Recommendations for central or south France please...

[thomasina1]

Does anyone have any recommendations for either self-catering gites etc. or a good baby-friendly hotel in France? Trying to organise our first summer holiday since our LO arrived! She will be about 6 months old. Looking for somewhere lovely, baby-friendly but not full of kids if you know what I mean (I think we have many years of "kids clubs" ahead of us!). Will be going in June so hopefully it will be hot but not toooo hot... close to vineyards would be a bonus for DH!

Sorry, I sound quite demanding don't I!?

Thanks!!

My parents have a fab villa which is totally geared up for families with young children and they have 1 week available in July (Sat 4th - Sat 11th July) and they are offering it at a very special price!

They have an ad on the small ads here on mumsnet and you can find it here.

You mention being near the vineyards - the villa is in a wine village in the south of France amongst the vines - miles and miles of vines!

Do visit the website or moreover, give us a call on 07961 398737 and we can tell you all about it! www.villakarli.co.uk

What's the pool like in October - too cold to use or not?

It depends how brave you are really! We have been in the pool in October for a quick dip but you have to jump in and jump around a bit! The kids would go in all year round but then kids are crazy!

Ultimately, the villa is much cheaper out of season as the pool is likely to be out of action really.

I can recommend the novotel on Ile d'Oleron. We have holiday'd in this hotel for the past 22 years and have taken children there several times. We normally go for last two weeks in June as it isn't too busy there. Hotel is built pretty much on the beach - pictures can be seen on novotel.com (type "Oleron" in the search part)

Other part I am very familiar with is the Loire region. Have lived near Saumur/Angers for 15 months - amazing vineyards with plenty of caves for sampling the local wines. Really nice area, family friendly too.

Any more info just shout. Email is clairemichelle23 at hotmail.co.uk

Thanks

Hi, just trying to hijack the thread a little as we're looking for a 2 bed self catering place in or around Saumur? Really don't want to have to drive too much once we're there so ideally in a reasonble sized village or town. Aiming to go in May as it's our last chance to go before school holidays become a factor.
Any advice gratefully received.

Try this:

www.chateaurigaud.co.uk/

I've been twice. It is LUSH. Reviews are on the short haul travel pages here.

In the midle of the vines and 15 minutes from St Emillion.

We have a holiday house in the Alps near here: photos.linternaute.com/paysville/10702/embrun/

We haven't rented it out to anyone other than family and friends so far, but we are thinking of doing so. Probably £400pw in summer. We bought it 4 years ago when it was a total wreck and now it is fab. My DSs are now 4 and 2, and it is brilliant for them (and has been since they were tiny babies!

It is a really well equipped house with all necessary baby things. It is in the centre of a lovely old town in a beautiful location.

i will check this thread again - leave a message if you are interested in knowing more and I will send details.

Hi-

In regards to Saumur I will ahve a look. Gennes is a little town between Saumur and Angers right on the Loire. About 20mins from Saumur- it is lovely. Will pop back on later tonight.

Couple of great zoo's nearby. Plus once you drive up to the castle there is a little cafe there ran by wife, husband and their daughter. Very friendly- great value. Cna have a good two course meal with wine for ?10.

If you want more in detail info please don't hesitate to email me otherwise will be back later - have got booklets at home.

thomasina - How about St Tropez? White sandy beaches, and very close to the vineyards, as well.

Or anywhere from Menton to Cannes, really.

Wouldn't you rather be on the coast in summer rather than inland?