Self Catering on the beach in France with 3 kids under 5.. any suggestions?

[anneyc]

Suggestions gratefully requested for a self catering beach holiday in France with a 4 yr old, 3yr old and 1yr old, for 2 weeks in August! Prefer to be within short walking distance of a safe sandy beach. We intend to Ferry/drive from south coast UK port, and would be open to travelling down to SW France. Anyone got any great tips and/or experiences? Muchly appreciated!x

I'd actually just go as far as Normandy. Omaha beach is great.

Bear in mind how hot it might be. My parents have a villa in the south of France and in July and August it can get mighty hot!
Are you looking to camp, rent a villa type place, how long are you prepared to drive the other side of the channel etc?

We went to SW France last September although only with one DC (then 5 months). What worked well for us was for DH to drive there with all the luggage and baby clutter and I flew out with DS a day or so later to join him. Door-to-door was only about 4 hours for us. I couldn't face 2 days (or 1 very long day) stuck in a car with a little one. Did the same on the way back too.

We went near Fort Mahon last year - just a short drive down from Boulogne (Speedferries) - which worked out well for our then 5 & 1 year-olds. We stayed at Pierre & Vacances, which I wouldn't recommend because the accomodation is tiny.

Try this website for accomodation for reasonably priced places Abritel

Have you had a look at Canvas? I was on their site last night, and they have lots of places that would fit the bill for you.

We've been here several times - close to ferry ports, nice campsite, lovely local beach within walking distance (just) and other touristy places to visit like Bayeux, Caen, Honfleur, the Normandy landing beaches and Mont St Michel (a bit further)

Thanks everyone for your responses, we've never been before so aren't sure of the differing areas of climate.. prefer warmer temps 24-28degs of the reliable type!
Would rather not camp just yet, but certainly would consider the chalet/ static caravan types of accomodation if they were on a beach, anything really within a budget of upto £600 a week roughly, and something detached.. I'm very conscious of noisey kids causing upset to neighbours-
We don't mind a long journey to get there as we'll have 2 weeks to just chill (if you can with 3 under 4's!)
Will check out the suggested websites, thanks for those.

I'm with lapsedrunner. Normandy is just fab. Check out Carteret. Wonderful beach for little ones and lots to do in the vicinity.

See you there, last two weeks of August!

Would have thought that the south of France would be well over 30 degrees in August. I'd still recommend Normandy or perhaps the Vendee. (But bear in mind that the Atlantic coast is rough... big, big breakers! Not sure my dds who are 5 and 7 would cope in the sea - even paddling would sweep them off their feet.)

Check out www.gites-de.france.com

Have a look at www.frenchmobilehomes.com for really nice accomodation on the 4* Camping la Sirene, Argeles sur Mer on the Med coast.

My parents lived in S of France when dcs were little - had many happy holidays when they were young. I had 3 under 3s. Would avoid July /August for traffic and heat in the far south but June and Sept are lovely. We're trying our 1st Canvas trip in a couple of weeks - mobile home. Will report back. Dh and I met on a mobile home site in S of France 1983 (!) so I have a bit of a soft spot for them.

Thanks for all your advice.. have finally booked a house in the Vendee region for 2 weeks in August, 5 miles from the beach.. will let you know how we get on !! Ann xx