We’re talking about holidays in France, Italy, Spain, Holland and beyond so banish the thought of a sodden tent in a muddy field and instead think of warm evening sunshine, a bbq and a glass of wine!

A camping holiday to most probably means in a tent and yes, to a point they’d be correct. However campsites these days offer much more!

Under Canvas…to start with, tent accommodation is spacious, has electric lighting and all have a fully equipped kitchen with storage units, work surface, fridge/freezer and a cooker.

The sleeping areas are comfortable and normally have foam mattresses – a far cry from sleeping on the ground!

And for a little more luxury….mobile homes have 2 or 3 bedrooms, a living area and a fully-fitted kitchen. Most come with a BBQ and outdoor furniture.

Many sites have mobile homes with decking and air-conditioning available for a small supplement. They will all vary in size and style depending on where you’re staying but it will definitely add a luxury element to your holiday!

Privacy…Although it will vary from site to site, pitches often give some degree of privacy, divided by hedge or trees.

On some sites though, pitches are more open and this is no bad thing! It’s always good to be sociable and meet new people. Enjoy a drink together while the kids make friends too!

Looking for something to do…The great thing about modern campsites and holiday parks is that they have so many facilities and activities to keep all the family entertained.

Nearly all have swimming pools, which to be fair doesn’t do them justice! Many parks have several pools complete with waterslildes, waterchutes and often somewhere for the younger ones to splash about.

There will generally be sporting activities like tennis, football and basketball to choose as well as children’s clubs for kids of all ages.

During the high season, you’ll often have organised entertainment during the day or on an evening. Whilst we admit some of it can be a little cheesey – it’s definitely a good laugh if nothing else!

Something for everyone…If a lively beach holiday isn’t for you then choose a smaller, quieter park in the mountains or the countryside. And if you don’t fancy France this year then why not give Italy a try. There really are so many different options to choose from.

Value for money…Depending on when you travel, 7 nights in a mobile home can cost as little as £140, which is only £20 a night! There aren’t many places you can stay at that price that include all those facilities and activities!

If you haven’t tried it – book a holiday and give it a go!

The region is also easily accessible from the UK and the drive from St Malo ferry port should only take around 3 hours.

Clarys-Plage

If you’re looking for a family beach holiday then Clarys-Plage is probably just the campsite for you and your family!

Situated 7km from the centre the hugely popular St Jean de Monts, Camping Clarys Plage enjoys a fantastic location just a short stroll away from the fantastic beach at Merlin Plage.

Facilities at this park are second to none and include three waterslides, a twisty waterchute as well as a lagoon style pool complete with mushroom water fountain and bridges to the slides and a heated, indoor pool!

The younger kids have a great playground to enjoy and there is plenty of live entertainment throughout the season for all the family to enjoy. It is worth noting that as it is a popular park, it can become quite lively during the high season!

You’ll find the usual range of sporting activities available (note that some are payable) including tennis, football, badminton and volleyball.

If you’re a keen equestrian then we would definitely recommend checking out the local riding centre (3.5km) and a chance to enjoy a ride on one of the many fantastic beaches!

Sol-a-Gogo

Head a little further down the coast and you’ll reach the equally lively town of St Hilaire de Riez and Camping Sol-a-Gogo.

Another high quality site, Sol-a-Gogo boasts direct beach access via a private path as well as a fantastic pool complex themed on Roman ruins!

In addition to the lagoon style pool with waterfall and a roped off shallow area for toddlers, there’s an indoor heated pool, a waterchute and 2 slides.

Although there aren’t as many sporting activities on offer here, fun around the pool or at the beach is more than enough to keep the kids busy!

During the high season there are lots of family activities to take advantage of plus a selection of day trips to choose from.

NEW! Vendée Holiday Discounts!

There’s currently a fantastic 25% Discount available at all our Vendée campsites. Valid for all holidays taken by 28th June – Including the Half Term Holidays!

Late Deals include early May arrivals from only £140 for 7 Nights in a 2 bedroom mobile home – Bargain!

