In the Papers

The World Cup has just kicked off and neighbouring European rivals France and Spain could be battling each other – as well as competing as top holiday destinations for Brits. We selected Fiona Whitty to visit a campsite in each country to see which nation really deserves the trophy in the family summer holiday league. Fiona, husband Tim, and children Harvey, five, Max, three, and seven month old Rosie Travelled with Eurocamp and spent a week in a mobile home at Cala Gogo in Playa d’Aro on Spain’s Costa Brava then another at La Sirene in Argeles-Sur-Mer in France’s Languedoc-Rousillon region. Here she puts each country head-to-head to see who qualifies as the top scorer for tourist tactics…

Beaches:

Argeles-Sur-Mer beach is rather course and very exposed. But there’s a long stretch of velvety sand – with the snow-capped Pyrenees in the background – at Canet Plage. France 2.

You can’t beat the beautiful secluded cove of shingle right by the campsite for handiness and the fantastic view along the rugged coastline. For golden sand head to Palamos. Spain 2.

Scenery:

The Pyrenees provide a spectacular backdrop to pretty fishing villages and modern seaside resorts. For the most breathtaking panorama, drive down the winding roads into the picturesque fishing port of Collioure. France 2.

Costa Brava means “rugged coast” and the jagged cliffs mixed with the beautiful beaches, tiny bays and secluded coves justify the name. Spain 1.

Culture:

The region has long been a haven for artists, including Henri Matisse, one of France’s most famous painters. It’s also famed for its wines and local produce markets. France 1.

The Costa Brava was the birthplace of the surrealist artist Salvador Dali and the region is dominated by him, with his museum in Figueres the most visited in Spain. Spain 1.

Things to do:

There is loads to do – from wandering around quaint harbours and watching birds of prey at Chateau de Valmy to splashing around at nearby Aqualand water park. Foe water sports lovers there’s plenty of windsurfing, canoeing, water-skiing and sailing and La Sirene even has its own diving school. France 3.

If you don’t like beaches or Dali you’re stuck because there is little else apart from nearby Aquadiver Water Park or a pre booked visit to the Fundacion Mona chimpanzee sanctuary near Gerona. Gerona itself has a fabulous Gothic cathedral and medieval bathhouses. Spain 1.

Food:

You can’t beat eating out on the waterfront at Collioure. You pay a premium for the stunning views of the pretty bay, but, boy, is it worth it. Mouth watering platters loaded with prawns, cockles, lobster and oysters start at 19 euros (about £13) while three-course set menus cost from 17 euros (£12). But you’ll get entertainment thrown in, with buskers and clowns performing in the hope of tips. France 3.

Paella – a mix of rice, meat and seafood – is probably Spain’s most famous food and will set you back about 7 euros (£5). For tapas – small dishes such as fried potatoes, calamari or cured ham – try the trendy Friends restaurant on the front at Playa d’Aro. Many restaurants also serve three course menus from 12 euros (£8.50), including bread, wine/beer, and kids can usually get a sausage or burger and chips for about 4 euros (£2.85). Spain 2.

Drink:

The French famously love their wine – and the real beauty for holidaymakers is the price. Even in the more expensive restaurants in Collioure, bottles start at just 14 euro (£10) while in the supermarkets you can pay as little as 2 euros (£1.40). France 2.

Spain is still all about sun, sand…..and sangria. The sickly red wine-based punch costs around 8 euros a litre (£5.70) in bars –and less than 1 euro (£1.40) in the supermarket. Lager is popular too and you’ll pay around 2 euros 50 (£1.70) a pint. Spain 1.

Cost:

Generally it’s cheaper than Britain. Go to a Hypermarche for value and variety. Fruit and vegetables are best bought at the numerous local markets. There is also a lovely seafood market at Port-Vendres. Baguettes cost 60 cents (40p) mineral water 50 cents (35p) and a box of cereal 3 euros (£2.15). France 2.

Lets face it, one of the reasons we Brits love Spain so much is because it’s so cheap. Even the campsite shop was reasonable, with a bottle of tasty local wine for 3 euros (£2.15). Outside the campsite, baguettes cost 80 cents (55p), bottles of mineral water 20 cents (14p) and 40 Tetley teabags 3 euros (£2.15). Spain 3.

Family Friendliness:

Children are welcomed everywhere in touristy places but baby changing facilities and feeding areas are scare. Eurocamp provided free daily clubs for children from four. France 1.

The Spanish love kids and our children, particularly baby Rosie, were constantly fussed over. There are beautiful play areas everywhere – even running alongside the beach at Palamos. Spain 3.

Campsites:

La Sirene is a vibrant site with fantastic facilities including, kids play areas and free mini golf, archery, windsurfing and tennis. The tropical pool complex is second to none. France 2.

Cala Gogo’s real beauty is its location – set on terraces overlooking the sea – and its direct beach access. The heated swimming pools are a real bonus too and the staff couldn’t be friendlier. Spain 2.

Authenticity:

The campsite could be anywhere in Europe. It’s dominated by tourists from Britain, Holland and Germany and the restaurant and shop both sell foods to suit holidaymakers’ tastes. France 0.

If your looking for home comforts such as British fry-ups this area of Spain is not for you. It’s surprisingly Spanish and most of the tourists are from other parts of the country itself. Spain 3.

Final Score:

France 18

Spain 19 – Spain’s the champion!