Camping Château de Fonrives from Bordeaux, in Rives
A 5-star family-friendly campground at the foot of a castle, in the land of the bastides: Château de Fonrives in Rives (formerly Yelloh! Village, now Homair/Marvilla), with its vast wooded grounds, water park, and pond, just 3 km from Villeréal and the most beautiful villages of Lot-et-Garonne and the Périgord—and your private door-to-door transfer from Bordeaux, with no need to rent a car.
Camping Château de Fonrives at a Glance
The Château de Fonrives campground is a 5-star family-friendly campground located at the foot of an authentic castle, in a vast wooded park in Rives, three kilometers from the bastide town of Villeréal, on the border between Lot-et-Garonne and Périgord. A note about the name: long known under the Yelloh! Village brand, the campground is now operated by the Homair / Marvilla Parks group—it’s the same campground, in the same location, under a new brand. Its highlights: a large water park (heated pools, six water slides), a wellness area, and a fishing pond, all in the heart of the“land of the bastides” (Villeréal, Monpazier, Monflanquin). This guide introduces the campground and, most importantly, the easiest way to get there from Bordeaux: a private door-to-door transfer, without renting a car—a real lifesaver when arriving by plane or train with kids and luggage, for a vacation where all you have to do is relax and enjoy yourself.
Here are the key details to know before you go. The distances listed are based on the figures provided by the booking engine; the price shown is for a chauffeur service booking at a fixed rate provided in advance, with no unexpected meter charges regardless of traffic or stops along the way. Campground amenities are based on information from its official website and tourist offices—always verify the details of your stay directly with the campground, as its services and brand have recently changed.
| Landmark | Details |
|---|---|
| Camping | Château de Fonrives★★★★★ (Homair / Marvilla, formerly Yelloh!) |
| Municipality | Rives (Lot-et-Garonne, 47210) · 3 km from Villeréal |
| Frame | a large wooded park at the foot of a castle · fishing pond · water park |
| Around | Villeréal, Monpazier, Monflanquin, Biron, Bergerac |
| Distance from Bordeaux | about 153 km · about a 2-hour drive |
Where is the Château de Fonrives campground located?
The Château de Fonrives campground is located in Rives, in the northeastern part of Lot-et-Garonne (47210), about three kilometers from the bastide town of Villeréal, on the border between Lot-et-Garonne and the Dordogne. It is a land of rolling hills, fields, woods, and orchards: the Land of the Bastides, these new towns founded in the Middle Ages, several of which are among the most beautiful villages in France. The campground is located in a wooded park at the foot of a castle, on the border between the Périgord and the Quercy—between Bergerac and Villeneuve-sur-Lot. A prime location: the tranquility of the Agen and Périgord countryside, and a wealth of medieval villages, castles, and vineyards just a short drive away. Here, you’re far from the crowds, in a rural, food-loving part of France, yet just a few minutes from the jewels of the Southwest.
On the border between Lot-et-Garonne and Périgord
The campground is located right on the border between Lot-et-Garonne and the Dordogne, in what is known as the Haut-Agenais region of the Périgord. It is a region of rare beauty: the land of the bastides, with its medieval fortified towns (Villeréal, Monflanquin, Monpazier, Villeneuve-sur-Lot); the nearby vineyards of Bergerac and Duras; the Ente plum orchards, from which the famous Agen prune is made; and, a little further north, the Périgord Noir with Sarlat and the Dordogne Valley. The official website sums up its location well:“between Périgord and Quercy.” It’s an ideal base for exploring both the surrounding bastides and the major sites of the Périgord, all within an hour’s drive. A peaceful and central base, in the heart of the authentic Southwest.
Rives and the Bastide of Villeréal
Rives is a small rural town in Lot-et-Garonne, within which the estate of the Château de Fonrives is located. Just three kilometers away, Villeréal is the region’s main town: a bastide founded in 1267 by Alphonse de Poitiers (the brother of Saint Louis), which has been listed since 2018 among the most beautiful villages in France. Visitors can admire its famous medieval market hall, a vast structure supported by wooden pillars and topped by a half-timbered upper story, which scientists have dated to around 1515—a masterpiece of timber framing. Villeréal has preserved its grid-like layout, its narrow streets, its half-timbered houses, and its lively market days. It’s the first stop—just a few minutes from the campground—on an exploration of the land of the bastides. Between the castle, the park, and the neighboring bastide, the Château de Fonrives campground immediately immerses visitors in the history of southwestern France.
