Sunelia is a group of likeminded French Campsites who have joined together to promote themselves to those looking for accommodation to rent in high quality mobile homes, chalets etc
They are to be found not only in the holiday regions popular with British visitors such as Brittany, the Atlantic coast, the Pyrenees, and the Mediterranean but also in some of the lesser known countryside areas, such as the Correze, Auvergne , Aveyron and the Tarn, which have recently been discovered by those seeking a "real taste of France".
Sunêlia campsites are either 3 or 4 star and have been quality graded by the regional prefecture system which is similar to the Tourist Board Star ratings used in the U.K. They also participate in a Quality Charter scheme 'Camping Qualité' organized by the National Federation of Campsites and the Ministry of Tourism which complements the star rating. One can therefore be assured of consistently high standards across all the sites, including well trained staff, many of whom speak English.
The group is also committed to encouraging sustainable tourism and takes part in the "La Clef Verte" Scheme which identifies and rewards initiatives undertaken to encourage a greener environment, such as recycling, composting, and tree-planting.
The group has also gone further in identifying sites for those who want a quiet holiday, as well as for those who enjoy lots of activities and entertainment.
Some sites are identified as 'Club Sites' providing what they call their 'summer party atmosphere' with something for all the individual family members, including teenagers, which provide a range of sports, water sports activities, and entertainment including night life.
By contrast Sunêlia 'Zen Sites' are quiet family orientated sites providing more peaceful evenings where the entertainment is geared to the family as a whole while encouraging activities such as walking, cycling and swimming and opportunities to pursue hobbies such as bird watching.
The experiences you have enjoyed on holiday stay with you when you return home and the Sunêlia group tries hard to introduce you to the local culture and encourages you to explore, taste and try the French way of doing things. For example the French love their ‘dégustation’ which is tasting or sampling whether it be wine, cheese or oysters etc. You can learn a lot and bring goodies home to enjoy and show off to your family, friends or the neighbours!
You also get a chance to talk to the locals, many of whom will enjoy trying out their English while you get a chance to air your French. Opportunities to visit the local potteries, craft centres and other places of interest are provided and encouraged.
You can find out about local Fêtes, be they 'Soirée Jazz' , 'Fête de la Bière', 'Foire du Miel' or 'Ferias' (Bull Fights) from the main Sunêlia French web site. There are 44 pages of such events covering dog shows, equestrian events, boats, foods, fishing, arts and crafts, painting... you name it and they probably have it. You will find the nearest campsite to each event flagged up and although this may be in French it is quite easy to understand.
The sites themselves are very good at organizing walks or excursions to visit the local chateaux, vineyards or other places of interest, ranging from waterfalls, gorges or zoos to amusement parks, and they also provide a wide range of Tourist material and are invariably happy to answer your questions and suggest places to visit. The site owners know their local area and they are proud of it. They also provide daily activities, competitions, games, shows, musical events and ‘spectacles’ many of which are orientated towards children. Most of the Sunêlia sites have impressive swimming pools with whirlpools, saunas, massage centres, gyms etc. The French love their spas or 'stations thermal', and all types of water massage so if you get the chance why not give it a try?
To make the most of your time in France you must 'taste and try' – in other words "get involved". The Sunêlia group provides you with many opportunities. Make the most of it and enjoy life the French way.
