Pool complex

This pool complex is a really luxurious area. While it doesn’t feature massive slides like Sylvamar or an expansive indoor complex like La Rive, it provides holidaymakers with elegance.
There is a lovely little toddler pool with fun slides for young children, and for Swimmers, there’s a large outdoor pool surrounded by sun loungers, palm trees, and cabanas.

The outdoor area also boasts a splash zone and a relaxing jacuzzi pool.
Despite the stunning setting, the outdoor pools were freezing even during the peak of summer. Fortunately, Le Col Vert has an indoor pool, where we spent most of our time.

Inside, there are shallow sections, deep sections, and also another toddler pool area. The water inside was much warmer, though it sometimes got busy. Often, part of the shallow pool was used for swimming lessons, which was really frustrating as it made the already small shallow area even smaller.
Swimwear rule

Mike never used the pool on Le Col Vert, so he didn’t test out wearing longer shorts. However, everyone we saw was wearing tight-fitting lycra in the swimming pool. If you want to risk it, Mike always wears his speedos under regular board shorts and takes them off if asked.
Lake and beach

The campsite is nestled on one of the largest lakes in the Landes. Le Col Vert offers guests a fantastic waterside experience. You can even book a pitch right next to the lake.

Lac de Leon is a 340-hectare lake that offers amazing activities like watersports, fishing, sunning, and paddling. From the campsite, you can access both a private beach entrance and a public beach entrance.

Inside the campsite gates, you have a private section. This is a much quieter area but a beautiful setting. Then, just out the front entrance of the campsite is a public beach. This is busy, but from here, there’s a range of lakeside activities like pedalos and boats. It is also a lifeguard-supervised beach in Summer.

Campsite Facilities
Like other Sandaya sites, this campsite has lots to offer guests.

Receptions and Check-in
The reception staff were lovely and friendly and spoke multiple languages, including English. We checked in at the main desk with our booking confirmation and number plate for the automatic barrier when we arrived. We were then given a map, wristbands, and information guide and directed to our pitch.
Besides that, we only returned to the reception desk to ask for bus times and locations for the shuttle bus to Leon.
Bus Service:

The bus departs just outside the campsite and arrives back at the same spot – the reception has leaflets with the exact timings so you can plan your journey (Remember the schedule may change yearly)
Play Areas:

The play areas here are the best feature!
Playpark

The main play park is newly renovated and incredible. It was so clean, well-maintained, and unique. The wooden structures, climbing frames, metal climbing frames, swings, slides, ziplines, and more made it an entertaining children’s area.
Other Play Park
There is another play park further up the campsite. Le Col Vert is a really large campsite, so this smaller play park is a great stop-off point for people staying further away from the main facilities. It’s older than the newly renovated play park but still does the job.
Bouncy Castle

The Koolaya Land bouncy castle is near the restaurant, which is a staple Sandaya amenity. This bouncy castle is great for when children have finished eating but when the adults want to continue in peace for 5 minutes whilst still being able to watch their children. It also played a great part in the transition from the lake back to the tent: “Should we stop at the bouncy castle on the way back”.
Running Track

The central area has a running track that circles around the multi-sport courts and tennis area. Our 3-year-old loved trying it out.
Table Tennis

Like all campsites, there are table tennis tables available. You can hire equipment from the reception with a deposit.
Tennis courts
Tennis courts are available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Equipment can be hired at the reception, and booking a slot on the tennis court costs 5 euros an hour.

Padel
Similar to the tennis courts, there is also a Paddle court. I’m not aware of the sport, so I don’t know much about it, but if you like playing it, you can.
Multi-sports area

There is a multi-sports court in the new area of the campsite for those who enjoy basketball, football and netball.
Scooter/BMX circuit
The scooter circuit was an idea we really liked. The track was really cool for young children and not too boring for older children. Just make sure you wear a helmet.

Beach volley/volleyball
There is beach volley and volleyball available in two different locations on site. One is near the new area, and the other is near the older park area.

