Camping du Vivier aux Carpes — Hotel in Saint-Quentin

My only regret about this site is that we stayed for just one night. We booked last minute on the way back to the UK, found it in the Acsi book but the photographs in there do not do it justice. Situated in a quiet sleepy typically French village the site is tucked away behind secure gates. On arrival we were greeted by Alexandra, what a cheerful, happy, helpful lady she is, nothing seems too much trouble for her. We were allocated a good size pitch which was on the edge of the lake, our neighbour fished direct from his pitch. The garden areas were well tended. The amenities block is spacious, well kept and clean. There is a covered pool, despite being very inviting we didn't use it but looked amazing. The real gem has to be the recently added bar and restaurant. It was lovely sitting in the courtyard chatting and sipping a cool glass of lager. We didn't eat in the restaurant but the food looked delicious and I heard nothing but complimentary comments about the quality. There is a little supermarket around the corner which appears to stock most things and a bread van visits the site each morning. As we were only here for 1 night we didn't explore much but we did walk up to the British War Cemetery which is 15 mins away, well worth a visit but very emotional, it is immaculately kept which is lovely to see. Next time we are in France and come via Calais we will definitely return...

A lovely small site with large pitches. Clean toilet and shower blocks, wash basins in the shower area were very small and having large taps made it awkward. Water was hot. Hens wander the site and poop anywhere, constantly picking it up so we didn't stand in it. A bread van comes around every morning at 9am selling lovely baguettes and croissants freshly baked. Site has a small covered pool. I think the only problem about the stay was the lack of information at reception for opening times. It showed opening and closing time for high and low seasons, giving the impression it was open all day between these times. Reception was mostly closed through the day, new arrivals often didn't get answers on the buzzer and was inaudible, and had to wait on the road before being allowed in. Then told via intercom to just pick a pitch, gate opened remotely. Not always meet and greet. Neither did we during our stay. Always having to keep checking was it open or not. Because they weren't greeted they didn't get site rules, one way driving system map or information. I gave one arrival that info until reception was open. That's why 4not 5 There is a nurse in the village that does lateral flow test for €20 pp. Building opposite small supermarket Ask at the pharmacy...

We only stayed for the one night on our way back to the Euro tunnel. Lovely little lake in the centre, wild plants. We walked into the village and a local shop 5 minutes away. This is actually our sixth time we have stayed here as it's very good as a stop of either to or from the La Shuttle. The pitches are pretty good average size. They do have a lovely restaurant on the site and the lady running it is very polite. However we have noticed that the toilets and showers are starting to look a little strained and may need a face lift shortly as some of the fittings are in need of repair. A few of the static homes are making it look a little shabby and maybe a word to the owners might be needed. The Wi-Fi unfortunately isn't free which is very disappointing, especially with mobile network so bad in this area, leaving us with little option but to pay for it, or go without. With all this in mind, it is still a lovely stop and hopefully the owner will take on board these minor comments to make certain it stays one of our stop overs...