No Particular Place To Go

It’s Monday morning, and we’re on the move again. As predictably as the sunrise, our conversation has veered towards the weather. With the mercury predicted to hit a sweltering 37°C here and a ‘chilly’ 30°C in Málaga, I know I’m never going to hear the end of this. Cue the dramatic sighs from the seat next to me.

Our destination today is the Municipal Campsite in Samatan, nestled in the heart of the Gers department in the Occitanie region. This charming spot offers the promise of a swimming pool that we can use for free. But before we can dive into our watery oasis, there’s a small detour on the itinerary: a stop at Decathlon to buy John some new swimming trunks. You see, John’s beloved Bermuda shorts are a no-go in the pools here. Instead, he needs a pair of “slip de bain,” or, as they’re more colloquially known, “budgie smugglers.” Think Tom Daley in his Olympic glory, but with fewer gold medals.

Samatan is famous for its fat market, and from November to March, it proudly holds the title of the capital of “pink gold.” While we’re happy to miss the season for foie gras, the village itself offers plenty of charm and character. Having visited Samatan back in 2018, we noticed a few changes as we strolled through its quaint streets. Some shops and houses are boarded up now, and the motorhome Aire isn’t quite as well maintained as we remember. But the village’s spirit remains intact.

Time spent by the pool is nothing short of entertaining. People from all walks of life converge here, creating a vibrant and interesting way to spend the afternoons. At one point, the lifeguards swing into action when someone appears to be face down in the pool. Thankfully, they are ok and a major crisis is averted, and soon everyone returns to their sunbathing and swimming with a renewed appreciation for life’s little dramas.

Adding to the excitement, the fun fair rolls into town and starts setting up for the weekend festival. Brightly colored rides and stalls promise a weekend of delight and fun. 

As we soak up the sun, we too have a minor hiccup, John comes down with a bout of man flu. (Cue more dramatic sighs, this time from a different direction.) Given our need to extend our stay at the campsite, we ask if there’s availability to stay longer and the friendly staff manage to accommodate us, ensuring that John has ample time to recover while I continue to take a daily dip in the pool. 

Despite the ups and downs, the weather eventually cools down over the week, making our stay in Samatan even more enjoyable. The village may have changed a bit since our last visit, but it still offers that unique blend of charm, humor, and unexpected adventures.

With some of the plots already reserved for certain dates we have to move a couple of times so we get to see the site from all angles 

Once John is feeling better, to our neighbours, it must appear that I do nothing, as it looks like John is auditioning for a role as Mr. Clean. He’s out there washing up, emptying the bin, sorting the water, and pegging out the washing. I half expect him to start twirling a mop like a baton any minute now!

it’s a nice walk round the lake but sadly no water sports just a few people fishing

Most evenings we walk along the La Save  river to the nearby lake 

There are a few motorhomes at the Aire just round the corner from us it’s definitely a little more run down since we were there in 2018

Each day I swim at the local pool where some days it’s just myself and the lifeguard making use of the pool

The only thing scarier than the haunted house at the French funfair was the price of admission!”

This small campsite was peaceful until this group of idiots turn up, however when they start playing up at 4am the Frenchman decides to sort them out, they are soon quiet and are up early packing up to leave the following morning 

Coordinates for Campsite used in France

Municipal campsite, La Chaussée, Samatan

N 43° 29′ 18

E 0° 55′ 43