Le Roquelongue

Le Roquelongue campsite covers 3.5 hectares in Boisse-Penchot, in north-west Aveyron, on the left bank of the Lot. Decazeville is 5 km away, the local shops 1.5 km, and Rodez and Figeac are roughly halfway in either direction. The 3-star site runs along 400 m of grassy, shaded riverbank with direct access to the river.

There are 66 pitches of 90 to 200 m², separated by hedges of several species, each connected to electricity and a few steps from a tap. The ground is flat, grassy and suitable for wheelchairs. The rental fleet includes chalets and mobile homes with one to three bedrooms, fully equipped, with a terrace. Pets are accepted, and the V86, the Lot Valley cycle route, passes in front of the entrance.

As for opening, the campsite states that it welcomes guests all year round, without giving closing dates, and its price list has an “other months” column for pitches and rentals alike. The exact winter opening dates should therefore be confirmed with reception before booking. Off-season, the campsite mainly suits spa guests of the Cransac thermal resort, 15 minutes away, who benefit from reduced rates for three weeks, and pilgrims on the GR65 (Way of St James), 500 m away.

The setting is rural: forest just opposite, villages ranked among the Plus Beaux Villages de France, such as Conques, Estaing or Najac, within a distance you can drive in a day.

Forest walks and mushroom picking, the GR65 500 m away and the V86 cycle route in front of the campsite; thermal cure at Cransac, 15 minutes away.

A single washroom building in the centre of the site has sinks, showers, toilets, a dishwashing area and a laundry room with a washing machine, as well as a cubicle fitted out for disabled guests. Each guest sets the water temperature of their own shower. A dryer, an iron, a fridge and sheets are available to rent. Wi-Fi is free, and a TV room welcomes bad-weather evenings; there is also a reading corner, board games and a dartboard. At the entrance, communal barbecues and picnic tables are used for meals among neighbours.

The snack bar, whose terrace looks directly over the pool and the river, serves from May to September, Tuesday to Sunday evening: plancha grills, homemade chips, desserts and ice cream, pizzas on site on Fridays only, and roast chickens to take away on Mondays to order. In season, a fresh bread and pastries service is added, and the campsite also mentions a grocery. The snack bar is therefore a summer feature; off-season, it is best to plan your shopping, as the nearest shops are 1.5 km away.

The pool, with a large pool 0.90 to 1.80 m deep and a paddling pool, opens from June to September depending on the weather, every day from 9am to 8pm. It is equipped with parasols and sun loungers. The campsite has neither a spa nor a covered area. For GR65 walkers, a tent option with a bed is reserved for pilgrims, with dinner on reservation.

The river is the main playground. A small watersports base provides three canoes and two pedal boats free of charge, subject to availability, for gentle trips along the 3 km of river between Roquelongue and Flagnac; boaters with their own boat have a launch ramp. Fishing is possible from the banks (coarse fish, carp, pike, zander), and the night carp fishing course is open to enthusiasts.

On site, there is a petanque court, table tennis tables, a table football, a trampoline and a play area for little ones. A paddock houses Ouessant sheep, a miniature pig and hens, which children feed every day. In July and August, the programme includes a petanque tournament, aquagym, a treasure trail, a treasure hunt, and on Thursdays a dance evening or karaoke with a meal.

In the surroundings, the V86 lets you follow the Lot Valley by bike, and many paths start from the campsite or its surroundings, notably the GR65. The forest opposite offers walks and, depending on the weather, picking porcini and chanterelles. Outings range from the Boisse-Penchot bakery to the craft brewery in Decazeville, from the organic market garden in Livinhac-le-Haut to Conques, Najac, Rocamadour or the Padirac chasm. Riding centres, whitewater sports and treetop adventure courses can also be found in the region.