Recommendations for gite complexes

[Greedygirl]

Hi been looking at Pagel and it looks lush but also would like recommendations for similar gite complexes as we like the idea of having our own place but being able to socialise/other children for our DS to play with.
Thanks!

Try Vendee vacances.

Not a complex as such, but the pool is shared with one other property.

Not sure of the ages of the children but we stayed at www.peyrecaty.com. Domaine de Peyrecaty in the same area as Pagel which we have also visited. Peyrecaty is great for older children (ours are 6 and 8) but also has loads in the playbarn for toddlers. At Pagel some ride-ons are limited to under 7's and parents are asked to stay with children on the trampoline and pirates ship so the children didn't have the same freedom.

Steve at Peyrecaty takes guests canoeing on the river one day a week but I think you have to be 5 plus. There's also a fun BBQ and games night to get to know other guests. Our DC loved it, we had to drag them to bed at 10 and sometimes 11 pm.

Both the Lot and Dordogne are fabulous, beautiful scenery and loads of activities off site.

The best accomodation we stayed at in France was in southern Brittany at Keranmeriet www.bonvacance.com but you do run the risk of rain (having said that we had 2 days of rain in the Dordogne.

Thanks both. We looked at Peyrecaty but their prices have jumped quite a bit for next year so we have had to rule them out. Sounds fab so hopefully we can go in the future. My DS is only 2.9 at the mo. Will have a look at your other recommendation.

Vendee Vacances looks lovely Frenchfancy - have you been?

See what you mean about the price hike Greedygirl, our gite has gone up by about £800!

Pagel is lovely but often you have to book 2 yrs ahead. We stayed in Upper Sunset, great to be on the upper floor so you don't have people walking past all the time. It was very hot when we were there and the sun pouring in all evening didn't help but as you will be going outside school hols you should be OK.

Check out www.totstofrance.co.uk.. you can search there for a gite cluster.

Have a look at www.grangedumoulin.com and www.lesvallaies.com.

They are owned by the same people and get good reviews. They are aimed at yonger children.

We've been to ToddlerHoliday gites a couple of times and they are great for that age group.

There is a review of Vendee Vacances on MN here: www.mumsnet.com/Reviews/TravelShortHaul/5057-les-chardonnerets-near-lucon-france

I know several people who have been and love it.

Cheers everyone! I have been mad busy this week so I will have a proper look tomorrow.

We've been to La Garenne twice now.
www.livingfrance.org/

Lovely relaxing place and children's ages vary week to week but they all just seem to get on whatever the age and plenty of space for all.

There's also the bonus of kids club once a week for children aged 3+ - 4hours to go out and have lunch whilst Dorte and Richard keep the kiddies busy and give them lunch.

And a local caterer can bring you a three course meal some evenings - lovely food whilst your little one is tucked up in bed/running round the garden with the other kids

La Garenne looks absolutely lovely Jemimabobbins but I have just booked a week at La Grange Moulin ! I notice that they are in the same region - any tips for days out/things to do in that area? Did you drive or fly? We are thinking of getting the ferry and stopping over.

Thanks Ruthiebabes, I have come across the recommendation before but had forgotten about it! I suggested to my DH that we spend a week in each of the recommended properties then score them and come back with reviews but this idea has been politely ignored.

I am v.happy and excited. Thanks for all the tips.