The estate, at the foot of a castle
Château de Fonrives is a family-friendly 5-star campground set in a vast wooded park at the foot of an authentic castle, featuring a large water park, a wellness area, and a fishing pond. A peaceful setting rich in nature and heritage, just three kilometers from the bastide town of Villeréal.
A wooded park at the foot of a castle
Fonrives’ charm lies first and foremost in its setting: a vast wooded park, a castle, and a fishing pond on the grounds. This 5-star campground is now operated under the Marvilla Parks brand, after previously operating under the Yelloh! Village brand. Its official website provides details on its rating, heated pools, water slides, and amenities (verified on July 24, 2026).
The Water Park and Wellness Center
As for swimming, the campground has a large water park, a major advantage for families. According to official sources, it includes three heated pools— including one indoor pool and two outdoor pools—, six slides water attractions (plus a multi-lane water slide), a wading pool, a hot tub, and a sun deck. We strictly adhere to the officially described facilities: only one pool is covered, and we do not include any unsourced facilities. For adults to relax, a wellness area offers a sauna, hot tub, and massages. According to sources, there is also a tennis court, a mini-golf course, an archery range, a gym, a pétanque court, as well as a restaurant, a snack bar, a grocery store, and bike rentals. The campground has been awarded the following certifications Green Key and Qualité Tourisme, and offers kids' clubs during the season. For specific details about your stay, please visit the official website.
| Château de Fonrives | Details (according to official sources) |
|---|---|
| Rankings | 5-star campground (Homair / Marvilla Parks, formerly Yelloh! Village) |
| Frame | extensive wooded park at the foot of a castle · 1-hectare fishing pond · ~390 campsites |
| Water Park | 3 heated pools (1 indoor) + 6 water slides + wading pool + hot tub |
| Also | wellness area (sauna, massages), tennis, mini-golf, archery, restaurant, grocery store |
| Good to Know | Clef Verte & Qualité Tourisme certifications · details & dates: official website |
What to Do at the Campground and in the Land of the Bastides?
From the campground, you can enjoy the on-site water park and pond, visit the bastide town of Villeréal and its market hall, take a tour of the“Most Beautiful Villages of France” in the region of the bastides (Monpazier, Monflanquin), explore the Château de Biron, sample the wines of Bergerac and Duras, and venture as far as the Périgord Noir (Sarlat, the Dordogne Valley). Here, in concrete terms, are the real, verified activities for a stay in Rives: the campground is in the heart of the“Pays des Bastides,” just a few minutes from Villeréal and within easy reach of major attractions. Swim in the morning, visit a bastide and the market at noon, explore a castle and enjoy a wine tasting in the afternoon: the perfect itinerary for a gourmet, medieval summer in the Southwest.
- The bastide of Villeréal—3 km away: named the most beautiful village in France, with its medieval market hall supported by wooden pillars (circa 1515) and its half-timbered streets
- Monpazier— in the Dordogne (~15 km): the best-preserved bastide, its arcaded Place des Cornières, and its centuries-old Thursday market
- Monflanquin— about 12 km away: France's most beautiful village, a hilltop bastide founded in 1256, with a market on Thursdays
- Biron Castle—between Villeréal and Monpazier: one of the four baronies of Périgord, a thousand years of architecture
- Bergerac and its wines— about 30 km away: the town of Cyrano, the AOC Bergerac and Monbazillac vineyards
- The water park and pond— swimming and water play on site, fishing in the estate's pond
- The Périgord Noir—a little further on: Sarlat, the Dordogne Valley, and its castles (Beynac, Castelnaud)
The country estates: the heart of the vacation
Fonrives' greatest privilege is being at the heart of the Land of the Bastides— these new cities founded in the 13the and XIVe centuries, laid out in a grid pattern around a central square lined with arcades. Just a few minutes from the campground, you can visit several of the most beautiful ones: Villeréal and its market hall, right nearby; Monflanquin, a hilltop bastide designated as one of the most beautiful villages in France; and above all Monpazier, just up the river in the Dordogne, often considered the best-preserved bastide of them all, with its magnificent Place des Cornières lined with arcades. Thursday, market day in Monpazier—just as it has been in Monflanquin for centuries—is the perfect time to experience the lively atmosphere. You can also visit the Biron Castle, an imposing fortress that was one of the four baronies of the Périgord. A private chauffeur can take you from one bastide to the next without having to worry about parking—the most beautiful way to step back in time.
