Looking for good quality family holiday

[altyfc]

Last year myself and my family (my wife and our two boys) stayed in a static home on a small campsite in Brittany, close to Concarneau.  Although it was a reasonably good quality site and we had a great time, the ground maintenance was a little lacking and, since holidays are precious, we actually quite like to treat ourselves and go up-market where possible (not always with a campsite, I know!!)

Now we're already thinking ahead to next year but we're struggling to find somewhere that ticks all the boxes for us. Hopefully if I share with you here what we are looking for, then maybe someone with their finger on the pulse can help advise.  It doesn't have to be Brittany... Normandy, Loire or anywhere else for that matter would be of interest. The south is probably less appealing simple because we live in the far north of England (Cumbria), but that doesn't mean to say we would rule it out categorically.

Here's what we'd like to somehow find:

1. something that caters well for our two boys (they will be 4 and 2.5 when we go away next year) and allows them to mix with other children with activities, etc.

2. something more on the luxurious side (we also stayed at the Evian Royal Resort earlier last year which was fabulous on that front), but something that still caters for the kids.

Unfortunately going more upmarket sometimes means going less child friendly - that's one of our key problems. Gites Marins, for instance, sounded interesting, but I suspect our children wouldn't get to mix with others much like they might on a campsite, and that was something they really enjoyed on the holiday we had in the summer.

3. cost isn't so much of an issue (we'd be prepared to pay that bit more for something good, but at the same time always appreciate value for money!)

We're open to camping, self-catering, hotels or anything else... just can't seem to find something that fits the bill just yet.

Any suggestions?

Many thanks...

[cooperlola]

Just a thought, see THIS

[altyfc]

[quote user="cooperlola"]Just a thought, see THIS[/quote]

That looks interesting, thank you.  However, I couldn't seem to get anything beyond the images to find out more information (is it a hotel?).. am I missing something really obvious? :)

[cooperlola]

Ooops, sorry!

http://www.chateau-de-chanteloup.com/

The English language bit was translated by Babelfish, I reckon.[:D]

[altyfc]

Thank you... it's hard to tell from that site both how family friendly it is (obviously, it's a long way from any beaches, so that would be a no-go) or how luxurious it is (without meaning to sound snobby, it doesn't seem all that up market).  Is it a place you know first hand?

Thanks...

[cooperlola]

It is very near me and people I know have stayed there and love it.  They are part of a chain of chateau campsites which are all 4* like this one.  Maybe that would yield something nearer the sea?

http://www.les-castels.com/en/

[altyfc]

Thank you - that sites looks interesting (and more professional)... I'll have a browse around.  Is there such a thing as a five star campsite in France or does it only go up to 4 stars?  (I know with hotels the highest official accolade from the tourist board is 4 stars but don't know how the classification scheme works when it comes to camping...)

[Georgina]

We realised when the kids were born that we would have to put ourselves last and cater for them.  Here is a site we stayed at that was very well maintained, with everything nearby.  Bit crowded though.  When we got there we thought Yikes but soon realised if the kids were happy, then so were we.  They were ecstatic.  Very child friendly and lots of professional people with their families British and French.  No chavs. Also they were good on security. Pitches a bit small though. But it just shows you we had a great time and don't usually like the all in sort of holiday.

 

http://www.leclarys.com/eng/contact.htm

[trizzy]

Hello,

My neighbours here rent their home in Hourtin, which is on the south west coast.  Its a pretty house and close to the lake with its own natural beach and also within walking distance.  The altlantic coast is approx 6 km away.  Have a look at their website and see what you think.

   www.holiday-france-coast.co.uk

good luck

Trizzy

Post edited by a moderator

 

[smudge]

HI

I dont know if this will help, but when our boys were this age we used eurocamp sites (mobile homes) we found these to be good value for money,the boys had loads to do and they were well looked after by the staff.The sites are in excellent locations and are easy to find,and clean and tidy.

Hope this may be of some use!!

Smudge

[intrepidtraveller2]

The Dordogne as you probably know is a stunning place to visit and I would suggest looking for a self-catered holiday there.  I’ve been a few times with my family and loved it.  There are some fun activities for the children; they can go kayaking on the many rivers; explore the caves.  We booked our holiday with VFB Holidays and they have a good reputation.  They’ve got lots of places to stay and are reasonably priced. 

http://www.vfbholidays.co.uk
http://goeurope.about.com/od/dordogneattractions/Dordogne_Attractions_Things_to_do_in_the_Dordogne.htm

 

[dr orloff]

I've sent you a pm to see if we can help.

[DanT]

Hi,

Firstly, dont believe that going upmarket means less family friendly...you will probably find the opposite is true. Owners of property with more money tend to pay for pool protection, cover exposed wells and holes etc and generally be more aware of health and safety...as they can afford to be! Thats not to say other owners are not the same of course with less money, but this trend is generally true.

There are a lot of specialist operators out there who manage family only villas or houses to rent. You just have to find them on the web or contact the French tourist board.

If you find some apartments, not easy, but maybe on a complex, they will meet other families doing the same and mingle.

Good luck with your search.

 

[tylerreed]

After reading you criteria of what you would like for your Family orientated holiday, i couldnt help but recommend a holiday i recently went on with my family. It was at a campsite in france, with a tour operator. The sites that they go to have lots of facilities to keep the children entertained.

You mentioned that costing isnt an issue, however every penny saved is a bonus i imagine. The tour operator had a lot of offers available which you can find on there website

[Cat]

Tyler, I'm afraid I am always just a little suspicious of brand new members promoting websites.

I have removed the name and website of the company in your post, but if the original poster would like the details they will be able to PM you for them.

However, as the original post was made in 2007, they may well have found somewhere suitable by now.