Huttopia Saumur
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In the past we have spent 10 days + on this site usually on the front Loire facing pitches. However a few years away and what a disappointing return. We decided to book one night as a stopover to see if the reviews were true and must say that as a whole the site standard is very poor. We checked in and were told which pitch to use but all the pitch numbers have been removed and we ended going up the wrong site road to be confronted with a dead end filled with mobile homes. After finally turning the caravan around we eventually located the correct pitch but as we were only there one night it seems an odd choice of pitch to place us on when there were others more accessible. The pitches themselves were mostly untidy with the grass uncut and in our particular pitch a large tree stump just visible above the long grass but potentially could have caused damage to the van if not seen when reversing.
We had a wander down to the front pitches where you were able to pitch and look out over the river with an uninterrupted view, for which you pay a premium, to find that where there was just a bench on the grass terrace below you is now a placement of "glamping" tents! Hardly the peaceful situation where all could take a seat and admire what I have always considered to be one of the prettiest outlooks one could find on a site anywhere. Admittedly the shower blocks have been revamped but I am unable to comment on the pool which we did not use but which looked the same as our last visit. We visited in the middle of June and whilst I remember it as a peaceful pleasant site with a good scattering of people around at this time of year on previous visits this time it seemed to be very empty & devoid of any holiday atmosphere. I sincerely hope that Huttopia can restore the sense of peace & tranquility and the high standards of before on this site but have a feeling that we will not look to return in the near future
Disappointing Site
The site has changed its name, but all direction signs still refer to Le Chantepie. We visited when it was hot and dry so the unmade roads were very dusty ( and when it rains will be very muddy) so car and van were covered in dust. There is no restriction on vehicle access so cars were coming back on site well after midnight to the numerous statics.
On the plus side the showers etc appear to have been refurbished and the pool area was clean.
The pitches were as mentioned in previous reviews, but a downside was that the newly installed electrical points did not work and had to use 50m of cable to reach a point. Despite reporting to reception it took 5 days for the supply to be connected.
Although not affecting us they obviously accepted a booking of a coach load of students for one night and because of the heat they of course were keen to use the pool facilities.
We have visited many sites in France and this is in need of some attention.
It was only on arrival that we were informed that there was no wi-fi anywhere on site. The staff we saw were all very pleasant.
not as it used to be
September 2016.
We stayed here 3 years ago and thought it the most wonderful site, so much so, we longed to return. Not anymore. As others have said, the maintenance is very poor, trees overgrown, pitches just muddy with little or no grass, discarded barbecues etc. The rubbish area had not been cleared for quite some time. The facilities were clean, but no hot water, despite telling reception three times, broken toilets and no soap. I believe it has changed hands and it shows. There are many very good sites in France that are much cheaper and offer far better facilities,so come on Caravan Club offer a better choice than this.
jonbee
Reviewed on 04/10/2016 16:05
We enjoyed our stay
We stayed for three nights in early September and were very happy there. Of course, at this time of year you almost have the place to yourself and being so quiet do not expect the bar, restaurant, etc. to be available.
I can understand some of the comment from those who have also been in the last few months, but the facilities are clean, the fully services pitches are a good size, and the girl in reception keeps a fridge full of chilled wine for sale.
If you have kiddies then the pool looks nice and there are play facilities for them. I would guess that in August the restaurant and bar are up and running, but it is going to be busy then. We might go back in June because we like it quieter.
OldNorton
Reviewed on 21/09/2016 16:11
Forlorn, needs TLC
We visited Chantepie in the second week of September so weren't expecting much in the way of facilities and we weren't disappointed! The place looks neglected, uncared for and offers very little. The staff were very friendly, when you saw them, but the whole site needs some serious overhauling. How it can rate as 5* is beyond me. The views are to die for and the pitches are generous but not tidy. It is peaceful. The sanitaires were OK. But, apart from a pathetic shop in reception, which has restricted opening hours, there is nothing. No bar, no pizzas only bread to order for the following day. We were disappointed and would not recommend it unless there were signs of serious improvement.
Chantepie not so good!
