Private driver from Bordeaux to Camping Saint Avit Loisirs in Saint-Avit-de-Vialard
A 5-star family-friendly campground in the heart of a 50-hectare forest in the Périgord Noir: the Saint Avit Loisirs resort in Saint-Avit-de-Vialard, featuring a water park, a pond, and a petting zoo, just a few minutes from Le Bugue and the prehistoric Vézère Valley (Lascaux, Les Eyzies)—and your private door-to-door transfer from Bordeaux, with no need to rent a car.
Saint Avit Loisirs Campground at a Glance
Saint Avit Loisirs is a 5-star campground in Saint-Avit-de-Vialard, set within a 50-hectare forest estate. From Bordeaux, the standard commercial route covers 169 km in 2 hours and 4 minutes, starting at €328. The campground features a water park, a fishing pond, and a petting zoo, just a few kilometers from Le Bugue.
Method: The figures of 169 km, 2:04, and 328 € are taken directly from the promotional page and do not represent an actual experience. The address and amenities were verified on the campground’s official website. Services and access conditions are subject to confirmation with the campground.
| Landmark | Details |
|---|---|
| Camping | Saint Avit Loisirs ★★★★★ (Homair / Marvilla Group), family-friendly |
| Municipality | Saint-Avit-de-Vialard (Dordogne, 24260) · Périgord Noir |
| Setting | ~50-hectare oak and chestnut forest · water park · pond |
| Around | Le Bugue (~5 km), Proumeyssac, Le Bournat, Lascaux, Les Eyzies |
| Distance from Bordeaux | about 169 km · about 2 hours and 4 minutes by car |
Where is Camping Saint Avit Loisirs located?
Camping Saint Avit Loisirs is located in Saint-Avit-de-Vialard, in the Dordogne, on a forested plateau about 5 km from Le Bugue. It is situated inland, in the Périgord Noir, between the Vézère and Dordogne valleys. From Bordeaux, the distance is 169 km and the travel time is 2 hours and 4 minutes.
The Périgord Noir and the Vézère Valley
The campground is in the heart of the Périgord Noir, the most famous of the four colors of the Périgord—that of the great sites of the Dordogne and Vézère valleys. It is a region of rare beauty: the prehistory (Lascaux and Les Eyzies, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites), the castles medieval villages perched on the cliffs (Beynac, Castelnaud), the listed villages among the most beautiful in France (Limeuil, La Roque-Gageac, Domme), and Sarlat-la-Canéda, a medieval capital with exceptional architecture. Add to that the gardens, the cuisine—foie gras, truffles, walnuts, porcini mushrooms—the markets, and the rivers perfect for canoeing, and it’s easy to see why the Dordogne is one of France’s top vacation destinations. Located in the Saint-Avit-de-Vialard forest, the campground is ideally situated for exploring both the prehistoric Vézère region and the Dordogne Valley, both just a few minutes away.
Saint-Avit-de-Vialard and Le Bugue
Saint-Avit-de-Vialard is a tiny village in the Périgord Noir: just 152 residents, scattered across a forested plateau (nearly two-thirds of the town is covered in woods). Needless to say, the large forest campground is by far the most striking feature of the village. Five kilometers away, Le Bugue—a charming little town in the Vézère Valley—serves as the gateway to the region: that’s where you’ll find shops, the Tuesday market (a tradition established by King Philip the Long in 1319, still going strong), and some wonderful attractions—the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, the Parc du Bournat, and the Périgord Noir Aquarium. The Vézère River, which flows through Le Bugue, empties into the Dordogne a little further on, at the foot of the historic village of Limeuil. Nestled between the forest and the river, Camping Saint Avit Loisirs offers the tranquility of the Périgord countryside and the comforts of a large, family-friendly resort, with everything within easy reach.
The estate, nestled in the heart of a 50-hectare forest
Saint Avit Loisirs is a large, family-friendly 5-star campground nestled in the heart of a 50-hectare forest of oak and chestnut trees, featuring a vast water park, a fishing pond, and a mini-farm. An exceptional, peaceful natural setting, just a few kilometers from Le Bugue and the Vézère Valley.