Petanque
There is a petanque court located near toilet block number 2. We often found it in use, and the atmosphere was lively and wholesome.
Body weight gym

There was a calisthenics style bodyweight area next to the childrens park.
Arcade Room
Le Col Vert didn’t have a dedicated arcade, but the bar area offered some activities, like table football.
Kids Clubs & Entertainment Facilities

The Sandaya Kids Club is available in two age groups: children from 5-7 years old and Juniors from 7-12. However, in low season/quiet times, these age groups tend to get joined together. There are activities like swimming, discos, and sand castle building. The kids club activities take place between 10-12 and 15-17. Parents can enjoy their alone time at the pool, bar, beach, or even the spa!
Animation for kids and adults
The campsite’s entertainment team benefits more than just the kids. After the evening mini disco, the campsite usually arranges some kind of show or quiz evening for the guests.
In Summer, we also experienced a market on the campsite, which sold lots of local produce and postcards. My daughter even got her curly hair braided (yay for no hair brushing for a week).
Bars, Restaurants and Takeaway

There are plenty of places to drink, chat, and eat.
Bar

The bar area on the campsite overlooks the pool, and we love the atmosphere here. However, we were really confused about the opening hours. Some mornings, we went early and got hot chocolate and coffee, but then, other mornings, they told us it was closed. We may have been accidentally served early one day, and it wasn’t supposed to be open. The Sandaya app says the bar is open from 10 am until 9.30 pm.

Les Terrasses du Lac Sandaya
The campsite restaurant is open to the public as well as campsite guests.

It is a beautiful, clean, modern-looking restaurant. The staff were all friendly, and we really enjoyed the atmosphere here. We made friends with the table next to us who were staying at a different campsite. We all had children of the same age, so it was nice that both of our children made friends and went off to the bouncy castle to play together. The food in the restaurant was ok.

It wasn’t anything to write home about, but I was impressed that their menu offered more than the usual campsite menu.
Takeaway/Snack Bar
The campsite snack bar was in the middle of the campsite, very close to our emplacement. It sold chips, burgers, fried chicken, and more, which was very convenient when we needed a little extra to add to our meal.
Campsite Shops

The campsite had a gift shop and an epicerie shop.
Gift Shop

The gift shop was located next to the takeaway and sold things like lake shoes, hats, flip-flops, armbands, souvenirs, newspapers, and more. It was a really convenient shop for anything you may have forgotten to pack.
Epicerie

The epicerie on Le Col Vert was a great size and offered plenty of selection. The refrigerator aisle was fully stocked, and the prices were reasonable. However, we still managed to spend a lot of money in there.
Other Facilities
Boulangerie

Next to the two shops was a boulangerie. They sold beautiful baked goods, fresh bread, and even coffee. You could pay by card in the shop, so it was always handy to tie in boulangerie purchases with shop purchases. They also sold takeaway coffee in the morning which came in very handy.

WIFI
If you book a premium rental through Sandaya, you get free Wi-Fi for a maximum of three devices. However, if you are booked on a normal emplacement (like us), you will have to pay (or use your phone’s network). The Wi-Fi charges were 5e for one day, rolling to 15 euros for the week and 25 euros for 15 days. This is for one device only.
Bike Hire
Bike hire was available through an outside company that came to the campsite every morning between 10 am and 12 pm. The company is called Velos Albret, and you can view what they have to offer on their website velos-albret.fr

Bike paths are here: Le Col Vert bike Paths
Pets
The campsite allows vaccinated pets, and a doggy shower is next to the first toilet block. When booking, make sure you inform the campsite that you plan to bring an animal and check that your chosen accommodation allows pets.
Shower blocks

The campsite had 5 different shower blocks of various styles. The one nearest our emplacement was basic and could do with a facelift. The showers were often cold, and the push button lasted a maximum of 5 seconds. However, the next shower block along from us was far better and even had a fantastic children’s shower and toilet room.
Horse riding centre

The campsite has a horse-riding centre at the back, which I wasn’t aware of when booking. It’s called Les Centaures, and they offer lessons for beginners to advanced. They also have ponies for the smaller children to ride.
Gym

Le Col Vert has a small gym with rowing machines, spin bikes and some resistance machines. It’s nothing special, but it’s better than some other campsites.

spa
There was a small spa building on Le Col Vert offering treatments and massages

Youtube Video From our Stay At Le Col Vert
Available Accommodation
We stayed on a camping emplacement, but unfortunately, our experience wasn’t great. The pitch was poorly maintained, dry, dusty, and covered in holes and random concrete blocks. If we book again, It would have to be in a mobile home or a luxury pitch.

