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Northern France with kids: 5 toddler-friendly holidays you can drive to before lunchtime

A quick hop across the Channel and a short drive from Calais can land you at a French holiday parc in time for lunch. We’ve picked five Eurocamp sites (all with pools, playgrounds and bakeries) that are ideal for easy family escapes.

By Rachel Erdos | Last updated Mar 19, 2026

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A woman and child on a bike at a Eurocamp site

For many parents, it’s not the holiday itself that feels daunting, it’s the getting there. Airport queues, baggage limits, late arrivals and children who are hanging by a thread can all test the patience before you’ve even found your transfer. 

That’s why northern France has long been a favourite destination for Mumsnetters seeking a stress-free escape. A short hop across the Channel, a straightforward drive from Calais and suddenly you’re in a place that feels reassuringly different and where beaches and French supermarkets await. 

And Eurocamp holiday parcs in this corner of France make things even simpler with space to spread out, self-catering flexibility (early dinners and familiar breakfasts), and on-site pools and playgrounds for easy everyday wins. 

We’ve rounded up five Eurocamp Northern France sites that work particularly well for families, especially if it’s your first time planning a drive-to-France-with-kids break.

The 5 Eurocamp holiday parcs you can drive to before lunchtime

1. Domaine de Drancourt, Picardy

Drive time from Calais: around 90 minutes (67 miles) 
Best for: Lots to do on-site with a relaxed French feel
Ideal ages: Toddlers to tweens
Nearby days out: Somme Bay beaches and Bagatelle theme park

Set in the grounds of a French château, Domaine de Drancourt combines classic countryside charm with family-friendly facilities. Near the Somme’s historic sites and scenic walking and cycling routes, it’s well placed for gentle exploring. Back on parc, there’s mini golf and a strong pool complex with an indoor covered pool, lagoon-style outdoor pools and waterslides. In the evening, head to the converted stables, now a relaxed bar for a lovely spot to unwind after a busy day.

Why Mumsnet users love it

Absolutely stunning site with so much to do. We also had day trips and visited Bagatelle.

-Mumsnet user, Amybelle88

I went to north France in May half term to Domaine du Drancourt, only 1.5hours from Calais. Lovely rural setting, near to pretty towns, coast, etc.

-Mumsnet user, turtletum 

Related content from Eurocamp: Why Eurocamp is perfect for babies and toddlers

Sites we've been to have had kids clubs, pool complexes and plenty to do nearby. Have been to France, Italy, Netherlands and had amazing holidays.

-Mumsnet user, NCfor24

2. La Bien Assise, Picardy

Drive time from Calais: around 25 minutes (16 miles) 
Best for: A super speedy transfer from Calais
Ideal ages: Babies to primary-schoolers
Nearby days out: Opal Coast beaches, WW2 sites

Just a short drive from Calais, La Bien Assise is a peaceful parc in the grounds of a château that works brilliantly as either a relaxed base or a handy stopover. Surrounded by woodland, it has spacious pitches and even organises guided walks in the nearby woods. There’s a heated indoor pool with a retractable roof, an outdoor pool with a waterslide, plus a welcoming French restaurant and a small shop. Beaches, Lac d’Ardres and the Opal Coast are all within easy reach.

Why Mumsnet users love it

Can also recommend La Bien Assise as someone has posted above. Near to the channel tunnel or ferry port. Has a pool with a slide, kids play area, bar with nice food and an onsite shop. I've used it regularly for at least 30 years.

-Mumsnet user, Amethystanddiamonds

There's the Eurocamp site Le Bien Assise at Guînes near Calais. Quite a lot to see WW2 beaches and fild of the cloth of gold as well as thé Azincourt museum.

-Mumsnet user, newtb 

Related content from Eurocamp: New to Eurocamp? Here’s what to expect

Drive time from Calais: around 2.45 hours (148 miles) 
Best for: Parc fun plus Paris and Disneyland day trips
Ideal ages: School-age children and tweens
Nearby days out: Paris, Disneyland Paris, Parc Astérix

Just 90 minutes from central Paris and set around a peaceful lake, La Croix du Vieux Pont is a brilliant choice for families. There are four pools, a lagoon-style beach and a standout splash park, plus an indoor pool with a retractable roof for cooler days. Accommodation ranges from tents to cabins with roomy decking and BBQs. With boating, soft play, kids’ clubs and easy access to Paris and Disneyland Paris, it’s an action-packed, well-equipped base.

Why Mumsnet users love it

I’d recommend La Croix du Vieux Pont - a fantastic Eurocamp site in Berny Riviere, Paris. [...] Such a well equipped site and we’ve been there numerous times. Lots of accommodation options and very family friendly.

-Mumsnet user, Ameloah 

If you are looking for proximity to Disneyland Paris then La Croix du Vieux Pont was great and coach trips ran from the site. We haven't been for a good few years but it's a really lovely site, great pools and a manmade lake for a beach feel. We would definitely return.

