La Vallée Campsite, Houlgate, Normandy, France

Located within walking distance of a beach, La Vallée claims to be one of the premier campsites in Normandy. It has a selection of pools, and lots of on-site facilities, and some positive reviews from previous campers.

There is an on-site mini-market. The nearest large supermarket is about 10 minutes drive away.

Pitches and Accommodation

La Vallee has 372 grass pitches that are 80-100m2. Some pitches have shade, and some have a bit more privacy than others.

Tents are permitted (maximum of 6 per tent and one vehicle). Mobile homes also accepted (maximum of 6 per mobile home).

If you are staying with Eurocamp, then you have a choice of 2 or 3 bedroomed static caravans. These are well equipped and some have a decked terrace.

If you still want to stay in a tent, but don't want to bring your own, Eurocamp also provide their 'Classic Tent', which includes electricity, and either 2 or 3 bedrooms, plus patio furniture and a BBQ.

Alternatively, you could try a spot of glamping, and try their gorgeous Safari Tent.

The Safari Tents at La Vallee sleep 5 in two bedrooms, have a kitchen area (with fridge), wooden decking and furniture, and a heater (well, it is Northern France after all!).

Swimming Pools at La Vallee Campsite

There are four swimming pools overall: one of which is an outdoor toddler pool (max depth 0.6 m, with 2 slides), and another pool that's covered.

The outdoor pools are unheated; the indoor pool is heated.

There are also two separate small water chutes. One a small chute for children (kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult), and another fast slide (again, young children must be accompanied by an adult).

There's also a jacuzzi during high season.

**Note: There is a charge for a pool pass bracelet **. Also, as with many French pools, shorts style trunks are not allowed in the pool, neither are t-shirts nor inflatables, and children must be supervised by an adult. (Lifeguard is only available in high season).

On-Parc Activities

For the kids, there are 2 playgrounds.

La Vallee also organises children's arts and crafts activities during the summer (July - August), which is provided in French, English, and Dutch.

If you want to try something a bit different, then La Vallee also runs taster diving lessons during high season. These only last less than an hour, but if you have not done it before, then it's usually a good experience (and you soon learn that the aqualungs they sling around in movies are made of polystyrene!).

Cycle hire is also available (May-Sept), and even a BMX circuit on site. Child bakes are available as well as helmets, so no need to bring your own.

For sports La Vallee has quite a lot of facilities: 1 full-size asphalt tennis court, 5 table tennis tables, football pitch, 1 badminton court, 2 grass basketball courts, 1 volleyball court, and of course boules.

Archery is also available during the summer (July to August).

Although not officially mentioned, reviewers state that pony rides were available at La Vallee itself (10 minutes was around €2), and also a climbing wall was put on free.

Activities Near La Vallee

With the beach around 1km away (10-15 mins walk), there are also lots of activities that aren't too far either.

0.6 km away: Pony Trekking and Horse Riding

1km away: Windsurfing, Mini Golf

2km away: Rafting, Golf

4km away: Scuba Diving

15km away: Abseiling

25km away: Boat Trips

30km away: Canoeing