Pool complex
The pool complex at La Civelle is Capbreton's municipal swimming pool and outside of the high season, is open to the local area. It was a nice enough 25 meter lane pool with a small toddler splash area, but it definitely wasn’t heated and looked a bit grotty at the bottom. However, it did the job. We swam lengths, the kids jumped in and the nice lifeguards also taught swimming lessons for very good value.
Swimwear rule
Mike wore his normal swimwear here and it was never questioned, but as usual the rules can change. Check our post here to learn more about the speedo rule.
Campsite Facilities
The reason we booked this campsite was for its location and exploring off-site, but we were surprised to find more facilities than we first expected.
Receptions, Customer Services and Check in
Check in:
I had been previously liaising with staff via email as when i had tried to pay for our pitch, the website kept telling me I had booked a shared pitch, which was odd, but they reception assured me this was not the case and that I had been assigned pitch 15.
So imagine my surprise when Mike checked in and told me we were in 288?
Off we drove to 288 only to find that there was a giant hole in the emplacement. Then the neighbours came out and told us that yesterday, the pitch flooded around 60cm high and the previous residents who were also in a tent had to be moved.
Yeah…we weren’t going to be staying on that pitch. I went straight back to reception to explain, I had been told pitch 15 (which I had checked was still empty) and that i am not going to risk flooding my children while they sleep at night.
The man on reception then said “it’s normally a nice pitch when it’s not raining” – sorry, what? So you know it floods and yet you put a tent full of people on it? No…just no…
Anyway, he moved us back to 15 thankfully.
Other visits to reception:
Unfortunately, we did have to visit the reception a few more times during our holiday and never for a good reason. The first, our daughter had lost her brand new water bottle. Our fault for not keeping track of it, but strange how it never re-appeared anywhere.
The next time, a theft.
Yep. As we were celebrating our daughters 3rd birthday while on holiday, we wanted to decorate. I even bought some brand new solar lights for the occasion. Our pitch looked epic. She had a great birthday and everything was great.
The next night though, whilst we were all asleep in our tent. I can only assume drunken teenagers came onto our pitch and ripped down one set of lights, breaking them clean off the wires and then stole the other set that was well into our pitch.
Firstly, we were absolutely gutted.
Secondly, we felt absolutely violated that people had come so close to our tent and stolen our things, especially as we had the 3rd birthday balloons and banners up.
Thankfully, nothing big got stolen or damaged but it’s still a very sour taste.
Later that morning we saw the police on-site speaking to other guests, so I can only assume…
We told the reception staff who noted it down, but didn’t seem overly surprised.
Our final reception visit was to ask if they had seen our daughters' other sandal. Because somehow, she left them at the park and only one was there when we retrieved it.
And unsurprisingly, the reception didn’t know where it was.
I have later seen on Google reviews that other guests had had cutlery and plates stolen as well as hats, all from their pitch. Perhaps the teenagers had been playing a drunk scavenger hunt?
Play Areas & Sports Field
I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of play areas at La Civelle.
Play park
The play area was located just opposite our emplacement which as exactly why we wanted it. Having somewhere for the children to play while we unpacked and set up made life a lot easier. It was a nice, new looking wooden park on woodchips and it had a slide, some climbing areas and some seesaw style equipment.
Multi sports court
Just next to the park was a large multi sports area, it had netting around the site and was often used by young children paying football.
Volleyball & petanque
Also in the same area was the volleyball and Petanque courts. These were often being used and created a good, lively atmosphere.
Table tennis
Near the swimming pool I found a lonely table tennis table, though there could have been more that I was unaware of.
Bouncy Castle
One of our last days we decided to do a quick explore around the other parts of the campsite and were really surprised to find a bouncy castle. Almost glad we didn’t find it earlier as we would have had to go every day. It was a nice one with a slide on and the girls loved it.
Animation and entertainment for kids and adults
During our stay the bar had many different activities and entertainment ranging from themed meal nights to karaoke and concerts. Some of the live performances were great and we enjoyed that we could soak in some of the atmosphere from our emplacement. The music from the bar ended around 11pm most nights, but the campsite was definitely not quiet after that time.
There seemed to be no designated animation team or kids club that I was aware of.
Bars, Restaurant, shop and Takeaway
The bar, shop and restaurant are managed separately from the campsite and consisted of a really nice team of staff who seemed to be enjoying their Summer. The atmosphere was good and the staff seemed to share a good camaraderie. We often went for afternoon drinks in the sun and even ate the delicious pizzas a couple of times. The chef this year was an Italian and his pizzas were gorgeous.
The shop was small, but more than functional enough when there is a walkable supermarket just down the road.
Spa (& Beauty salon)
I found it hard to believe, but La Civelle does actually have a caravan offering massages to guests.
WIFI
Wifi was free across the site and our signal was good, worked well and couldn’t fault it.
