Campsite Details

Location Valras Plage
Capacity 1300+ Units
Starts Early April
Ends Late September

Campsite Overview

Domaine de La Yole campsite is a family-friendly, resort-style holiday site located on the French Mediterranean coast near Valras Plage. It’s known for its proximity to the beach, glorious weather, lively pool area, and other family-friendly facilities. Our visit in the busy high season revealed a mix of positives and negatives, so let’s dish the dirt.

We had a lovely family holiday together But it could have been better
Village
Accomodation
Facilities
Activities
Swimming Pool
2.6 Overall
Rating

Campsite Pros & Cons

Pros of Marvilla Parks La Yole

Lots of things to enjoy with this one…

  • Excellent campsite shop with fresh produce and wine on tap.
  • A designated wine cave offering affordable, locally sourced wines.
  • Large pool area with various aquatic features.
  • Direct beach access via a short walk.
  • Proximity to Valras Plage with its amenities and family-friendly attractions.

Cons of Marvilla Parks La Yole

Every family prefers certain things about a campsite, so our “cons” could be on your “pros” list!

  • Overly concrete design, Lacked greenery and charm associated with camping.
  • Poorly maintained bar area with long queues and broken glass.
  • Limited and subpar playground for the size of the campsite.
  • Disorganised operations and a lack of clear information for guests.
  • Slippery pool tiles around aquatic park

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Pool complex at La Yole

A photo of the pool complex at domaine de la yole

The 4000m2 aquatic area here is impressive. Temperatures were nice and warm, and while there were plenty of sun loungers, we found an enormous queue to enter the aquatic area first thing in the morning, full of people eager to claim their sun beds.

Pools:

childrens splash pool at domaine la yole

Domaine de la Yole has multiple heated outdoor and indoor pools. The covered pool has a large swimming pool and a toddler splash area. We loved the indoor splash area as well as the outdoor swimming pools. Outside, there is a fun pool, swimming pool, whirlpool/jacuzzi, and another toddler splash pool with a few structures and slides. 

Slides:

the water slides at domane de la yole

There are five large water slides and multiple toddler and baby slides. There is a fast and high flume slide, three racer slides, and a slower flume. Our 3-year-old loved every one of them, and the baby enjoyed the children’s slides. The water slides were great fun, but the queues could be intense during school holidays. It’s best to get there early. 

Safety:

indoor splash area ta la yole

Lifeguards were always on duty during our stay. The pool area even had a security guard, who we witnessed many times, removing people from the pool areas for inappropriate attire.

Unfortunately, the tiles around the pool are incredibly slippery when wet. We saw many children falling over, but thankfully, we were unaware of any significant injuries.

Pool Bar:

Around the pool area, there is also a small pool bar/snack shack. There are a few tables here for drinks and snacks. We found them all sticky and covered in ice cream, but having drinks and food available near the pool was very handy.

Swimwear rule

very busy pool area at la yole campsite valras plage

The swimwear rule is strictly enforced; only traditional swim trunks and swimsuits are permitted. As we witnessed firsthand, non-compliance can result in removal from the pool area.

Lagoon pool

Since writing this review, Domaine de la Yole has added a new sandy lagoon pool. This fabulous addition should definitely relieve some strain on the main pool area and enhance La Yole’s facilities. 

Valras Plage & The Local Beach

the beach near5 la yole campsite

The beach was 5-10 minutes from La Yole, with a gate leading directly to the beach path. The local beach is uncommercialised, with no facilities, just sea, sand, and a vendor who sells ice cream, drinks, and doughnuts. 

For a beach with more amenities, the nearby Valras Plage offers beach bars, children’s play parks, and other facilities.

beach at valras plage

You can easily reach Valras Plage via bus, the local tourist train, or on foot. Walking is feasible for adults but may be challenging with young children. We opted to walk one day, and our 3-year-old started to struggle near the end of the walk. Ice cream bribery helped. 

Campsite Facilities at La Yole

the outdoor bar area seating at la yole with green and white chairs

While La Yole has many facilities, we found much less than expected.

