Introduction
Lacanau UCPA is located in quiet spot in the middle of a pine forest, a 15 minute walk to the beaches and centre of town, or 5 minutes by bicycle. The accommodation is basic, but spacious and is divided into 5 separate blocks, each nestled into the forest. There is a restaurant, bar and large outdoor dining on-site plus there are hammocks dotted about for relaxing in. Available at Lacanau UCPA free of charge is: Tennis, bicycle hire, volleyball and petanque. Beautiful walks through the forest and bike rides to surrounding lakes are possible from UCPA, just ask at reception for a map of the local area.
Room Details
UCPA Twin and Multi-Share
The rooms sleep 2 or 4 persons, with shared showers & toilets on every floor.
Food description
The food is served buffet style each day. Breakfast is yogurts, cereals, fruit juice, coffee and bread - don't be surprised to see that the coffee, tea or hot chocolate is taken French style - a soup bowl!
Typically, lunch is a DIY picnic made up at breakfast time (great choice of breads, meats, cheeses, pasta, salad, fruit, sweets etc). The picnic lunch means maximum time on the beach or golf course without travelling back to UCPA. Note that during the cooler months e.g. September, you will often return to the centre for a hot lunch.
Dinner is a 4 course buffet - typically a salad bar style starter, choice of 3 or 4 main courses - most often including fish, cheese selection, fruit, dessert and ice-cream freezer.
Any special dietry requirements should be made known to reception staff at check-in. Generally, vegetarians will find a wide enough choice within the buffet.
Entertainment
The UCPA staff lay on an entertainment program each week. It's certainly not Butlins and there is no pressure to take part - all quite low key. Typical program would include stretching in the early evening, crepe making, quiz, sketch evening, karaoke and some evenings a live band.
Equally in the town there is a great selection of bars & nightclubs to suit all tastes.
History
UCPA is more than 40 years old, and was originally set-up by the French government to encourage young people to enjoy the outdoors. It is now a "not for profit" organisation with all profits being put back into refurbishing the centres.
The ethos of sport is still first on the agenda, but the instructors and centre staff don't forget that it is still your holiday.
Useful facts
There's plenty of parking on site should you wish to come by car. Baganais golf course is walking distance from Lacanau UCPA, it has a 9 hole course, par 27. Mejanne golf course is just 3km away with a 9 hole course, par 36. A visit to the vinyards and chateaus of the Bordeaux are a great option – ask at reception for a map of the local area and they are clearly marked.
Location
50km from Bordeaux Airport. 70km from Bordeaux St-Jean Train Station.