altyfc

Hi

I've left it late (I know, I know..!) trying to find somewhere good in France for the summer holidays. Here's what we're after...

- something at the luxury end of the market
- self-catering preferably
- in a nice location with plenty to see/do, nice places to eat, markets... that kind of thing
- somewhere that's not tooooooo far a drive (ie. not South of France) because we'll be driving from the north of England
- somewhere that has good facilities for children/families - our boys will be 6 and 4 at the time of travel (a swimming pool or nearby beach essential!)

We've previously holidayed in Brittany in the last few years - once at La Foret Fousenant (where the accommodation was a bit of a disaster) and once at Morgat (where the accommodation was OK, but still nothing special)

As far as dates are concerned, we would be looking at either end of August (probably little chance of finding somewhere good for then) or right at the beginning of July (hopefully a bit more chance, before most schools break up and hopefully when prices are fractionally lower, too).

Any suggestions, please?

Thanks a lot.

Ka Ora!

When you say luxury, How much are you willing to spend?

dmu

Hi, be aware that the French school holidays start the first weekend in July, meaning that prices are high from then until the beginning of September...
Good luck in your search (I'm too far South for you to recommend anything local)

altyfc

Thanks, both of you.

Up to about 2,000 euros max, in answer to your question.

Martin Parker

As mentioned, school holidays start in July, but August is by far the busiest month for French holidays.

That is a very broad search you have set!! I would suggest perhaps choosing an area first and then researching. If you don't want to drive too far, how about Pays de la Loire or Poitou-Charentes regions. Both have Atlantic coast resorts and plenty of things to do and see. Futuroscope theme park is in the Poitou-Charentes if you like that kind of thing.

altyfc

Thank you, Martin... Brittany would probably be our preferred choice as we have enjoyed previous holidays there, but I'm finding it difficult to find anywhere nice with availability. I wouldn't rule out other destinations such as Loire, Normandy, etc. - for me, it's more about finding a nice property for us than necessarily the location. We'll happily explore wherever we end up.

racaille

I'd have thought your best bet is to go onto a site like Holiday Rentals which shows availability immediately and pick something that pleases you in an area that suits you. But prices won't be hugely cheaper in July, as mentioned above.

I spent a summer week in Normandy once. It rained all day, every single day.

Martin Parker

Yep, Normandy and Brittany can have very similar weather to the UK. At least by coming a bit further south there is more chance of getting sun.

Plenty of holiday rental sites. Search Googlefor holiday accommodation in your chosen area. There are loads to choose from so must be something just right for you. Make a short list and email the owners to see if they provide what you want.

Happy hunting!

altyfc

Thanks, guy... certainly plenty of properties. It's finding them with availability that's the problem. Will give the holiday rentals site a try - that might help me on that front - thanks.

kjs5

I am asking around if i hear i will post a link - is there just the 4 of you ?? and for 1 or 2 weeks

cyrian

Try here

http://www.pv-holidays.com/vendee-ch...ental_306-2_fp

kjs5

try here

http://www.loire-gites.com/gites.asp

heron is available 3rd to 10th of July and hibou has both dates you want

I think it would be ideal for your children also (the owners are great)

also if you go early july it is mid season so cheaper as well

http://www.loire-gites.com/pricing.asp

K

kjs5

Also this one, its in Charente Maritime travel times are

4.5 hours Caen, 5.5 hours Le Havre 7 hours Calais

they have the 28th of august free

http://www.white-shutters.co.uk/

kjs5

and if you want Normandy check this site

has availbilty early July

http://luxurynormandygite.com/luxury-gites-normandy/

in both his gites

hope this has helped

k

laura644

Hi there, If you are willing to travel a little bit further to South West France I know of a very well equiped self catering two bedroom apartment in the beautiful town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. I know you said you would be driving but if you would consider flying there are lots of low cost flights into Biarritz with Ryanair and Easyjet. It is a great location on the footsteps of the Pyrenees and a short distance from the Spanish border. The beach is a few minutes walk away.

Here is the website if you are interested www.stjeandeluz.net

Laura