Receptions and Check-in

water fountain in the centre of la yole campsite

Check-in at the Eurocamp reception was straightforward, but the lack of information was frustrating. Many campsites have apps explaining the facilities, opening times, and other information. If they don’t have an app, it’s usually printed and given on arrival, but La Yole seemed to have nothing. The Eurocamp and main reception struggled to provide me with the opening hours of the facilities on site, leaving us to rely on signs around the campsite and other customers’ knowledge.

Play Areas

swings at la yole play area

No green sports field exists, but a few good play areas exist.

Play park

pirate ship play area with a slide at la yole

La Yole had one main play park in the central area near the bar/pool/ice cream, etc. It wasn’t great. It consisted of two pirate ship climbing frames and swings, which felt inadequate for a campsite of this size. Marvilla Parks introduced a new high-net play area in 2024, and, we believe, some extra park activities, but these weren’t available during our visit.

little pirate ship at la yole

Trampolines

Around the back of the arcade, there are some pay-to-play trampolines. Bouncing costs 3e per child, and there isn’t an obvious time restriction.

Table tennis

table tennis tables at la yole

In the central area, you’ll find plenty of table tennis tables to play on. 

Treetop climbing 

la yole tree top climbing centre

At the end of the campsite, there was a treetop climbing centre. It seemed very far from the main facilities, and we didn’t use it during our stay. I haven’t seen many people travelling towards it nor ever really seen it discussed, so I can’t give too much information about it except for the prices. The prices for accrobranche (tree top climbing) ranged from 12e – 24e, depending on age. There was also an option to do a bungee catapult for 6e and a treasure hunt for 8e.

Body weight gym

body weight gym equipment around the pool area at la yole

La Yole has an outdoor bodyweight exercise area. It is located close to the pool entrance and has a lot of equipment to help you stay fit on holiday.

Mini Golf

mini golf and trampolines at la yole

Also, behind the arcade area, next to the trampolines, there was a small, enclosed mini-golf area that you could book in the arcade. This cost 3e per adult and 4e per child.

Football field

La Yole lacked a football field and greenery. Thankfully, there was a multisports area.

Multi-sports area

volleyball and multisports at la yole

The multisports area is in the centre of La Yole, along with all the other central facilities. It was often used and was an excellent place for teenagers to play football, basketball, and more.

Volleyball Court

Just next door to the multisports court was a volleyball court, and La Yole attracted some volleyball pros. The teenagers played here from morning until night, and various languages were mixed on the court. 

Go karting circuit

go kart track at la yole

Near the arcade, you’ll find a small but fun kids’ karting area. This was for children over 3 years old and weighing under 45kg. The cost of the go-karts was 2e per child.

Arcade Room 

The arcade was a decent games room. You paid via tokens, which you got from a machine you could use with a card—unfortunately, the “I haven’t got any coins” excuse just doesn’t stick anymore. The arcade is also the “location” centre, where you hire all the extras like bikes, BBQs, cots, etc.

Kids Clubs & Facilities

kids club schedule at marvilla parks la yole

Unfortunately, our children were too young to join the kids club, and the mini disco was on really late. Because of this, we didn’t manage to interact with any other families. If your children are the right age, they will quickly make friends here as it’s a very child-friendly campsite, and the kids club activities and animation look great. However, we found for young children, the entertainment was all very late, and the kid’s clubs were for older kids. 

Animation for kids and adults

kids club schedule at marvilla parks la yole

We didn’t see any evening entertainment as it was too late for us. I’d love to keep our children out later to watch, but they can’t handle late nights. We managed to see a morning fitness class with lots of participation, but otherwise, we missed all the entertainment.

Bars, Restaurants and Takeaway

restaurant at la yole

One of the most disappointing aspects of Domaine de La Yole was the food and beverage offerings.

Bar

We love a bar. We love a post-swim drink, a post-shower drink, and, well, basically… We love to drink (not just alcohol…eh!). We have loved many campsite bar areas. They are great for people watching and entertainment watching, and they normally have a great atmosphere. Unfortunately, La Yole bar didn’t deliver.

bar area at la yole with man working behind bar

The bar area was dirty, and the white plastic seats were almost brown with grime. There was far too much broken glass and long queues, all of which detracted from the holiday experience.

