Camping le Pontet

This was our first stop on the TMB and it did not disappoint. Setting: the gite is part of a larger campground, so this was by far the largest we stayed at. It's set about 20 minutes walk' past Les Contamines, right on the TMB trail. There is a designated dormitory building that's very central. It has its own bathrooms and laundry on the ground floor, with a gear storage room and dormitory above. Reception: There was a short line at checkin. Staff was welcoming. Each guest is given a wifi code for limited access near reception. They describe the dormitory but don't show guests in person, so we had to poke around a bit to find things. One bone to pick is the gite tries to require flip flops in the bathrooms, and has them for sale for guests who don't have their own. No other hut along the TMB had this requirement (they almost all ask guests to wear hut shoes and not hiking boots, but they don't specify what the hut shoes need to be or require separate footwear for the bathrooms). We feel strongly that the management should adjust their policy to either allow any clean hut shoes in the bathrooms OR include flip flops in the price and provide them for free if they feel so strongly about them. Showers: There are plenty of shower stalls, free of charge. The two of us took showers at the same time; one was hot and the other was lukewarm. So we recommend testing the water before undressing, and picking one that gets hot! Toilets: There were plenty of stalls. Laundry: machines available; it was our first day so we didn't need to use them. Food: Very solid dinner, with melon/ham as starter, rice and chicken curry (very hearty) for main, and chocolate cake for dessert. Alcohol was available for purchase, including delicious mulled wine. Rooms: The dormitory is nicely set up, with dividers between bunks so each group has privacy, even though the ceiling is open so it can be noisy (like any dormitory). WiFi: available with a code, near reception only. Outlets: there were several around the dormitory, plenty to share but not necessarily conveniently located for every bunkroom.

7 months ago

Nice big camping site with chalet for those on the TMB hike, which was where we stayed. Clean and tidy bedrooms, with minimal electricity outlets so best to have your powerbank ready to use here. There was no real spot to hang your clothes either. Bathroom was clean and spacious and there is both washing and drying facilities. Half board was great. Food was delicious.

8 months ago

We stayed at Camping Le Ponet for one of our stops on the TMB. I'd highly recommend a stay here. Our stay was in one of the Chalet Cabins, which was well equipped with a fridge cooker, and equipped kitchen. We didn't really use, but was a nice addition. The cabins are very popular so book early to secure. Beds were decent enough and duvets etc provided. They also have options for camping, electric hookups and Dorms. The facilities are pretty good, plenty of showers and toilets in a new block, and additional ones in a further block. They have Washing Machines and Dryers which were in heavy use when we were there, they self dose, so no need to worry about carrying washing powder etc. We Opted for Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner) it seemed good value, and there was plenty of food. We even got offered some extra for dinner which was nice. The only suggestion I'd have is food options rotation, as we arrived on a wet and cold night. Hot soup would have been welcome, but we had Melon & Ham, perfect for a sunny warm day. Note if you can't get in for dinner, they also have a Pizza Truck, the pizzas coming out looked really good. Service was good, and the bar was also well stocked with local beers.

9 months ago