France in August - tips for a non-traditional 'holiday'

[FKATondelayo]

We are looking at spending a month 'living' in France over the summer holidays. Rent an apartment in a city / suburb, go to the park / pool, weekends at the beach or country, cafe culture, something for the kids to do (they are 13/8) ideally French lessons or a youth club/activity. We are doing big beach/activity holidays at half term so just want a low key pleasant time somewhere and help my kids pick up some French.

Been to France loads of times and think Marseille/Montpelier/Aix kind of city and there seems to be plenty of availability at surprisingly cheap prices so I'm looking for the catch.

Will these cities be dead in August with everyone at the beach/mountains? I'm not looking for throngs - I live in London - just enough places that are open and with things to do. Are there any other things I should be thinking about?

We will also be taking car and dog. Any pointers appreciated.

Cities are still busy just not quite as busy, particularly if you're somewhere near a beach

In terms of stuff for the kids maybe look at a camping holiday as they have excellent facilities & you can stay in a caravan as opposed to camp.

I went to Avignon in August, it was fairly busy but not heaving. I drove but left dog in the U.K.

Thanks both. Avignon is one of the places we are looking at (though a little far from the sea).

The south of France will be boiling in August; think 40°c and 30°+ overnight.

If that's your bag go for it. Otherwise go further North.

The south of France will be boiling in August; think 40°c and 30°+ overnight.

The whole of the South, regularly that hot? Not ime.

Heat is not a problem - in fact it's one of the reasons we're going (after 2 cold wet UK holidays) but agree we need to be aware of extreme weather alerts.

2021 rained quite a lot in July & Aug

What about Nice? Beach, city, very long promenande the kids can roller blade, cycle along for a few miles, you can get the train to the Alps Maritimes easily.

Annecy would be good - the lake for swimming, the mountains for walking, it's big enough to have stuff to do and holidayish enough that there are activities going on in August alongside people doing everyday stuff. And the fête du Lac is usually pretty spectacular. I used to spend a chunk of my childhood holidays there with family in the area.

Nice or Bordeaux

@tygga

2021 rained quite a lot in July & Aug

Will try and be optimistic.

Thank you for the other suggestions - I will check them out. Haven't looked at Nice because thought it would be booked out / expensive but I will give it a go.

Just be prepared for some rain

What about Lyon? Mountains and lakes aplenty nearby. Good food, plenty of culture. Open air swimming pools, river, boating, etc. Otherwise, agree with Annecy. I love that part of France.

I'd head to the Alps. Lake Annecy is also a good shout. They will be busy, but not as busy as the coasts. And lots to do if you're into outdoor activities. My family had a ski apartment in the Haute Alps, and it was much quieter in the summer than winter!

I love Lyon but I think it'd be too hot in August. At that time of year I'd prefer to be by the sea, personally. Although Annecy sounds good, I could possibly be persuaded by a lake!

How about Nantes? Close to the Atlantic and not as busy as the others you mention.

I've been to Montpellier many times and have spent extended periods there. It really is a wonderful city and won't be dead in August. Many residents have holiday homes in nearby places like Gruisson or Beziers, so they don't entirely decamp from the city. I've never once known it be unbearably hot, even in August!

You are so close to the Camargue too, for a lovely bit of nature, and some great beaches not to far away. I also strongly urge you to go to Beziers - just gorgeous.

Annecy is great - a lake surrounded by mountains. There’s lots for teens to do - swimming in lake, paddle boarding, parascending, etc. lots of lovely restaurants. Chamonix and Geneva are an hours drive away. Definitely recommend it.

I second going camping/ Alps.
If your French is good, look on french holiday websites and book somewhere that caterers for the French... it does take a bit of digging but if you set your search engine to Google.fr and use french spellings you are on a winner!

I love the idea of doing this when my children are a bit older. Do you have any ideas how you will sort out/arrange french lessons when you are there?

Evian? We used to have a place very near there and loved it. So much to do. Paddle steamers on the lake, Chateau Chillon at Montreaux, white water rafting on the dranse, Geneva, the Evian factory, fantastic Centre Nautique etc.

Thanks for all your input. I have indeed been to Beziers and it is lush. Also been to Nantes but need something more south. newyork09 I will update with any advice if I remember but mainly will contact local language schools and try to find class/tutor.

Evian and Annecy are looking intriguing.

Also, what about:
Pyrenees/Carcassonne
Massif Central

Areas that have loads of appeal if you like getting out & active?

I know Carcassone - Aunt used to have a house near there. It is beautiful but it's a bit rustic for us especially as OH will be needing excellent wifi to WFH for some of the trip.