A large, wooded estate in a quiet setting
The charm of Saint Avit Loisirs lies in its setting: a vast wooded estate of some 50 hectares of oak and chestnut trees, on the Périgord Noir plateau, far from the hustle and bustle. A 5-star campground operated by the Homair Group (now under the Marvilla Parks brand, part of the European Camping Group), it is a large, family-friendly resort with approximately 406 sites, including shaded tent sites and rentals (mobile homes, Super Lodges). The open space, the forest, and the tranquility make it a relaxing base for a vacation in the countryside. We’re sticking to the officially published information here: the campground lists a 50-hectare forest (some brand pages mention 53 ha), without claiming any superlatives regarding its size. Here’s a useful point to note: unlike other campsites in the area, Saint Avit Loisirs is not located on a river—the “tubing river” is a feature of the water park, not a natural waterway.
The water park, the pond, and the mini-farm
When it comes to swimming, the campground features a large water park, a major draw for families. According to the official website, it includes three outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool, four water slides, a lazy river, three wading pools, and a fun water play area. We are sticking strictly to the facilities officially described: the indoor pool is heated, but the outdoor pools are not, and we are not including a wave pool or hot tub, as these are not mentioned in the sources. Another popular feature: a large fishing pond (16,000 m²) and a mini-farm that delights children. In addition, according to our sources, there are two tennis courts, a restaurant (“Le Chaudron Périgourdin,” serving local cuisine), a pizzeria, a bar, a grocery store, as well as kids’ and teens’ clubs during the season. The campground holds the Clef Verte and Qualité Tourisme certifications. For specific details about your stay, please visit the official website.
| Camping Saint Avit Loisirs Activities | Details (according to the official website) |
|---|---|
| Rankings | 5-star campground (Homair / Marvilla Parks group), family-friendly |
| Setting | oak and chestnut forest covering ~50 ha · ~406 campsites |
| Water Park | 3 outdoor pools + 1 heated indoor pool + 4 water slides + a lazy river + wading pools |
| Also | 16,000 m² fishing pond, mini-farm, tennis, restaurant, pizzeria · kids' and teens' clubs |
| Good to Know | Clef Verte & Qualité Tourisme certifications · details & dates: official website |
What is there to do at the campground and around Le Bugue?
From the campground, you can enjoy the on-site water park and pond, head down to Proumeyssac to visit the “Crystal Cathedral,” visit the Parc du Bournat and the Périgord Noir Aquarium in Le Bugue, canoe down the Vézère River, and explore prehistoric sites (Lascaux IV, Les Eyzies, La Roque Saint-Christophe), the historic village of Limeuil, and the Dordogne Valley. Here, in concrete terms, are the real, tried-and-true activities for a stay in Saint-Avit-de-Vialard: the campground is in the heart of the Périgord Noir, just a few minutes from Le Bugue and within easy reach of the major attractions. Relax by the pool in the morning, explore caves and parks at noon, and visit castles and go canoeing in the afternoon: the perfect recipe for a wonderful summer in the Périgord.
- The Proumeyssac Chasm—in Audrix, near Le Bugue: the “Crystal Cathedral,” a vast underground vault of stalactites and stalagmites, with the option of descending in a gondola
- The Parc du Bournat — in Le Bugue: a reconstructed, living 1900s village in the Périgord (artisans, farm animals, vintage rides)
- The Périgord Noir Aquarium — in Le Bugue: a large freshwater aquarium and its “Alligator Park”
- Lascaux IV — in Montignac (~35–40 min): a full-scale replica of the Lascaux Cave (the original has been closed since 1963), rated 3 stars in the Green Guide
- Les Eyzies and Font-de-Gaume — the capital of prehistory, its National Museum, and the Font-de-Gaume Cave (original paintings; reservations required)
- Canoeing on the Vézère — a trip from Le Bugue to Les Eyzies along the cliffs and scenic spots, with a shuttle service
- Limeuil and the Dordogne—the historic village at the confluence of the two rivers, and the Valley of the Castles (Beynac, Castelnaud, Sarlat)
Le Bugue: Proumeyssac, Le Bournat, the Aquarium
Five kilometers from the campground, Le Bugue offers plenty of great family outings. The Proumeyssac Cave, just nearby (in Audrix), is the main attraction: a massive underground cavern, the “ Crystal Cathedral ", lined with stalactites and stalagmites and enhanced by a sound-and-light show. You can go down into it, just as in the past, by gondola (a vertical descent of about fifty meters, in the dark, then the revelation). In Le Bugue itself, the Bournat Park recreates a lively 1900s village in the Périgord region, complete with artisans, vintage carousels, and farm animals—a delight for children. Right next door, the Périgord Noir Aquarium features its large freshwater pools and its “Alligator Park.” Three major attractions just a few minutes away—perfect for adding some variety to a family vacation, between days spent at the pool and visiting castles.
