I really need some advice on places to stay in FRANCE, within about 4 hours drive of Calais - either cottages or towns/regions...PLEASE???

[Astrophe]

For next October,
For DH, me, DD 4, DS 2.5, Nanny and Grandpa, possibly my Bro and SIL

It doesn't need to be near the coast - somewhere pretty, with things for the kids to do (can just be fields to run in) and some day trips for us adults.

Any ideas please, I am extremely clueless.

please please please

We were in Beaune in Burgundy for just one night a few years ago and wanted to go back next year. It is a lovely town, lots to do in the area for children.

Beaune is a bit further from Calais than you wanted, you could look for a town a bit further north.

This website had loads of good ideas.

ferme du pressiore

This is a fantastic Farm B and B that also has a very nice Gite attached.

It is near Baueux and the Normandy Beachers. Lots of history, beaches for the kids.

The woman who runs it is fantasic be speaks next to no english. Her english friend handles all the booking for her.
The farm is very old and beuatiful, the rooms are wnderfully decorated. When you arrive she will give you cold drinks and adults a bottle of their farm made Cider!

Breakfasts in the B and B are fantastic.

She makes a reall fuss of the kids. When we went back for the second time she hugged the children and was clucking about how big they had grown etc etc

Mixed farm, set in rolling french countryside.

Fabola. You 8have* to go!!!!!

We stayed here in May. The houses were renovated to a very high standard. Lots to do in the area to.
Owned and managed by a very nice and helpful English man.

We liked it so much we're planning to go back next year.

Thanks for all those ideas, they look lovely. Any more suggestions?

You have probably booked by now but we have a couple of weeks left in July with special offers.

www.labellepetitemaison.com

Have a lovely time either way.

If you want to be in a city try Lille or Arras.

Four hours from Calais will take you to the lovely area around Compiegne to the N of Paris. Senlis, Compiegne itself for day-trips, the Armistice Clearing for some sobering European history, Pierrefonds Castle for stunning Gothic revival architecture, possibility of travelling in to Paris by train if you do not want to drive there, Parc Asterix for a fun family day out.
No tips on where to stay s/c I'm afraid though.