Stayed here for 5 nights, although paid for 6 as this is the minimum number of nights you can book in August. On the good side, the pitches were very large and you could choose sun or shade and for extra, one of the magnificent 'Loire View' pitches. The view is indeed breathtaking. However, on the weak side, we were disappointed with overall standards on the site. We like the 'natural' look but not overgrown and weedy. The pool area and children's play areas looked untidy and uncared for and staff were invisible. The so-called shop carried a few bare essentials only and even though it was mid August and still high season, shop and reception reduced their opening hours during our stay, the restaurant closed down and the bar was no longer open for coffee in the mornings, something a number of guests enjoyed taking on the bar terrace with that wonderful Loire view. What is going on? We really resented paying 5 star prices for a lower quality site with half the services missing. We will not be returning unless we start seeing some better reviews
Lilypig
Reviewed on 03/09/2016 21:19
Disappointed
5 star site...pffft I don't think so! We stayed her for 2 nights in July 2016, we were recommended the site my a friend, however the site clearly it's gone down hill over recent years, the pitch was overgrown, the trees were over hanging and unless very careful would have marked the van. The water and drainage are set for a continental van therefore we had to place the van nose in. The track to our pitch was overgrown and did cause light scratches down the side of the van!! The shop only had bare essentials; the pizza from the bar was good. The pool area was scruffy and looked tired, the outdoor pool was in need of a good clean, it was slippery, me and a couple of other fell when getting in, last autumns leaves were still evident. All of the flowerbeds were full of weeds and had not had any attention for a few years. The pond was filthy and full of thick green weed. We also had new neighbours in the middle of the night, they moved their tent due to noise from a couple of families staying in a static van, no attempt was made to ask them to respect the noise curfew. Will I return...never again, shame really 'cause the site has great potential to be high quality. It does however have a great view of the Loire Valley.
Chantepie
Visited late June. Have been a few times before in previous years. Site is in a fabulous location and the reception is excellent. Stayed for a week and has reasonable weather. France had just had the worst June for some time. The site has plenty of facilities for everyone and the atmosphere is good around the site. Having been before we noticed that the general tidiness and upkeep had deteriorated quite a bit since ownership was changed for this season. Out is the employment of capable disabled staff and well kept hedges, trees and grass and in was less visible staff, long grass, overgrown trees and bushes. Finding the water supply on the pitch was quite a challenge, and trimming back to get to it was necessary. Overall it made a good site look a little shabby. The bin area which is well enclosed with bushes and fences contained many overflowing bins for a number of days, fine when they were emptied after several days, unfortunately in the interim added to the feeling of neglect. The owners are keen to keep customers engaged, but should balance this with focus on the site appearance. It's a comparatively expensive site so that creates an expectation.....
First class but needs constant work
After reading one I r two of the recent reviews from fellow members, we thought we would l d add a further edition to our original review. We had booked chantepie in high season for the first time, reserving pitch L20 Loire view over a year ago with the owner David to ensure we got the best pitch on the site. Having walked around the site this afternoon I notice that over 80% of the pitches are very flat and over normal French pitch size. I should add it has not rained here for over 6 weeks so everything is hard and dry. Some pitches are in need know of some hedge trimming but come now, n o t much and on not many pitches. Our pitch on the Loire view was trimmed and mown the morning prior to our arrival. We are pulling a buccaneer cruiser so need a fair bit of room. We are 8 foot wide and over 8 metres long. We had no issues n o sing in on the mover. Some things are not as good as they were here over the poo sat two years. The flags, famous pig, goats and shop have gone since the great floods here last year. However if you want it, the bar, small snack restaurant and pool are very good, clean and looked after. As I say if you want a Loire pitch this I s not cheap. We are on a 2 month tour of France and stayed at chantepie for 8 nights. And I have to repeat, it's a very good first class site. You can't suit all the people all of the time, and let's face it guys, some of the older generation of the CC are pretty hard to impress if the c I st is over £5 a night. We have booked L20 already f o r next year and we hope you will a l so give this place a go and dissmiss some off the unfair comments. I challenge any members to visit chantepie, book a Loire view pitch and say they have booked a better view, pitch and site anywhere e l see in France.
Also disappointed-but has potential
Agree with Moonpig and Jive21. Our 1st visit (16th July). Good location though slightly further from St Hilaire than expected. Pitches tight, hedges and trees needed trimming. One branch broke off on top of the van. Staff helpful and friendly. Shop poorly stocked but that did encourage one to use the excellent Bistro. Had booked for 3 nights but left after 2.