I’ll answer my own question for those that may be interested regarding Lac D’Orient, particularly as the lac of info generally on the forum ( excuse the intended pun)
the lakes were produced to prevent flooding in Paris circa 20th c (Seine runs through Troyes and water level controlled via Canal system and Lake water storage).
Four lakes were created over a vast area.
The lake areas are a national park (one of the first prescribed in France)
The area is generally Rural.
Mesnil st per is the local Village, very unassuming. (450 inhabitants)
Couer De Village is a local ménage serving / selling high quality products from France including, art, books and clothes, it is run / co owned by a Famous couture atelier, Anna Barbara Aumelleur ! (See Vivienne Westward trainee) & her husband who is knowledgeable about all things French food !
opposite the campsite is Les Voiles Restaurant which serves typical tourist fare such as Pizza, burger etc with a nice view over the Lake. (Good service, nice vibe).
Lac D,orient (Mesnil) has an imported Sandy beach with various water sports available, including Aqua park / adventure!
Tourist office, Aire Du Camping car, Hotel, Bakery, tourist office , marina etc.
Free parking along the lake promenade, various snack / beach bars.
Small bakery in town with a fast food outlet next door (unverified)
Market day is Sunday although Friday evening market is open Friday Eve (weather permitting)
once daily Boat trip around the O’orient lake , see tourist info for tickets / times.
Short cut to village via Lapain alley ! (Use the tarmac roads if wet weather!)
Troyes (ne: ‘twa) Very nice Middle Ages Timber Framed city (architecture is very nice) River Seine
Free Parking = see park 4 night easy Walk to city centre along Seine = well worth a visit.
Shopping outlet village (McArthur Glen) located in industrial outlying areas - think American outside outlet mall with specific brands (not on my to do list! ) but we did it on a very rainy day , would not repeat , discounts !
Lac D‘Orient Campsite is fairly large, fairly commercial, well spaced out / separated plots , ranging from full grass (for caravans & tents ! ) to gravel pitches for Camping cars etc. allocation seems very random ! Fairly transient site, people moving south / coming from south (the site advertises this! ) people in out daily en mass.
onsite restaurant is as expected, not unreasonable, good service.
Pitch prices are on the premium family / holiday side due to the 5* rating, if evening entertainment etc, pool, pétanque pitch, play are etc, not you save yourself the cost, on the other hand if that’s what your looking for it’s great
Small Well stocked shop onsite selling pretty much all you need at reasonable prices. (No camping Gaz noted)
interestingly Some of the places that are noted as “tourist” points of interest locally are no more than drive by viewing with no stopping points ! (and not worth the visit).
Eleclerc Drive close by, extremely well stocked and very reasonably priced, fuel filling onsite station is card only (unattended).
all in all,the weather has been awful (July 2023), but it’s a nice area to visit , extremely bike friendly (Bring Bikes) moving south next week & hoping for some sun. (But that’s not the camps issues)
hope the above is useful to some
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