Keycamp's La Vallée at Houlgate, Normandy, France

Keycamp are about helping holiday-makers to recharge their batteries which many of us need to do as a result of our busy hectic lives. We missed the first day of our holiday we didn't actually take time to study the details of our holiday. On Friday evening at 8pm we read the itinerary to find that we should have been relaxing in the Parc rather than still packing at home.

A call to Keycamp Customer Services sorted us out: ferry rearranged for the following day, the Parc alerted that we were coming, but a day late. Keycamp Customer Services were fantastic. They were helpful, efficient and raised our spirits when we thought our holiday plans were on the rocks. They had also been very friendly and helpful at time of booking too.   

The ferry arrived mid-afternoon and our drive from Calais to Houlgate took longer than we expected, so we were late arrivals at the Parc at about 9.30pm. We were grateful that Keycamp offer flexibility for both arrival and departure dates as well as arrival times (departure is 10.00am).

The representative on arrival was helpful and friendly and settled us into our Villagrand deluxe mobile home. A welcome pack had been provided, at a cost of £6.75, which included a bottle of wine. The linen packs were a bonus, the sheets in particular. One bath towel per person was all that was provided, so a couple of cheap towels were purchased the following day to act as bath mat and hand towel. We had brought our own beach towels .

Our Villagrand deluxe mobile home proved to be very comfortable for our week's stay. Plus points were the well-equipped kitchen and gas barbecue, endless hot water and the outdoor furniture. As we had very good weather, we we ate every meal except one outside. We looked out onto a wooded hillside on one side and to the sea on the other.   

La Vallée was maintained to a high standard. The site appeared to be almost full to capacity but this did not seem to impact on the facilities in a negative manner. There were few if any queues for activities, the swimming pools were never closed because they had reached capacity, and the shop, bar and restaurant facilities did not seem to be overstretched.

We had a great week very much enjoying our stay at Keycamp's La Vallée.

Fact box
Keycamp offers self-catering holidays to more than 100 top parcs across nine European countries, plus the USA, Canada and, most recently, nine parcs in the UK.  Each boasts excellent facilities and a choice of stylish mobile home, chalet or supertent accommodation. 

A seven night break at May half-term 2010 for a family of two adults and up to four children, staying in a two bedroom Villanova mobile home at Keycamp's Houlgate will cost £638, including return Dover-Calais ferry crossings.

Alternative ferry crossings, rail travel or fly-drive packages are available at a supplement.

There is also still some limited availability at Houlgate for breaks in August and September 2009.

For the latest deals, further information or to make a booking, visit www.keycamp.co.uk