The Water Park and the Pond
On-site, the campground offers plenty to keep the whole family entertained without having to go anywhere. The water park—with three heated pools, six water slides, a wading pool, and a hot tub—is a delight for young and old alike, while adults can enjoy the wellness area (sauna, massages). The property’s large, one-hectare fishing pond offers a simple yet rare pleasure: you can fish in the shade, in peace and quiet, without ever leaving the campground. For sports enthusiasts, tennis, mini-golf, archery, and a multi-sport field round out the offerings; for children, clubs and activities keep the high season lively. Between a swim in the morning, a visit to a country house in the afternoon, and an evening at the campground’s restaurant, you’ll enjoy a well-rounded stay where you never have to drive very far. That’s the beauty of a large 5-star camping village in the heart of such a beautiful region.
| Activity | Where / When | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Villeréal Country House | 3 km away | Most Beautiful Village · Market Hall from ~1515 |
| Monpazier | ~15 km (Dordogne) | Place des Cornières · Thursday Market |
| Monflanquin | ~12 km | Most Beautiful Village · Bastide 1256 |
| Biron Castle | between Villeréal and Monpazier | Barony of Périgord · Film Set |
| Water Park & Pond | at the campground | 3 swimming pools, 6 water slides · fishing |
Villeréal, Monpazier, Monflanquin, and Biron
The region of the bastides, centered around Fonrives, is an open-air history book. Stretching for a few kilometers, straddling the Lot-et-Garonne and Dordogne departments, it features some of the most beautiful new towns of the Middle Ages, as well as imposing castles. Here are the must-see sites, all verified, which you can combine as you wish—often in a single day, since they’re so close together.
Villeréal and Monflanquin
Villeréal and Monflanquin are two bastides in Lot-et-Garonne, located near the campground. Villeréal charms visitors with its market hall supported by wooden pillars and its grid-like layout; Monflanquin is a bastide perched around a square lined with arcades. The Pays de Bergerac Tourist Office showcases the“Vignoble et Bastides” region and its heritage sites (verified on July 24, 2026).
Monpazier and Biron Castle
Just to the north, in the Dordogne, Monpazier is a bastide founded in 1284, centered around the Place des Cornières. Nearby, the Château de Biron offers a glimpse into the history of the baronies of the Périgord. These sites are among the heritage attractions listed by the Pays de Bergerac Tourist Office (verified on July 24, 2026).
Bergerac, Wine, and the Périgord Noir
Beyond the bastides, the campground is within easy reach of the Dordogne Valley, the Bergerac vineyards, and—a little further away—the Périgord Noir region, home to Sarlat and its castles. It’s the perfect way to add a generous helping of fine dining, wine, and stunning sights to your medieval getaway. Here are the area’s must-see attractions, all of which can be visited on a day trip.
Bergerac and Its Vineyards
About thirty kilometers to the north, Bergerac is the capital of the Périgord Pourpre, on the banks of the Dordogne. Here, you can stroll through the old town, among half-timbered houses and cobblestone squares, following in the footsteps of Cyrano—whom the city has made its emblem (with two statues, even though the character never actually lived there). Above all, Bergerac lends its name to a major wine region: the Bergerac AOC and its appellations, including the famous Monbazillac, a golden, sweet wine harvested from the neighboring hillsides. You can visit the châteaux and wineries for a tasting, and the port of Bergerac offers gabare boat rides on the Dordogne River. Between the old town, the vineyards, and the river, Bergerac is a lovely getaway, just under half an hour from the campground—a chance to enjoy, after exploring the bastides, the pleasures of wine and Périgord cuisine.
The Périgord Noir and Sarlat
A little further on, about an hour's drive away, lies the Black Périgord, one of the most beautiful wine-growing regions in France. Sarlat-la-Canéda, a medieval capital with its pale stone architecture and slate roofs, is worth the trip on its own, especially on market days (Wednesdays and Saturdays). Beyond it stretches the famous Valley of the Castles: Beynac and Castelnaud, rivals during the Hundred Years' War standing face to face on opposite banks of the Dordogne; the historic villages of Domme and La Roque-Gageac; and the gardens of Marqueyssac. It’s a bit farther than the bastides, but perfectly doable as a day trip from the campground, and it’s a chance to round out your tour of the bastide region with the major sites of the Périgord Noir. A private chauffeur can take you there and pick you up, without having to worry about parking—which is especially valuable in the summer, when Sarlat and the valley are very crowded.
