Where would you recommend in France?

[MrsLynetteScavo]

We're thinking off going to France next summer, and I've offered to do the research.

So which area would be best for 3 children (3,5 & 8) about six adults, including one Granny who won't fly, and one who's not keen on a boat across the bay of Biscay. We don't have to travel together, but I would prefer fly, and then be close to an airport, as i don't want to spend too long in the car with 3 DS's.

Oh, and close to the coast.

Bet no one can help me! {smile}

We stayed in Antibes this summer and we loved it.
It's close to Nice airport (about a 1.5 hours flight) and there are some lovely beaches and the town is old and pretty, lots of shops, marina with big flashy boats, restaurants, Provencal market every day. Nearby is a theme park called Antibesland with rides etc and a big water park with dolphins etc.

We went to Ile De Re 2 years ago -beautiful, quiet island (if thats what you're after). Beaches, market towns, the odd small tourist attraction (small animal park etc)

Driveable as we did it with 2 DC (aged 1 and 5 at the time) but also has La Rochelle airport nearby

Antibes was hot in August though, about 30 degrees on average. We had air conditioning so we were fine.

We went to the Auvergne, it was fab, lots of free things to do (they have lots of lakes where you don't have to pay for parking, or to use etc) but we drove and it was a long drive.
While we were there, we also drove down to the Montpellier area while we there and that was fab. Really near the coast and with some lovely old towns, Pezenas is lovely. Think you can fly to Montpellier.

That's brilliant to know Betty... I had heard Ile De Re was lovely. Do you know how I can find out about accomodation there?

Gosh, I'm lazy aren't I?

Agree with Betty, the Charente coast near the Iles de Re or d'Oleron is lovely and pretty handy for La Rochelle airport. Ferry to St Malo cuts the driving down masses if you can take the budget hit.
For down south, either Montpellier or Antibes way, would non-flying granny consider train or Autorail?

How hot do you want it to be? I am a big fan of the Cotentin peninsula. But I don't really cope with very hot weather, and nor do my dds, so weather no hotter than the south of GB is fine by us. If you want to avoid a long drive, you can get the ferry to Cherbourg and then you have a max of an hour or so's drive to get to the really nice bits. Personally, I think the west coast (esp. Barneville-Carteret and environs) is nicer than the east (D-day beaches).

Have also stayed in Poitou-Charentes (nr La Rochelle) and would agree with Betty that it's lovely round there too. We're considering going there next year. But the Atlantic coast is very rough, so the sea isn't good for small children to swim in (not sure how old yours are) due to really big/strong waves.

Perpignan area is also nice (lived there as part of my degree course about 100 years ago) but the beaches round there (e.g. Canet Plage) will be crowded in the summer months - as will pretty much anywhere on the med.

Coucou Ellbell That'll be us next year!

Can't resist a 'where to go in France' thread!

The whole of MN will be on the Cotentin if I have my way, LOL!

We are talking about Poitou-Charentes, but what's the betting we end up back in Carteret?

Are you going for good weather? Because if you don't need guaranteed sun, how about Brittany? You can fly to Rennes, Dinard or Brest with Ryanair or FlyBE, and the ferries are close, obviously. The South coast is generally sunnier and more touristy, North coast is wilder and arguably more beautiful but can be cooler & wetter. We live in the middle

Agree that the Ile de Re is lovely too - we were near there this summer and the climate is good.

We used to go with Canvas Holidays to the Vendee every year when I was a nipper -- not too far a drive, nice beaches, Les Sables d'Olonne for restaurants and souvenir shopping. I am pretty sure it is reachable from La Rochelle too.

Hot weather isn't an issue. Anthing similar to Cornwall on a good day would be fine.

Can I be mega cheeky & show you our website please? www.gitegorvello.com I don't mind if you don't like the look of us but want to ask me more about the area either!

Jenpet - your place looks really nice.

Can I be cheeky and pick your brains about something? Years and years ago I stayed at the house of a friend's mum. I was only about 14 and it was near Carnac - I remember going to see the stones. We were also taken to this amazing place/wood/beauty spot with lots of paths and walks. I think there was a large stream or river but the thing I really rememebr is a rock the size of a house. We were told that this rock was supposed to have a point on it where if you pressed the whole rock would tremble - so people spend ages pressing the rock, but I thin nobody finds it. I think this place had lots of huge rocks. I've googled for this place since but have no idea of the name of it. It was possibly between Carnac and Roscoff as I think we went there en-route to the ferry back home. This has been bugging me for over a decade! Thanks

Hi StripeyKnickersSpottySocks - I think the place you mean is possibly at Huelgoat? I haven't been as it is a little drive from us, but I'm sure I have heard about the rock pressing thing being there...hope that rings a bell for you!

jenpet.. your place looks perfect, excactly what I'm looking for. Sadly, you are already booked for a the dates I can do in 2008. How far ahead do I need to book for 2009?

Hi LynetteMtoe. It's only year 2 for us & most of summer got booked up with people we had this year who booked as they left (can't resist a slightly smug smile, sorry!) I honestly hadn't thought beyond 2008, but if you know what dates you want I'll certainly hold them for you, e-mail me direct if it is easier...wow!

It is a lovely gite jenpet

Jenpet - yes thats it. Thank you so much. I ask every French person I meet and they've never known.

Arcachon is lovely - lots to do and see and places to go for kids and adults. Near beautiful Bordeaux.

PS Marina - did I ever tell you that that film festival I used to bang on about was stopped when the Juppé fiasco started and despite him being relected, has not reappeared on the agenda. Sob.

Hi Jenpet, I've just sent you guys an e-mail as your gite look lovely. Look forward to hearing from you . Am not sure what would suit us best, flying or ferry. I've done many trips over to france myself, but not done the ferry since having dd's age 2 and 5. Not sure if they would sleep at all . Anyone got experience of little ones on overnight ferry?

little people and overnigh t ferry = perfect start to hols!!! Sadly we can't afford it any more! What we did was drive to Portsmouth day time and take them to beach/playpark then out for a meal. Then on ferry for a roam about. We always ended up in the bar where dd and ds and assorted toddlers/little people danced to sad live band (mummy was quaffing wine) till they were vvvvv tired !!! Then into cabin ( a MUST) they go to sleep while mummy quaffs more duty free wine! Wake up next morning in St malo. Stop at local bakery for a croissant - drive a fwew hours and be on campsite in S Brittany/Vendee by lunchtime in time for a snack by the pool! Fab!

Can recommend a few campsites in S Brittany/Vendee too if you're interested!

Please do, Leslaki! I'm a French virgin, chortle chortle and we're thinking about taking the family to Brittany/Vendee camping/ chalet-ing this year.

We loved Brittany. And it's just like Cornwall (our most fave place). Fantastic rock pools, fishing villages, beaches. We got the 7.30 am sailing from Poole (although we only live 10 mins from the port) and were in the pool by 4pm.

The next year we went to the Vendee and although we had a lovely holiday, didn't think the area compared to Brittany at all.