The campsite has a wide range of mobile homes to choose from, including:
- Chalets
- Cottages
- Lodge tents
- Coco Sweet (small, compact accommodation)
- And, of course, camping emplacements.
You can even book a camping emplacement on the lakeside.

Do You Need A Car To Get Round?
While Mike drove us there, he left for work, so we were left without a car for the week. Le Col Vert is a large campsite with plenty to do on-site, so a car isn’t strictly necessary for your stay.
The free shuttle bus to Léon and nearby beaches is a massive bonus for guests without a vehicle. However, having a car is highly recommended if you plan to explore the wider region, such as the Landes forest, coastal towns, or natural attractions.
How To Get To The Campsite
If you are flying, Biarritz is your closest airport, with Bordeaux just slightly further away. If you are getting a ferry, it’d actually be easier to sail into Spain and drive upwards—however, these ferry crossings are a lot longer and more costly. Driving through France is a long journey, but taking a stop off halfway will break up the journey nicely.
Should I Hire A Car?
If you’re flying in or planning to explore the surrounding areas, hiring a car is highly recommended. While the shuttle bus is convenient for reaching Léon and nearby beaches, a car allows one to visit off-the-beaten-path attractions such as the Dune du Pilat, Biarritz, or the Basque countryside.
Ferry Port
For UK travellers driving to the campsite, the nearest ferry port is Bilbao, Spain. Alternatively, northern French ports like Caen and Calais are accessible but require longer drives through France.
Driving Directions
Address:
Camping Sandaya Le Col Vert, Route de Soustons, 40550 Vielle-Saint-Girons, France
GPS:
Latitude: 43° 53′ 42.4″ N
Longitude: 1° 19′ 59.7″ W
Day Trips

Biarritz:
A glamorous seaside city with excellent surfing beaches and Basque culture.
Hossegor:

A charming surf town with great markets and access to more lakes and beaches.
Bayonne:
Known for its half-timbered houses and Basque gastronomy.
Léon Market:
A bustling local market perfect for regional produce and souvenirs.
Dune du Pilat:

The tallest sand dune in Europe, perfect for hiking and incredible views.
Base de pop:

large aquatic park set in a quarry with big slides and inflatable structures.
FAQ’s
Are The Mobiles Close Together?
Some mobile homes and pitches are packed tightly. Premium pitches offer more space and privacy.
Is The Campsite Flat?

Yes, the campsite is mostly flat, making it easy to navigate with pushchairs and bikes.
Are There Mosquitos?
Yes, being near the lake, mosquitoes can be an issue. Bring repellent and candles.
Is It Easy To Get A Sunbed Around The Pool?
We didn’t have much trouble at all. However, I imagine it may have been harder on warmer days.

Do You Need To Wear A Wristband?
Yes, the campsite provides a wristband for accessing the pool area and facilities.
Do Men Have To Wear Swim Trunks?
Yes, tight-fitting swimwear is mandatory in the pools.
What’s The Weather Like In Spring/Summer?

Warm and sunny, with average summer temperatures ranging from 25–30°C in Summer.
Can You Take Pets to the Campsite?
Yes, pets are welcome, but check specific accommodations for pet policies.
Is There Disabled Accessibility On The Campsite?
Yes. There are adapted mobile homes, sanitary facilities, ramps and special parking spaces.
Where’s The Nearest Supermarket?
The on-site epicerie is convenient, but there’s an Intermarché in Léon, about 5 km away for larger shops. We accessed this via the bus.
Is It Loud In The Evenings?

Noise levels vary depending on your pitch. The central area near the bar can be livelier than the pitches further away.
What Can We Do If It Rains?
You can use the indoor pool, visit nearby towns like Dax or Bayonne, or enjoy the campsite’s indoor facilities, such as the library.
Can I Use My Transferwise Card On-Site?
Yes, most facilities accept international cards, including Transferwise.
Review Conclusion
Our Thoughts on Le Col Vert
