Last minute Christmas and New Year getaways for families

Families wanting to get away for Christmas or New Year but think they’ve left it too late to find anywhere suitable are in luck. Tots to France, an online company specialising in family friendly holidays, has a few properties available for the festive season.

For glorious views of the snow-capped Pyrenees and snow activities like skiing and tobogganing close by, try The Farmhouse, located 40 minutes from Pau airport. It is a beautifully renovated Bearnaise farmhouse accommodating up to 8 people plus two babies or toddlers. It has a traditional French kitchen, an extensive list of children’s equipment and a wood burning stove to snuggle in front of. Guests can use the English speaking babysitting service and go to one of the five nearby restaurants for a fabulous New Year’s Eve dinner. Price per week is £1150.

Le Beau Chateau, in the Charente countryside, consists of a cluster of six gîtes, two of which are perfect winter retreats. Le Petit Chateau, inside the chateau itself, and Le Coin, in the grounds of Le Beau Chateau, both have 3 bedrooms, woodburning stoves, homecooked meals and a range of children’s play facilities including an indoor play barn. They’re priced at £935 and £869 respectively for a week.

For larger groups on a tighter budget, consider La Grange du Puylagarde, located in Aveyron, South West France. This spacious barn conversion sleeps up to eight plus babies, has an open fireplace and offers homecooked food. The tranquil location makes it an ideal retreat for catching up with family and friends. Price for a week is £675.

For more information, visit totstofrance.co.uk.