It was also costly. When you consider you can buy a litre of wine from the cave on site or the supermarket on site for 2e50, the bar was charging 6e a glass! 

Most campsites we go to charge between 2.50 and 4.50 euros for a glass of wine. It made much more sense for us to have a few drinks on our deck where the atmosphere wasn’t as soulless.

Restaurant

Whilst the restaurant looked inviting on our first night, it closed unexpectedly the next day due to staffing issues. I had no idea when it re-opened, but I saw on Facebook that future holiday guests had received emails saying it would be closed throughout August. This lack of reliability left us reliant on takeaways and the shop.

Takeaway/Snack Bar

La Yole had two takeaways: one selling sandwiches, paninis, and salads and the other a pizzeria. We tried the pizza one night and admit it was pretty decent.

Other Eateries

Other food places included an oyster bar, which was open in the evenings and sold a range of shellfish and wine.  

An ice cream parlour with a wide selection of cold and hot treats, such as crepes and waffles, and many different ice cream flavours.

There was a boulangerie that sold morning goodies like croissants, bread, pain au chocolat, and delicious cookies. 

It also looked like there was once an Asian-style takeaway. I don’t know if it had closed down or was waiting to re-open. 

La Yole Shop

The campsite shop at La Yole was the best campsite supermarket we’ve been to. It offered a wide range of fresh fruit, vegetables, meats and wine on tap.

The meat comes from the butcher’s counter and looks fresh and delicious. It was well-priced for a campsite shop in the Mediterranean (albeit expensive compared to UK prices).

Local produce shop

Inside the boulangerie, there was also a small regional produce shop that sold luxurious local foods.

Wine cave

the wine cave at la yole

You might not be aware, but La Yole is part of a vineyard, meaning it has access to direct sources and extremely delicious wine. The winery on site sells a wide range from La Yole and outside the campsite. They are all very well-priced and make perfect gifts for family and friends.

The Bazar

La Yole bazaar and gift shop sold the usual holiday souvenirs, swimwear, buckets and spades, and holiday tats/stuff. It’s also a newsagent, so you’re likely to find an English magazine or newspaper to read around the pool.

Other Facilities

It’s not a play area, kids club or food and drink place…

Bike Hire

bikes for hire at la yole

An all-terrain bike for one week would cost 40 euros for an adult and 26/30 euros for a child, depending on age. Baby seats, trolleys, electric bikes, and tandem bikes can also be hired from the arcade area.

Pets

Dogs are allowed on La Yole, but only one dog per accommodation/pitch. Cats are not allowed.

Spa

The spa area looks fantastic. It’s away from the main centre and closer to La Yoles middle. It’s in a large building and offers many different services, such as beauticians, hairdressers, saunas, Hammams, Massages, jacuzzis, and more. Contact the spa for more details by calling  +33771762736 (French mobile number).

Disabled Accessibility

La Yole has a few mobile homes suitable for people with reduced mobility. These mobile homes will have a ramp, kitchen, and bathroom, which is easier to manoeuvre. The campsite is mostly flat and easy to get around. However, there is one massive hill on the campsite. You only need to go near the hill if your accommodation is there, so it won’t affect you otherwise. However, make sure when booking you are not located up the hill. The only other concern is the road to the beach. This isn’t easy without all-terrain wheels. 

Available Accommodation

We stayed in a Eurocamp classic mobile home, which was very clean but dated. It didn’t have a barbecue, and La Yole no longer allows barbecues in any accommodations due to fire risks.

The newer lodge-style accommodations looked luxurious, but the surrounding area was unfinished and unappealing during our stay. This has now been finished to a high standard and does look like a fantastic area. 

Should I Book Direct Through La Yole Direct Or Through an Operator? (How To Book)

eurocamp at la yole campsite

We got a great deal through Sun Bookings. It involved me staying up until 4 a.m. (thank goodness I had a nocturnal newborn at the time) to book a school holiday date. These are very sought-after, and getting a school holiday abroad with Sun Holidays can be nearly impossible.

