Camping in France...is it safe and fun for single parents and their kids?

hippy_hi

I am considering bringing my two children on holidays camping in France hopefully next summer. We haven't gone away in about four years so I would love to bring them. My children would be 9 and 12. I would love to go somewhere where they could have a little bit of independence playing with other children however where they wouldn't ever be too far from me. Has anyone ever done this type of holiday without a partner and if so how did you find it? Im thinking it would be better to get a flight over (as they are dying to fly for years); we would stay in a tent, mobile home, anything really.

Would anyone recommend a campsite which would have good services and facilities, a lovely pool and slides, kids and teens club and a good atmosphere for the three of us - where it is safe.

Thanks

Wyldwood

I haven't ever gone without my hubby but spent many a year in France when my own children were young. As a single parent on a campsite there should be absolutely no problem.

A few things to consider if you want to fly: will you hire a car? Most campsites tend to be outside the nearest town so getting from the airport could be costly and awkward with kids in tow otherwise. You will be fairly confined to the campsite and immediate area without transport. You'll need to choose your campsite carefully to be sure you're within striking distance of shops/beach.

Camping is fun but you are under canvas, without bathroom facilities. Mobile home is far more comfortable and you have your own bathroom for kiddies.

I'd suggest going with a tour operator, any good travel agent will organise it for you. These larger sites all have kids clubs for a couple of hours a day in high season. The larger sites will have entertainment a couple of nights a week. There are numerous sites that fit your criteria all around France.

Pop into a travel agent and get a copy of this year's brochures to give you an idea of what's on offer.

Kalimah

I would recommend Camping du Pylone just outside Antibes in the south of France for a holiday. You can fly to Nice. Campsite is 20 minutes drive from the airport. Most of the accommodation onsite is mobile homes which are privately owned and rented out for the summer. You can check it out on TripAdvisor. We've been there three times in the last 5 or 6 years. Heaps to do with a waterpark and funfair right beside you and you're on the trainline to Monaco and just over the border into Italy.

hippy_hi

Thank you for your posts. I have found a nice campsite within our price range - staying in one of their tents within Mar Estang for €425 for a week early July. Aerlingus fly into Perpingon airport also, but we wont know times or prices for another month or so.

Its a 20 min drive from the airport and 1 hour from Spain if we wanted to go on a day trip. Im still unsure about whether to hire a car as there would probably be bus trips. I know there are a few water parks in that area of France also, which we could go to.

If anyone has been to Mar Estang their opinion would be greatly appreciated.

CookieMonster.x

Check the reviews on TripAdvisor, I know they aren't always reliable but I usually find them to be a good indicator of how good a place will be. If I'm looking at the right place, some of the reviewers weren't completely happy.
I would second looking in travel brochures. Be careful of low cost travel websites, often you have to pay extra if the cost of the flight goes up. Have a look in travel agents and then check the reviews online.