Prunes, Wine, and Markets
The Southwest, around Fonrives, is one of France’s most bountiful regions, nestled between Lot-et-Garonne and Périgord. Between a swim and a visit to a bastide, local cuisine and markets are part of the experience—here’s what’s sure to make your mouth water, just a few minutes from the campground.
Agen Prunes and Wine
Lot-et-Garonne is the home of the Agen prune (PGI), a dried plum made from the“prune d’Ente” variety, whose orchards cover the surrounding hills (the heart of production lies a bit further south, near Villeneuve-sur-Lot). They can be enjoyed plain, stuffed, with Armagnac, or in local dishes. As for wine, the campground is situated between two beautiful vineyards: those of Bergerac and Monbazillac (sweet wines) to the north, and Duras to the west. Add to that foie gras, Marmande tomatoes, fruits and vegetables from the Val de Garonne, and of course—as you head toward the Périgord—walnuts and truffles. You can visit farms and producers for tastings, and many restaurants in the bastides showcase the region’s specialties. A gourmet getaway, featuring plums, wines, and duck.
The Markets of the Bastides
The markets are the heart and soul of the land of the bastides, and they stand beneath the arcades of the covered squares, in an unspoiled medieval setting. Thursday is the big market day: the market in Monpazier on Place des Cornières (for over seven centuries) and the market at Monflanquin from its high vantage point. Villeréal, just nearby, also has its own lively market under the market hall. There you’ll find local products—prunes, goat cheese, duck, fruits and vegetables, wines—and in the summer, farmers’ night markets invite you to dine on site, by candlelight, under the arcades. To visit a market without the hassle of parking—which is often limited in these villages—a round-trip chauffeured transfer from the campground is the simplest solution. You can pick up enough to put together an impromptu picnic by the pond or a dinner featuring local specialties under the trees at the campground.
Why Choose a Private Transfer to Your Campground?
Traveling to Château de Fonrives from Bordeaux by private transfer means arriving well-rested, without having to rent a car, and right at the campground entrance with all your luggage. For a family arriving at the Bordeaux airport or train station, this is by far the simplest option—and the best choice for a door-to-door arrival with all your luggage.
Door-to-door, without renting a car
The campground is in the countryside, three kilometers from Villeréal: there is no train station in Rives, and the nearest station, Bergerac, is about thirty kilometers away, with no local transportation for the final stretch. Renting a car for the entire duration of your stay—even though you’ll hardly use it once you’re settled by the pool—is expensive and a hassle (deposit, full tank, parking). With a private driver, you’ll be picked up in Bordeaux (Mérignac Airport, Saint-Jean Train Station, or your hotel) and driven directly to the campground entrance, with all your vacation luggage, child seats upon request, and a schedule tailored to your flight or train. The trip, which takes about two hours on the A89 toward Bergerac, becomes a true opportunity to relax: your vacation begins the moment you get in the car, without the fatigue of driving or the stress of navigating the route—especially on the small roads of the Haut-Agenais region.
A fixed price, known in advance
Our transfer from Bordeaux to the Château de Fonrives campground is billed at a fixed rate, which is provided and confirmed in writing before departure: starting at approximately €264 for the one-way trip (Mercedes sedan or van seating up to 8 passengers), regardless of traffic conditions, with no unexpected charges based on the odometer. The fixed quote allows you to compare this transfer with a rental, taking into account planned excursions to the bastides. Once there, you can request his services for excursions: a tour of the bastides (Monpazier on market day), a visit to Bergerac and its vineyards, or a day trip to Sarlat. On the return trip, he’ll pick you up at the campground at the agreed-upon time to take you back to Bordeaux, in time for your flight or train. Simple, straightforward, relaxing—and ideal for a family vacation.
When is the best time to stay at the Château de Fonrives campground?