Bike Hire
We hired bikes on-site through Kiwi Bike. The bikes were ok, a little squeaky and we paid 172 euros for 2 adult bikes, a child's bike and a baby seat.. We also had to leave a 500euro deposit. We stupidly took our bikes back a day early because we forgot the days while we were there and also didn’t get our full deposit because we somehow managed to lose our bike lock key and got charged 25 euros for it. Whoops.
Pets
Many of the guests on-site had dogs and there were also a few feral cats that a lady comes on-site to feed. They looked lovely and fluffy, but all of them had manky eyes and at closer sight looked a little ill, so i kept the children away from them as much as i could.
Other animals include the tons of Swallows nesting in the toilet block that watch you shower, use the toilet and occasionally poo on you.
Shower blocks & Laundry
Our camping emplacement was right next to the toilet block which we thought would be great, but these shower blocks, although functional and regularly cleaned, were disgusting. Unfortunately though, it isn’t really the campsites fault. Swallows are a protected bird and there is nothing the site can do except try and stay on top of it. Which they do and I noticed on the cleaning board that they are in there cleaning u around 3 times a day. But between the birds, unruly campers and what not else, the toilets still ended up gross. The drains in the showers on the women's side were all broken and the toilets were often quite disgusting – I imagine alcohol and fast food related.
However there were loads of washing up sinks that were generally kept clean.
There were other toilet blocks on the site. One was very similar to the one near us, also with nesting birds and the other, near the swimming pool was in a much nicer, enclosed, modern building. I much preferred going here, but it was often much busier.
The laundry is also in this toilet block and could quite often have a queue. The laundry detergent is included in the machine which we discovered after going to the shop to buy detergent and the machines cost 6 euros for a wash and 5 euros a dry, but the washing machines were fairly small so I did have to use two. You can pay by card or cash for the machines.
Day Trips
We literally booked this campsite because Capbreton and Hossegor are our favourite places in the whole of France and this site is incredibly convenient for visiting them.
Capbreton & Hossegor
Probably our two favourite towns in the whole of France. Capbreton and Hossegor offer a fantastic combination of coastal charm and family-friendly activities. In Capbreton, strolling along the marina, visiting lively seafood markets, and enjoying sandy beaches are among the highlights. Hossegor is renowned for its beautiful stretches of sand, surf schools for all ages, and extensive cycling paths through scenic landscapes. Families can enjoy stand-up paddling, nature walks around Lac d'Hossegor, and browsing boutique shops, making these towns perfect for both relaxation and outdoor adventures.
Waterpark in Seignosse
Atlantic Park in Seignosse is the largest waterpark in the Landes region, packed with thrilling slides and aquatic attractions for all ages. Highlights include giant slides like the double loop and super kamikaze, as well as gentler areas for younger children, such as the “bout’chous adventure” zone. The park features a picnic area, on-site amenities, and is open daily throughout the summer, making it a top choice for a day of laughter and water-based excitement with the whole family.
Biarritz Aquarium
The Aquarium de Biarritz offers a fascinating journey through marine life, with over 25 tanks showcasing tropical fish, sharks, jellyfish, and turtles. Interactive displays and the free Aquazoom app keep children engaged, while daily seal feedings provide fun and educational moments. The aquarium is fully stroller accessible, features workshops for young visitors, and has a well-stocked souvenir shop with ocean-themed gifts. Tickets are reasonably priced, and children under 4 enter free.
San Sebastian
A day trip to San Sebastian (Donostia) is easily accessible by bus or car, taking about one to two hours from Capbreton. Once in the city, visitors can explore its stunning beaches, sample pintxos (Basque tapas) in vibrant old town bars, and soak up the lively local culture. The city’s picturesque bay and relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere make it ideal for both family outings and enjoying Spanish coastal cuisine and scenery.
Base de Pop
Base de Pop is a popular outdoor aquatic leisure park located in Guiche, about 30 minutes from the Basque coast and 45 minutes from Hossegor. It is set around a natural lake in a calm, green countryside environment, making it an ideal spot for family fun and water-based adventure activities. The park features a variety of attractions including the Water Jump with multiple trampolines for jumping into the lake, a floating adventure course called Water Zone with trampolines, a zipline, slides, and a human catapult, suitable for swimmers. For younger children, there is a dedicated Mini Pop area that offers a safe, fun water playground with parent relaxation spaces, available mainly in July and August.
Available Accommodation
Whilst we stayed in our tent we were surprised to see so many mobile homes available. These were often owned by residents and rented out to guests for holidays. There are also a wide range of pitch options available.
The main problem with our emplacements, other than it being a prime target for thieves , was that it had no water on the pitch, however I didn't see many emplacements that did have water available. If we stayed again I would likely request the same pitch or one in a similar location as it was so convenient for the park,pool, and getting off-site.
Do You Need A Car To Get Around?
No. One of the best things about this area is the ability to cycle everywhere. We hired bikes and made the most of them by riding to the beach and different towns each day. Our 5 year old who had never ridden out of our small village loved it and we all felt safe and comfortable. The campsite even had a gate that joined right on to the main cycle route.