It will of course depend on your definition of what makes a ‘good’ beach. But whether or not it’s the miles of golden sand, the scenery, the surfing or the beachside restaurants it’s fair to assume that there’s a beach somewhere in France to suit you!

Brittany Beaches

Brittany is the second most popular ‘beach holiday’ destination. What we love about the Brittany coastline is that along with your typical family beach resorts it also boasts spectacular rocky coves and cliffs.

Located on the wonderfully named Pink Granite Coast, between the towns of Lannion and Trébeurden you’ll find Baie de Lannion with a stretch of beach known as the Grand Plage de Goas Lagorn. The beach is quite well sheltered and so would be suitabled for families with younger children.

Facing the Atlantic Ocean in Southern Brittany, La Baule is well known for its long, sandy beach and is very popular with tourists. There’s plenty to do here from a range of watersports and sunbathing to enjoying fresh seafood in one of the resort’s restaurants.

Normandy Beaches

When you think of Normandy beaches you instantly think of the World War II D-Day landing beaches and if you get chance, an organised tour can be well worth the money. Gold Beach located between Arromanches-les-Bains and Courseulles-sur-Mer was particularly important.

Away from the landing beaches, Trouville (a little less exclusive than its neighbour Deauville) is a pretty little town located close to the ferry port of Caen. Along with a pleasant mix of shops, bars and restaurants and just as nice to visit out of season, it enjoys less crowded beaches in the summer months!

Beaches on the Atlantic Coast

Another region known for its beaches and coastal resorts in the Vendée – home to popular towns such as St Jean de Monts and La Tranche sur Mer. In addition to the miles of sandy beaches, the Vendée boasts high levels of sunshine and attracts families year after year.

Further down the coast in the Aquitaine region you’ll find Biarritz & St Jean de Luz. Located in the heart of the Basque country, you’ll find a strong Spanish influence here too.

As popular with sun bathers as with surfers, you’ll find most people down at the ‘Grand Plage’. If you want a break away from the sun – enjoy lunch in one of the many excellent waterfront restaurants or maybe even try your luck in the casino!

St Jean de Luz sits just on the border with Spain and is a beautiful fishing town. Tourism has much increased here but you’ll find it much quieter than the hustle and bustle of Biarritz.

The Mediterranean Beaches

Beaches on the Mediterranean pass through the Languedoc Roussillon, Provence as well as the Cote d’Azur (or French Riviera).

Cap d’Agde is probably most famous for its nudist beach which is located on the northeastern edge of town. Don’t worry
though as there is also a public beach if you’d rather keep your clothes on!

Just along the coast is Séte – often referred to as the Venice of Languedoc which, along with a sandy beach boasts a wonderful mix of culture and history. Enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants which enjoy views across the bay.

The Riviera is home to some of the best known destinations and beaches in the world from St Tropez and Nice to Cannes and Antibes.

If you want to avoid these head for the smaller villages such Villefranche sur Mer, Menton or Sainte Maxime.

Saint Maxime is a little more relaxed than its glamorous neighbour St Tropez and is a popular choice for those wanting to visit St Tropez but not the prices to stay there!

Many of the ’coastal’ location campsites benefit from direct beach access or are just a short walk away from the nearest beach.

If you’re considering a camping holiday to France, close to the ferry ports and suitable for younger children then this campsite would definitely be for you!

The quickest ferry crossing is from Dover to Calais and will take you approx 1 ½ hours leaving you a  1 ½ hour’s drive (119km) to the campsite – including motorways and tolls to pay.

The port of Dieppe is closer at just 60km. However, with the route being on national roads it’s only slightly shorter time-wise at around 1 ¼ hour (60km).

Not to be confused with the coastal town of St Valéry en Caux in Normandy, St Valéry sur Somme lies 22km north of Abbeville in the Picardy region.  The park itself sits in the grounds of Château de Drancourt and has something to offer everyone with its array of facilities and amenities.

