Narin Flanders and her family decided to swap Center Parcs for Eurocamp after a costly experience at the UK holiday park. The turning point came when her husband paid £5 for two Fruit Shoots, prompting them to seek a more affordable alternative. After researching on parenting groups and using ChatGPT for driving tips, they booked a stay at Domaine des Ormes in France for the May bank holiday. The result was so positive that they are already planning a return trip.
Accommodation and Facilities
Eurocamp offers over 400 destinations across 11 countries. The family stayed at Domaine des Ormes, a 400-acre site in the French countryside with woodland, lakes, a golf course, and a medieval castle. Accommodation options range from camping pitches to lodges, luxury hotels, and even floating cabins. They chose a lodge, which included a full-size fridge freezer, L-shaped sofa, dining table, and two separate bedrooms for their children. Unlike Center Parcs lodges, there was no TV, but free WiFi was available. The highlight was a large covered decking area with outdoor furniture, ideal for al fresco living in the 30°C heat.
Activities and Pricing
The resort's main attraction is a large aquapark with slides, a lazy river, and wave pools, included in the price. The family spent hours there daily. Zip lines over the lake cost just €6 per person for two rides, significantly cheaper than Center Parcs. Other activities included a 20ft climbing frame, kids' clubs, archery, horse riding, and a circus (€10 per adult, €9 per child). The family found that pool time, relaxing, and dining out were enough to keep everyone entertained without extra costs.
Dining Options
Domaine des Ormes has two restaurants and two bars, plus a convenience store. Chez Madeline served stone-baked pizzas, rotisserie chicken, and a children's menu at €10. The family also drove to a Carrefour in Dol-de-Bretagne for supplies and enjoyed steak frites at a local restaurant, which they described as one of the best steaks they had ever eaten.
Price Comparison with Center Parcs
According to the article, a four-night stay for a two-bedroom lodge at Eurocamp starting July 20 is £975, while 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 at Center Parcs. May half-term 2027 is £786 for Eurocamp and £1,599 for Center Parcs. Travel costs for the ferry or Le Shuttle start at £69–£89.
Final Thoughts
The family found the experience rewarding, with minimal language barriers and many English-speaking families. Memorable moments included the child buying croissants from the shop, bartering for hair clips at a market, and the son's growing confidence on the climbing frame. Narin concluded that Domaine des Ormes was large enough to keep everyone occupied yet intimate enough for family time, making the effort to step outside their comfort zone worthwhile.