-Mumsnet user, NCfor24

Drive time from Calais: around 3.5 hours (205 miles)
Drive time from Caen: around 30 minutes (17 miles)
Best for: Pools, slides and easy Normandy beach access
Ideal ages: Preschoolers to teens
Nearby days out: Houlgate beach, Deauville, Normandy coastline

Set near the broad sandy beaches of Houlgate, La Vallée is a brilliant base for exploring Normandy with kids, and it’s an easy 30-minute drive from Caen port. The lively site features indoor and outdoor pools, standout waterslides and a jungle-themed splash park for younger children. Add in kids’ clubs, playgrounds and a safari car circuit, and there’s plenty to keep everyone busy between beach trips and Normandy outings.

Why Mumsnet users love it

La Vallee is good with little ones. 45 mins from Caen ferry port so you could probably get a prebooked taxi. Site is walking distance from the town and beach and there's a railway station in walking distance too.

-Mumsnet user, Lisbeth50

[...] La Vallee is good for kids, we’ve been a couple of times, last time 6 years ago [...] an easy drive from Calais/Dieppe.

-Mumsnet user, Ezesonfire 

Drive time from Calais: around 5.5 hours (310 miles) 
Best for: Amazing activities and a covered dome pool
Ideal ages: All ages
Nearby days out: Mont Saint-Michel, St Malo

Set in 400 acres of wooded parkland in Brittany, Domaine des Ormes is a destination-style parc packed with outdoor adventure. The standout feature is its vast covered pool dome complete with wave pool, which makes swimming possible whatever the weather. There are also outdoor pools, an 18-hole golf course and a horse riding school offering lessons and treks for all ages. Close to St Malo, it’s a spacious, activity-packed base that many Mumsnet users rate highly.

Why Mumsnet users love it

Domaine des Ormes is brilliant. The dome is such a benefit if the weather doesn't play ball, which is always a risk in Brittany. There's a fab cycle hire place on site which has a range of trailer/baby seat options.

-Mumsnet user, Monstamio

Domaines des Ormes is fantastic. We spent a week there and I had planned day trips but in the end no one wanted to go on any because there was so much to do at the site! The pool setup is amazing.

-Mumsnet user, Clefable

Why Eurocamp holidays are perfect for toddlers

Eurocamp spokesperson and toddler mum, Michelle Troy, told us: "Of all the holidays I've taken my little girl on, the ones where we've stayed at a Eurocamp parc have been her favourite by far - and I'm not just saying that as an employee!"

"She loves the spraygrounds and little slides they have in their shallow swimming pools, getting to make friends with neighbouring children at our holiday home, and dancing and singing along at the night-time shows.

"As a mum, I love the confidence I've seen her gain in trying new experiences and meeting other kids, and the free toddler essentials Eurocamp provide mean I don't need to worry about packing travel cots or bed rails!"

Can you really drive to Northern France with kids and arrive before lunchtime?

Yes. Leave early (around 6–7am), take a morning Eurotunnel or ferry crossing and choose a parc within a few hours’ drive of Calais. Many families are unpacking by late morning or lunchtime rather than arriving late evening.

Which Eurocamp sites are closest to Calais for families?

La Bien Assise (around 30 minutes from Calais) is one of the closest options. Domaine de Drancourt is about 1.5 hours away and still very manageable for a short onward drive.

Is Eurotunnel or ferry easier with toddlers?

Eurotunnel is faster and keeps everyone in the car. Ferries allow kids to walk around and burn energy. The easier option depends on whether speed or movement matters more to your family.

What should I pack for a first driving holiday to France with children?

Layers, familiar snacks, car entertainment, basic medicines and a simple first-night meal plan. Most Eurocamp accommodation provides duvets and pillows (for an additional fee), but check what’s included before you travel.

Are Eurocamp parcs good for different ages?

Yes. Smaller sites often suit toddlers; larger parcs with bigger pool complexes and sports facilities tend to appeal to tweens and teens. Sites like Domaine des Ormes work well for mixed-age groups.

About Eurocamp

We’ve got camping in our blood. We believe life doesn’t get better than when you’re enjoying summer in the great outdoors. We’re also very keen on comfort, too. That’s why our accommodation - whichever model you choose - will make you feel right at home, and quickly too!

We’ve got parcs for every type of holiday, and every type of holidaymaker in wonderful locations throughout Europe. Each parc offers its own unique recipe of active adventures, peaceful moments and soothing treats. The mix is different, but the promise is the same: holidays the way you want them. We build holidays around you. Not us.

About the author 

Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel.

She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for top publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London. She loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far, as well as trawling the Mumsnet holiday forum for inspiration for her next trip away with her husband and two kids.