Easter family breaks to Picardy’s Nature Festival

Families looking for a fun and educational break during the Easter holiday can visit the annual Bird and Nature Festival in Picardy, France which runs from the 10th – 18th April 2010.

French self-catering accommodation specialist Pierre & Vacances is offering up to €250 (£225) off holidays at the eco-friendly Belle Dune Resort, which is ideally located for making the most of the festival.
 
The festival includes guided nature rambles, screenings of nature documentaries, children’s workshops, and photography and watercolour courses. Over 200 rambles will take place over a nine-day period - on foot, horseback, bicycle or kayak - exploring the wildlife of the Somme Bay. An international film and photo competition will also be running throughout the festival.
 
Various locations in Picardy will play host to the nature event, including the Marquenterre Ornithological Park which is on the doorstep of one of Pierre & Vacances’ largest family holiday villages: Belle Dune Resort. This lakeside eco-village is nestled in an area of sand dunes and pine trees. The 250-hectare site is totally traffic-free and accessible via a number of pedestrian and cycling trails. 
 
The park boasts access to the local Belle Dune Golf Course (ranked amongst the top ten courses in France) and also features an outdoor ‘Aquaclub’ water park, tennis courts, mini golf and archery. Pierre & Vacances has also developed a free ‘eco’liday’ programme for children to provide a fun and educational club where children can learn about the environment. Run in conjunction with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the programme includes treasure hunts, visits to local farms and wildlife trails in the local area.
 
One week in a one-bedroom house, suitable for up to four people, costs €581 (previously €830). All houses include a fully fitted kitchen and living area. The park is just forty minutes from Calais ferry port.
 
For more information on the Festival, visit festival-oiseau-nature.com. To make a booking with Pierre & Vacances, visit pv-holidays.com.