Help! holiday recommendations needed urgently

[Bishopstonmum]

We have a 9 yo boy and 12 year old girl who squabbled horribly last year on holiday. We usually self cater in a gite in France with a pool but I am worried this will not be enough to keep them occupied. We don't really want a hotel as we like self catering but I think we need activities/possibility of other children around.
I am open to suggestions. We are travelling at beginning of August for two weeks and can fly or drive

if you are going in august school holidays in 4 weeks time then it is going to be what is available/left rather than anything else. last minute so you should be able to find some deals. have a look on the late availability websites for Mark Warner type holidays where there are on site activities. to be honest little point in recommending anything specific because this is awfully late to be looking for 2 weeks in August. good luck.

How about a French holiday park or look at Thomsons etc at their family friendly apartments. They have lots going on and your DC can make new friends at the pool and you can also self cater and eat out at different restaurants.

What about some sort of activity holiday? Esprit Sun do them, and usually they are not completely booked up. I think they go to the french alps and italian lakes ATM.

PS don't believe the 'arrrgh, you have to book months in advance' hype. There is always somewhere nice to go if you look, even at very short notice. And providing you're willing to do some driving.

Thanks for the tips/advice so far everyone. I think activity holiday a good idea and will check out Esprit Sun; thanks apermanentheadache. I have just discoved Exodus and am looking at those too- there are some still available.

Ah, hang on, esprit only do activity clubs up to age 10 by looks of it.

Have you considered a very large campsite a la eurocamp? I know it takes some getting used to the idea if you've been used to more private, isolated accommodation, but these sorts of places are excellent for children and teenagers - they can have lots of freedom and will meet other kids their age. They usually also run clubs for free or for a minimal cost.

I had a quick look just now and you could fly to somewhere like venice with ryanair for around 550 quid for you all if you went, say, wed 6 aug for two weeks. Eurocamp still has some availability on those dates in Lido di Jesolo

Are the activity holidays self catering?

will check out Eurocamp too.... no chickenfajitasandnachos the activity holidays are not self catering- I'll have to compromise on something!

I have 16 and 14 year boys. Fors the last 8 years we have taken holidays at French campsite. We always book direct with the campsite - far cheaper than Eurocamp. We choose medium size sights, those with kids club, ping pong tables and good pools. The boys always make loads of friends from various countries and don't want to go anywhere else!

We have done siblu in France a few times, introduced by tesco rewards. Paid for the most expensive caravan with a terrace. Kids always have a good time, always reasonably priced. Haven't been for a few years as worn down by the driving we are doing centreparcs Belgium next year.

Maybe look at the Canvas Family Active sites - but agree, it will be what is left now. La Carabasse (Siblu) is great for older kids / teenagers.

Not sure what your budget is, but Family Adventure Holidays and Families Worldwide are bit like Exodus and sometimes have late availability . The flights could be your biggest problem though. Maybe not your cup of tea, but children love cruises! They are always making friends and engaged in activities so no squabbling.