South of France - Cote d'Azure - small family resort?

whippet

I am looking for anyone who might have some ideas / recommendations

I have gone over to france with the kids for the last couple of years (apart from this year – did a cruise, never again) and we loved everything about france.

We ventured as far down as the cognac region and found a wonderful small Gite type accommodation; 5 spacious gites with lovely simple family centric facilities. Small enough to be relaxing and intimate while large enough to entertain the kids (3 & 6 year olds).

Next year I’d like to venture closer to the south coast; either drive down or fly and drive.

Ideally I’d like similar type accommodation, but am really struggling to find some. Everything tends to be very large, on the scale of the siblu / club med type and they are not really what I want. We did do a siblu a couple of years back and it was too impersonal and chaotic.

Anyone with any ideas?

Aimeee

Will follow this thread with interest as I was looking for similar this year but gave up in the end as couldn't find anything. At least you have knowledge of various regions which must help. I was stabbing in the dark myself.
Out of curiosity why wouldn't you do a cruise again?
I've toyed with this idea many times but always put it out of the head again. Hubby says no way. Kids age 10 and 8.

whippet

Aimeee wrote: »

Will follow this thread with interest as I was looking for similar this year but gave up in the end as couldn't find anything. At least you have knowledge of various regions which must help. I was stabbing in the dark myself.
Out of curiosity why wouldn't you do a cruise again?
I've toyed with this idea many times but always put it out of the head again. Hubby says no way. Kids age 10 and 8.

The fact that I am looking at going back to a drive across france from a cruise would give an indication as to why I'd never do a cruise again (well maybe when I am old and infirm!!)

A cruise is just a week or two of gluttony, whistle stop tours of destinations (imagine getting 4 hours to see Rome!) and being shilled from morning to night by everyone looking to up sell, upgrade or just tat. The people on the cruise just wouldn't be my type and I found it really hard to even try and enjoy the so called entertainment on board - think of crappy 1980's type cabaret on the BBC and you'd be close.

the kids enjoyed themselves but I know they much preferred the freedom of a holiday in france.

It is just a case of finding some where and going for it, the ferry over is simple and on the other side a 7 hour drive will give you a great range to choose from.

I found the whole Charente Mariteme region lovely, La Palymre is nice, Ile de Re, LaRochelle are stunning and anywhere close by.

Self Catering, your own car and as much or little adventure you can manage is a great recipe for kids.

With a 10 and 8 year old they would probably love the larger campsites (mobile home style) .. have a look at Siblu etc and the choices are endless.

Aimeee

Whippet thanks so much for all that info. Makes next years holiday plan very doable. We are going to Paris later in the year, doing the usual sites plus a day in Versailles. Its years since I've been to France and I'm so looking forward to introducing the kids to it.
They would absolutely love the mobile home plan too.
Yes the cruise sounds tough alright. Lol at the 80s cabaret. It would drive me mad I think. Hubby is right so.
Best of luck on your quest. Hoping someone can give you useful info.