Canoeing and the Village of Limeuil
The campground isn't right on the water, but the Vézère flows right nearby, at Le Bugue, and is perfect for canoe — a calm river, accessible to everyone. The descent Le Bugue → Les Eyzies The trip takes half a day, winding along cliffs and past prehistoric sites (you’ll pass by cliff-top castles such as the Maison Forte de Reignac); rental centers in Le Bugue, Les Eyzies, and Limeuil offer customizable routes that include a return shuttle. A little further on, five kilometers from Le Bugue, Limeuil is situated in a spectacular location at the confluence of the Vézère and the Dordogne: Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, this terraced village features panoramic gardens offering a sweeping view of the confluence of the two rivers. From canoeing to the historic village and the confluence, there are countless ways to explore the Vézère—all just a few minutes from the campground.
| Activity | Where / When | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Proumeyssac Cave | Audrix (~10 min) | "Crystal Cathedral" · Gondola Ride Down |
| Bournat Park / Aquarium | Le Bugue (~10 min) | 1900 Living Village · Large Freshwater Aquarium |
| Lascaux IV | Montignac (~35–40 min) | Full-scale replica of the cave · 3★ Michelin Green Guide |
| Les Eyzies / Font-de-Gaume | ~20–25 min | National Museum of Prehistory · Original Paintings (Reservation) |
| Canoeing on the Vézère River | Le Bugue → Les Eyzies | calm river · at the foot of the cliffs · shuttle |
The Vézère Valley and Prehistory
Just a short distance from the campground lies one of the cradles of humanity: the Vézère Valley, known as the “Valley of Man,” where our ancestors lived and painted tens of thousands of years ago. Stretching some 40 kilometers, it features a string of decorated caves, rock shelters, and museums—a journey back to our origins that’s not to be missed during your stay. Here are the must-see sites, all verified.
Lascaux, Les Eyzies, and UNESCO
The jewel of the region is Lascaux. The original cave, discovered in 1940 and closed to the public since 1963 to preserve it, can now be explored through Lascaux IV, the International Center for Cave Art in Montignac (~35–40 min): a spectacular, full-scale replica, awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide. Closer by, about twenty minutes away, Les Eyzies—the “world capital of prehistory”—is home to the National Museum of Prehistory and, nearby, the Font-de-Gaume Cave—one of the last major polychrome decorated caves with original paintings still open to the public (very limited access, about 78 visitors per day; online reservations are required, often weeks in advance). All of the prehistoric sites and decorated caves in the Vézère Valley have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979—fifteen exceptional sites that speak volumes about the region’s richness.
La Roque Saint-Christophe and Other Sites
Beyond the painted caves, the valley holds other wonders. La Roque Saint-Christophe, near Peyzac-le-Moustier, is a breathtaking troglodytic fortress: a cliff one kilometer long and eighty meters high, carved with about a hundred shelters, inhabited from prehistoric times through the end of the Renaissance. In Tursac, the Maison Forte de Reignac is an astonishing troglodytic cliff castle, intact and furnished. Near Montignac, the Parc du Thot rounds out the Lascaux visit with a wildlife park (featuring species similar to those of prehistoric times) and other replicas. Enough to fill several days, filled with wonder and thrills—all these sites, like the caves, are less than three-quarters of an hour from the campground. This is one of the great advantages of Saint Avit Loisirs: its location, at the heart of a prehistoric triangle listed by UNESCO, unique in the world.
| Prehistoric Site | Where / distance | Must-See |
|---|---|---|
| Lascaux IV | Montignac (~35–40 min) | Full-scale replica of the cave · 3★ Michelin Green Guide |
| Les Eyzies | ~20–25 min | National Museum of Prehistory (Tayac Castle) |
| Font-de-Gaume | Les Eyzies | Original polychrome paintings · Reservations required |
| La Roque Saint-Christophe | Peyzac-le-Moustier | cave fortress · cliff 1 km / 80 m |
| Reignac Fortified House | Tursac | furnished cave castle on a cliff |
The Dordogne, Its Castles, and Sarlat
Beyond the prehistoric Vézère River, the campground is also within easy reach of the Dordogne Valley and its legendary castles, as well as the medieval town of Sarlat. This makes it easy to plan a tour of the Périgord’s wonders during your stay—the Vézère for prehistory, the Dordogne for the castles. Here are the area’s must-see attractions, all accessible on day trips.
