Camping Municipal Camping Des Grand Cols, 73300St Jean de Maurienne, Tel 0033479642802
To Find Site:-On the approach to St Jean de Maurienne the campsite is signed. Just watch out for the entrance in from the main road. (see picture below)
Des Grand Cols has a superb location surrounded by mountains, There are about 80 pitches which are all on grass except for few special parking bays near the entrance for motorhomes. The main section of pitches are on the same level as reception and they have individual water and waste connections. There are also 16amp electrical connections. There are a couple of higher terraces which seem to be for tents without the waste and electrics. All pitches are of a good size but one or two have trees in awkward positions. The Reception area also includes a bar area which is open in the main season, there is also a TV room. The toilet block is modern and to an excellent quality although it has seatless toilets and no paper provided. Chemical toilet disposal is a bit Heath Robinson as you have to used the motorhome dumping point. To one side of the site is a large play area which is also used by the locals. We found the people running the site both friendly and helpful and they speak English. Should there be no one at reception when you arrive you are invited to select a pitch and report to reception later. The ACSI Card offers a useful discount at this site during the low season although there is a slight, and worthwhile supplement of €1.50 for the 16amp electrics in addition to the ACSI price. Date of visit early May 2009. (please note that we used the site only days after it opened for the season and they were still waiting for the local Council to cut the grass on the pitches)
The town centre of St Jean de Maurienne is only a short walk from the campsite. We found two supermarkets, one actually in the centre and a Champion on the outskirts, the latter having fuel. Reception will supply a town map. Although this campsite deserves a longer stay it is also a useful stop over point to and from Italy either using the Tunnel de Frejus or the Mont du Cenis Pass. For those staying longer many of the Cols used during the Tour de France are within easy reach.
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