Suggestions for a France-like summer holiday area with beaches and lakes

[workingcocker]

Please help me find somewhere to go on holiday next year.

We have been going to France for our Summer holiday for years. Normally for 2 weeks. We have done lots of areas and most recently the Rivera which was truly wonderful.

We want to go somewhere other than France next year but with the same vibe - what we like to do is -
2 weeks mid August
Be near beaches - preferably within 30 mins max
We like to go to big lakes too
Paddle boarding
Hire boats - small self drive boats on sea/lake etc
Snorkelling
Lots of small towns - we love a tourist train!!!
We like to have a villa with a pool
We will hire a car
Will fly from Bristol
Good shopping - we only have crap shops where we live so do like a Mall, but obviously not a deal breaker.

Preferably not Portugal as have been there alot over the years.

I'm just after suggestions of areas to look at please?

Thank you

Ploče in Croatia is a nice coastal town, very close to Baćina Lakes which is the SUP capital of Croatia! I’ve seen boats there too. it’s quite a bit town so will have some decent shopping.
There’s also Mljet which has some saltwater lakes very popularl for paddle boarding.

I’ve just spent 2 weeks in Istria Croatia & it’s Delia- ticks all your boxes.

only downside is not really sandy beaches. They are rocky/shingle etc. but I prefer beaches without sand these days so win for me.

Thanks to both of you- I put my post into ChatGPT and it also suggested Croatia too.

I will take a look at your suggestions.

We aren’t too bothered by the sandy beaches, we live by the sea and do have another beach/pool holiday in the year too. This holiday is more about exploring and being a little more active.

Thanks again

So much activity & active types on holiday in Istria - all the sea sports everywhere. Also lots of cyclists & there is an old train line that is converted to a cycle track through the region. Zip lines, hiking.

we stayed in the central north of the region & covered the whole area quite well with a hire car - it’s very manageable to explore the area without driving much more than 1.5 hours max in any direction.

Despite the lack of beaches everyone is swimming everywhere- you might need to scramble on some rocks but the water is glorious & accessible everywhere