Kontinental KOMBI Kaper 2016 - bound for Biarritz!

Here we go again then!

Not long ago I asked all the members of brazilianvwbay.com who had previously enjoyed one of our Kontinental Kapers where they thought we ought to head next.  The options at the time were Northern Spain and the Swiss Alps.  The result was 60% for Northern Spain and 40% for Switzerland.

A trip to Northern Spain would have to include a 24 hour crossing from Portsmouth to either Santander or Bilbao.  But this would then leave a short drive (under 2 hours) to whichever campsite.

A trip to the Swiss Alps would require a short Dover-Calais crossing plus a stopover for one night at each end of the trip, somewhere around the Champagne district of France.

The choice of Northern Spain having been made I then embarked on finding a campsite that would take a group booking AND crucially allow us to pitch together.  Sadly not one of what must have been 10 campsites I tried would agree to guaranteeing pitches together as a group.  I could not take the risk of us going for one of these sites and finding out on arrival that we were separated across the campsite.

So, in discussion with several previous Kaperers we started talking about France again, but this time
right down to the South.  After a hefty amount of negotiation, I have now achieved a deal for us at what I think will be a stunning holiday location.  

We're going to Bidart, near Biarritz, specifically Le Pavillon Royal – a 5 star campsite on the south-west coast of France with direct access to the beach.  The site is described as being in an exceptional natural setting, just a step away from fine sandy beaches and a 32 hectare pine tree forest.  Nestled between Biarritz and Bidart, it offers a stunning view across the ocean in a privileged environment on the Basque Coast.  It is the only 5 star campsite situated on the seaside.

Take a look at their website: www.pavillon-royal.com

So this trip will still involve a 24 hour ferry from Portsmouth to Santander, but then it'll be a short drive North to Biarritz of just 2 hours 45 mins.  Consequently this trip will have reduced fuel costs when compared to previous Kapers.



So the itinerary is as follows:

26th July depart Portsmouth for Santander on Brittany Ferries at 1715
27th July arrive Santander then short drive to Le Pavillon Royal
8th August depart Le Pavillon Royal for return ferry from Santander at 1515
9th August arrive Portsmouth

All pitches have EHU, water and drainage.



The campsite have already allocated our pitches so you can see where we are going to be.  They don't normally take group bookings but I have twisted their arm by saying we are a well behaved lovely Brazibunch!!  Have a look at the picture – we are expected to be on a kind of island area – 274-278 and 281-285.  This gives us 10 pitches together and the prices are based on that minimum number going. Ideally it would be great if we could be 13 as then we would have the entire island to ourselves!  Fingers crossed there are folks reading this, who have seen what a great time we have had over the last 3 Kapers, and would like to join in on the trip for the first time.

Pricing:
2 people in a BraziBay £1635.00
Extra person £188.80
4 berth inside cabin £60
3m trailer £78

These prices include nights on the campsite, inclusive of electricity and local taxes, plus ferry crossings as detailed.  Alternative ferry crossings may incur additional charges if we don't act swiftly and reserve our places.  Overheight an overlength charges may be applicable and are NOT included in the price.
Additional nights will be charged at Select Site's brochure rate.

So now it's over to you.  Please give this trip serious consideration.  The location looks fabulous and we've not been this far down in France yet, so chances are we'll have terrific weather.  Please reply as soon as possible below to let me know if you'll be coming along.

On the Kaper so far:

TimV
Tallulah
beakyboy
Happyhouse
Voyager
SurfwagenStan
Harryhornet
URmysunshine
Eclipse
Batman

We were booked into this site in 2012 but changed because they didn't take dogs. In the end Boris didn't come but it was too late to get back in.  

I really liked St Jean de Luz. Lots of nice eateries and shops plus a massive sandy beach. There are a couple of photos near the end of this Blog: Paradise

I'll let you know if we can join the Kaper when I've checked with Mrs B.

By the way if it's an incentive for anyone to come, I will be taking my jet ski along!

Thanks for all your work Tim, given the issues trying to group book I think you've come up with a winner.

Look is very nice. If you look at the website and click to on 'Le Paradis' the "island" described is in the centre.

We're in! Bikes and boats too!

(Tim - Even if you weren't taking your jetski!)

Tallulah wrote:

Thanks for all your work Tim, given the issues trying to group book I think you've come up with a winner.

Look is very nice. If you look at the website and click to on 'Le Paradis' the "island" described is in the centre.

We're in! Bikes and boats too!

(Tim - Even if you weren't taking your jetski!)

Thanks matey!

Looks fab and again thanks for the effort mate, will be calling Select Sites on Thursday as discussed boss..

Tim, when do we need to book? We're thinking of maybe having a week with you guys then moving on somewhere else for a week.

AbsintheKombi wrote:

Tim, when do we need to book? We're thinking of maybe having a week with you guys then moving on somewhere else for a week.

Now.

Do I ring Jean Castree?

AbsintheKombi wrote:

Do I ring Jean Castree?

On Thursday please. She's off tomorrow.

