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Domaine de la Barbanne, F 33330 St Emilion, Tel 05 57247580.

To find site:- From the Libourne bypass, D1089, take D243 towards St Emilion. When you get to St Emilion, at the roundabout turn left onto the D122, after about 3 kms turn right and follow signs to the campsite. Do not attempt to tow through St Emilion as roads both steep and narrow.

Camping Domaine de la Barbanne is situated a just north of St Emilion and is surrounded by vineyards. The site has around 160 mainly touring pitches of varying size. Some are longer than they are wide and some have trees in the main body of the pitch which can make access a challenge, although usually not a problem if you have a mover. There is special provision for motorhomes with pitches that have a strip on hard standing. Pitches seem to be allocated on arrival. Water points are quite numerous. Electric points are rated at 10 amps but most require Continental 2 pin connectors, although there are some CEE17 connectors on a few bollards. Best to check for reverse polarity. The site has many mature trees which can make satellite reception difficult. There are two toilet blocks with good quality facilities. One block has a mix of seated English toilets and a small number of Turkish style toilets, both have paper provided. In Reception there is a small shop selling bread and essentials and a selection of the local Chateau wines, apparently at the same price as the vineyards. Near to Reception is a nice swimming pool complex. The site has a small restaurant which includes a takeaway. At the rear of the restaurant is a room which contains a television but is mainly used for accessing the site WiFi. Prices are reasonable but the system does not cope very well with the amount of use which slows it down sometimes frustratingly to a complete stop. The ACSI book claims 80% coverage for the WiFi but I don’t think this is correct. At one side of the site is a lake that can be used by canoes and pedalos as well as fishing. There is also other equipment that can be hired from reception. In the low season the site accepts the ACSI discount card and there are extra discounts for longer stays. Date of visit mid September 2010. Whilst on site another camper said that the site had changed hands recently which could mean future changes.

The main advantage of this site is its location in the famous wine growing area of St Emilion and the delightful town of the same name which is well worth exploring. The nearest supermarkets are about 5 miles away.

Click on thumbnails below for a larger picture.