However, you can still find good deals with La Yole or booking through a tour operator. We find Eurocamp is generally cheaper than booking directly, but make sure you check for yourself. Always compare prices and options to find the best deal for your family.

Do You Need A Car To Get Round?

tourist train at valras plage

Nope. This is one of the best campsites for flying in as it’s close to Beziers airport. The campsite shop has enough variety to make decent meals, and there is a lot within the local vicinity.

How To Get To La Yole

Most people fly here, but you’re in for a reasonably long journey if you wish to drive. 

The nearest port is Bilbao, 629 km away, but this Brittany Ferries Portsmouth-Bilbao crossing is lengthy and costly. If you want to travel from northern France, Caen and St Malo are between 950km and 990km away, and Calais ferry port is 1056km away.

The nearest train station is Beziers. You can get a taxi or a bus (line E) from Béziers to Valras Plage/Port De Valras.

If this section scares you, take a look at our comprehensive Eurocamp guide

Should I Hire A Car?

The beach town of Valras Plage is easily walkable or accesible via public transport
The beach town of Valras Plage is easily walkable or accesible via public transport

If you are flying in and aren’t overly bothered about sightseeing off the beaten path, I see no reason why you can’t fly and transfer to this campsite.

Ferry Port

If you are driving and plan to take the tunnel or a ferry to get to La Yole campsite, you’ll be looking at a long journey that may require an overnight stop.

The nearest ferry port is Bilbao, but this can be long and costly. It depends on whether you want more time at sea or more time on the road. Newhaven—Dieppe offers a shorter ferry crossing, which is cheaper but requires around 1000 km of driving in France.

Driving Directions

Address:

CAMPING RESORT & SPA LE DOMAINE LA YOLE

Avenue de la Méditerranée

34350 VALRAS-PLAGE

FRANCE

GPS Coordinates: 

E 3° 15’ 41,00″

N 43° 14’ 13,92″

Via the A75 motorway, take exit 64 for Béziers.

Via the A9 motorway, take exit 36 for Béziers West.

Then, follow the signs for Valras-Plage West / Vendres Plage East.

The campsite is located on Avenue de la Méditerranée, 34350 Vendres-Plage.

Video Review Of Our Holiday At La Yole

Day Trips form La Yole Campsite

Beziers

With its beautiful Fonséranes Locks, a series of nine locks on the Canal du midi, Beziers is a lovely day out. The charming city, rich in history, is known for its wine production and the impressive Gothic cathedral of Saint-Nazaire.

Montpellier:

lovatts in montpellier

Montpellier is my favourite city in France. Known for being full of the happiest and smiliest French people, Montpellier is a vibrant, young city. The lively cultural scene, beautiful architecture, and mediaeval roads make Montpellier a great cultural day out. We took the little tourist train around the city to learn the history—although I wouldn’t recommend this way of travel with a baby.

Sete:

Sete is known as the Venice of Languedoc. This picturesque town is full of canals and seafood. We loved visiting during the annual fetes de la Saint-Louis when the town turned into a big party with a boat jousting competition.

Agde & Aquland waterpark:

Agde is another beautiful French town, but this time, there’s something special for the children. With a great Aqualand waterpark, Agde and Cap D’agde make a great day out for the family.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a stunning fortified city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Cite de Carcassone is a mediaeval fortress with 53 towers, great for castle-loving kids.

FAQ’s

Are The Mobiles Close Together?

Mostly, yes. Our accommodation didn’t feel overlooked this time, but some of the ones we walked past did feel quite crammed in. However, this is to be expected on coastal campsites.

mobile homes at la yole

Is The Campsite Flat?

Domaine La Yole is mostly flat; however, we did notice one of the roads was up a steep hill.

Are There Mosquitos?

We saw no mosquitos during our stay at Domaine La Yole. However, our daughter got very bitten and became allergic to their bites. We spent much of our holiday looking for doctors and medicine for her. I’ve attached a photo below of some of the doctor contact details and the French online doctor website Qare (where we found help as all the doctors were busy).

Is It Easy To Get A Sunbed Around The Pool?

