• The Camping Caravaning France Sélection Michelin gives not only details of when sites are open, but the facilities, size, ratings, whether sites are pleasant, quiet, etc. We have found the municipal sites particularly good value, but haven't found a bad Michelin site. We have had no problems finding sites in September/October.
Charlie Withall

• It is true that many sites are closed and you have to be a bit careful with those which are open. Some are a bit rough and ready and tend to attract seasonal workers, civil engineers and the like. Being woken at 6am when they all start their vans to go off to work isn't my idea of fun.

In recent years, however, some really high quality sites have seen the sense of extending their season, recognising that not all of us want to be out and about during the peak season. The best source of information about good quality sites which are open is the Alan Rogers Good Camps Guides. You'll need both the French (£8.99) and Europe (£9.99) Guides. Smiths and similar bookshops sell them.

Alan Rogers inspect all the sites they recommend, and I've never found one which disappointed. Another tip: away from peak season you don't need to pay full site pitch fees. Camping Cheque (UK office number 01892 559855) is a Europe-wide collection of good quality sites who work together to encourage low season camping. Each cheque gives you one night's pitch on any of the 200+ member sites, and you don't have to pre-book.

I'm actually a caravan journalist and the only time my wife and I can get a holiday is September/ October. From mid-France downwards the weather is usually pretty good, but watch for storms in the mountains.
Mike Cazalet

• The free Departmental camping guides available from the French tourist office in Piccadilly, London, shows campsite opening times, as does the Michelin guidebook.
Dave Newman