The Castles of the Dordogne Valley
About 30 minutes from the campground, the Dordogne Valley—the “Valley of Castles”—is home to some of France’s most beautiful medieval fortresses, often standing face to face on opposite banks of the river. Beynac and Castelnaud, rivals during the Hundred Years’ War, gaze at each other from one bank to the other; Castelnaud is home to a fascinating Museum of Medieval Warfare. The historic villages of Domme (a hilltop bastide with a viewpoint) and La Roque-Gageac (at the foot of its cliff), as well as the hanging gardens of Marqueyssac (in Vézac, with 150,000 trimmed boxwood trees), round out this collection of wonders. You can also canoe down this stretch of the Dordogne or take a ride on a gabare. A private driver can drop you off and pick you up at each site, eliminating any parking worries—a real bonus in summer, when the valley’s parking lots fill up quickly.
Sarlat, the capital of the Périgord Noir
About 40 minutes away, Sarlat-la-Canéda is the beating heart of the Périgord Noir. The town has survived the centuries virtually intact: it is one of the most concentrated collections of medieval and Renaissance architecture in Europe, preserved and restored thanks to the Malraux Law of 1962. You can wander aimlessly through the maze of narrow streets, past mansions built of pale stone, hidden courtyards, and rooftops of slate tile, all the way to Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral. Twice a week, the city comes alive with its big market (Wednesdays and Saturdays); in winter, it becomes a capital of foie gras and the truffle Black. To explore the area without the hassle of finding parking—which is often full—a round-trip ride with a chauffeured transfer from the campground is the simplest solution. Nestled between the Vézère and Dordogne rivers, with its blend of prehistory and castles, Saint Avit Loisirs is the ideal starting point for exploring the entire Périgord Noir region.
Walnuts, Foie Gras, and Markets
The Périgord Noir is a region known for its local cuisine, and Saint-Avit-de-Vialard is a great starting point for experiencing it. Between a dip at the water park and a cave tour, 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.
A Country of Fine Dining
The Périgord walnuts (AOC) reigns supreme—oil, kernels, cakes—and walnut oil mills in the surrounding area are open to visitors. The foie gras duck and goose, the truffle black (the “black diamond,” in winter), the porcini mushrooms In the fall, the nearby Bergerac wines contribute to a world-renowned culinary tradition. You can visit local farms and producers for tastings, and the campground’s own restaurant, “Le Chaudron Périgourdin,” showcases the region’s local flavors. The confluence of the Périgord Noir and Périgord Pourpre regions is ideally situated to experience the best of both: the major attractions and walnuts on one side, and the Bergerac vineyards on the other. Between a morning canoe trip and an afternoon cave tour, a gourmet stop perfectly rounds out the day, making dining a highlight of the trip in its own right.
Markets in the Périgord
Markets are the heart and soul of the Périgord, and there are markets in the surrounding area almost every day. The large market in Sarlat, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, is the most famous—with its medieval setting and stalls overflowing with local products. Closer to home, Le Bugue has held its market on Tuesdays since a royal decree in 1319, and many villages liven up the week with their farmers’ markets, particularly the summer night markets. In winter, the region becomes a hub for foie gras and truffles, with its foie gras markets. To visit a market without the hassle of parking—which is often full during peak season—a round-trip ride with a chauffeur service from the campground is the simplest solution. You can bring back enough to put together an impromptu picnic in the forest or a dinner featuring local specialties under the campground’s towering oak trees.
Why book an executive car service to your campground?
Traveling to Saint Avit Loisirs from Bordeaux by private chauffeur means arriving well-rested, without having to rent a car, 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 often the most economical when traveling with several people.
Door-to-door, without renting a car
The campground is located in the middle of the forest, on a plateau, five kilometers from Le Bugue: There is no train station in Saint-Avit-de-Vialard, and the nearest stations (Le Bugue, Les Eyzies) are only small stops with no local transportation—you’ll need a car to get to the campground anyway. 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 chauffeured transfer, 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 2 hours and 4 minutes, becomes a welcome chance to unwind: 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 final few kilometers of narrow forest roads.
