Nestled among the rolling green hills of the Tarn-et-Garonne, surrounded by centuries-old oak trees and overlooking a breathtaking valley, you'll find Les Manoques.
This four-star naturist campground combines peace, nature and genuine hospitality with what the owners describe as "un esprit de famille" - a true family spirit where guests come together, relax and enjoy each other's company. During our stay, we discovered a spacious campground with a laid-back atmosphere and a welcoming team that makes you feel at home from the moment you arrive.
Our stay at Les Manoques - Friendliness and connection - Esprit de famille - From La Tuque to Les Manoques - Nature and breathtaking views - Facilities - Activities - Rental accommodations - Dining at Les Manoques - Nature and sustainability - Surrounding area - Our experience
Details and contact information
Our stay at Les Manoques
After several wonderful experiences at other naturist destinations, we were curious to discover Les Manoques. This campground had been on our wish list for quite some time. It was a completely new destination for us and we were eager to find out whether the stories about its personal atmosphere, family feeling, and beautiful location surrounded by nature were really true.
When we drove to Les Manoques on a warm Wednesday, we immediately sensed that it was going to be a special day. Our navigation system did not take us exactly to the right location at first, but we soon spotted the clear entrance sign for Les Manoques. From there, we followed a short, well-maintained road uphill towards the entrance of the campground.
At the entrance gate, there was a multilingual sign explaining what to do upon arrival. After pressing the bell, we quickly got in touch with Xavier. He warmly welcomed us and directed us to the reception, located about 700 meters further into the property.
There, we met Xavier over a refreshing drink. From our very first conversation, we noticed his genuine commitment to the campground and its guests. He took the time to talk with us and enthusiastically shared stories about Les Manoques, the history of the property and daily life at the campground.
He then showed us our pitch: a spacious campsite with plenty of shade. Considering the high temperatures, it was exactly what we needed. We had time to settle in and agreed to explore more of the campground together later that afternoon.
Everything felt relaxed and welcoming. We quickly felt at home, something that seems to become easier the more we travel with our camper.
Later that afternoon, we expected a regular walk around the campground, but instead we were surprised with a tour by golf cart. It turned out to be a perfect way to get to know Les Manoques quickly. Xavier showed us the different areas of the property and shared stories about the facilities, the history, and above all, the atmosphere he wants to create together with his guests.
Even during this first tour, it became clear that Les Manoques is much more than just a campground. It is not only about the beautiful surroundings and the facilities, but above all about meeting people, sharing experiences and enjoying life together.
Friendliness and connection are at the heart of Les Manoques
From the very first evening, we understood what Les Manoques is known for: its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The activities are not organized simply to fill a busy schedule, but rather to give guests the opportunity to meet each other and connect in a natural, informal way.
The planned campfire on our first evening unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the exceptionally high temperatures. Fortunately, an alternative was quickly arranged: a community barbecue where everyone brought their own meat, salads and bread, while the bar provided drinks and French fries. It turned into a wonderful evening where people naturally gathered together, shared conversations and got to know one another.
The following days continued in the same spirit of togetherness. Guests had the opportunity to watch the Norway–France soccer match together and Saturday evening ended with a karaoke night. Karaoke is not exactly our personal favorite 😉, but it was great to see how much fun the other guests were having.
These are exactly the kind of spontaneous moments that make Les Manoques so special. It is not really about the activities themselves, but about sharing experiences, meeting other guests and creating the warm atmosphere that naturally comes from being together.
A first impression: “un esprit de famille”
After these first few days, we began to better understand what Xavier means by “un esprit de famille” - a family spirit.
It is difficult to describe this feeling precisely, but it can be found in the small details: the personal welcome, the conversations with guests, the relaxed atmosphere and the feeling that people are not simply staying next to each other, but are truly sharing their vacation experience together.
From La Tuque to Les Manoques - a place with a long history
Behind today’s Les Manoques lies a history that goes back much further than the naturist campsite visitors know today.
Before the property became known as Les Manoques, it was locally called “La Tuque.” During the 1970s and 1980s, it was mainly a gathering place centered around a volleyball club. Many people between the ages of 20 and 40 came together there. Even at that time, the property already had a strong social character: it was a place where people met, spent time together and built friendships.
This structure remained largely unchanged until the end of the 1990s. After that, the site gradually began to evolve. It became increasingly open to a wider audience and slowly transformed from a private club environment into a commercial naturist campground.
In the early 2000s, Xavier and Fabienne Lemaire took over the property and began developing what is now Les Manoques. However, the original philosophy remained unchanged: creating a place where people feel welcome and where personal connections between guests are at the center.
Today, Les Manoques has grown into a four-star naturist campsite, while still preserving its original character.
The size of the property itself has remained largely the same over the years. However, many improvements and expansions have been made to the facilities. Around the year 2000, the basic infrastructure was upgraded. Since then, continuous investments have been made to improve and enhance the campsite. The reception building was created in 2000 and one of the most recent additions is the library, which Xavier and Fabienne built themselves about two years ago.
This history also explains why Les Manoques feels so personal today: it is not a campsite that was completely rebuilt from scratch, but rather a place that has grown and evolved naturally over several decades.
The strength of Les Manoques: nature and breathtaking views
One of the first things you notice when driving through Les Manoques is the feeling of space. The campsite is located in the middle of a beautiful oak forest, with several impressive old trees that give the property a unique atmosphere.
The camping pitches are spread throughout the greenery and offer plenty of privacy. There are both sunny and shaded areas, with pitches ranging from approximately 110 to 300 square meters.
