The idea has got around that anywhere south of Calais in the dreaded euro zone, and particularly in France where the locals like to gloat, is becoming a bit too expensive for the British with their feeble pound notes.

Perhaps that was why I felt almost embarrassed by the quality and comfort of my accommodation consisting of two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, a wooden floor, subtle lighting and a large decked terrace as I road-tested the latest big idea for a camping holiday.

No-one is quite sure when the term ‘glamping’ was coined, but Eurocamp has taken glamorous camping to a new level with its stylish new safari tents.

Add the beauty of the Dordogne, an outdoor swimming pool, cheap locally-made wine, a welcoming French family running the site, regular visits by a van selling fresh fish, and – Mon Dieu! – suddenly we seemed to have more money than we could possibly hope to spend.

The site at Le Moulin de Paulhiac near Daglan was one of four offering the new-style tents in 2009, and the experiment was such a success that Eurocamp has extended them to 13 other areas in 2010.

The British-owned holiday firm has kept the shape of its tents largely the same since it was launched 37 years ago, but feedback in recent years called for more space and comfort.

Eurocamp toyed with the idea of providing toilets, but inspired by the larger tents used on safaris in Africa, decided to offer larger structures about 40 metres square – roughly 50 per cent bigger than its traditional tents.

My wife and I were among the first to sample the new tents, attractively positioned at the far end of the site next to a stream near some trees, and a fair distance from the nearest campers.

The sheer size of the structure made an immediate impression: this was big enough to walk around, roomy enough to store clothes, food, suitcases and even bikes. It was equipped with bedding, towels, kitchen utensils and a teak table and chairs for collapsing with a bottle of wine after a long journey.

A barbecue was also provided, although the food and wine at the site’s restaurant was so good, and reasonably priced, that it was difficult to stay in and cook.

The green slopes and valleys of the Dordogne are a marvellous place to explore.

There is a great market in the pedestrianised medieval town of Sarlat, and also within easy reach are the fortified town of Belves, wine-renowned Cahors or La Roque Gageac, a regular winner of France’s prettiest village.

So there’s a rich seam of natural beauty on the doorstep. But is France too expensive for the Brits this year? I don’t believe a word of it.

Factfile * Eurocamp offers seven nights’ self-catering at Le Moulin de Paulhiac in Daglan, Dordogne, in a safari tent (maximum four people) in mid-June from £542 for the whole family, accommodation only.

* Channel ferry crossings, fly-drive packages or rail travel can be arranged by Eurocamp at a supplement.

* Reservations: 0844 4060552 and eurocamp.co.uk.

* Eurocamp has more than 160 parks across 16 destinations, from Europe to California. Safari tents are available at 17 sites in France, Spain, Italy and Switzerland and various optional extras include a welcome pack of tea, coffee, fruit juice, wine, bed linen and towels.

* Eurocamp Escapes offers pre-erected, fully-equipped tents on nine UK campsites.