French summer road trip with Kids
Discussion
We’re planning a summer road trip with the kids. We’ve talked about it for a few years now, basically taking most of the school holidays off rather than doing our usual two week fly and flop.
We’re based in Cumbria, 2 adults, 2 kids (10 and 7) and a dog. Plan is 4 weeks driving. We originally had all sorts of grand ideas about heading down towards the Alps with loads of stops, but have sensibly dialled it back. Current thinking is roughly a week getting down, 2 weeks in one base, then a week coming back.
At the minute the rough plan is drive south, break up the UK leg with a night or two, ferry over to Saint Malo, head down through Brittany, then likely back up via the tunnel.
The bit we’re stuck on is the 2 week base.
Initial thinking was Dordogne, somewhere around Sarlat. Decent house, pool, bit of space, somewhere you can settle into rather than constantly packing the car up. Kids in the pool, BBQs, odd trips out to villages and markets, that sort of thing. Also like the idea of not having to plan every day around the weather.
However, we’ve also been looking around La Rochelle and the west coast, which brings beaches, islands, more to do day to day etc. Just feels like a different type of holiday.
In my head it’s basically this:
Dordogne
More of a stay put, slower pace, make the most of the house and surroundings
La Rochelle / west coast
More out and about, beaches, day trips, probably a bit more weather dependent?
In the grand scheme of 4 weeks I don’t think going a couple of hours further south is a big deal, especially if we break the drive up, but I might be missing something obvious.
So for those who’ve done similar, especially with kids (and a dog in tow) For a 2 week base, what actually works better in reality?
Does the whole “nice house with a pool” thing live up to expectations for that long or do you end up wanting to be out more?
How much does the weather actually dictate things on the west coast vs inland?
If you were doing it again, would you prioritise location or the quality of where you’re staying?
We’ll probably mix it up a bit either side anyway, but trying to get that middle 2 weeks right.
Any thoughts appreciated before we disappear completely down the Airbnb rabbit hole.
We’re based in Cumbria, 2 adults, 2 kids (10 and 7) and a dog. Plan is 4 weeks driving. We originally had all sorts of grand ideas about heading down towards the Alps with loads of stops, but have sensibly dialled it back. Current thinking is roughly a week getting down, 2 weeks in one base, then a week coming back.
At the minute the rough plan is drive south, break up the UK leg with a night or two, ferry over to Saint Malo, head down through Brittany, then likely back up via the tunnel.
The bit we’re stuck on is the 2 week base.
Initial thinking was Dordogne, somewhere around Sarlat. Decent house, pool, bit of space, somewhere you can settle into rather than constantly packing the car up. Kids in the pool, BBQs, odd trips out to villages and markets, that sort of thing. Also like the idea of not having to plan every day around the weather.
However, we’ve also been looking around La Rochelle and the west coast, which brings beaches, islands, more to do day to day etc. Just feels like a different type of holiday.
In my head it’s basically this:
Dordogne
More of a stay put, slower pace, make the most of the house and surroundings
La Rochelle / west coast
More out and about, beaches, day trips, probably a bit more weather dependent?
In the grand scheme of 4 weeks I don’t think going a couple of hours further south is a big deal, especially if we break the drive up, but I might be missing something obvious.
So for those who’ve done similar, especially with kids (and a dog in tow) For a 2 week base, what actually works better in reality?
Does the whole “nice house with a pool” thing live up to expectations for that long or do you end up wanting to be out more?
How much does the weather actually dictate things on the west coast vs inland?
If you were doing it again, would you prioritise location or the quality of where you’re staying?
We’ll probably mix it up a bit either side anyway, but trying to get that middle 2 weeks right.
Any thoughts appreciated before we disappear completely down the Airbnb rabbit hole.
Try the Herault, fantastic scenery, great quiet roads, fantastic weather, not crowded, hour or so to the beach at Sete, history, wildlife, for us it's got everything. We hire a house with a pool and use it as a base, occasionally spending the day in the pool and the BBQ. It's not a cheap option mind.
We did 5000 miles over 4 weeks last summer with ours who were 3 and 5.
Kids are ridiculously resilient, they'll adapt to pretty whatever you throw their way. I wouldn't be curtailing the trip if there's something you really want to see or do.
Vosges mountains are kind of Alps lite, loads of lakes, walks and mountain bikes. Fun driving roads too if that's part of the trip. Full of Dutch at the campsite's we stayed at. You've also got Europa Park and Rulantica not too far away, both knock anything we have in the UK into a cocked hat, particularly the water park.
