May half term in France

[MrsFamily]

Hi All,

Looking to book a May half term break in France and wondered if anyone had any insights into possible weather at that time of the year. We went to the Loire Valley a couple of years ago in August and had a few dodgy days so imagine we will need to go further south but would like to make the drive not too unbearable. Wondered about Ardeche/Vendee/Dordogne. Any insights very welcome, particularly any tips as to driving times. We are probably going to head over in Fri pm after school, stop in Northern France and then drive on Saturday and do the same in reverse coming home, leaving on Saturday and arriving on Sunday.

Thanks very much.

Anyone?

We went to ile de re a couple of years ago in May and it was wonderful, the site was all but empty and the weather was glorious. It was a lot of driving though!

Thanks, Barbara, I appreciate your reply and nice to know sunshine is out there somewhere in May. We are just trying to find somewhere with a bit of warmth whilst avoiding having a drive back which negates the benefits of the holiday!

The end of May is usually lovely in the Vendee. I would recommend getting a heated pool as it is the beginning of the season but other than that it is a great time to visit.

I've been to the Vendee at that time and it was warm in the day (light cardi weather) and chilly at night. Couldn't use an unheated pool though.

Thank you both for your replies - have only just seen them.

I quite like the idea of the Vendee, so will look into that. With a heated pool!

We stayed in Argeles south of France (Languedoc) in May half term & had gorgeous weather - mid to high 20's. Outdoor pool was ok though we have a toddler so were mostly paddling in the shallows but other people were swimming properly so must've been ok!

Like piglets we’ve had a fabulous holiday in Languedoc (staying at Canet) at May half term. If anything it was too hot sometimes

Mind you we have also done the same time of year in Normandy-Jura (2-centre holiday with Eurocamp) & apart from a couple of damp/wet days the same applied.

Just noticed your comment about Loire Valley in August, OP. Honestly you can get fabulous/rubbish weather in any part of France in any of the summer months (much like the UK, really ) We had a short break in the Loire in August quite recently & the weather was lovely.

But if you don’t want to drive too far, could you do a fly-drive, or would that be too expensive?

Thanks for the extra replies - more food for thought. I've worked in Languedoc before and did think about it but just think the drive might be a bit much for the DC - although might do it for a two week break with a stop en route. I think we are going to try the Dordogne, having found somewhere that has a covered pool - which will keep the children happy if weather iffy.

We did originally ponder flying somewhere but would need a 7-seater which puts the cost up massively and flights were looking rather pricey for the 6 of us. We're just trying to squeeze in a bonus week before DH starts a new job, so don't want to go too mad.

Thank you very much for all your help, though