No, not in the high season. We found people queuing at the gate half an hour before the pool opened just to claim a sunbed. We often used small plastic chairs to change the baby and leave our bags on. Occasionally, we just had to leave our bags on the damp floor.

Do You Need To Wear A Wristband?

Yes, and the security is strict. 

Do Men Have To Wear Swim Trunks?

Yes, and strict security men are waiting at the pool entrance to tell you off if you even consider entering without them. I have watched people escorted out. Don’t risk it.

Are There BBQs On-Site?

According to Eurocamp, BBQs are now banned on this campsite. There were communal BBQs when we last stayed, but I think these may have been removed now.

Can You Use Inflatables at the Pool?

Unfortunately, yes. There were too many families with inflatables in the indoor pool, so it seemed dangerous. 

What’s The Weather Like In Spring/Summer?

The perk of travelling that far through France is that you are pretty much guaranteed good weather. 

Can You Park On Your Pitch/Emplacement?

We could. However, we noticed many other families weren’t able to.

Can You Take Pets to the Campsite?

Yes. Only dogs and one dog per pitch. No cats allowed.

Is There Disabled Accessibility On The Campsite?

There are PMR mobile homes available, and the campsite is reasonably flat.

Where’s The Nearest Supermarket?

Outside Valras Plage, there was a giant Carrefour, a Lidl, and an Aldi. However, traffic was horrendous on a Saturday. Campsite shops had a good choice, but dietary and budget issues may require you to travel off-site. I recommend shopping at a less-peak time, perhaps midday on a weekday.

Is It Loud In The Evenings?

We were well away from the main entertainment, so we couldn’t hear that, but we could hear noise from the campsite next door, which was still very loud. However, we just plugged in our white noise machine and rolled with it. 

entertainment schedule at la yole

What Can We Do If It Rains?

If it rains, there are limited options. Of course, you can use the indoor pool area at the campsite, but this will get busy. Depending on how bad it is, you could embrace the rain and use the outdoor pools (you’re getting wet anyway). You could head to Beziers, visit one of the many museums, and shop in the covered Mall and Market. Beziers also has a cinema and bowling centre. Further afield in Montpellier is Planet Ocean, a contemporary aquarium with simulator rides and a planetarium.

Can I Use My Currency Card On-Site?

Yeah. We use our Wise cards for everything while staying on a campsite as they help us track and manage our budget.

Review Conclusion

Our thoughts on La Yole

We were mostly unimpressed by this campsite, and had we been paying more than our Sun Holiday deal price, we would likely have complained. However, we made the most of it and still had a lovely family holiday together, creating some amazing memories. We enjoyed the area of Valras plage and the Languedoc coast and would definitely return again. But next time, we'd like to visit a different campsite, perhaps Club Farret or Serignan Plage.nnI enjoyed the cheap wine, the beach, the town, and the campsite pools. However, I disliked pretty much everything about the campsite. The playpark was small, the pool was overcrowded, and there was too much dangerous behaviour. The campsite seemed disorganised; it was a bit of a concrete jungle. The kid's disco was too late, the bars were dirty…I could go on. nnOut of the busy season, I can imagine it being much nicer, cleaner and less hectic in the pools – so it would be a much better rating. Let me know your thoughts on our Family Camping Europe Facebook Group.
Family Camping Europe
FAMILY CAMPING EUROPE SCORE
La Yole Marvilla parks Review rating stars
La Yole Marvilla parks Review rating stars
6

Other Campsites Near La Yole

Whilst we weren’t that keen on La Yole itself we absolutely loved the area and plan to come back. Next time, we would love to stay at one of the below resorts. The prices below were correct at the time of adding to this campsite review but as always prices and availability will change often. Click to view the park and explore for yourselves.

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Reviewed by Breanne Lovatt

Reviewed by Breanne Lovatt

I’ve been a camping fanatic since a young age. Growing up in the New Forest meant regular camping trips with friends and family to a range of different campsites. In my early twenties I worked on a host of family focused campsites in Spain, Italy and France. Now that we're starting our own family, camping has become an even bigger focus in my life.

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