France family holiday 2008

[olivia]

Planning to spend 2 weeks in France in June/July 2008. Our 2 children will then be 9 and 11 and we would like to start to introduce them (gently) to something other than a pool/beach - a little culture and activity. we spent 2 weeks in Spain this year and while we enjoyed it, the thought of spending 2 weeks at the side of a pool waiting for the sun to recede a little is losing its appeal. Has anyone any suggestions?

 

[girasole]

I suggest the Dordogne region. Facinating and beautiful part of France with lots of history and culture - plenty of chateaux and medieval towns to explore, lots of caves and prehistoric dwellings etc. Also canoeing on the river and cycling are very popular.

 

[macnas]

Hi,
Most French seaside towns have courses in summer in water based activities for everyone. You can learn how to sail, windsurf, surf, jetski, row, canoe..... etc. Look at the tourist office information in the town you are interested in.

 

[carpedeum]

Le Parc de Fierbois in the Loire Valley is part of the Castels chain of French campsites. We stayed there two years ago (kids aged 15, 12, 6). The chalets (with barbeque, shower, loo, kitchen separate bedrooms etc) are superb for families. Our friends have also stayed there in other years. I think it is about 2.5 hours drive, with breaks, from Cherbourg on main toll motorways.

The camp facilities are great for kids, but, the bonus is that it is in the heart of the Loire Valley. You can visit all the chateaux, the town of Chinon and surrounding vineyards and the city of Tours. There are hypermarkets (LeClercs etc) near the campsite. You can also cycle into the local village in the evening if the camp activities don't appeal!

We dealt with the campsite directly by phone and e-mail. We stayed in a chalet between the lake and swimming pools.

http://www.les-castels.com/en/?id=253&id_camping=6

[broken link removed]

We also stayed at Le Ty Nadan Campsite in Britanny before coming home. This is beside some great beaches, but, also near to those beaches used in the D-Day landings e.g. Omaha. The little towns and villages are also a lot different from those in the Loire.

http://www.les-castels.com/en/?id=253&id_camping=5