To ask you to save me from DH’s holiday choice?

[JontyDoggle37]

He is usually the one who organises holidays in our family, he enjoys trawling through loads of options and I don’t. However, the option he has just shown me is like driving all the way to south-west France to end up in Southend-on-Sea (and I can say that because I live in/near Southend!) for anyone who doesn’t know Southend, think mini Blackpool...perfect in its time and place but not what I want for our main holiday..
So, lovely MNers, I’m looking for a location that suits the following:

• West France, south enough to be at least 25 degrees in July
• Large village/small town location with emphasis on traditional French style rather than a ‘new built’ town
• Sandy family-friendly beach (DS4 is the sandcastle king)
• Campsites that accept motorhomes within walking distance of the beach
• some seriously good local restaurants- we both love our food and wine

Please tell me somewhere lovely to go and save me from going to Southend!!!! 🙏

@JontyDoggle37 Where did your DH suggest??

I love south west France, so many beautiful places so I am intrigued where the Southend of South West France might be???

Another vote for Royan. Adore the place!

Lacanau or Lacunau Ocean? Although your DS has been beaten to the title of sandcastle king by whoever built Dune du Pilat, south of Arcachon!

La Baule is lovely with some great restaurants, a huge long beach and local markets etc

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne - beautiful village, fabulous campsite on the river. Would recommend highly.

I agree with minmooch - Aubeterre sur Dronne on the border of Charente and Dordogne. It has everything you’re looking for

We had fab holidays in Loire Valley and Brittany

Ooooh Aubeterre is delightful!
So is Brantôme in the Dordogne - stunning.
Not by a beach but really lovely.

In fact - this is the village square in Aubeterre, and the river (from a riverside restaurant) in Brantôme.
I was there just two weeks ago.

Soz. Can't work out how to post the photos. But I'm sure you can imagine they are lovely

What about venturing away from the coast?

I travel down from the north of scotland each year - preferred route is to Portsmouth, overnight ferry to Caen, then drive down.

The Dordogne is a beautiful region - East of Bergerac and South of Perigeux is stunning. Relatively cheap too and tourist friendly. Loads to do for kids / families.

@TarragonSauce I think it’s the campsite I mentioned. They have a lovely walk to the beach through a wooded area and then you emerge onto a beautiful sandy beach!