driving to aquitaine advice where to stop

[cheekymonk]

Hi there. I'm in the throws of planning our holiday to Aquitaine at the end of August with dh and ds aged 5. Looked at ferries to Bilbao but found these cost prohibitive even though we live ten mins from the Portsmouth ferry terminal. So its the Dover Calais ferry and the drive down with an overnight stop. Just looking for some advice on the best place to stop overnight. Have had a look at a few threads and there seems so much choice. More than happy with reasonably cheap and cheerful but decent enough to please my mum. she doesn't like slumming it!

is it worth getting as far south as possible or break it up more mid point for a nicer, more relaxed stop. Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

bump

Hi Cheeky
Where in aquitaine please?

Its the Thomson Al Fresco site at Le Vieux Port. Its about 40 odd miles north of Biarritz.

Hi Cheeky
We stayed there a few years ago. We went from Coquelles (near Calais) to Tours. Then the following day went on from Tours to Messanges. Calais to Tours and Tours to Messanges are both around 4 3/4 hours so this gives you a lighter second day which is always favourite (IMO). We always aim to do the crossing at lunch time but always tunnel it which makes a quicker crossing.

Options for staying in/around Tours:

• www.hotelbb.com they have 4 hotels around Tours
• www.logisdefrance.com they have 60 hotels around Tours

Hotel BB are great for a quick stopover. They dont have their own restaurant but there is normally something nearby as they are usually in the commercial district. Alternatively take a picnic to have in your room. They arent luxurious - plain and simple.

Logis are great for something a little more authentic. Just be aware that in a logis you will normally be expected to eat in the restaurant.

There are other options but these are the ones we have used many times so would be happy to recommend.

It is worth arriving promptly as when we stayed there the campsite check-in was quite slow and there was a long queue. Take all the documents with you plus some cash to pay for pool bracelets. Leave DCs with your mum if at all possible.

The campsite was pleasant with a pathway through to the beach (a bit of a walk) but be warned that the sea is the Atlantic which means big waves!

Enjoy!

Many thanks. I've had a look at both websites and they both look good. Not sure if mum is coming down with us. The reality of being stuck in the car has put her off - and gives us more space. I think she is planning to fly down and meet us there I think.

I hope you have a lovely time.