A fixed price, known in advance
Our transfer from Bordeaux to Camping Saint Avit Loisirs is billed at a fixed rate, which is provided and confirmed in writing before departure: starting at approximately €294 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. For groups—whether with family or friends—the math is easy when compared to renting a car for the entire week, with the assurance of a professional chauffeur who knows the area and will drop you off right at the campground entrance at the end of the forest road. Once you’re there, you can call on him on demand for excursions: a round trip to Sarlat on market day, a visit to Lascaux IV, or a canoe trip. On your return, 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, and relaxing—and ideal for a family vacation.
When is the best time to stay at Camping Saint Avit Loisirs?
The Périgord Noir is best enjoyed from May through September, when all the attractions are open and the water park is in full swing. The summer (July–August) is peak season: water park, canoeing on the Vézère, night markets, entertainment, and kids’ clubs under the southwestern sun—it’s also the busiest time of year, so be sure to book early (both the campground and the transfer). The spring (May–June) and the late season (September) offers a gentle, peaceful atmosphere: a magnificent forest, days that are still warm, less crowded sites, and more affordable rates. The campground’s heated indoor pool lets you enjoy the water even when it’s not at its hottest. No matter the season, the combination of prehistory, castles, villages, the river, and fine dining makes the Périgord Noir a sure bet, just over two hours from Bordeaux. A week is enough to experience the highlights at a leisurely pace: the forest in the morning, caves and castles in the afternoon. Be sure to book early in the summer—this destination is very popular.
Plan Your Stay at Saint Avit Loisirs
Here are some practical tips for planning a relaxing getaway in the countryside, from choosing the right time of year to organizing your excursions. The key is to book early in the summer and plan your travel arrangements in advance if you’re staying at a campground deep in the forest with no train station nearby.
Make Reservations and Get Organized
During peak season, Book early: The campground fills up quickly in July and August, and both canoeing and tours (Lascaux IV, Font-de-Gaume) are in high demand—Font-de-Gaume, in particular, requires reservations made weeks in advance. Be sure to bring enough to to bathe (water park), sturdy shoes for the cobblestone villages and tourist sites, and sunscreen. For the field trips If you don't have a car, consider booking an on-demand driver: a round trip to Sarlat on market day, a visit to Lascaux IV, or a drop-off and pick-up for a canoe trip. We also serve other campsites in the Périgord using the same door-to-door service—such as the Le Paradis Campground, on the Vézère River in Saint-Léon —, and many others among All of our destinations . Please check the campground's facilities and services (restaurant, grocery store, kids' clubs, opening dates) on the official website, which remains the authoritative source.
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. For 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. For 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 quote, fixed, 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 meet a schedule, you can sit back while your chauffeur takes you directly from the Périgord forest to Bordeaux—skipping the last few kilometers of small forest roads.
Getting to the campground from Bordeaux
Camping Saint Avit Loisirs is 169 km from Bordeaux, or a 2-hour, 4-minute drive according to the standard route. The route takes you along the A89 toward Périgueux, then through Le Bugue and Saint-Avit-de-Vialard. The campground does not have a train station: from the train stops in Le Bugue or Les Eyzies, you’ll need a car for the final leg of the trip.
| Route | Distance | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux → campground (Saint-Avit-de-Vialard) | ~169 km | ~2:04 | Starting at ~328 € for a door-to-door chauffeur |
| Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport → campground | ~169 km | ~2:04 | pickup at the terminal |
| Camping → Le Bugue | ~5 km | ~10 min | shops, market, attractions |
| Campground → Lascaux IV (Montignac) | ~32 km | ~35–40 min | the replica of the cave |
By car, the quickest route follows the A89 (“the Trans-European Highway”) toward Périgueux, taking the exit for Le Bugue, then continuing on small forest roads to Saint-Avit-de-Vialard; allow about 2 hours and 4 minutes, depending on traffic. By train, you can reach the Le Bugue or Les Eyzies stations from Bordeaux, but these small stations don’t have local transportation, and it’s still a few kilometers to the campground from there. That’s the whole point of the chauffeur service: door-to-door, it eliminates the need for transfers and drops you off right at the entrance to Camping Saint Avit Loisirs, in the heart of the forest.
