Camping Le Lidon Waterside campsite in Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud with a landing stage

In Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud, Camping Le Lidon covers 3 shaded hectares surrounded by water, in the protected part of the Green Venice, within a Natura 2000 area. Sylvie and Didier run the site, and water is the common thread here: canals line the paths, the Canal du Mignon flows past the entrance and a private landing stage sits on the grounds.

Several pitches and rentals stand right on the water’s edge. You moor your canoe next to the tent, cast a line from the deck of an ecolodge or watch herons over breakfast. In high season, these waterside spots are the first to be booked.

The 3-star campsite has 140 pitches: 111 grassy pitches of around 100 m², mostly shaded, and 29 rental units. Open from 30 April to 12 September 2027.

After a trip on the water, the Bar et Table du Lidon serves evening meals in July and August, with a different dish each day, salads and desserts made with angelica. On Mondays only the bar is open. Pizzas and chips are also available to take away.

At reception, a small shop sells cold drinks, ice creams and local produce, and bread can be ordered the day before in summer. A launderette with washing machine and tumble dryer, a motorhome service point and a 22 kW charging station complete the facilities. Paid Wi-Fi covers the whole site.

Two shower blocks, one open in high season only, have an accessible cubicle for people with reduced mobility and two baby areas. All pitches are wheelchair accessible.

Days here revolve around the water: a boat trip at sunrise, while mist still hangs over the channels, predator fishing in the afternoon, then a swim in the pool. In summer, a fishing guide introduces beginners to predator and crayfish fishing.

Along the canals you can spot otters, herons and kingfishers. The Les Oiseaux du Marais bird park, next door to the campsite, gathers the typical birds of the Marais Poitevin on 8 hectares.

The Vélo Francette cycle route passes the site, and bikes can be hired on the spot to follow the dykes and white tracks. Coulon, Arçais and Damvix are close by, and La Rochelle is within easy reach for a day by the ocean.

Between two boat trips, children have three playgrounds, a Home Ball court and an arcade games room, while adults have a gym and a pool table.