CHÂTEAU LA FORET ^{* * * *}

This is our fourth (and probably final) stay at Chateau La Foret for a while. For 2019 we were now expected to wear the obligatory "bracelets/bands" - the reason we were told at reception was to stop non-campers using the pool, but the irony is is there is NEVER anyone monitoring the pool to see who is/isn't wearing the bracelets! Over the years we have seen small improvements in the pool area - new lining and steps for 2019 was a surprise. But still the same problems of people abusing the slides (indoor and outdoor) can make it less fun for everyone. The indoor slides need their own exit pool so the people on the slides don't land on the swimmers in the pool. It is in the middle of a field so has scope to become a much bigger waterpark type affair - obviously that would be a major capital project!

The pitches, on the whole, are spacious and clean and tidy. Standard pitches have water and electricity - sometimes you have to pop through the hedge to the next pitch to connect up. Some of the pitches can been very dusty (no grass) if it's been very hot. Also, where there aren't tarmac'd roads, great dust clouds are kicked up by vehicles not adhering to the 5mph rule (especially the sites own cleaning staff in their golf buggies!).

The bottom end toilet block needs some serious tlc.... the showers are still leaking into the toilet cubicles meaning the floor is often very wet. This hasn't changed in the two years we have used that toilet block. There is frequently no handwash or paper towels to dry hands - this has been an issue every year we have stayed in all the toilet blocks/courtyard toilets. We stayed at a 5* Yelloh site at Easter and the difference in standard of toilets/showers was staggering.

There seems to be an increasing issue with lack of staff - especially at the bar and reception and often have to wait a while to be served.

We loved cycling to the little boulangerie in the village everymorning to get bread etc. There are a few cycle trails that run from the site but often involve crossing the (sometimes very) busy D12. It's about a 20 min drive to lots of beaches, and, unlike most of the UK - there is masses of parking and it's FREE!!! There is a fabulous bike trail that runs along the sea/beachfront from St Gilles Croix de Vie to les Sables D'Olonne - mostly really flat and lots of places to pick it up with parking so you can choose to do as much or as little as you like.

Obviously the biggest selling point is Le Grand Defi adventure park on site - it is amazing. My youngest did this when she was 3 and is now on green level and the eldest is on blue level - they keep adding and changing the trails so there is always more challenges to tackle. You get a small discount for being a camper at the Chateau. An amazing day out, if you can, take someone to take photos as you need to see it to understand how fabulous the tree courses are .

The children have enjoyed the Kids Club and made many new friends over the years. There are a variety of events happening most days, both during the day and in the evenings for all family members.

Overall I think it is quite a basic site, but in a lovely location with all the trees. It is mostly English visitors, a smattering of Dutch, Irish , Belgian and German guests too. The pitches are built around the old forest so most have some shade provided by the very old oak trees. If you have a large van (over 8m) or a twin axle it's probably best to contact the site about recommended pitches before you arrive so you don't end up in one you can't get in or out of!

We had a wonderful 6 days / nights with you again this year. Just a few minor points :
- Shower cubicles seem very small. If there were a few larger family cubicles, it would make it easier with small kids.
- Hot water was often not available in the main toilet block.
- The adult swimming pool is fantastic, water is clean, very peaceful BRAVO. I finally found an hour (without kids) to visit this on my last day of holidays. However, for families with kids where nearly all the time is spent at the other indoor swimming pool, this seems to work against us i.e. instead of all the kids in the campsite being divided over the 2 x pools, many kids are all concentrated in a single pool. The noise level in the indoor pool when busy is not pleasant, and the water quality seems poor (compared to the pristine outdoor pool). I have also been concerned at the positioning of the water slide. Frequently people swim across the bottom of the slide unaware that someone is about to land on them. Usually the exit of a water slide would be cordoned off for safety.
This is not a criticism of your wonderful campsite or staff. I am just trying to give some constructive feedback.

Great site - not too large. Friendly, helpful staff. Outdoor for adults is a huge bonus when you are travelling without children. Mobile home was fine, if a little dated. Told reception we were missing the sun umbrella - never did see one and we were staying for 2 weeks!

Magnifique cadre pour ce camping qui est idéalement orienté vers les familles avec jeunes enfants
Sanitaires propres et espaces disponibles pour se détendre

Emplacements spacieux mais malheureusement sanitaires pas a la hauteur, une renovation serait judicieuse surtout au niveau des portes bleues et au niveau de la temperature des douches qui varie selon le nombre de personnes qui se douchent en même temps que vous .
Les animations sont trop répétitives d'une semaine à l'autre . Nous n'avons pas compris pourquoi certains faisaient du barbecue feu de bois alors qu'il est précisez interdit sur le réglement .
Une clientèle peu respectueuse au niveau des sanitaires et au niveau de la salle de jeu