Where to go in France?

[babybouncer]

We want to go somewhere in France in July/August time. It'll be me, DH, kids aged 2 and 5 and 2 or 4 friends from the US (they don't have kids). I've only done Normandy/Brittany before and although I like it, I'd like to go somewhere different.

Where should be good to go to? I need stuff to do with the kids, but also things that will keep the adults entertained and I want to introduce the Americans to all the best bits of France (wine, chateaux, beautiful countryside, croissants, beaches/lakes, food etc).

We visited the Loire valley last summer- but had spent a couple of days in Bayeux first- so ended up doing more driving than necessary by zigzagging west and east. I would say it's ideal if travelling straight from Calais. We rented a beautiful house in a village near Orleans. There are some chateaux in that area - but are many more over to the West of the Loire region. However, one chateau is enough for me at any given time :) Inland lakes are popular, nice towns to potter around.

Charente region - we have stayed in Ruffec, and Mansle - which are quite near to each other. Further distance from Calais, but we always incorporate an overnight stop anyway to break up the driving and see a bit of somewhere else. Again, enough to keep you busy, inland lakes - with boating and pedaloes in some. Chateaux, picturesque villages and towns. Saintes, Cognac and Angouleme all worth a visit.

Despite us having to drive from W Yorkshre, we do tend to do the Eurotunnel - partly because it is so fast, and easy. But this is why we then break up the drive. It probably costs us more than perhaps taking the longer ferry crossing to Caen or Le Havre - but we like stopping in new towns and villages and experiencing different areas. It's easy for our group as we take two teenage boys- might not be as simple with little DC.

I We are just trying to decide where to go this summer - and it's too easy to go back to places we have already tried. Need to go somewhere different, but Charente region calls me. :) We haven't been in the Charente Maritime - over La Rochelle way - yet, and I do fancy it - but I also love the peace and quiet of the countryside inland.

Thank you princess, that's v helpful. Most DC quite little so would go straight there from Calais, especially as we are a couple of hours further north than you in the UK. Agree Eurotunnel fast but also cheap, rather than many hundred ££ on ferries.

Had a quick look tonight but lots of places fully booked in August already- we like small groups of accommodation with shared pool. A few around Loches looked lovely. I'm guessing its a good area to be in. Will keep looking over next few days.

DC keen to do DLP so wondering too if can combine that.....decisions!

We stayed at Logis du Pressoir that Goosey linked above - it was lovely. That's the Loire near to Saumur. 2013 we stayed in the Charente Maritime www.larochellegite.com/here for 3 weeks. 20 - 30 mins drive to La Rochelle, about an hour to La Palmyre zoo, somewhere in the middle to Venise Vert. 20 mins to Chatellaion Plage with minigolf and lots of restaurants.

I was in the Ardeche last year and it was fabulolous. Swimming and kayaking in the rivers and gorges, lovely hiking, beautiful villages, great food. Thoroughly recommend it.

Burgundy....my parents live there and we frequently amuse the kids! Parc L'Auxois, Parc L'Aventure www.foret-aventure-auxerre.com/ hiring a boat along the canal......And lots of fantastic wine....Chablis, Irancy and further south the vineyards around Beaune.
Its a fantastic part of france and not very touristy!

Chamonix!!

Love Chamonix for family holidays.
Something for everyone.