The Southwest is best enjoyed from May through September, when the water park is in full swing and all the attractions are open. The summer (July–August) is peak season: water parks, night markets in the bastides, entertainment, and kids’ clubs under the Agenais sun—it’s also the busiest time of year, so be sure to book early (both your campsite and your transfer). The spring (May–June) and the late season (September) offer a gentle, peaceful atmosphere: lush green countryside, days that are still warm, less-crowded country towns and vineyards, more affordable rates, and orchards in bloom or bearing fruit. The campground’s heated indoor pool lets you enjoy the water even when it’s not at its hottest. No matter the time of year, the combination of country houses, castles, vineyards, and fine dining makes this corner of the Southwest a sure bet, just two hours from Bordeaux. A week is enough to experience the highlights at a leisurely pace. Be sure to book early in the summer.
| Season | Atmosphere | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (May–June) | tranquility, green countryside, orchards in bloom | Peace and quiet, country estates, and vineyards—without the crowds |
| Summer (July–August) | peak season, water park, night markets | families, swimming, activities (book early) |
| Late season (Sept.) | gentle warmth, golden light, quieter spots | couples, fine dining, grape harvests, and prunes |
Plan Your Stay in Fonrives
Here are a few practical tips for planning a relaxing trip to the land of the bastides, from choosing the right time of year to organizing your excursions. The key is to book early in the summer and plan your trips in advance if you’re staying at a campground in the countryside without a nearby train station.
Make Reservations and Get Organized
During peak season, book early and check the facilities, services, and opening dates on the official Marvilla Parks website (verified on July 24, 2026). For car-free excursions, you can plan a tour of the bastides, Bergerac, or Sarlat, then book transportation separately to fit your itinerary.
Transportation, both to and from
For the transfer, everything is arranged in advance: provide your flight or train schedule, the number of passengers and pieces of luggage, and whether you need child seats. On the outbound journey, the driver will be waiting for you at the airport, at the Saint-Jean train station, or at your hotel in Bordeaux and will take you directly to the campground entrance. On the return journey, he'll pick you up at the campground at the agreed-upon time and take you back to Bordeaux, allowing plenty of time for your flight or train. The fixed quote is confirmed in writing before departure. This is especially helpful when returning from vacation, when you’re tired, loaded down with luggage, and traveling with children: rather than returning a rental car and rushing to catch a schedule, you can let yourself be driven, in one go, from the region of the bastides to Bordeaux.
Getting to the campground from Bordeaux
The Château de Fonrives campground is about 153 km from Bordeaux, or about a 2-hour drive. The fastest route takes the A89 toward Bergerac, then the roads through the Haut-Agenais region toward Villeréal. There is no train station at the campground; the nearest one is in Bergerac, about 30 kilometers away, which is accessible from Bordeaux but requires a car to reach.
| Route | Distance | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux → campground (Rives / Villeréal) | ~153 km | ~2 hours | Starting at ~€264 for a private chauffeur service |
| Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport→ campground | ~160 km | ~2 hours | pickup at the terminal |
| Camping→ Villeréal | ~3 km | ~5 min | the country house, the market hall, the market |
| Camping→ Bergerac | ~30 km | ~35 min | train station, old town, vineyard |
By car, the quickest route follows the A89 (“the Trans-European Highway”) toward Bergerac, then the roads through the Haut-Agenais and the region of the bastides to Rives and Villeréal; allow about 2 hours, depending on traffic. By train, you can reach the Bergerac station from Bordeaux, but it’s about 30 kilometers from the campground, and there’s no local transportation: you’ll still need to cover the last stretch by car. That’s the whole point of the private transfer: it’s door-to-door, avoids transfers, and drops you off right at the entrance to the Château de Fonrives campground, at the foot of the castle.
Whether you're heading out on vacation, need a ride that's coordinated with your flight or train, or are staying at a campground without a car, booking a private chauffeur guarantees a comfortable and punctual ride— Book a driver from Bordeaux to the Château de Fonrives campground or explore All of our destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Château de Fonrives campground located?
The Château de Fonrives campground is located in Rives, in the northeastern part of Lot-et-Garonne (47210), about three kilometers from the bastide town of Villeréal, on the border between Lot-et-Garonne and the Dordogne. It is a 5-star campground set in a vast wooded park at the foot of an authentic castle, in the heart of the“Pays des Bastides” region (Villeréal, Monpazier, Monflanquin), between Bergerac and Villeneuve-sur-Lot. From Bordeaux, it’s about 153 km and a 2-hour drive. For families arriving by plane or train in Bordeaux, a private door-to-door transfer is the simplest option: you’ll be dropped off directly at the campground entrance, at the foot of the castle, with all your luggage.
Is the Château de Fonrives campground still a Yelloh! Village?
