South of France with children

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We are going to France in august.
First week we are staying in normandy then doing Disneyland for 4 days. Looking for recommendations for the second week.
ideally would drive down to the South of France (aware this is a massive area!) staying overnight in Lyon. Would like to stay somewhere for a few days, happy with eurocamp, hotel, anything good for young children. Looking at places like Perpingnon and Marseille. Also would consider Spain. Anyone got any gems to share?

The south of France is normally sweltering in August - I would avoid it with young children. Everywhere will be too hot to be outside from 11-4 (no beaches, no walks, no playgrounds etc). Somewhere slightly further north (eg Dordogne) or at high altitude will be much better with the kids.

Note: my brother lives on the south coast of France with his young daughter. We always meet further north in the summer because the weather is better (cooler) for the kids.

That's interesting, anywhere you would recommend in central france?

I love the Lot/Dordogne and also Bordeaux and the coast. I spent my childhood summers there, at least 6 weeks every year.

It can be boiling yes!

For coastal I highly recommend Maubuisson. It is on a lovely lake and surrounded by pine forest so lots of shade including on the beaches of the lake. You can rent bikes and cycle through the forest to the huge beaches of the Atlantic.

Inland, I stayed at the Huttopia campsite in Beaulieu sur Dordogne with my kids a few years ago. It was lovely. Right on the river with excellent and safe swimming and splashing around for younger ones. The site has a pool too. They have lodges/static tents with beds and loos in. It was quiet and peaceful and shaded. The village is lovely too with a good market and plentiful patisseries.

Around Avignon way is one of our favourites, although it's hot. Had a heatwave last time we were there and it was mid 40s, but normally mid 30s. There are absolutely loads of campsites in the area. Everything from quiet and peaceful with river swimming, to campsites with water parks, playgrounds and children's entertainment. It's really a case of finding what suits you best.

Last summer we went to Eurocamps Plage d'Argens near Frejus on the south coast - amazing campsite, kids loved it, we'd deffo go back. Lovely pool, entertainment, river by the site with canoes, and a short walk to the beach.

We have been to Eurocamp in Frejus. A good areas for visiting nice, St Tropez etc. but as others said can be extremely hot in August. Definitely get a mobile home with aircon if you go!

I’ve been to the south of France in August for the last 4 years and it was only ever hot once - and even then it was only about 32c. I suppose it depends which part of August you go?

I really don’t agree. DH is from the south of france and we usually spend most of August there. The temperature varies, some years it’s been 28 other years 33 but that’s fine and whilst yes we do playgrounds and walks in the morning we also have beach days and pool days, long lunches in the shade and it’s fine for the kids. Loads better than going to Greece or somewhere where it can easily hit 40!

I would suggest the west coast, the vendee. It has a microclimate so is almost as warm as the south but less driving. Lots of campsites eg I stayed in one at La tranche sur mer with a direct path to a lovely sandy beach plus indoor and outdoor pool, company I used to book didn’t survive covid but you can find them direct easily

Take a look at the Poitou Charente area, on the west coast, roughly between La Rochelle and Royan. Beautiful beaches, lovely climate and lots of great places to visit

I also agree with Charente Maritime, near Royan. There is lots there for children and lovely beaches.

If you want an easier drive and aren't fussed about beaches look at the Loire Valley. There are loads of campsites with lodges and pools, lots of interesting places to visit and you can do things like canoeing easily.

It’s a long drive with kids in August. We went from Disney to Isle de Re which was far enough and great family campsites.

La Sirene not too far from Perpignan is nice Eurocamp site, we also like Yelloh La Brasilia in similar area or Serignan Plage (more near Beziers)

The alps is close to Lyon and maybe slightly cooler than the Mediterranean coast. Lake Annecy is gorgeous and lots of campsites around, beaches and cycling and water sports for older children. Or nearby lake Bourget for a quieter less touristic feel but still gorgeous.