Camping du Bois de St Hilaire — Hotel in Poitiers

We read the reviews and made a booking. Our children were super excited. The positives are the booking process was easy, correspondence with the owners very good, and it was easy to find so all good? First impression as you pulled up it looked tired, some describe as basic but it needs a lot of love? We met the owners wife and the cat and she was totally lovely, check in super easy and relaxed, so relaxed forgot to give us the key, Yes it’s in a woodland literally and it’s very very basic, but it’s ok? The safari tents are amazing from the outside and if you want to stay here I suggest that’s the way forward! I would avoid the caravan it looks shocking? We booked the Yurt for a spot of glam ping we are seasoned campers and wanted a bit more luxury and my feedback focuses on that. So We booked the Yurt and on first impression looked ok bit small but fine! Jumped out of the car Henry arrived obviously been working hard as he was grafted and went and got the key. Sun was shining so it seems good, sadly that’s when it all goes wrong, the outside table was covered (I mean lots of them) blue bottles clearly not been cleaned, I noticed as I opened the door wasps flying in and out of the gaps around the door (large gaps) not water or insect tight, I opened the door and it looked like it did on the photos apart from their was a decking floor that was not sealed so ants and spiders and all of nature was running around freely it was like an insect zoo, sadly their was also what looked like an ants nest as heavy infestation of ants, and food that had dropped in the gaps of the decking floor so would be eaten alive when you sleep? The Yurt was small (think it’s one of the smallest sizes they make) but adequate large double bed was fine, bed on the left was fine but the metal framed bed on the right didn’t have a proper mattress and not comfortable for a teenager? And nothing went particularly right sadly after that as obviously our expectations had not been met, don’t get me wrong this is camping but even bell tents (we had stayed in one 3 weeks earlier in Derbyshire) are sealed and have fly nets etc? This Yurt was not adequate as their was gaps around the base the floor and the doors may have slept outside? and we felt very let down? The kids were super disappointed and it was a low point of our road trip, as such we decided to not check in and left messaging the owners, leaving it to their integrity if they charged us or not? I like the owners they are nice people but you can tell the France dream of running a business is tough for them, but come on guys you have to provide a good basic service? Henry text me telling me he was charging me full price due to bank hols and lost bookings and he had a family to feed? We had travelled across France, and paid for accommodation that was inadequate and ended having to book another couple of nights near by that cost a fortune due to same day booking as we couldn’t stay in that Yurt? What about feeding my family Henry? Suggest avoid the Yurt the old Caravan, I would go for the the bell tents and safari tents as they look new, the pool wasn’t open (for some reason?) and not much to do on the site and no food etc, and it’s basic but if you want peace and quiet and nature and you don’t mind gaps in your tent and a nice couple running it, this is the place for you...... defiantly not for us so it leaves me no satisfaction to leave a poor score, and I want to see the people succeed but their needs to be more honesty about the product and investment in basics as that was not fair to me and my family. I hope Henry and his lovely wife make the...

My caravan was stored at this site, paid for in advance for a year, and two nights paid to be sited on a pitch 8 months later. On arrival,the van was not sited,nor were the owners available. The owner Henry turned up, apologised, offered us a free coffee, and thanked us for our patience. Saying he needed to clean and site the van,and would buy my husband a pint for his kind understanding of lack of service. My husband was keen to be nice and gave a review to that effect The van arrived on the pitch smashed at the back and could not have been driven in the condition it was found, and Henry was informed and notified that it was damaged whilst in his care, and he returned later with a handful of money to I assume to pay for the damage. My husband being kind and understanding,did not take the cash,as he felt it needed discussing further,Henry said he didn't understand how it happened , and suggested it may have been a delivery driver,as the site was not open. The van was left in perfect order apart from a few scratches,of which were there previously, but the back was not smashed in as it was found when we returned. Everything was under control and was being dealt with by Henry,but I made it clear I wanted it dealt with. I made the mistake of ordering and taking 2 small glasses of wine back to my caravan,and made no offer to pay. Five minutes later,I was shouted at by the owner who was standing outside my caravan. My husband asked me what I had done , and in all fairness told me it was unacceptable that I did what I did,but I was also told that the owners wife should have not dealt with it by shouting abuse. On my husband's advise, I went to apologise, and offer to pay,but was treated in the same manner. At no time was there any bad feeling towards my husband from Henry,and the problem was escalated by his wife and myself. My husband is very diplomatic and professional, but Henry let his wife handle the situation. My husband refused to leave until Henry would discuss the matter, and he was intimidated by his wife winding the situation up and involving the regulars. The outcome was my husband was asked by the police to leave the bar area. Having been the victim of our van being smashed whilst in the care of the site owners, my husband was now being treated like he had done something wrong. He made a further attempt to speak to Henry, but the children were used as tools to call the authorities again. At no point was my husband nasty or aggressive, and would never intimidate a child The end result, no compensation for the damage to our van, and no charges made as it was a farce. I have sent an email for the attention of Henry,but being a kept man in the relationship he has not been allowed to tell the truth as it stands. The owner retaliates with no reply and a response that is not worthy of its posting. I made a bad decision, but my husband had it turned onto him. The damage has not been mentioned,or the fact money was offered ,which doesn't need a lot of working out. This matter should not be laundered in public with someone trying to get the last word in,it needs addressing between the two parties that were dealing with the matter. Now as responsible business owners, I would kindly ask that you show some professionalism to the victims of a caravan smashed whilst in your...

Camping du Bois de Sant Hilaire was a revelation. We've camped around the UK and Europe since the kids were babies (they're now 5, 7 and 12), and found the site to be perfect for a family stay of two weeks during August 2022. Kat and Henry's campsite is well provisioned, with ample and accessible shower and toilet facilities, including a family shower room. The pitches are large and shaded - you have loads of space for a tent, parking, event shelter etc., and can still enjoy privacy from your neighbours. There’s a real feeling of space around the site which contributes to how relaxing it is.

The camp is set in 17 acres of Oak trees, which offer shade during the heat of the day and woodland paths and activities for families to enjoy. The well-maintained pool provided daily activity for us all and, within easy reach of the bar, there are various tabletop games that kept the kids busy. There's always a night-time snack to be had, whether from Henry's now famous pizza menu or the equally tasty French fries which can complement your BBQ.

What really made the experience unique from others, and will see us hopefully return next year, is the good humour and kindness of the Walker family themselves. They're just wonderful people. They've spent time camping and caravanning with their own children. They know what makes a good camping experience and work (really hard) to ensure yours is as good as it can be. They really do go the extra mile and a more genuine and friendly family you'd be hard pressed to meet. Noah (7) says: "If I could, I'd rate this campsite 10 out of 10 stars". For us, because the camping and people are truly wonderful, it's ten...