There are 3 swimming pools including one with a retractable roof which is ideal during the low season months if the weather isn’t great. There are a couple of waterslides in the other pool and plenty of space for everyone.

Known for being popular with younger families, there are 3 playgrounds and if you fancy a go there’s a mini golf course. There’s a charge of €3.00 per club.

The onsite Kids Clubs are generally open from mid-May and although they’re free they do work on  a first come, first served basis so you’ll need to put your name down when you arrive!

Cycling is a great way for all the family to have fun and cycle hire will cost €13/Adult per Day and €9/Child per day.

Fun 2, 3, and 6 seater carriages and karts are also available for hire and a great way for the kids to get around the site!

The usual sporting activities are also available and include tennis, table tennis, 5-a-side football and volleyball. Also definitely recommended in this area is horse-riding, the nearest centre being approx 11km from the site.

It’s worth noting that the restaurant is only open on weekends and bank holidays during the low season and is closed on Wednesdays during high season.

However, as your accommodation is self-catering this shouldn’t affect you too much.

If you do fancy eating out, then the centre of St Valéry, as well as the beach is only 4km away and has enough to choose from for a good family meal.  

Not all facilities and activities will be available during the low season. If there is something that you particularly want to do or use during your stay then it is best to check that it will be open before you go.

Out & About

Parc Bagatelle

Located close to Le Touquet in Merlimont (approx 55 minute drive from the park), There are more than 40 attractions at this leisure park. A good selection of roller coasters, water rides and play areas. Choice of restaurants and take aways. Adult ticket is €21.50.

Aqualud Waterpark

Located in Le Touquet, this is a great waterpark with indoor and outdoor heated pools plus a good selection of waterslides and chutes. Separate area for children. Shop, cafe and restaurant. Evening shows and spectacles.

Nausicaa

Located in Boulogne sur Mer, Nausicaa is Europe’s largest aquarium boasting 400 fish to look at and touch. See sharks, seals, penquins and sea lions. Audio guide for hire.

It may surprise you to know that Holland is also one of the top camping holiday destinations in Europe and, with access from the UK to the Dutch ferry ports being so easy, it’s easy to see why.

Driving to Holland from the UK

Stena Line operate up to two crossings a day from Harwich to the Hook of Holland which will take you approx 7 hours. P&O operate from Hull to Rotterdam (approx 11 hours) and DFDS Seaways operate from Newcastle to the Amsterdam port of Ijmuiden (approx 15.5 hours), both sailing up to 7 times a week.

For obvious reasons, sailings to France have always favoured those living further south. The great thing about UK – Holland sailings is that it’s much more appealing to people living further north and in Scotland.

The advantage once you arrive at the ferry port is that the campsite(s) are within about an hour’s drive.

Where to Stay

Whilst there are many great sites dotted across Holland, the one that springs to mind – and probably one of the most popular sites in Europe is Duinrell.

Located in the town of Wassenaar, just 12km from Leiden and 15km from The Hague, Duinrell Holiday Park is a campsite, a theme park and a water park all rolled into one!

It will come as no surprise to know then that this park is popular with teenagers and older children who will spend hours whizzing down waterslides or screaming on a rollercoaster!

Accommodation at the park is in either a tent or a 2 or 3 bedroom mobile home which all come full-equipped with everything you need for a self-catering holiday. On the days where you don’t feel like cooking, there’s an onsite buffet restaurant and Creperie.

The centre of Wassenaar is however, just a 2 minute walk from the park gates and is home to many shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.  If you don’t mind taking the car, Wassenaar beach is only about 10 minutes away and also has some lovely places to eat.

Prices will of course vary depending on when you travel with dates in May, June & September often offering the best value for money. Get a Duinrell Holiday Quote

Tiki Water Park & Amusement Park Duinrell

Tiki Water Park is much more than just a tropical swimming pool. Not only does it boast eleven unique slides which cover 1000metres in length but it also has a large outdoor pool, a lazy river and a children’s pool with their own mini slides!