No, not anymore: it’s the same campground, in the same location, but it’s changed brands. Long operated under the Yelloh! Village banner, Château de Fonrives is now managed by the Homair / Marvilla Parks group (part of the European Camping Group). Many vacationers still know it as“Yelloh! Village Château de Fonrives,” which is why this guide also mentions that former name—but if you’re booking or looking for up-to-date information, you’ll find it under“Château de Fonrives” (Homair / Marvilla Parks brand). The 5-star rating, the castle, the vast wooded grounds, and the location—3 km from Villeréal—remain unchanged.
How much does a transfer from Bordeaux to the Château de Fonrives
campground cost?
We offer a fixed-price transfer from Bordeaux to the Château de Fonrives campground (Rives), starting at approximately€264 one way (about 153 km, approximately 2 hours via the A89), in a Mercedes sedan or van seating up to 8 passengers, with a professional driver. The trip is direct, door-to-door: pickup at the airport, Saint-Jean train station, or your hotel in Bordeaux, and drop-off directly at the campground entrance, at the foot of the castle, with all your vacation luggage. The fixed quote is provided and confirmed in writing before departure, with no unexpected meter charges. The relative cost depends on the length of your stay and any excursions; compare the written quote with the total cost of a rental.
Does the Château de Fonrives campground have a water park?
Yes. According to official sources, the campground features a large water park with three heated pools—including one indoor pool and two outdoor pools—six water slides (plus a pentagliss), a wading pool, a hot tub, and a sun deck. We strictly adhere to the officially described facilities: only one pool is indoor, and we do not include any unsourced amenities. In addition, there is a wellness area (sauna, massages) for adults, as well as a one-hectare fishing pond, a tennis court, a mini-golf course, and an archery range. For exact details on the facilities and opening dates during your stay, please refer to the campground’s official website.
What is there to do at the Château de Fonrives campground and in
the region of the bastides?
There’s plenty to do, and everything is close by. On-site: the water park, the fishing pond, and the campground’s activities. Three kilometers away is the bastide town of Villeréal and its medieval market hall. All around, the land of the bastides: Monpazier (the best-preserved, in the Dordogne), Monflanquin (the most beautiful village), and the Château de Biron. About thirty kilometers away is Bergerac, the city of Cyrano, and its vineyards (Monbazillac). A little further on lies the Périgord Noir: Sarlat and the Dordogne Valley with its castles (Beynac, Castelnaud). Not to mention the local specialties: Agen prunes, wines from Bergerac and Duras, and the markets in the bastides (on Thursdays in Monpazier and Monflanquin). Enough to fill a week without ever having to drive very far.
What is the "Land of the Bastides"?
The Land of the Bastides is a region in southwestern France, straddling the departments of Lot-et-Garonne and Dordogne, famous for its“bastides”: new towns founded in the 13th and 14th centuries, often by lords or kings (Alphonse of Poitiers, Edward I of England), laid out in a regular grid pattern around a central square with arcades (known as“couverts” or“cornières”). Near the Château de Fonrives campground, several of these are counted among the most beautiful villages in France: Villeréal (1267, 3 km away, with its wooden market hall), Monflanquin (1256, perched on a hill), and above all Monpazier (1284, in the Dordogne), often considered the best-preserved, with its magnificent Place des Cornières. You can also visit grand castles such as Biron. It’s an open-air history book of the Middle Ages, perfect for exploring from the campground.
Is the Château de Fonrives campground family-friendly?
Yes, it’s a large, family-friendly 5-star campground, designed for vacations with children. The water park (three heated pools, six water slides, a wading pool), the fishing pond, the petting zoo, and the kids’ clubs are a delight for young and old alike; tennis, mini-golf, archery, and entertainment round out the offerings. The region itself is a fascinating destination for families: the bastides and their arcaded squares, Biron Castle, Bergerac and its vineyards, and the Périgord Noir. For your arrival, a private transfer from Bordeaux makes everything easy: you travel together, with your luggage and, upon request, child seats, without the hassle of driving. Since the campground is in the countryside, a driver who knows the area will drop you off right at the correct entrance without any trouble. For exact details on the facilities, please refer to the official website.
How far is it from Bordeaux to the Château de Fonrives campground?
