Narin Flanders and her family had visited Center Parcs half a dozen times before a single purchase made them reconsider. After a weekend break, her husband returned from the shop looking pale: 'I just paid five quid for two Fruit Shoots.' That moment, she says, marked the point they knew they could no longer justify Center Parcs' pricing.
After exploring UK alternatives like Haven and Parkdean, the family turned their attention to European holiday parks. Using ChatGPT to research driving in France, they booked a Eurocamp stay at Domaine des Ormes in Brittany for the May bank holiday. The result was so successful they are already planning a return trip.
Accommodation and Facilities
Eurocamp offers 400 destinations across 11 countries. Domaine des Ormes is set within 400 acres of French countryside, featuring woodland, lakes, a golf course, and a medieval castle. Accommodation ranges from camping to contemporary lodges, a hotel, floating cabins, and treehouses. The Flanders family opted for a lodge and were impressed by the amenities, including a separate bedroom for each child and complimentary wifi.
The lodge's interior was slightly more compact than Center Parcs lodges and lacked a television, but the family did not mind due to the emphasis on outdoor living. A large covered decking area featured an L-shaped sofa and dining table, where they spent most of their time enjoying temperatures up to 30°C. They ate meals, played card games, and watched outdoor film nights on a tablet.
Activities and Pricing
The resort's highlight is a spectacular aquapark with slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The children loved the zip line over the pool, which was free of charge. Elsewhere, a zip line across the lake cost just 6 Euros per person for two rides, significantly cheaper than Center Parcs activities. A 20ft climbing frame in the playground was another hit.
Additional paid activities include kids' clubs, archery, horse riding, and a circus (10 Euros per adult, 9 per child). However, the family found the pool, relaxation time, and dining out sufficient to keep everyone entertained without significant extra cost.
Dining and Local Shopping
Domaine des Ormes has two restaurants and two bars on-site, plus a well-stocked convenience store. The family's favorite was Chez Madeline, serving stone-baked pizzas and rotisserie chicken, with a children's menu at 10 Euros. Having a car allowed them to visit a Carrefour supermarket in Dol-de-Bretagne for cheese, meats, and salad. They also discovered excellent steak frites on the journey home.
Final Verdict
The family found driving through France less daunting than expected, with minimal language barriers. About half the families at Eurocamp were English-speaking, so the children quickly made friends. Memorable moments included the 12-year-old walking to the shop for breakfast croissants and the son's growing confidence on the climbing frame.
Narin concludes: 'Domaine des Ormes was large enough to keep everyone entertained, yet compact enough to allow precious family time. It was thoroughly worth the effort of stepping outside our comfort zone.'
Cost Comparison: Eurocamp vs Center Parcs
For a four-night stay starting Monday, July 20, a two-bedroom lodge at Eurocamp costs £975. A similar lodge at Center Parcs Woburn Forest costs £1,449. For October half term, Eurocamp is £289.64 for four nights compared to £1,699 for Center Parcs. For May half term 2027, Eurocamp is £786 and Center Parcs £1,599. Travel costs for the car on Le Shuttle start at £69, or £89 for Brittany Ferries.