However, according to Xavier, there is one element that truly sets Les Manoques apart: the view.
From the swimming pool, guests can look out over the valley and this panorama is one of the most iconic spots on the property. We also noticed that this is a place where you naturally want to sit down for a while. The peace, the open space and the surrounding landscape create a sense of freedom that is difficult to put into words.
It is precisely this combination of nature, space and stunning views that brings many guests back year after year.
The campsite and facilities
Les Manoques offers 66 spacious camping pitches as well as a variety of rental accommodations for guests without their own camping equipment.
The facilities include a swimming pool overlooking the valley, a sauna and jacuzzi, three modern sanitary buildings, a restaurant with snack bar, a small grocery store, a library, a TV room and various sports and recreational facilities such as table tennis, billiards and a playground.
Practical comfort has also been carefully considered. The campsite offers adapted facilities for guests with reduced mobility, a shared freezer, a washing machine and the option to rent a refrigerator. The reception is open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Activities
For guests who enjoy combining relaxation and nature with a little activity, there are plenty of options. During the day, the campsite organizes activities such as pétanque, volleyball, badminton, archery, water aerobics, yoga and walks in the surrounding area.
Evenings regularly bring opportunities to get together, with events such as music nights, small concerts, karaoke, campfires and other social gatherings.
During the high season, families can enjoy a variety of activities organized especially for children. In this way, Les Manoques remains true to what the campsite is known for: a relaxed, personal atmosphere where meeting others and enjoying time together are at the heart of the experience.
Rental accommodations
Even without your own camping equipment, Les Manoques is a great place to stay. The campsite offers several types of rental accommodations, including comfortable mobile homes for two or four people. These are fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, separate toilet and a terrace with garden furniture.
There are also charming cabane lodges with a natural feel, available for two or four people, including an adapted accommodation option for guests with reduced mobility.
In addition, Les Manoques offers several chalets and simple wooden-style bungalows, suitable for up to five people. This variety ensures that there is a suitable accommodation option for almost every type of vacation.
Dining at Les Manoques - sharing good food and great moments
At Les Manoques, food is clearly an important part of the holiday experience. The restaurant is not just a place to enjoy a meal, but also a social meeting point where guests come together and end the day in a relaxed atmosphere.
The kitchen offers a varied menu with dishes to suit different tastes. Options include hamburgers, daily specials, duck confit, mussels with French fries, tapas during themed evenings and a selection of sharing platters.
Guests who appreciate local products will also find plenty to enjoy. Throughout the season, local producers regularly visit the campsite with regional specialties such as wine, honey and organic products. This not only encourages interaction between guests but also strengthens the connection with the surrounding area.
The restaurant also caters to different dietary preferences. Vegetarians will find several options, and the team does its best to accommodate special requests and dietary needs whenever possible.
The experience continues after the main course: with artisanal ice cream and homemade desserts, there is always a good reason to sit back and enjoy a little longer.
Respect for nature and sustainability
Sustainability plays an important role at Les Manoques. The campsite is managed as naturally as possible, without chemical pesticides and certain areas are intentionally mowed less frequently to encourage biodiversity.
The old oak trees, natural pathways and green surroundings give the campsite a peaceful and authentic character. It is clear that attention is given not only to guest comfort but also to preserving the natural environment.
Environmental awareness is also part of the daily management. The campsite uses LED lighting and solar-powered lighting where possible, ecological cleaning products and locally sourced products whenever available. Waste is carefully separated and composted, while guests are encouraged to use water and energy responsibly and to respect the surrounding nature.
Les Manoques and the surrounding area
Les Manoques is located near the village of Valeilles in the Tarn-et-Garonne department, on the edge of the Quercy Blanc region. This peaceful and authentic area is known for its rolling landscapes, historic villages, vineyards and many opportunities for day trips.
Around 55 kilometers away lies Cahors, a historic city on the River Lot. Visitors can explore the medieval old town, the famous Pont Valentré, the Saint-Étienne Cathedral and - of course - taste the renowned Malbec wines from the region.
Closer to the campsite is Penne-d’Agenais (12 km), a charming hilltop village with narrow streets, old stone houses, and the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-Peyragude, recognizable by its striking dome and offering beautiful views over the surrounding countryside.
Another recommended destination is Château de Bonaguil. This impressive medieval fortress is about a 45-minute drive away and is considered one of the best-preserved castles in France. With its towers, massive walls and views across the valleys, it makes a wonderful day trip.
Our experience and conclusion
We experienced our stay at Les Manoques as truly enjoyable and memorable.
From the very first moment, we received a warm welcome from Xavier. His personal involvement and the way he connects with guests make you feel at home very quickly. We appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and the genuine attention we received throughout our stay.
What will stay with us most is the breathtaking view from the swimming pool across the valley. Without a doubt, this is one of the most special places at Les Manoques. A spot where you sit down for a moment, only to stay much longer than planned because the beauty of the landscape and the peaceful atmosphere come together so perfectly.
But Les Manoques is about much more than just a beautiful panorama. It is the combination of nature, hospitality, friendliness and personal attention that makes this place truly special.
Xavier’s words - “un esprit de famille” - perfectly describe what we experienced. It is a campsite where people meet, where there is room for both relaxation and social moments, and where everyone can enjoy their vacation in their own way.
For us, Les Manoques has a character of its own: a destination where nature, naturism and hospitality come together beautifully.
A place we would happily return to. 🌿☀️
Details and contact information for Les Manoques: https://www.nude-places.com/les-manoques.html