On the West coast you've got Europe's highest sand dune near Bordeaux, worth visiting at sunset for the views west.
I'd definitely head down to the med too.
Kids are ridiculously resilient, they'll adapt to pretty whatever you throw their way. I wouldn't be curtailing the trip if there's something you really want to see or do.
Vosges mountains are kind of Alps lite, loads of lakes, walks and mountain bikes. Fun driving roads too if that's part of the trip. Full of Dutch at the campsite's we stayed at. You've also got Europa Park and Rulantica not too far away, both knock anything we have in the UK into a cocked hat, particularly the water park.
On the West coast you've got Europe's highest sand dune near Bordeaux, worth visiting at sunset for the views west.
I'd definitely head down to the med too.
Landlubber said:
Try the Herault, fantastic scenery, great quiet roads, fantastic weather, not crowded, hour or so to the beach at Sete, history, wildlife, for us it's got everything. We hire a house with a pool and use it as a base, occasionally spending the day in the pool and the BBQ. It's not a cheap option mind.
Looks a good setup to be fair, house, pool, base for a couple of weeks is exactly what we’re after for the middle bit.Only thing for us is it’s a fair way further south than we were planning. Trying to keep the driving sensible over the 4 weeks rather than it turning into a slog with the kids and dog.
Dordogne was ticking a lot of the same boxes, slower pace, plenty to do if you want it but easy to just switch off at the house.
How have you found it in August, still fairly relaxed once you’re away from the main spots?
_Rodders_ said:
We did 5000 miles over 4 weeks last summer with ours who were 3 and 5.
Kids are ridiculously resilient, they'll adapt to pretty whatever you throw their way. I wouldn't be curtailing the trip if there's something you really want to see or do.
Vosges mountains are kind of Alps lite, loads of lakes, walks and mountain bikes. Fun driving roads too if that's part of the trip. Full of Dutch at the campsite's we stayed at. You've also got Europa Park and Rulantica not too far away, both knock anything we have in the UK into a cocked hat, particularly the water park.
On the West coast you've got Europe's highest sand dune near Bordeaux, worth visiting at sunset for the views west.
I'd definitely head down to the med too.
I get the point on kids being adaptable, ours are used to 6 hour runs up to Scotland to see family so they’re not bad, just trying to strike a balance over 4 weeks so it doesn’t end up feeling like we’re constantly on the move. Kids are ridiculously resilient, they'll adapt to pretty whatever you throw their way. I wouldn't be curtailing the trip if there's something you really want to see or do.
Vosges mountains are kind of Alps lite, loads of lakes, walks and mountain bikes. Fun driving roads too if that's part of the trip. Full of Dutch at the campsite's we stayed at. You've also got Europa Park and Rulantica not too far away, both knock anything we have in the UK into a cocked hat, particularly the water park.
On the West coast you've got Europe's highest sand dune near Bordeaux, worth visiting at sunset for the views west.
I'd definitely head down to the med too.
Car’s an EV as well so that plays into how we plan the longer legs.
That middle 2 weeks is the bit we want to slow down a bit, decent house, pool, not having to plan every day around driving or weather.
Vosges and that side does sound good though, especially with stuff like Europa Park in the mix.
Med definitely appeals in general but we’ve done that this year already and will again in May and October, so leaning more towards something a bit different for this one.
Think it’s more just deciding where that “base” bit works best rather than trying to cram too much in.
Lots to do in the Dordogne (caves, gorges, canoes, old towns, sports, food, wine, car museums, etc.), it would get my vote over the Atlantic coast. We usually stay in Audrix or sometimes in the villages south of Bergerac.
ETA
https://www.auberge-medievale.fr/restaurant/
For lunch after a visit to the nearby Gouffre de Proumeyssac cave system.
ETA
https://www.auberge-medievale.fr/restaurant/
For lunch after a visit to the nearby Gouffre de Proumeyssac cave system.
Edited by Michael_B on Sunday 19th April 19:14
Done it many times and prefer the west coast. A couple of things to bear in mind is don't forget the AHC for your dog. Google "cheap AHC for dogs" and you can get it for under £100 but your local vet will charge £250-350. Why? Because they don't like doing it it's a paperwork exercise and a real ballache if they get it wrong. They only need to see the dog to confirm microchip.
Second point is you're likely to be looking at 40 degree temps in August. Can you all cope with that.
Apart from that have a good time.
Second point is you're likely to be looking at 40 degree temps in August. Can you all cope with that.
Apart from that have a good time.
