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Camping Le Deffay

France, Pays de la Loire
1 acre hosted by Camping D.
Peaceful, lakeside camping in the grounds of a classic 19th-century Breton château

How many of you have harboured dreams of staying in your own French country estate? Well, look no further than Camping Deffay. This peaceful, lakeside park lies in the sprawling grounds of a classic 19th century Breton château, four kilometres outside the pretty commune of Pontchâteau.

In the heart of the Brière national park, Camping Deffay makes its name as a central base for exploring some 154 acres of marshland lakes and islets. The region feels, in many ways, like one of France's last great wildernesses. That is until you marvel at the many thatched cottages which adorn the reed-lined waterways, and realise that the Brière is in fact a living snapshot of Brittany's rural history. Besides the park, Camping Deffay offers the ideal position for exploring the many delights of western France. From the vineyards of the Loire Valley, to the glitzy beachside bars at La Baule; from the medieval citadels of Guérande, to the vibrant Grand-Ouest capital of Nantes; Deffay is equidistant from any number of great days out.

But if a good old dose of r'n'r is paramount on your agenda, then you rarely need to leave this laid-back, lakeside hideaway. With brand-new wash facilities worthy of its four-star status, a cheap and cheerful campsite bistro and bar, plus delightful multi-lingual staff that are only too happy to help, this really is fuss-free camping.

The real draw here, though (and providing a handy division between the site's camping area and the smattering of statics and bungalows on site), is the lake. Guests are allowed to fish the waters and take the campsite pedalo out for a cruise, while flat, well-drained pitches sit right along the shoreline. You'd be hard pressed to find a more idyllic spot to pitch. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for the family of resident coypus on the lake's small island. You'll generally hear them before you see them, providing a soft, calling soundtrack to this quiet camping retreat.

Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Swimming
Natural features
Beach
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
More camping spots nearby
Location
France, Pays de la Loire, FranceTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Camping D.Joined in December 2015
From the host
This peaceful, lakeside park lies in the sprawling green grounds of a classic 19th century Breton château.
Nearby attractions

The Parc Regional de la Grande Briere (0033 240 91 68 68) boasts the Loire Valley's most diverse wetland bird population. Explore France's second largest marshland on a leisurely cruise in one of the iconic punts, or chalands. Or, if its beaches you're after, La Baule-Escoublac is regarded as one of Europe's finest bays. This south Breton resort is famous for its pristine 12km sands which attract the French upper crust every summer. Besides its casinos and luxury villas, La Baule also hosts one of the world's most prestigious show-jumping events, Grand Prix de la Ville de La Baule. The port of Saint-Nazaire is also close by – the scene for arguably the most daring allied raid of WWII, when British commandos ram-raided and destroyed the dry dock there. Some of Brittany's most historic towns and cities are also worth a visit including Nantes – home of the Château des ducs de Bretagne (0033 251 17 49 48) – and Vannes with its ancient city walls and timber-beamed houses.

Food and drink

There are plenty of excellent restaurants in the area. Le Clos de Mélanie (0033 240 88 08 39) is one of the closest and serves a pleasing menu of French classics. For something particularly sophisticated, Le 11 (0033 240 42 23 28) offers a vibrant set menu and they also have an artisan shop attached. Deffay's onsite eaterie is also a decent and convenient shout, though it only opens in high season from 7pm-10pm. The pizzas are particularly popular.

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