We are still here after booking for three nights on our first caravan venture abroad; wish I had read these reviews before we booked to stay.
On arrival all seemed ok and then we tried to find our pitch. The given map is not a reflection of the site and when we found our pitch “marked 11”, we later discover pitch 11A, very confusing.
The pitch: water on our pitch was turned off / broken taps, as were other points around our area, seems there are older water systems still in place but not serviceable. We were not advised of this so we wandered around several empty pitches to find water. Even the clearly marked main pipe was off / broken opposite pitch 9A. The pitches themselves are not level, and on one side of the road, they are up a two inch kerb. Moreover, they are all just loose scree and large stones. Do not try and get your awning up - even drill pegs were useless and didn’t bite, rather just churn up the scree. We persevered but after a day of rain, this scree is now stuck to our awning; if only I could upload the pictures.
The facilities on site are adequate but very tatty and dated. The gents has a very pungent urine odour and the roof was loose over the showers. These are hot, push button which is great, but they only stay on for 2-3 seconds! Swimming pool is ok, but no tables, chairs or loungers. Great laundry though.
The cafe pizzas are excellent, (€10-€14). First night we had two pizzas, a portion of chips and two beers for €37. However, a set menu for €15 each at Le Laurencin, 24 Rue St John was excellent. Menu in English too. We had Onion Soup gratin, braised steak and lyonnaise pots, sweet and wine for €37. You do the math on that one!
This site is very accessible of course and easy on/off the autoroute, which is its only saving grace. It is very busy with motor homes that arrive late and go early so some noise there. Overall it is very very tired and no money is spent keeping it neat and tidy. It’s as if you are in a time-wharp back to 1970. The staff are great though and eager to help.
Getting into Lyon is easy on public transport. A €6 ticket from reception will get you a 24hr all access ticket pass for the 89 bus to the train/underground station as well as the underground and the Lyon trams up to the cathedral itself, great value. NB - ON EXIT OF TRAIN AND TRAMS YOU DO NOT NEED TO SCAN / USE YOUR TICKET. JUST WALK THROUGH. WE SAW SOME ‘POST THEM’ IN WHAT ARE RUBBISH BINS IDENTICAL TO THE TICKET MACHINES).
In a nutshell, this is a one night, two maximum site and great for experiencing the lovely city of Lyon. Looking at a review from 2015 though, it is clear nothing has been done to the touring pitches. They are not akin to UK Club Sites which are five star, Camping Lyon two star max. Give it a lot of thought as to what you want if choosing to book here and do not stay more than two nights. Only use it for stopover or to visit Lyon. It is not a resort !