Whether you’re heading out on vacation, need a ride that’s coordinated with your flight or train, or are planning a car-free camping trip, booking an executive car service guarantees a comfortable and punctual ride— book a driver from Bordeaux to Camping Saint Avit Loisirs, or explore all our destinations .
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Camping Saint Avit Loisirs located?
Saint Avit Loisirs is a 5-star campground in Saint-Avit-de-Vialard, on a forested plateau in the Périgord Noir, about 5 km from Le Bugue. The campground is located inland. From Bordeaux, the standard route covers 169 km and takes 2 hours and 4 minutes. The private shuttle service drops you off at the entrance with your luggage.
How much does a transfer from Bordeaux to Camping Saint Avit Loisirs cost?
We offer a fixed-price transfer from Bordeaux to Camping Saint Avit Loisirs (Saint-Avit-de-Vialard), starting at approximately €294 one way (approximately 169 km, about 2 hours and 4 minutes via the A89), in a Mercedes sedan or van seating up to 8 passengers, with a professional chauffeur. 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, in the heart of the forest, with all your vacation luggage. The fixed-price quote is provided and confirmed in writing before departure, with no unexpected charges. For groups, this is often more cost-effective than renting a car for the entire stay—and much more relaxing, especially for families.
Does Camping Saint Avit Loisirs have a water park?
Yes. According to the official website, the campground features a large water park with three outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool, four water slides, a lazy river, three wading pools, and a fun water play area. We strictly adhere to the facilities officially described: the indoor pool is heated, but the outdoor pools are not, and we do not include a wave pool or hot tub, as these are not mentioned in the sources. In addition, there is a large 16,000 m² fishing pond and a mini-farm for children. For exact details on the facilities and opening dates during your stay, please refer to the campground’s official website.
Is Camping Saint Avit Loisirs located on the banks of a river?
No: this is an important point to clarify. Saint Avit Loisirs is a campground in the forest, on a plateau, inland—in fact, the town of Saint-Avit-de-Vialard has no permanent waterways. The campground’s “tubing river” is a feature of its water park, not a natural river. As for a river, the Vézère flows just a few minutes away in Le Bugue and is ideal for canoeing (from Le Bugue to Les Eyzies). The campground therefore capitalizes on another asset: the tranquility of a large 50-hectare forest of oak and chestnut trees, away from the hustle and bustle, yet within easy reach of the Vézère Valley, the Dordogne, and their major attractions. It’s a “nature and recreation” campground, ideal for a family getaway in the countryside.
What is there to do at Camping Saint Avit Loisirs and around Le Bugue?
There’s plenty to do, and everything is nearby. On-site: the water park, the fishing pond, and the petting zoo. Five kilometers away, Le Bugue and its attractions: the Gouffre de Proumeyssac (the “Crystal Cathedral,” with a gondola ride down), the Parc du Bournat (a living 1900s village), and the Périgord Noir Aquarium. All around, the Vézère Valley and its prehistory: Lascaux IV in Montignac, Les Eyzies and its National Museum of Prehistory, the Font-de-Gaume Cave, and La Roque Saint-Christophe. A little further away, the historic village of Limeuil at the confluence of the two rivers, and the Dordogne Valley with its castles (Beynac, Castelnaud) and Sarlat. Enough to fill a week without ever driving more than three-quarters of an hour.
What is the Proumeyssac Chasm?
This is one of the most beautiful places to visit near the campground, in Audrix (near Le Bugue), about ten minutes away. The Gouffre de Proumeyssac is a massive underground cavern, nicknamed the “Crystal Cathedral”: a vast vault lined with a multitude of formations (stalactites, stalagmites, draperies), enhanced by a sound-and-light show. You can descend into it, just as the first explorers did, in a gondola—a vertical drop of about fifty meters into the darkness, before the illuminated chamber comes into view. Often cited as one of the most visited natural caves in France, it is a spectacular and accessible site, ideal for families and in any weather. Be sure to check the official website for hours and prices before you go.
Is Camping Saint Avit Loisirs family-friendly?
Yes, it's a large, family-friendly 5-star campground, designed for vacations with children. The water park (pools, four water slides, a lazy river), the fishing pond, the petting zoo, the kids’ and teens’ clubs, the tennis courts, and the vast wooded setting make it an ideal base. The region itself offers plenty of exciting family activities: the caves and prehistoric sites of the Vézère, Bournat Park, the Aquarium, canoeing, and the castles of the Dordogne. For your arrival, a private chauffeur 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 at the end of a forest road, a driver familiar with 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 Camping Saint Avit Loisirs?