If you’re after an adrenaline rush then the X-stream’s trapdoor and the super fast Tyfoon are certainly for you!

For guests staying onsite, a 2 hour ticket for the water park will cost 3.50€ and you’ll also need a passport photo for your entry ticket. A booth is available onsite if you do forget.

Amusement Park Duinrell has something for all the family – white knuckle rides for the older kids, an indoor playground, mini train, playgrounds and more for the younger children.

New for 2012 is the impressive Dragonfly rollercoaster which reaches a height of 15 metres before sending you off on a white knuckle ride through the trees! Other big rides include the Falcon, the Water rollercoaster and the Aqua shute.

Toddlers will love the mini train which runs through a cave where a friendly family of trolls live! Rick’s Adventure Castle is also much loved as is the indoor playground with all sorts of different things to keep the little ones amused.

Other places to visit

Anne Frank’s House

Once the place where Anne Frank wrote her diary, it’s now a famous museum and tells the story of the 8 people in hiding and those that tried to help them.

Van Gogh Museum

The museum contains the largest collection of paintings by Van Gogh in the world as well as housing an extensive offer of exhibitions on various subjects from the 19th Century.

Artis Royal Zoo – Amsterdam

This is the oldest zoo in Holland and was founded in 1838. As well as the gardens, winding paths, sculptures and monuments there are over 14 hectares of zoo and 700 animal species. There is also an aquarium, planetarium and museum.

If you happen to be on a camping holiday when they’re on, then it’s well worth taking a look – just to say you’ve seen it if nothing else!

This week we’re looking at a few festivals that are taking place this May.

Compiègne – Picardy

The town celebrates Joan of Arc’s last visit before her capture. Known as Fêtes Medievales de Jehanne d’Arc, it’s celebrated with 2 days of activities (19^th & 20^th May) including a medieval market, a parade and evening entertainment. More Details

Where to Stay

If you’re staying at Camping La Croix du Vieux Pont in Berny Rivière then you’re only a half hour drive away from the festivities.

This is a fantastic campsite (especially for younger families in May) and, along with 4 swimming pools, there are 3 lakes and a wonderful parkland play area.

If you don’t fancy cooking, the onsite restaurant overlooks the pool and serves great food. If you are cooking there’s an onsite mini market or an Intermarché just  a 10 minute walk away.

The other great advantage to this campsite is that it’s an hour and a half’s drive away from Disneyland Paris and an alternative to staying at the more expensive onsite hotels.

Honfleur – Normandy

La Fête des Marins (Sailors Festival) is held every Whitsun (26th, 27th and 28th May 2012) and has been a regular event since 1861! On Whit Sunday there’s Mass and on the Monday there’s a procession to the small chapel of Notre Dame de Grâce on the top of a hill close to the village centre. More Details

You should still take a trip to Honfleur during your holiday however even if the Sailors Fesitval isn’t for you. Especially known for its picturesque port, other things to see include Saint-Catherine’s Church, several museums and if you’re leaving in that direction the impressive ‘Pont de Normandie.

Where to Stay

Chateau Le Brévedent is located in Pont l’Eveque and is approx 18km from the wonderful town of Honfleur.  The site is fairly large with first class facilities.

There are lots of activities on offer, from excursions to Paris, to a spot of lake fishing.

You are also within easy reach of superb beaches, picturesque Norman villages and some quite exquisite countryside.

Bayonne – Aquitaine

Historically the chocolate capital of France, the Basque town of Bayonne celebrates every year with its Chocolate Days festival! It takes place this year on 14^th and 15^th May and involves various activities and guided tours. The dipping of the chocolate centres into their delicious coating takes place in the streets and the public is invited to partake too! More Details

Where to Stay

Camping Le Ruisseau is located just a few miles from the centre of both Biarritz and Bayonne in the coastal town of Bidart.

Along with its popular location, a big attraction of the park is its outdoor pools and four-lane waterslide.

There’s a covered pool across the road in the newer area of the park.

