Camping MS Le Pyla

If you like a lot of noise and construction sites .... You are exactly right here!!! Even if you want to sink your camper in the mud and get stuck, you are exactly right here! It’s like being on a big construction site. !!! Even if you want to hear excavator noise or hammering all day long, you are totally right here!! There were several vehicles that got stuck because the sites are not properly laid out and you have to drive through sand where you sink. All day construction noise. It’s really a big construction site. It’s unbelievable that spots are even rented here!!! The spots are unacceptable and completely overpriced!!!

The lady at the reception treated us kindly and neatly. We were able to choose one of the few spots in the upper area. After the devastating forest fire in 2022, the sanitary building, reception/restaurant, and some mobile homes have been newly constructed. The few spots in the upper area of the campsite (near the entrance) are quite poorly laid out. Electricity was provided to us via a cable reel. The spots are roughly made, carelessly laid with debris and coarse gravel. None of the spots are leveled, bordered, or laid out. The view over the campsite towards the dune of Pyla has an apocalyptic feel. Burnt tree stumps rise up everywhere. The majority of the site resembles more of a construction site. However, construction noise was only sporadically heard. I suspect that there will still be a lot to set up and arrange before the 2024 season. My description is a snapshot from 09/2023. Seeing the huge dune, climbing up it, and watching the paragliders is truly something special. Now regarding the sanitary facilities. They are new and also very clean (we were here in 09/23). There are still functioning toilet seats:-), toilet paper is also available. Of course, nothing is separated, men and women use everything together. Some faucets are already loose, toilet flushers too. I don't understand why this isn't repaired right away. However, the big plus is the swimming pool, new and nicely laid out. The restaurant made a very good impression on us, although we didn't use it. The path to the dune is about 500m long. To get to the beach, you have to overcome about 50 meters of elevation. Price in the off-season (09/2023). 45€/day, 2 people and electricity.

We spontaneously checked in at Pyla Camping at the end of August. After two days, a friend visited us for two nights, which he paid for himself upon departure. At the end of our stay, I paid the bill and noticed while checking the receipt that we had overpaid by €50. I went back to the reception and upon inquiry was told that the price was okay. Although my request for a detailed bill was met, any questions regarding this were rudely dismissed, as our problem was "not understandable." After some time, we realized that our friend's stay was simply billed further. Instead of 2 nights, 12 nights were recorded. When we wanted to discuss the problem with the reception, we suddenly were not understood in English at all. Even having a conversation in English with the manager was not possible. The lady at the reception repeatedly stated that the computer makes no mistakes and that it was the price for two people – although a third person was clearly listed on the invoice. Furthermore, she complained about us in front of other guests. We felt cheated, as if she had intentionally given us a wrong bill. It is in black and white on the invoice that a third person was charged for 12 nights; nonetheless, the lady insisted that it was the price for two people with car and tent. As the reception closes at 12:00, we had to wait three hours. At 3:00 PM we were back at the reception. The lady from the morning was gone, replaced by a younger receptionist. We explained the problem to her, she understood it immediately, but replied: "No one at the reception said that your friend has left the camping site." This is simply false, as our friend had mentioned upon payment that he was now checking out. After some discussion (which drained a lot of energy and nerves and was not very productive) and yet another incorrectly issued receipt (which was only corrected because of our persistent inquiry), we were reluctantly issued a check. This was frustrating in our case, because the check has to be submitted separately at the online bank, and it takes a long time to receive your money back. In summary, we were treated very rudely in this matter. There was no apology and no solution-oriented or customer-friendly action. It remains a mystery to us how one can treat paying customers so cheekily, but apparently, the campsite can afford it. We will definitely not stay there again and advise everyone against it, especially German tourists. Whether the check is covered and the money will be refunded, we will find out in 6-8 weeks.

Positives: - despite the high season, we got a pitch without a reservation. - friendly staff - small supermarket outside the reception - dogs on a leash allowed - direct access to the dunes: northern access is challenging and steep; in the lower or southern area of the campsite, there is easier access to the dunes. - playground for children, two table tennis tables, football field, petanque courts. - restaurant and entertainment - within approximately 15 minutes by car, shopping opportunities such as supermarket, Decathlon, gas stations, etc. are reachable. - attractions reachable in a short time: Arcachon, Gujan-Mestras (aquapark, climbing park, mini-golf), Biganos (go-kart track "Top Gun" and paintball) Biscarrosse... - many mobile homes as an alternative to camping: - rather natural with many trees that provide shade and are suitable for hanging tents, laundry, tarps, hammocks, etc. - our pitch directly by the dunes was visually the most beautiful ;-) Negatives: - sanitary facilities partially aging. - the cleanliness of the sanitary facilities is very much in need of improvement. - waste can only be disposed of near the reception. No trash cans in the sanitary buildings or on the toilets. - sometimes loud nighttime activities, which the security could not always prevent. - few water points - although the dunes are beautiful and unique, we sometimes went to another beach [about 3 km south with a very large free parking area (2m barrier) and a short beach access with small lagoons. There, the beach is more beautiful, wider, and not so overcrowded. Dogs on a leash are allowed, and before 12 o'clock you can romp with dogs very enthusiastically]. The nights were sometimes very chilly. Overall, we had a great vacation and would come back here.

Simple campsite, located right at the foot of the Dune du Pilat. Off-peak and peak season prices are reasonable (€19 for a camper with 2 people). Spots are divided by hedges under tall pine trees. Sanitary facilities were well-maintained and clean, nice staff. Good restaurant on the premises.

We were already at the place in 2006. It is still well organized. Rather simple, but well-maintained. Very relaxed atmosphere. There are children who easily find contact with each other on the playground or on the dune. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Ideal as a place when the large sand dune, a spot under pine trees, a bar, and a small supermarket are enough...

Washing facilities are unfortunately really more than Spartan! Not even a distinction between women and men. The dune is very impressive.

Campsite with a great location right by the dune. The most expensive campsite during the entire vacation. Water supply and sanitary facilities are very modest. Price not justified by anything except for the location. It's worth visiting once just to see it. Otherwise, it's overcrowded...