France

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Thinking of going to France for our annual holiday, 2 children 13 and 9 apart from Paris where would be a good place to holiday, never been to France before not even for a day trip, don't really want to do eurocamp but would like somewhere with a private pool. Thanks

York Dungeon - A 75-minute immersive experience made up of several mini shows with live actors and special effects. It can be a little scary and it's quite gruesome!

York Chocolate Experience - interactively tells the story of York's Chocolate and sweet making history. You can watch chocolate making demonstrations, have a go yourself and try lots of samples!

National Railway Museum - such an interesting museum regardless of whether you like trains or not. Lots to do. Daily demonstrations include the locomotive turntable and the winding engines. There are also rides behind some of the big engines and there's a ride-on miniature railway. In the workshop, you can see the traditional skills of the engineers and craftsmen or have fun building your own models using amazing interactive displays. Free admission.

Oops sorry wrong post on the wrong thread!

I think we need a bit more info. How are you travelling? What's your budget? If you want a private pool then you'll probably have to get a gite somewhere, but where will depend on your interests, budget, and modes of travel.

Spain

I've done two breaks to Brittany with the kids (now 2 and 5). First holiday we went Dover to Calais then drove via Normandy and were staying not far from the north coast of Brittany. I've found it a very accessible holiday as someone with moderate French, easy driving, good food for adults and kids and lovely beaches.

The second time we went on the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo which was excellent. We then drove down to near the South Coast of Brittany and had a lovely time. Lots of beautiful towns, nice beaches (perhaps not as nice as north coast, but I think better, more reliable weather overall), and castles, etc.

This year we're doing the Vendee, via the overnight ferry again. So let's see! I've heard it's a far nicer, warmer climate in the Vendee. There's also the 'Green Venice' area which is perfect for boating and picnics.

I've previously spent a lot of time down in the Dordogne and Lot regions and if you're happy to fly then that really opens it up. The area along the Dordogne, east of Bergerac, is simply beautiful. Lots of opportunities for canoeing, walking, castles, amazing fortified towns, superb weather. Then there's the caves for trying wine, St Emilion, etc.

If I can be any more help, then shout!

Oh I always use the HomeAway website to find places with private pools. But Gites de France is good for reasonable locally run B&Bs with regional food, if you wanted to do any touring.