Spotlight On: Camping Neuville

Family Run Campsite near Le Mans.

Nestled between the River Sarthe and the well-kept village of Neuville, owners Martyn and Louise have cultivated an attractive campsite with a feel of nature and relaxation. Their hard work and eye to detail really pays off!

The pitches are large and separated by plenty of vegetation and natural materials. If you are travelling in a plus sized motorhome then you won’t have a problem here. Their XL pitches can accommodate groups up to 12 – great if you want to take all generations of the family. There are also pretty wooden chalets, so family members without caravans aren’t left out.

The owners have obviously been camping themselves and have thought about what we need. We didn’t stay in one, but the chalet has a pocket sprung mattress, cotton bedding and proper pillows. My in-laws would appreciate this touch of luxury on campsite accommodation! I also thought the pitch designed so you can drive on and not have to unhook, was a nice touch. Great for an overnight stop.

Open all year, it is in a good location to break up your journey, just outside Le Mans and not too far from a motorway exit. I think it is worth spending more than one night though, the local region is very pretty and warrants more than a stop over.

A typical day spent here could be exploring the countryside, on two wheels or by foot on one of the many local circuits, then back to the campsite for a freshen up in their shower block. Fresh flowers in the block are another one of Louise’s lovely touches. Wander the 5 minutes walk to the village to refuel with an evening ‘menu’ for 13.50 €, and relax over the 4 courses with wine or cider. Go say good night to the resident pigs, donkeys and chickens, then fall asleep to the sound of the river Sarthe. Sounds like a good day!

Or perhaps you prefer to just chill. Take a stroll 100 or so metres to the river (if you can manage that!), pop up to the village and admire the church, buy something off the butcher to throw on the bbq , then get comfy on your pitch. Settle down to watch the birds in the wide variety of trees that are all over the campsite.

If you are lucky and get a pitch with the log dividers, you may get to see some glow bugs at night too!