Camping on the Atlantic coast at Le Ruisseau campsite in Bidart

Camping Le Ruisseau. The name doesn’t suggest that this is mainly a bungalow park. So, I had to swallow a bit when we drove into the ‘campsite’ and saw only mobile homes in all shapes and sizes. Turning back wasn’t an option, as we had reserved a spot for ten nights. At the reception, where the welcome was extremely friendly, we were assigned our pitch. Fortunately, the ‘real campers’ weren’t hidden among the bungalows but were all grouped together at the back of the campsite. A relief, because this way, I could still experience the true camping feeling.

Campsite pitch in the shade

It did take me a while to really feel happy, though, because even the pitch we were assigned didn’t look great at first glance. We had come from Camping Le Chêne du Lac in Bayas, where we had a wonderfully spacious spot. At Le Ruisseau, the assigned area felt a bit cramped. This was partly due to the picnic table and the little house with a fridge that we had with us. In the end, all our gear fit, so it was just a small complaint for nothing.

At the end of the street, there was a washing-up area. Nice and close. The sanitation building wasn’t too far either. In the ten days we were there, I never had a cold shower, and there were no queues either.

Meetings in the football cage

That my children – during the vacation 12 and 14 years old – make friendships at the campsite doesn’t happen every year. In fact, I can only name one other campsite where they were constantly out and about. So, it was all the more surprising that they found friends at Le Ruisseau, where mainly French and English holidaymakers were staying, and only a handful of Dutch people. Every evening, they met peers at the football cage. Real international matches were played.

The large swimming pool with slides and the climbing course were also a hit. While the kids had fun, mom and dad enjoyed a drink and the Olympic Games on the terrace of the pool bar. You can also grab snacks here. Prefer a pizza, a piece of meat, or a slice of fish? They serve that at the restaurant next to the reception.

Surroundings of Camping Le Ruisseau

Bidart is close to Biarritz, a place that will undoubtedly make surf lovers’ hearts race. However, Biarritz is also enjoyable for non-surfers like us. Tip: restaurant Casa Juan Pedro in the old fishing harbor. Around Bidart and Biarritz, you’ll find great beaches, where you can generally park well. Of course, this is for a fee. The area is fairly flat, and there are many bike paths, so renting or bringing a bike is definitely an option. Furthermore, it would be a shame during your vacation in French Basque Country not to cross the border into Spain. San Sebastian is about a 45-minute drive away and, in my opinion, is highly recommended. What a lovely city.