IN the region of Languedoc-Roussillon, bordering Provence, is the small village of Méjannes-Le-Clap. On its outskirts is Les Dolmens, a three star French-owned parc with plots for sale through its sole UK agent, Yorkshire- based Carefree Lifestyle.

Now, you’ve probably never heard of the village – we certainly hadn’t – but roughly speaking geographically, to its north is Aubenas, to the south is Nîmes, south west is Alès and east is Orange. We drove through the spectacularly winding roads of the Ardèche valley, with its magnificent views, through some quaint villages, past acres of vines and groves of olive trees to reach the parc and meet with Jennifer, Carefree Lifestyle’s representative there.

The parc was established over 30 years ago as a typically French-style holiday camp, but became a caravan park about 15 years ago. The present owner, Patrick Cabal, a local estate agent and property developer, realised that the parc had lots of potential and, along with his Paris-based business partner, bought Les Dolmens in 2006, with private finance. They have spent well in excess of a million euro creating the infrastructure in order for plots to be sold.


POWER SURGE

Average plot size is 150-300m2, delineated by tall trees and shrubs. All services to the plots are underground – including water pipes, drains, sewage and satellite TV and electricity.

Ah yes, just a word about the electric – it’s a whopping individual 32 amps per plot, thanks to a massive new transformer that cost more than €800,000. So there need be no fears of your next door neighbour overloading the circuit and tripping out part of the parc, including your plot! We have rarely come across such a comprehensive supply system on a caravan holiday-home parc either in the UK or abroad.

Patrick has re-laid roads, added an indoor heated swimming pool, re-laid the paving around the outdoor swimming pool, upgraded the bar and restaurant, adding a terrace to the latter, created a small shop selling basic essentials, installed a security barrier at the entrance and built a dedicated car parking area.

There is still work in progress, with 46 plots being available in the first phase and 64 to be developed later.


MEDITERRANEAN LIFESTYLE

You could be forgiven for wondering where the plots are when you enter Les Dolmens, for in the middle of the 55,000m2 parc is a green space with lots of mature trees and shrubs around which, in their own woodland clearing, sit some shady plots with the best views. While you may want to head for the south of France for its fine weather, it does get very hot there so shade is probably advisable.

We were surprised by the heat and strength of the sun at the end of May – it was over 30°C and, according to Jennifer, was hotter than Spain, where she had previously been working. Perhaps you should be considering air-conditioning, too – but don’t be fooled, as you can also experience some cold winter weather when you will need the heating.

Many of the plots would suit a centre lounge, some are best suited to an end lounge, and each unit may not use more than 30% of plot size, including any terraces. Terraces are de rigueur for al fresco meals when you adopt the Mediterranean lifestyle.

None of the plots will have garages, as Patrick has specified that vehicles may only be parked at the plot for loading and unloading – hence the dedicated new car park.

Sheds, however, will be allowed, but must be at the rear of the property and have to blend in with the exterior appearance of the caravan holiday-home.

Though there are washing machines and tumble dryers in a little building on the parc, Patrick suggested that people may like to put a washing machine and tumble dryer in a shed and have a dishwasher in their kitchen. What a good man – who wants to spend time washing up, especially as you’ll find that loads of acquaintances will become your jolly good friends and will plan a visit to you!

Gardening equipment will need to be stored in the shed, too, as owners are required to look after their own plots and garden. The site owner is responsible for hedges and trees on
the parc.


LONG STAY

Unusually, Patrick will allow twin units on the parc on the proviso that two plots are used; this keeps him within the recent legislation that states that only 20% of plots on some French parcs (depending on the parc’s licence – it’s all a bit complicated) may install caravan holiday homes in excess of 40m2. However, such plots are still regulated by the rule that states that not more than 30% of the plot size is taken up by the caravan holiday home. To this end, he is offering up to 400m2 as a plot at no extra charge for the enlarged area.

If you buy a caravan holiday-home at Les Dolmens, it is not Patrick’s intention to insist that it must be replaced after a certain number of years – so long as it’s kept in good order externally and internally, you will be welcome to keep it as long as you like.

