cheapest possible France stopovers for family of 5

[emanwen]

heading calais to round toulon or poss languedoc region in August.

What would you recommend for families of 5? happy to do 2 rooms but obv that's v expenisive.

How cheaply can it be done (don't mind basic, just not horrible!).
We've managed novotel before, but hoping there might be a cheaper alternative?
many thanks!

Are you camping? We did this last year and camped overnight, stopping once going down and twice on way up.

We bought a pop up tent for these overnighters as our main tent takes so long! Found it very easy to find the municipal sites in all towns and all were very good, clean loos etc. Also very cheap.

Thanks!
We weren't planning on camping. I've never really been a camper, but i wonder if it's something we should think about? Even just for overnights.
what sort of kit do you think we'd need for a few overnights?

and can you just turn up at a site or do you need to pre-book? and you can just stay for 1 night in peak season?

Alternatively try www.hotelbb.com. We are 5 and will book either a family room and a double or a room for 3 and a room for 2.

You will need quite a bit if not camping for rest of hols. Tent, airbeds, pillows, sleeping bags, small stove maybe for coffee, crockery etc. although you may manage with simply tent and bedding.

We do not book and never had a problem. Just need to start looking by about 3pm as others will do the same on the way. The route down to Languedoc is called route of the English for that reason! All towns have a municipal campsite which are generally within walking distance of the centre.

There are other motel types to stay in too. My parents always stay in auberges but I don't know the prices.

Where are you staying in Languedoc?