About 153 km by road, or about a 2-hour drive. The fastest route takes the A89 (“the Trans-European Highway”) toward Bergerac, then the roads through the Haut-Agenais and the Pays des Bastides regions to Rives and Villeréal. With an executive car service, the fare is fixed and provided in advance, starting at approximately€264 one way (sedan or van, door-to-door price). The campground does not have a train station: the nearest one is in Bergerac, about 30 kilometers away—served by trains from Bordeaux, but with no local transportation, so you’ll still need a vehicle to reach the campground. For a family arriving by plane or train in Bordeaux, a private door-to-door transfer eliminates the need for any transfers.
Can we visit Monpazier and the bastides from the campground?
Yes, and that’s one of the great attractions of the Château de Fonrives: it’s in the heart of the“land of the bastides.” Three kilometers away is Villeréal and its market hall; about a dozen kilometers away is Monflanquin, a hilltop bastide village ranked among the most beautiful villages in France; about fifteen kilometers away, in the Dordogne, lies Monpazier, often considered the best-preserved bastide in France, with its arcaded Place des Cornières. Thursday, market day in Monpazier and Monflanquin for centuries, is the perfect time to experience them at their liveliest. You can also visit the Château de Biron, located between the two. In a single day, you can easily visit several bastides and a castle, as they are so close together. A private chauffeur can take you from one to the next without having to worry about parking.
How can I get to the Château de Fonrives campground without a car?
That’s precisely the advantage of private transportation. The train goes as far as Bergerac (or Villeneuve-sur-Lot), but those stations are about 30 kilometers from the campground, with no local transportation available: you’ll still need to cover the last stretch by car. And renting a car for the entire duration of a stay—when you hardly use it once you’re settled by the pool—is expensive and inconvenient. With an executive car service, you’re picked up in Bordeaux (at the airport, Saint-Jean train station, or your hotel) and driven directly to the campground entrance, with all your luggage, in a single trip. Once there, you can book the driver on demand for excursions (a tour of the bastides, Bergerac, Sarlat). On your return, he’ll pick you up at the campground. It’s the simplest and most relaxing option, especially for families.
When is the best time to stay at the Château de Fonrives
campground?
The Southwest is best enjoyed from May through September. Summer (July–August) is peak season for water parks, night markets in the bastides, entertainment, and sightseeing—it’s also the busiest time of year. Spring (May–June) and late summer (September) offer mild weather and tranquility: lush green countryside, still-warm days, less-crowded bastides and vineyards, and lower prices. The campground’s heated indoor pool lets you enjoy the water even when it’s not scorching hot. No matter the time of year, the combination of bastides, castles, vineyards, and fine dining makes this corner of the Southwest a sure bet, just two hours from Bordeaux. A week is enough to experience the highlights at a leisurely pace. Be sure to book early in the summer—this destination is very popular.
Further Reading
- The town of Cyrano and its vineyards: see the Bergerac Guide (old town, Monbazillac, gabares)
- An English-style country house in the Périgord Pourpre region: see the Eymet Guide (country house, market, lake)
- A 5-star campground in the Périgord forest: see the Saint Avit Loisirs Guide (Saint-Avit-de-Vialard)
- The capital of the Périgord Noir: see the Sarlat Guide (the medieval town, the main market)
- Plan Your Trip: Book a chauffeured transfer from Bordeaux to the Château de Fonrives campground or explore All of our destinations
Sources and References
- Camping Château de Fonrives— official website— 5★, Rives (47), wooded park at the foot of a castle, ~390 sites, water park, fishing pond (Homair/Marvilla, formerly Yelloh!)
- Marvilla Parks / Homair— Château de Fonrives— current operator (European Camping Group): 5★, 6 water slides, 3 heated pools, wellness facilities
- Wikipedia— Villeréal— bastide founded in 1267 (Alphonse de Poitiers), One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France (2018), market hall on pillars ~1515
- Wikipedia— Monpazier— bastide founded in 1284 (Edward I), One of the Most Beautiful Villages, Place des Cornières, traditional Thursday market
- Wikipedia— Château de Biron— one of the four baronies of the Périgord; Gontaut-Biron from the 12th to the 20th century; owned by the Department
- Pays de Bergerac Tourist Office— Château de Fonrives, 3 km from Villeréal, 22 ha, 3 heated pools, 6 water slides, Green Key/Quality Tourism certifications
Article updated on .
Off to the Land of the Bastides
Direct transfer from Bordeaux (~2 hours) to your campground at the foot of the castle in Rives, near Villeréal—from the airport, train station, or hotel to the campground entrance, including luggage. Fixed, written quote with no unexpected meter charges.