He is happy for the friends and family of owners to use the caravan holiday home, and you may also rent it out if you wish – though if you want the parc to arrange rentals, Patrick will charge 30% commission (remember he’s an estate agent!).

Pets are allowed on the parc, but must be kept on a lead and not allowed to roam free. You must keep a supply of bags in your pocket, for you know what!


OPPORTUNITY

Les Dolmens is particularly suited to retired and semi-retired folks, but children are welcome to roam free, and there are a few amusements on site for them, including table tennis, volleyball and a football pitch. In the village 11/2 miles away there are more extensive play areas, and a bank, pharmacy, doctor, shops, a hairdresser, a bakery and a couple of restaurants.

Uzès, a few miles to the south, is the nearest town, with hypermarkets and more extensive shopping facilities. Though there are buses locally, we would suggest having a car at this parc so that you could get out and about and see the tourist attractions.

The on-site restaurant is open all year and when we were there, several locals were eating in there, always a good sign. The menu du jour was a tomato salad, followed by pork with either Thai style rice or chips, with fruit salad for dessert. It was well presented and looked jolly good and cost €9.50 per person. At the time of going to press at the end of July, the euro was around €1.15 to the £1 – not good but up around ten percent since December last year.

Les Dolmens offers a rare opportunity to choose from a wide choice of virgin pitches on a parc that is having its renaissance. This parc struck us as being entirely suitable for long weekends away from UK as there are airports at Nîmes, Montpellier, Avignon and Marseilles, each of which has car hire facilities.
It’s an ideal retreat for holidays in a calm, tranquil part of southern France, off the beaten tourist track, but near enough to join the throngs of holidaymakers strutting their stuff on the Mediterranean beaches.


CAREFREE LIFESTYLE

Y2k House, 1 Millennium Court, Ellerbeck Way, Stokesley, North Yorkshire TS9 5JZ Tel: 01642 712711 Email: [email protected] Website: www.carefreelifestyle.co.uk

Cerfere Lifestyle offers homes on four parcs in France, seven in Spain and two in Portugal. The other French parcs are:
• Résidence du Lac, next to Lac d’Aprémont in the Vendée region, about 35 miles from Nantes, which is the nearest airport.
• La Chêne du Lac in the Gironde area, about 36 miles from the airport at Bordeaux.
• Le Paradis, also in the Gironde, and about 32 miles from the airport at Bergerac.

Three-day inspection visits are available to all the Carefree parks, and the company will arrange flights and hotel accommodation, or accommodation on the park itself – the cost of which will be refunded if you decide to buy a mobile home or lodge – and you will have the services of a guide free of charge.


WHERE IS LES DOLMENS?

From Uzès on the D979 drive north, through Lussan and continue on D979. Turn right onto the D167A sign posted Méjannes-Le-Clap and the parc will be immediately on your right.


LES DOLMENS

Route de Barjac, 30430 Méjannes-le-Clap Website: www.lesdolmens.com

• Open all year, leisure use only
• Ground rent  €2,900pa – including sewerage and general maintenance of the parc, use of the pools and other facilities, and 24-hour security.
• Water and electricity are charged at the standard local rate by the supplier. 
• Bottled butane gas, 13kg around €29.50
• Broadband and wi-fi available, charged by supplier.

Price
Ground rent €2,900pa


FOR SALE

• Sample prices (incl VAT, delivery and siting) of caravan holiday homes or Willerby Boston lodges available through Carefree Lifestyle, all built to the EN 1647 leisure standard, therefore not intended for extended winter or residential use: Willerby Villa Deluxe 35ft x 12ft 2 bed, £34,395; Willerby Granada Mk8 33ft x 12ft 2 bed £36,995; Pemberton Abingdon 38ft x 12ft 2 bed £46,995; Willerby Vogue Connoisseur 42ft x 13 ft 2 bed £59,995; Willerby Boston 40ft x 20ft lodge, 2 bed £75,000. Willerby Boston 40ft x 20ft built to BS3632 (residential standard), £79,000.


This review was published in the September 2009 issue of Park & Holiday Homes magazine. To order our latest issue please click here.


Park & Holiday Homes magazine offers reprints of all homes and parks we've reviewed in our magazine. To view our latest index of reviews see our current issue click here.