Gite in July for single parent and pre-teens?

[HomerPigeon]

I need someone nice who knows about France to help me find a gite for a week this summer. The DC are 12 and 9 and like having other families about, so I'd like to find one with a shared pool. Ideally near to a town for pottering about a bit.

There is SO much on the Internet and so much is already fully booked! We could go during the latter part of July but even that is booked up at the places I've seen recommended on another thread.

I am confused about whether driving over flying saves a lot and whether it's a gigantic PITA (bearing in mind I'm the only driver). If driving, which bits of France are close enough to drive to but can offer warm weather?

I can spend up to £900 for the week probably (accommodation only).

Help?

I was recently looking here in the Languedoc. As there are 7 apartments and a bar area, there would be a good chance of making friends. You would need a car though. I will have a dig through my book marks..

Thanks Portofino - that place does look nice and appears to have some availability (though I have emailed for confirmation). Any other suggestions most welcome!

places I have been and would recommend seem to be all booked up . For mosts gites you need a car, as they tend to be more rural. I would maybe consider looking for an apartment near Beziers or Montpellier airport to guarantee the weather and to have beaches, activities, nightlife. Places like Carnon Plage, Palavas Les Flots, Grau duRoi or Cap D'Agde. Fun fairs, aquariums etc Nice beaches.

You could also rent direct at somewhere like La Carabasse for your budget. 15 mins a taxi from Beziers. Everything on the doorstep - fun fair, mini golf, shops, restaurants - you don't need a car at all. You would have to buy the Siblu passes to access the pool and kids clubs though.

We've been to a place called Mas du Moulin D'Astruc near Sauve in the Languedoc. Just looked on their website - it says there's availability but these things aren't always up to date.

4 gites and shared pool I think.

Posted too soon.

Can't link on phone bit I just googled the name. It is in budget I think, lovely owners and good location but it's either 2 days' drive or fly/drive. Worth it for weather and Languedoc.