Camping Guidance

Welcome to Forest Life at the The Moulin Bleu, Millevaches Nature Reserve, Nouvelle Aquitane, France. This guidance is for your safety and security. Please read it carefully. Also, please take note of the verbal briefing and area familiarisation on arrival.

Security and Parking 

Parking is normally at the top of the drive. The plateau (camping area) is for loading and unloading only. Valuables are left at your own risk. Please note that Forest Life cannot accept liability for any damage to or theft of, or from any ­­­­­vehicle. Please do not take vehicles below the plateau. 

General hazards 

Please ensure that you slow down and walk (not run) around the camp areas, riverside and wooded areas. Some paths are uneven, and most areas are steep. Paths also might contain tree roots and animal holes, which may not be obviously visible. You may also trip over covered tree debris. Low branches at eye height may also be a hazard. For wild campers, please ensure you do not set up under dead branches or next to unstable trees. Be aware of the steep slopes in the woodland and water hazards (river), especially during the hours of darkness. Please take note of the property boundaries indicated by red tape.

Water hazard 

The river can be fast-flowing, and some stones are loose and quite slippery. Caution is advised around the river. Children should be supervised at all times. 

Emergency First Aid 

There is a first aid box, a fire blanket and an extinguisher located in the cabin on the plateau, at the Mill House or in the admin bag under the parachute in the fire circle area. This is for emergency use only. If you discover an emergency situation IMMEDIATELY SHOUT FOR HELP and blow your whistle. Do not try to deal with the situation on your own. If you are able, come down to the Mill House where we will assist.

The Cabin 

Please do not use candles or other open flames in the cabin. Please do not plug in high-wattage items such as hair dryers or electric fans. The electricity supply to the cabin is merely for lighting or recharging phones. A fire blanket, extinguisher and first aid kit are located in the cabin. Fresh drinking water and washing bowls are located behind the cabin. The water is changed every 2-3 days. If you require any more water, please let us know. A camp shower can be rigged if required; otherwise, feel free to use the shower in the Laverie. 

Fires, Food & Cooking 

Please be aware that fire bans may be in place during hot summers. If fires are allowed, please keep them off the ground. Use the fire bowls or fire basket for fires. Wood for burning is available on request. Please keep food covered and off the ground as wild animals frequent the area.  No naked flames or cooking should take place in tents or the cabin. 

Sharp Tools 

You may use sharp tools at your own risk. Please do not cut or remove live trees or foliage.

Rubbish 

Please place all rubbish into the receptacles provided on the plateau or your own rubbish bags if wild camping. Please keep bins covered or raised off the ground. Large rubbish bins are located at Sous les Fougeres. Glassware is collected separately. Please ensure all food waste and grey water is disposed of away from camp areas and areas of habitation. Please ensure your camping area is cleared before leaving the site. Do not burn off rubbish. This is illegal in France.

Hygiene & Water 

Please use the toilet facilities in the Laverie opposite the Mill House. This facility has a shower, a wash basin (not for washing up) and a toilet. Please dispose of all toilet paper in the receptacles provided. Please do not put toilet paper down the toilet. Forest Life is on a fosse septique system; therefore, nothing other than human waste should be flushed. Use of the washing machine is available on request. Your water container at your allocated site contains fresh drinking water. Additional drinking water is available from the outside tap at the far end of the Mill House. Please be aware local water restrictions may be in place during hot summers. This includes drinking water.

The Mill House

The Mill House and its contents are old and fragile. Please treat the contents and structure with respect. Be aware of drops-offs on the deck and when viewing the mill wheel. 

Other advice 

The area is known for ticks. In the woods and meadow, keep to the strimmed areas or keep arms & legs covered. Please check yourself regularly, especially before retiring and use an appropriate tick removal tool. Contact us for advice. Please do not leave out food. All forms of wildlife, including wild boar, frequent the area. Wild campers should check the ground for insect nests before pitching tents. 

Finally… 

Please let us know if you have any questions. We have leaflets about the local area and add-on services like massage, yoga, bushcraft and tracking and quad biking.  We hope you enjoy your stay. 

Forest Life Map