This is a great place for relaxation with its outdoor spa as well as a Jacuzzi complex.

Ile de Ré – Charente

The Tour de l’Ile de Ré is a grand nautical event and part of International Sailing Week which sees several hundred yachts sail around the island! More Details

Where to Stay

Camping Les Ilates is a small, friendly campsite which is located 2km from the village of Loix en Ré.

As well as superb views, it enjoys a fantastic setting on the North Brittany coast and is a great place from which to explore the nearby beaches and coves.

During the low season months of May, June and September, the park is particularly popular with families who have toddlers or young children but it has something for everyone all season.

The swimming pool complex is particularly impressive with long, winding waterslides, a ‘Lazy River’ not to mention a lagoon-style pool and a new covered pool – ideal if the weather isn’t too great during your stay!

As with most campsites, you have the usual sporting activities available like tennis, football and volleyball but of course the real advantage is that it’s only 1.5km away from the beach!

If the kids are getting bored (which we doubt!) or you want a morning to yourself, why not sign them up to the free kids club while you’re there?

And what we particularly like is the unusual 18-hole crazy golf course they have – definitely something that all the family can have a bash at – even the littlies!

If you fancy a bite to eat, the onsite restaurant can be found in the middle of the site and is open from mid May – early September.  Carantec is nearby however (1.5km) and has plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from if you’re wanting to go off site.

Currently a week at this site in early May (arrive 11th for 7 nights), in a 3 bedroom mobile home is available for just £187… a great bargain!

Medieval town of Sarlat, The Dordogne

Even if you don’t know much about France, we’re willing to bet that you’ve at least heard of the Dordogne region of France.

Well loved by Brits as a place to set up home, it’s also one of the most popular holiday destinations in France and honestly after just one visit, you will not want to leave!

Undoubtedly the most visited and well know town in the area is Sarlat or Sarlat le Caneda to give it its proper title. It is breathtakingly beautiful town and you’ll find tourists there all year round. ‘Rue de la République’ is the main street in the old town and pretty much spans most of it with smaller, narrower streets spilling off from it either side.

With hotel accommodation for a family proving to be costly, many are choosing to stay in a mobile home and enjoy all the benefits that a self-catering holiday has to offer.

La Palombière is a high quality campsite, located just a few kilometres from Sarlat in wooded parkland.  There is plenty here to keep the kids entertained with several pools including a small, heated pool for younger children.  The kids club for 4-12 year olds is open during July and August. Note that these kids run on a first come first served basis so make sure you get your name down when you arrive!

So you’ve seen Sarlat, had a splash in the pool and want to get out and about – there are so many things in the Dordogne for you to do, we’d be here for days listing them all! We do however have a few that are on our ‘must-see/do list’:

Château de Castelnaud

Lascaux Caves

The original Lascaux cave is closed to the public, but a replica has been reproduced 200 metres away. The reproductions include the galleries, ‘the great hall of the bulls’ and the ‘painted gallery’. One of the most renowned, archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Gouffre de Padirac

And then finally there’s the food! Whilst your self-catering holiday is a definite money-saver – you really need to try the Confit de Canard and the Foie Gras!

Literally meaning ‘fat liver’, the idea of it may not be to everyone’s taste. However, this delicacy is everywhere and if you’re going to try it, then this is the place to do so.

So these aren’t necessarily the healthiest you’ll come across but believe us when we say they are amazingly good! A few extra laps around the pool or a bike ride should ease the guilt for anyone who’s calorie-counting!

Priorité à droite

Some don’t give driving abroad a second thought and quite happily jump on a ferry and away they go. For others however, the thought itself is enough to bring on the cold sweats!

In actual fact, driving abroad, and in France in particular is actually quite easy. Aside from commonsense, there are a few things that it’s worth being aware of.

Go through a checklist of things you need to make sure you have everything with you and in the car before you even get on the ferry. This includes the obvious like a valid, full driving licence, insurance and proof of vehicle ownership. You’ll also need a hazard warning triangle and at least one high visibility waistcoat (in the car not the boot) for the driver.

