Huttopia Douarnenez Huttopia

The sea, the beach, the waves! On a sunny day in Brittany it’s always the coast that seems to be calling. And, despite the cloak of trees that provides shade and a touch of wilderness to Huttopia Douarnenez campsite, the shimmering blue of the Atlantic is ever present. Sometimes you glimpse it glinting through the trees, other times it’s in full view – the on-site café and swimming pool, for example, boast unbroken views all the way across Douarnenez Bay. Wherever you pitch your tent, however, the sea is always just a short stroll away. La plage des Sables Blancs – imaginatively translating as ‘the beach of white sands’ – is just 400 metres down the path.

Spread across some 10 acres of light woodland beside the fishing port of Tréboul, 25 kilometres north of Quimper, Huttopia Douarnenez is a family-friendly campsite where tent campers still rule the roost during the busy summer months. Motorhomes and caravans come and go in their number, too, while, in the far corner, near to one of the campsite’s two large, modern washrooms, pre-pitched safari tents and gypsy caravans are available to rent, fitted out with separate rooms, proper beds and all the kit and caboodle you could need.

Run by the well-established Huttopia group, facilities are not lacking. Along with the heated swimming pool, there’s a playground, indoor games room and library, free Wi-Fi, a small shop and a bread delivery service. At quieter times of year there’s a self-service tea and coffee area, too. Yet, despite the organised fun of their ‘kids club’ and links with the water sports centre down on the beach, Huttopia Douarnenez still remains refreshingly laid-back and informal compared to Brittany’s big holiday parks. The campsite is wonderfully quiet – there’s no late-night discothèque and big group bookings aren’t permitted – while the rich foliage creates a green and natural feel.

From the beach you can hop on to the coastal footpath that wiggles its way around this rocky region of western Brittany. Or, if you fancy saving yourself the 35-kilometre walk, you can drive out to Pointe du Raz and enjoy the views from there, best appreciated on a windy day when waves thrash La Vieille lighthouse that perches on the headland’s outermost rock. Quimper, meanwhile, offers more urban distractions – a clutch of good museums, an excellent art gallery and stacks of fine French restaurants – though, for most, sticking to the surf, sand and seafood around Douarnenez is ample activity enough.