The views, then, are not half bad and from its spot in the centre of the countryside, Camping Chez Gendron looks across the Gironde valley to the distant river, 5km away. To make the most of the spectacle it’s best to go for a wander, as the camping area itself is dotted and shaded by shrubs, trees and mature vegetation that can sometimes block the view. It makes for a pleasantly green place to pitch your tent though, and the campsite has a relaxed, natural feel with only two hard standings in favour of more grassy camping spaces.
The facilities are precisely what you would hope for. Clean, well maintained and providing everything you need, but without the artificial clamour of a large commercial campsite. There’s a swimming pool and adjacent, shallower paddling pool, both overlooked by the campsite’s bar with a pleasant terrace for enjoying your glass of vino. Kids can enjoy games like volleyball or table tennis and, when they’re finally worn out, find a quiet spot by the tent to snooze in the shade.
The tourist information folk love to tell you about the city of Bordeaux, bustlingly urban Royan and the beaches of the west coast – all, admittedly worth their salt and within driving distance – but really the more modest local surroundings have their own quiet charm that deserves to be explored. Largely absent of people but full of rustling wildlife, heading out by bike allows you to enjoy this peaceful landscape. Vineyards, sunflower fields and pockets of woodland furnish the immediate vicinity, levelling out into flat marshy riverbanks along the Gironde estuary. It takes around an hour and a half to pedal to Blaye, home to a huge and fascinating military citadelle, open every day with free admission to the main area. It’s a great spot for a picnic too, making the ideal cycling daytrip.
The overall feel of the campsite, then, is much like the local wine it so proudly alludes to with its grand, oak-barreled welcome sign: natural, smooth, well-rounded and leaving a very pleasant aftertaste.