Atlantic Coast Roadie 4: Yelloh Village Heaven

 28th June - 4th July: Arcachon & Yelloh Village @ La Grande Dune du Pilat

Monday morning rolled round, we packed the car and headed south, in the pouring rain, to Arcachon. I've heard a lot about this tourist trap over the time we've been in France so it was time to check it out. We'd actually booked accommodation further down the coast so it was only a quick visit for lunch and a wander (in the rain). You can imagine this place really going off in the height of the summer but the weather was certainly down playing its appeal! Lots of places were closed, but we found a little galette place which had "sans gluten" listed on their menu and managed to get a table. It seems we were truly in luck as the place ended up packed and they were turning folk away. Mondays in France, eh? The food was great and we walked it off with a wander along the water in the afternoon.

We had booked six nights at the Yelloh Village next to the Grand Dune of Pilat. They said we couldn't check into our accommodation until 4pm but we chanced our arm anyway, desperate to get in and get settled. Unfortunately, they couldn't let us check in early, but surprisingly, the wouldn't even let us on the site until 4pm. We were a bit annoyed. We reluctantly got back in the car and headed inland towards a lake that Iain had been to before with the rugby guys when they were on a reccy trip. It was a bit of an adventure on ridiculous back roads but there was a bar and a playground so everyone was happy. 

Finally, we headed back to Yelloh and checked in. After the initial impression, they needed to wow us, and I'm pleased to say that's exactly what they did. We were right on the Dune du Pilat; our cabin overlooked the ocean and we could sit and watch the pargliders; the kids club was open every day and although William was nervous about joining in at first, he realised it was brilliant; the pool was perfect for him with a flume and a water park area; the restaurant manager was super clued up about GF food and sorted me out every time we went; and it turned into the most relaxing six days we'd had on the whole trip. The photos just don't do it justice (particularly the ones of the sand dune)...

We would have no reservations about returning here; it really was that brilliant. But all good things must come to an end and on the Sunday morning it was time to pack the car for one last time and head home after 17 days on the road. 

Lorna :-)