That sounds like a great adventure Tim - we thoroughly enjoyed our trip on the 1st Kaper and can recommend it to everyone. Not sure what our 'van' situation will be yet but those who go wil lhave a great time I'm sure.

We are definately up for another adventure with the gang. Our family have done the past 3 yeArs and would recommend it to anyone considering joining us. Great people, happy times

Looks fantastic. We're up for that. We might go out on a different ferry to avoid having to stop over on the way to Portsmouth, because an 11.45 sailing is too early for us.

Voyager wrote:

Looks fantastic. We're up for that. We might go out on a different ferry to avoid having to stop over on the way to Portsmouth, because an 11.45 sailing is too early for us.

Or you could 'park' somewhere a bit closer the night before? We're less than 2hrs from Portsmouth and have a spare room.

Voyager wrote:

Looks fantastic. We're up for that. We might go out on a different ferry to avoid having to stop over on the way to Portsmouth, because an 11.45 sailing is too early for us.

I'll ping you our agent's number.

You could also pitch in my driveway the night before if you wished, as could anyone else from further afield.

We had a fantastic time on the Kaper last year - it was by far the best experience we've had with our Brazibay and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Our 'sticking point' this year is the 24hr crossing to Spain. None of us have any sea legs.
It's not a complete no though....in the words of Oleta Adams 'We'll get here if we can'.

harryhornet wrote:

We had a fantastic time on the Kaper last year - it was by far the best experience we've had with our Brazibay and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Our 'sticking point' this year is the 24hr crossing to Spain. None of us have any sea legs.    
It's not a complete no though....in the words of Oleta Adams 'We'll get here if we can'.

I'm sure the cost includes a 'calm weather supplement' for the ferry journey!

Having consulted with Mrs B, we're going to give the Kaper a miss in 2016.

We're hoping to go to Finland at the end of June and getting a dog sitter for one holiday will be hard enough - getting one for two will be impossible.

I'd really encourage anyone who's considering joining the Kaper to take the plunge and join the Krew. You'll be guaranteed a good time with brilliant people in a part of the world which is fantastic.



Go on, you know you want to...

AbsintheKombi wrote:

We're hoping to go to Finland at the end of June and getting a dog sitter for one holiday will be hard enough - getting one for two will be impossible.

We had a short break in Finland back in 2011 for a friends wedding. Lovely place, lots of trees, lots of lakes and some slightly odd (but very tasty) food. It the same weekend that Tallulah was hired by Mr & Mrs Brannagh.

You will of course be missed!

Anybody else considering coming along guys?

Our last Kaper was to Jard Sur Mer in 2014 and it was fantastic. Due to work holiday commitments we couldn't make this years vacation but we're hoping to sort a minor issue out today and get ourselves signed up for this one..

All sorted - We're in , We're in - Will need to come back a day earlier than the rest of you but handily there is a sailing from Santander - Portsmouth on Monday 8th Aug '16

Cannot wait....

Sounds like a really good place and a lovely area. We are hoping to take a four week break - so are there options to either travel out with the Krew and spend a week in Biarritz and then mosey off to Spain and take a ferry home on a later date...?

Or if you know what ferry you are taking - we can book up (boat and/or site) separately.

HH - maybe consider travelling out with the boat (wear the bracelets/take the pills, get a cabin with a window, take a good CD box set with you, etc - food intake really helps too!), and then mosey home by road stopping here and there to enjoy a bit more France.....?

greenjc90 wrote:

HH - maybe consider travelling out with the boat (wear the bracelets/take the pills, get a cabin with a window, take a good CD box set with you, etc - food intake really helps too!), and then mosey home by road stopping here and there to enjoy a bit more France.....?

It's Mrs HH that needs the most convincing - I'm working on it.....(slowly) but the it's a hard nut to crack!
Also been looking at flights to Biarritz. There are some low cost options from various airports in the South. We had such a great time last year and really want to do it again.

harryhornet wrote:

greenjc90 wrote:

HH - maybe consider travelling out with the boat (wear the bracelets/take the pills, get a cabin with a window, take a good CD box set with you, etc - food intake really helps too!), and then mosey home by road stopping here and there to enjoy a bit more France.....?

It's Mrs HH that needs the most convincing - I'm working on it.....(slowly) but the it's a hard nut to crack!
Also been looking at flights to Biarritz. There are some low cost options from various airports in the South. We had such a great time last year and really want to do it again.

Sounds like a plan - I like a trip to the airport, as you know!!

I must admit the long ferry crossing does not thrill me either so fingers crossed its a gentle crossing as we couldn't miss out on a Kaper!

For anyone considering it, that's not been before, we highly recommend it! Our children would never forgive us if we didn't go.

greenjc90 wrote:

Sounds like a really good place and a lovely area.  We are hoping to take a four week break - so are there options to either travel out with the Krew and spend a week in Biarritz and then mosey off to Spain and take a ferry home on a later date...?

The simple answer is yes, if that's what you want to do. Just explain your plan when you call to book and they will help you with all the details.