Why Camping L’Ideal de Annecy was the ideal end to an ideal holiday!

With a name like Ideal, Camping L’Ideal de Annecy had a lot to live up to!

It certainly did. We were warmly welcomed by our Canvas rep, who immediately saved our bacon by providing us with a role of cellotape to wrap some presents for our son’s impending birthday! The Tohapi uniform confused me a little as I hadn’t previously come across the French branch of the company but the little ones were more than delighted to be driven to our caravan in a golf buggy!  

Camping L’Ideal de Annecy itself was beautiful, set in the surroundings of the French Alps just a couple of miles above Lake Annecy.  This site was much smaller than we had stayed at for the majority of our multi stop camping holiday but the first thing we noticed was how very well equipped it was for such a small site. On speaking to our rep, it became apparent that the site is owned by a family who spend large parts of the closed season updating and adding to the wonderful facilities. Situated on a slight hill, no matter where you are located you have a beautiful view as you leave your accommodation in the morning and it provides the perfect backdrop for alfresco dining.

Pools at Camping L’Ideal de Annecy

Camping L’Ideal de Annecy offered a pool complex with 3 pools, 1 of which could be closed off so it was indoor should the weather not be too kind; we saw a very energetic game of water polo being played here, one of the kids’ entertainment activities.   There were also several slides ranging from tiny to midsize which our 5 and 9 year olds loved (as did my husband).  The number of people on the site, partly due to its size and partly due to the amazing sightseeing and outdoor pursuit activities available in the local area, meant that the queues were minimal and you could finish one ride and run back up ready to go again. The splash pool this time contained a tipping coconut as well a mini lazy river and waterfall.  The children have really come to enjoy these, so it was ‘ideal’ – they weren’t disappointed.

The area was immaculate with guests required to remove their shoes and walk through a hygiene pool prior to entry.  There were also plenty of sunbeds to go around, with a roof top terrace for those who don’t need to keep an eye on the little ones, giving them some extra privacy and relaxation.

Accommodation at Camping L’Ideal de Annecy

The accommodation we stayed in was a 3 bed caravan which was well maintained and spotlessly clean.  We were also only about 1 minute walk away from the majority of the site, which was…ideal.  The caravan itself had 2 twin and 1 double bedrooms with full sized beds; much more comfortable than the majority of caravans we have stayed in in the UK.  Consequently, the living and kitchen area is a fraction smaller, however due to the adequate decking attached and the nature of our stay it was really only used for a bit of food preparation. There was however a corner style seating area with ample dining area, so, should we have needed it there was plenty of space to play and eat inside.

On this occasion the accommodation didn’t have air conditioning (I did miss it a bit) but we were provided with a large fan which provided adequate ventilation for our needs. It did get quite warm during the day but as mentioned earlier we spent very little time inside during the day and the site did cool down in the evenings.

What it did have, thank goodness, was a microwave, in addition to the hob, usual comprehensive kitchen equipment and ample sized fridge freezer. This meant that I could make my son a birthday cake, something we have been unable to do in previous years when staying in a tent (egg and dairy free cakes are hard to come by in shops.)

Food and Drink at Camping L’Ideal de Annecy

Camping L’Ideal de Annecy had both a restaurant, bar and a small shop. The restaurant itself was pretty large and very stylish. Again, we weren’t disappointed, with quite different tastes I ordered a pizza with walnuts, pesto, rocket and balsamic dressing whilst Ste tucked into a super meaty burger. Dan ordered a local dish of steak, egg, 3 cheeses, pasta and salad. He didn’t really know where to start but it all looked beautifully prepared and we were all delighted. The kid’s meals, ham and burger and chips were also a big hit. The staff were insanely busy but never made you feel rushed and dealt with our family’s dietary needs without any fuss.

One of the nicest things about the site was the feeling of safety; Dan took the little ones back whilst Ste and I ordered deserts which we were far too full to order but we give it our best shot! The range of ice creams was extensive and the Sundae I chose definitely big enough to share!

The on site shop at Camping L’Ideal de Annecy was basic and small but useful for fresh bread and croissants each day.  There were a number of other larger supermarkets within a short drive for the main shop. Lidl has been a staple in Europe, not somewhere I shop in the UK but great for a full shop including the usual middle isle treats; toys, sunscreen (we passed on inflatable boats and screwdrivers on this occasion!)

Entertainment at Camping L’Ideal de Annecy

Also offered by the site, the mini club ran from 10am until 12 and 3 to 5pm each day. The friendly staff entertained Emilie again, providing a welcome from the exertions of the pool and a break from her giddy brother. The kids club took place in a large barn type room which later held the disco and evening entertainment – it was Karaoke the night we ate out but there was a variety of options. The site was quiet at night too so despite that fact that we were relatively close to all the facilities it was never noisy and we were able to really wind down after a busy few days in Venice.  

There was also a large park complete with bouncy castle and kids’ gym style equipment, tennis courts, boules area, table tennis and a small games room, complete with racing games and pinball. Emilie could hardly believe her eyes when she realised there was a huge trampoline in the middle of a climbing area and bouncy castle with no one limiting her participation to 5 minutes or charging us 3 euros for the treat! There was also a free to use 18 crazy golf course which provided much amusement for us, at least until it got a bit competitive! We used this just as the reception area opened after lunch purely by chance but it was apparent that it did get busy as you’d expect. A great facility appreciated by all and families of all nationalities enjoyed the game together!

In addition, there were spotless and modern toilet blocks and showers with washing facilities which we made use of at €6 with €3 for the tumble dryer.

Things to do close by to Camping L’Ideal de Annecy

Around the site in the local area, there are an abundance of outdoor activities ranging from the sedate to adrenaline filled. Cycling is a big part of living in the region and again many people on site either brought their own bike or rented one from the site.   There was a well marked cycle route round the lake which pretty flat for the novice cyclist to many much more adventurous climbs, some of which have been seen in the tour de France across the years.

There are also numerous mountains to walk or climb.  We opted for the slightly more sedate chair lift up the side of La Sambuy.  I have to be honest and say I found the chair lift pretty scary but the views from the top were truly breath taking.  We also went on rides which simulated the luge and tobogganing which the kids absolutely loved, faster the second time was the key!

This was our last stop on our multi stop road trip and we have had the most fantastic time. I would recommend this type of holiday to anyone, even those with little ones. We found that despite the fact that our troop can barely make it 20 minutes down the road without asking for a wee, they would travel for hours at a time when we were clear about the plans for the day. Certainly, the promise of another fantastic site helped in the motivation alongside DVDs, multiple games of eye spy and a family favourite ‘I’m thinking of an animal’ a yes, no endless game!

Why Canvas?

• We stopped for 1 overnight on our way home at a budget hotel, comparable in price and we immediately missed the campsites, here’s why!
  • Immediate access to parks, pools, entertainment and general space to run around in the safety of a campsite is irreplaceable
  • Comfortable, spacious accommodation with all the equipment you need to cook and relax in your own environment.
  •  Unpack in minutes or leave your gear in the car just outside!
    • Note: If you fly there are a number of airports local enough to avoid taking your car or giving you the option to hire a car for short trips
• Knowledgeable, friendly and at times life saving reps who can’t do enough to help out. – Ours even helped with printing tickets to a last-minute trip to Euro Disney!
• You can do as much or as little as you want to. Relax, take it easy on sites or take advantage of the great locations, site seeing or thrill seeking through adventurous activities, theme parks and water attractions.

Finally, we’d love to hear about your camping trips, where did you go? What are your tips? Have an amazing adventure, we certainly have!