We’ve been to the Dordogne (close to Sarlat) and the La Rochelle area a number of times. They are both great places hence the reason we kept coming back.
I would definitely schedule both into your holiday. I would also return via St. Malo and maybe have a night in the old town before the daytime crossing.
I would definitely schedule both into your holiday. I would also return via St. Malo and maybe have a night in the old town before the daytime crossing.
Personally, I would change the plan slightly. Amble down, sprint back.
Taking your time getting to where you're going is great. It's very relaxing and you're totally in holiday mode.
Taking your time going home is less great. You know the holiday is almost over and your mind is more focused on what happens when you get home.
Going home, I'd be looking at longer driving days and single night stops. If you can time it right, then you can get the ferry from St. Malo -> Portsmouth overnight. It runs overnight in that direction on Tuesdays.
Taking your time getting to where you're going is great. It's very relaxing and you're totally in holiday mode.
Taking your time going home is less great. You know the holiday is almost over and your mind is more focused on what happens when you get home.
Going home, I'd be looking at longer driving days and single night stops. If you can time it right, then you can get the ferry from St. Malo -> Portsmouth overnight. It runs overnight in that direction on Tuesdays.
Michael_B said:
Lots to do in the Dordogne (caves, gorges, canoes, old towns, sports, food, wine, car museums, etc.), it would get my vote over the Atlantic coast. We usually stay in Audrix or sometimes in the villages south of Bergerac.
ETA
https://www.auberge-medievale.fr/restaurant/
For lunch after a visit to the nearby Gouffre de Proumeyssac cave system.
That restaurant and those caves look ace.ETA
https://www.auberge-medievale.fr/restaurant/
For lunch after a visit to the nearby Gouffre de Proumeyssac cave system.
Edited by Michael_B on Sunday 19th April 19:14
a311 said:
Car s an EV as well so that plays into how we plan the longer legs.
We've being all over Europe with the family in the EV, it really makes no difference to how long a stint you can go. Last summer we got down to Bordeaux from the coast in one day, that's probably my personal limit with family in the car. The beaches in Bordeaux are endless and empty, it also doesn't take that long to get inland for vineyards etc.....Just don't ask to look at the prices of the 'Premiere' bottles, we stuck to the local Carrefour City, much more our price range 
.If you are going south, make sure the Air B&B has AC, and you might want to consider a heated pool versus unheated.
We haven't booked the summer holiday trip yet due to work commitments, but will almost certainly be France at some point this year in the EV.
Thanks for all the additional replies, really helpful.
The plan has shifted a bit. As we’re up in the Lakes, the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry is starting to look like a good option.
It’s only about a 2 hour drive for us, board around 17:30, get a cabin, then wake up and disembark at 09:15 the next morning. Feels like a much easier start than a long drive through the UK.
That obviously changes the route and brings us back closer to the original idea of including part of the Alps. Current thinking is to drive down through Germany into the Tirol region, maybe around Seefeld or Innsbruck, then head over towards Provence and base ourselves there for a decent stretch.
The only sticking point at the moment is that my OH is keen to minimise driving, which is a bit tricky however we approach it.
The plan has shifted a bit. As we’re up in the Lakes, the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry is starting to look like a good option.
It’s only about a 2 hour drive for us, board around 17:30, get a cabin, then wake up and disembark at 09:15 the next morning. Feels like a much easier start than a long drive through the UK.
That obviously changes the route and brings us back closer to the original idea of including part of the Alps. Current thinking is to drive down through Germany into the Tirol region, maybe around Seefeld or Innsbruck, then head over towards Provence and base ourselves there for a decent stretch.
The only sticking point at the moment is that my OH is keen to minimise driving, which is a bit tricky however we approach it.
a311 said:
Thanks for all the additional replies, really helpful.
The plan has shifted a bit. As we re up in the Lakes, the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry is starting to look like a good option.
It s only about a 2 hour drive for us, board around 17:30, get a cabin, then wake up and disembark at 09:15 the next morning. Feels like a much easier start than a long drive through the UK.
That obviously changes the route and brings us back closer to the original idea of including part of the Alps. Current thinking is to drive down through Germany into the Tirol region, maybe around Seefeld or Innsbruck, then head over towards Provence and base ourselves there for a decent stretch.
The only sticking point at the moment is that my OH is keen to minimise driving, which is a bit tricky however we approach it.
