Where in France?

[madcows]

Please help! We had one disastrous holiday in Britanny (ended up on the edge of what seemed like an industrial estate), and another disastrous camping holiday (wettest August in France on record)... so have steered clear.
However, I don't want to fly, but want to go some with a reasonably good chance of fine weather (but not south south, as don't like very hot!). We live on the south coast of England, so could take normal ferry to Calais, Newhaven ferry to Dieppe, or Brittany Ferry from Portsmouth.
I'm just looking for general areas at the moment - rather than specific places to stay. I guess the kids would want water of some sort - but whether it is sea, lake or pool probably doesn't matter. Kids are 7 and 4, in case that makes any difference!
Come on, you brilliant Mumsnetters, help me out!
Thanks!
madcows

I love Normandy.
It is close to the UK, has LOTS to do, is beautiful and (usually) has great summer weather.
We had an idyllic family holiday there last July.

Dordogne is lovely. We are spending a week in a gite with shared pool close to Cognac for a week in July. Bargain at under 500 euros. Coast about 45 mins drive and a swimming lake near by. Looks like there is lots to do for kids and DH is not averse to sampling the local produce.

Another vote for Normandy

La Rochellle

Normandy, La rochelle, dordogne, cognac, champagne all wonderful. Consider LD lines portsmouth to Le havre lots cheaper than brittany ferries just don't plan to eat on the ferry otherwise fine.

Does it have to be France? I would suggest Duinrell, Holland. Near a beach, has amusement park, water slide complex, is 45 mins to Amsterdam for a day trip, Leiden not far and the town of Waasenar has everything you need.

Or the Ardenne, had a lovely holiday at Roche once upon a time.

La Rochelle, Ile d'Oleron, some parts of Vendee.

Brittany/Loire around La Baule. Beautiful mile ish long stretch of beach and nice things to do around there. Not too far to drive from St Malo.

La Rochelle is very pretty too.

WoW! Thanks! I couldn't get online last night, and come back to find lots of ideas. I'll be able to make a start doing some proper research now, and will probably be back with more questions!
Thanks so much!
madcows

Google Charente Maritime region, its south of Vendee. We went there for first time last year and it was fab. Lovely weather, not too hot. Loads to see and do.

Ruthie whereabouts did you stay? Charente Martime was where we had the majority of our chilhood holidays.

We're going here

We stayed on a small gite complex just outside St Jean D'Angely. Booked to go back next year already as we loved it.

We love Barneville-Carteret on the Cherbourg peninsula - beautiful beaches and lots of lovely walks to go on.

Otherwise, for more reliable weather, we are going to the Vendée this year, near Notre Dame des Monts.

Normandie, anywhere on the Cote de Nacre. 20 or 30 minutes from Ouistreham.

Lion-Sur-Mer
Luc-Sur-Mer
Courseulles-sur-Mer

Great little resorts, nice beaches and les Normands are very friendly. You won't hear many English accents. I lived in Luc and only ever met one Brit. Did once meet an Irish family who were lost.

www.mairie-lion-sur-mer.fr/
www.luc-sur-mer.fr
www.courseulles-sur-mer.com/web/index.php

July and August best months. If you can get to Luc for 14 July the fireworks and air display on the beach are excellent and free.

Loire valley and/or Vendee - more chance of better weather , Normandy a bit like British summer imo

South Vendee - so you get the Vendee, and day trips to La Rochelle and Il de Ré as well.