How To Get To The Campsite
La Civelle campsite is located at Rue des Biches, 40130 Capbreton, France. The nearest airports are Biarritz Airport (about 12 km away) and San Sebastian Airport (about 26 km away). The GPS coordinates are approximately 43.63022°N, -1.43346°W.
Should I Hire A Car?
Hiring a car is recommended for ease of travel and exploring the surrounding area, if you don't want to ride a bike, or you'd like to travel further afield. The campsite and surrounding beaches are accessible by cycling and local shuttle services, but a car offers flexibility to discover wider attractions and conveniences at your own pace.
Ferry Port
From the south coast UK, typical ferry ports for travel to the region are Portsmouth or Plymouth to northern Spain or the northern French routes (though this means you'll be on the road longer). The most common route by car and ferry will be crossing to northern Spain (Santander or Bilbao) and driving northeast along the coast towards Capbreton.
Driving Directions
From the A63 motorway in France, take exit 8 towards Capbreton. Follow the D810, then signs for Avenue des Biches which leads directly to the campsite entrance. The campsite is well signed once on local roads. The drive from Biarritz airport to La Civelle campsite takes about 20 minutes.
Cleanliness and Maintenance
I think the cleaning staff deserve a lot of credit as they tried hard to stay on top of things and some of the messes they must have had to deal with were awful. Though I think maintenance could do more to try and prevent the problems. Adding screens above the toilets so the birds can’t poo in them, fixing the broken drains in the showers, etc.
Family Friendliness
Based on the noise and atmosphere I would say it isn’t really somewhere you’d want to take a young family that you want to get to bed early. Unless you are fully anticipating how chaotic it is here (like we did). There are school trips, summer camps, surf camps, same sex groups – standard chaos. Many of the younger adults drove really fast past our pitch although I did see staff telling them to slow down.
Pricing and Value for Money
This wasn’t a fancy, all singing all dancing holiday park. It’s a campsite, in one of the best locations in France. We paid 342 euros for the entire week of the 21st till the 28th of August. I didn’t expect the world, but maybe I did expect a better toilet block and to not get things stolen and broken on our pitch.
FAQ’s
Are The Mobiles Close Together?
Yes. Some of the mobile home and camping emplacements were tight but this campsite is close to the beach in a desirable location. It’s not uncommon to find less spacious pitches at sites like this.
Is The Campsite Flat?
Yes.
Are There Mosquitos?
Yes. Though we surprisingly didn’t get bitten here as much as some of the other campsites. I would advise bringing repellant still.
Is It Easy To Get A Sunbed Around The Pool?
Yes. We had no problem. Considering the size of the campsite the pool wasn’t overly busy.
Do You Need To Wear A Wristband?
Yes we were given campsite wristbands.
Do Men Have To Wear Swim Trunks?
No. Men didn’t get questioned on their swim attire during our holiday.
Are There BBQs On Site?
Yes. We found a great communal bbq area in a very open space. I would imagine it is not ok at your pitch due to the fire risks.
Can You Use Inflatables at the Pool?
It isn’t really the type of pool for inflatables.
What's The Weather Like In Spring/Summer?
Varied. The Atlantic coast is notorious for rain and we definitely had a few cloudy, cooler and rainy days. In fact we had to pack up in the rain and I think it’s been raining there ever since.
Can You Park On Your Pitch/Emplacement?
Yes, we had no problem doing this but if your pitch is tight you may want to park outside the campsite gates.
Can You Take Pets On The Campsite?
YEs. There were plenty of animals on-site.
Where's The Nearest Supermarket?
There is an intermarche in Capbreton a short walk away.
Is It Loud In The Evenings?
Yes. But not from the bar or entertainment but from young groups with music and shouting.
What Can We Do If It Rains?
We decided to visit Biarritz aquarium when we knew it was going to be raining.
Can I Use My Transferwise Card On SIte?
Yes, we used our currency transfer card to pay for everything on the campsite including shop purchases and laundry.
Review conclusion
You might find it hard to believe, considering the review, but we actually plan to go back. It’s difficult because La Civelle is the perfect location for us. I just really hope the campsite can improve their security for the future. I think there was one security guard at night, but a site like this that allows young teenage groups could really do with a few more members of security. One at base and a few patrolling.
Late at night/early mornings we would hear teenagers and young adults shouting to each other in the toilet blocks and across the site and nothing ever seemed to be done to quieten it down.
If a site isn’t going to ban these rowdy groups – then they do need to do something to control it. In my many years of working on and staying on campsites. It’s not unusual to have guests thrown off-site at first light for their noisy and rowdy behaviour, but this just didn’t seem to happen here which is unfortunate.
However if these problems, and the toilet block birds could get sorted then this campsite could be something really special.
FAMILY CAMPING EUROPE SCORE