There is however a little bit more than having the right documents and equipment with you. Here are a few things that should stand you in good stead for your journey…

1.)     You’ll most likely have at least an hour’s drive to your campsite from the ferry port and usually (even if you have a toll to pay), it’s easier to take the motorway (autoroute). They are quicker, more direct and a great way to ease yourself in to driving in a new country.

French Motorway Signs

Note that Motorway signs have blue backgrounds and signs for non-motorway routes have a green background.

If you’re travelling with toddlers or young children it’s always a good idea to book a campsite that is fairly close to the port. Picardy, Brittany and Normandy tend to be popular choices. All these areas have a good selection of campsites to choose from so you won’t be limited by choice.

2.)     Radar warning devices are now illegal in France and if caught using one you could face a hefty fine. You should also be aware that by summer 2012, Tomtoms and other GPS systems will be technically in breach of the law if they still have speed radars listed in their Points of Interest software; and even if it is not clear how roadside police can stop and check for offending software, drivers are warned to err on the side of precaution and download the latest map software for France.

3.)     If you see a sign saying Péage (Toll) then you’ll need to take a ticket and you normally pay when you leave the motorway or when a toll section comes to an end. Head for the CB booth as it’s for card and is so much quicker than fiddling around looking for some coins!

4.)     A constant cause of confusion is the arrow in France! Instead of upward pointing arrows to indicate ‘go straight on’ the French have arrows pointing left on the right hand side of the road to indicate this.  How do you know when you’re supposed to turn left – well they’ve also cleverly solved that problem with a sign on the left hand side of the road pointing to the left. All quite logical…if you’re French!

5.)     You’ve probably heard people refer to the ‘priorité à la droite’ rule which is essentially wherever there is a junction of sorts, you must always give way to those approaching from the right, even if you are on a major road and they are on a minor.  It is currently being phased out of the country but just to be safe it’s best to be aware of it

6.)     If you find yourself on a narrow road and an oncoming driver flashes his lights at you, he’s not flashing for you to carry one – he’s telling you he’s coming through first! But, if you are on a major road and a motorist flashes his lights at you, he is probably warning you of a speed trap or Police up ahead or there’s something is wrong with your car.

Please make sure you do your research before you travel and ensure you have all the necessary with you before you go! And when you’ve done all that…. Enjoy your holiday!

Clarys Plage, St Jean de Monts

You’ve most likely heard about the Vendée region in France but have you actually been?

Attracting thousands of British holiday makers to its shores each year, it’s a real ‘family’ destination and certainly home to some of the most popular campsites in France.

Located in the north west of France, the region’s real claim to fame is its beaches – mile upon mile of endless sandy ones which, (if lazing around in the sun isn’t your thing) are home to all sorts of watersports.

The weather is pretty much guaranteed from May – October which is why it’s so popular with younger families who like to come out of season.

One of the more popular resorts in St Jean de Monts which boasts not only one of the best beaches in the area but is also know as a ‘Station Kid’ – which is given to resorts that are particularly noted for their family friendliness.

We particularly like the Clarys-Plage campsite, which as well as being located in the St Jean Plage area of the resort, is just a short walk away from the nearby Merlin Plage. It has a fantastic swimming pool complex with waterslides, heated indoor pool plus a children’s play area. In short – if you’re looking for family beach holiday that won’t break the bank then this would certainly be on our shortlist!

If you’ve got older kids and teenagers then give the Atlantic Toboggan park in Saint Hilaire de Riez a go, get them on the Kamikaze and Boa toboggans – they’ll love it! There are pools and slides for all ages though if you’ve got younger ones with you.

But it’s not all about the beaches, inland you’re treated to miles of (flat!) countryside and so where better than to get on your bike and cycle round the many forest, marsh and coastal paths that cross the region.

If you are thinking about a beach holiday then you can’t go far wrong spending a week or two in the Vendée…