pardoux and Lac d'Eguzon with canoeing, kayaking, sailing and more. The state-of-the-art Futuroscope Theme Park (0033 5 49 49 59 06) is around an hour and a half away and features interactive screens, exhibitions and 3 & 4-D cinema and IMAX screens. A little over an hour away, you'll find primate park La Valleé des Signes (0033 5 49 87 20 20) an amazing up-close experience with apes from all over the world.
The nearest bar-restaurant, Le Relais Saint Martin (0033 5 55 68 74 48), is a 10-minute walk away. A popular place for dinner, booking is essential and Joanna is happy to help arrange. A little over 10 mins drive away at Mondon, you'll find Le Repos Restaurant (0033 5 55 76 01 24) a lovely lakeside spot for a beer in the sun or some cracking fish and chips. The local boulanger calls by the site 3 days a week, selling freshly-baked bread & patisseries. There are another 2 bars 5km away, together with a mini supermarket, tobacconist, pharmacy, post office, and bakers with several larger supermarkets within 30 mins drive. Organic vegetable boxes can be delivered from the local organic farm (prices start from €12) and locally-reared beef from the neighbouring farm (5kg minimum order – this must be pre-ordered).