We’re in Durham so the Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry is great - very civilised although not sure about August. We’ve done a few ways of getting into France including Dover-Calais (many moons ago), predominantly Eurotunnel but also Newcastle-Amsterdam around 4-5 times. What you save on the drive to Folkestone has to be factored into the necessity to traverse the Netherlands & Belgium which can be tedious.The plan has shifted a bit. As we re up in the Lakes, the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry is starting to look like a good option.
It s only about a 2 hour drive for us, board around 17:30, get a cabin, then wake up and disembark at 09:15 the next morning. Feels like a much easier start than a long drive through the UK.
That obviously changes the route and brings us back closer to the original idea of including part of the Alps. Current thinking is to drive down through Germany into the Tirol region, maybe around Seefeld or Innsbruck, then head over towards Provence and base ourselves there for a decent stretch.
The only sticking point at the moment is that my OH is keen to minimise driving, which is a bit tricky however we approach it.
However, that gives you the opportunity to head to Eastern France, perhaps stopping over in Reims and Alsace which is lovely then onwards towards Annecy and Route Napoleon towards Grasse. However, that’s quite a lot of driving.
We love the Dordogne though and have stayed many many times near Sarlat - even in June, temperatures can easily reach low 40’s so worth remembering.
Heading to the Dordogne whilst using the Newcastle-Amsterdam route isn’t really a goer in my opinion.
As an aside, our next road trip is to Northern Spain traversing the whole of France and using the Newhaven-Dieppe DFDS ferry.
We’re stopping halfway through France for 2 nights near Poitiers on the way down, then 3 nights in Cognac on the way back plus 2 nights in Dieppe before heading home
Not sure if this is still relevant given your change in plans but moving from say La Rochelle to the Dordogne isn't much so I'd just do a week in each to see which you prefer.
Last summer we did similar to you (with kids aged 12 and 8 plus a dog) except we got the Portsmouth - Caen ferry and then did a week in 2 separate places in the Dordogne about 1.5 hours apart which worked well for us.
If you do end up going down and want to break the journey up we found a great stopover a little South of Le Mans that I can share details of (IM me).
Last summer we did similar to you (with kids aged 12 and 8 plus a dog) except we got the Portsmouth - Caen ferry and then did a week in 2 separate places in the Dordogne about 1.5 hours apart which worked well for us.
If you do end up going down and want to break the journey up we found a great stopover a little South of Le Mans that I can share details of (IM me).
I've found if you just want to cover distance then drive at night.
Let everyone else sleep and take the hit yourself. You feel rough the next day but for the sake of family harmony it can work and you're back to normal the day after.
You also get extra time at the destination.
I'll caveat that by saying my dad would never pay for a hotel enroute so we always slept in the car on the way to skiing or SoF when driving from the north of the UK so my tolerance for discomfort is quite high. Dad would just pull into an Aire when he'd had enough.
Let everyone else sleep and take the hit yourself. You feel rough the next day but for the sake of family harmony it can work and you're back to normal the day after.
You also get extra time at the destination.
I'll caveat that by saying my dad would never pay for a hotel enroute so we always slept in the car on the way to skiing or SoF when driving from the north of the UK so my tolerance for discomfort is quite high. Dad would just pull into an Aire when he'd had enough.
We’ve driven all over France with our two and still do so each summer…
Biggest tip i would say is that at that age they love the company of other children.
We can afford the 5 star hotels and private gites but our two are happiest running around a campsite making friends and having adventures.
There’s some lovely campsites in the Dordogne, two of my favourites in Beynac near Sarlat…
Biggest tip i would say is that at that age they love the company of other children.
We can afford the 5 star hotels and private gites but our two are happiest running around a campsite making friends and having adventures.
There’s some lovely campsites in the Dordogne, two of my favourites in Beynac near Sarlat…
DoubleSix said:
We ve driven all over France with our two and still do so each summer
Biggest tip i would say is that at that age they love the company of other children.
We can afford the 5 star hotels and private gites but our two are happiest running around a campsite making friends and having adventures.
There s some lovely campsites in the Dordogne, two of my favourites in Beynac near Sarlat
One of our best holidays was 3 weeks in France in the touring caravan in a couple of campsite. Kids (3 of) made friends with a posse of mixed nationality and we didn't see them for pretty much the entire week for one stop. It was absolute bliss, and they loved it.Biggest tip i would say is that at that age they love the company of other children.
We can afford the 5 star hotels and private gites but our two are happiest running around a campsite making friends and having adventures.
There s some lovely campsites in the Dordogne, two of my favourites in Beynac near Sarlat
Also if you're anywhere nearby, well within a couple of hours drive, have a day out at Puy du fou. It's unique to France and amazing.
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