About 169 km by road, or about 2 hours and 4 minutes. The fastest route takes the A89 (“the Trans-European Highway”) toward Périgueux, with an exit toward Le Bugue, then along small forest roads to Saint-Avit-de-Vialard. With a pre-booked chauffeur, the fare is fixed and provided in advance, starting at approximately €294 one way (sedan or van, door-to-door price). The campground does not have a train station: the nearest ones are Le Bugue and Les Eyzies, small towns served by trains from Bordeaux, but with no local public 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 you go canoeing from Camping Saint Avit Loisirs?
Yes, even though the campground isn’t right on the water. The Vézère River flows just a few minutes away, in Le Bugue, and is perfect for canoeing: it’s a calm river, accessible to everyone, including children. The most popular canoe route connects Le Bugue to Les Eyzies in half a day, winding past cliffs and prehistoric sites, and passing at the foot of cliff-top castles such as the Maison Forte de Reignac. Numerous rental centers in Le Bugue, Les Eyzies, or Limeuil offer flexible itineraries ranging from a few hours to a full day, including a return shuttle; a driver can also arrange drop-off and pick-up. You can stop at the pebble beaches for a picnic and a swim. Be sure to reserve your canoe in advance during the summer—the season is short and popular.
How can I get to Camping Saint Avit Loisirs without a car?
That’s precisely the appeal of a chauffeured transfer. The train goes as far as the stations in Le Bugue or Les Eyzies, but these small stops don’t have local transportation, and there are still a few kilometers of forest roads to the campground. And renting a car for the entire duration of your stay—when you hardly use it once you’re settled by the pool—is expensive and inconvenient. With a chauffeur 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 (Sarlat on market day, Lascaux IV, a canoe trip). On your return, he’ll pick you up at the campground. It’s the simplest and most relaxing solution, especially for families.
When is the best time to stay at Camping Saint Avit Loisirs?
The Périgord Noir is best enjoyed from May through September. Summer (July–August) is peak season for the water park, canoeing, night markets, entertainment, and sightseeing (caves, castles)—it’s also the busiest time of year. Spring (May–June) and late summer (September) offer mild weather and tranquility: beautiful forests, days that are still warm, less crowded sites, and lower prices. The campground’s heated indoor pool lets you enjoy the water even when it’s not at its hottest. No matter the season, the combination of prehistory, castles, villages, the river, and fine dining makes the Périgord Noir a sure bet, just over 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
- A campground on the banks of the Vézère: see the Guide to Le Paradis Campground (Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère)
- A campground at the confluence of two rivers: see the Guide to the Port de Limeuil Campground (Alles-sur-Dordogne)
- Prehistory of the Vézère: see the Guide to Les Eyzies (Cro-Magnon, Font-de-Gaume)
- The capital of the Périgord Noir: see the Guide to Sarlat (the medieval town, the main market)
- Plan Your Trip: Book an executive car service from Bordeaux to Camping Saint Avit Loisirs, or explore all our destinations
Sources and References
- Camping Saint Avit Loisirs — Official Website — 5★, Saint-Avit-de-Vialard, 50-hectare forest, water park, fishing pond, mini-farm (Homair/Marvilla Group)
- Wikipedia — Saint-Avit-de-Vialard — Dordogne 24260, population 152, forested plateau (~64%), no permanent watercourses, ~5 km NE of Le Bugue
- Wikipedia — Le Bugue— a small town on the Vézère River, population 2,663, with a Tuesday market since 1319; Proumeyssac/Bournat/aquarium
- Proumeyssac Cave— Audrix, “Crystal Cathedral,” gondola ride down into the cave, sound-and-light show
- Lascaux IV — International Center for Cave Art — Montignac, a full-scale replica of the Lascaux Cave (the original has been closed since 1963), 3 stars in the Green Guide
- UNESCO — Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley — inscribed in 1979 (15 sites), Les Eyzies in Montignac
Article updated in July 2026.
Off to the Périgord Noir
Direct transfer from Bordeaux (~2 hours 4 minutes) to your campground in the forest in Saint-Avit-de-Vialard—from the airport, train station, or hotel to the campground entrance, including luggage. Fixed, written quote—no surprises on the meter.
