Affordable May half term holidays in France
Families don’t have to wait until summer to enjoy an adventure abroad together.
Although France is just across the Channel, its picturesque towns, castles, beaches and lakes can make it feel like worlds away. Lagrange Holidays, French travel specialists in the UK for over 25 years, offer affordable accommodation in over 250 holiday destinations on the coast and in the countryside, cities and mountains of France. Here’s our hand-picked selection of five fun family escapes to France this May half-term, with accommodation starting at only £8 per person per night:
Relax by the lake in the Aquitaine
What could be more relaxing than sitting by a tranquil lake? The region of Aquitaine on the south-west coast is home to countless lakes and the largest forest in France. In Aureilhan you can try some fishing or just enjoy the lake’s beach, picnic tables, children’s play area and walking paths.
Where to stay: Lagrange Confort+ Residence Les Terrasses du Lac in Aureilhan – Lakeside apartments by the children’s play area and lake beach. Seven nights from 28/05 in a two bedroom apartment is only £224 in total – just £8 per person per night based on a family of four sharing.
Best way to get there: Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais for approx. £191/car return, then possible stops in Paris, Tours and Bordeaux on the drive down to Aureilhan. The journey takes about 10 hours in total.
Explore the Chateaux of the Loire by Bike
The Loire Valley is a land of fairy tale castles and hamlets, easy to explore by bicycle or on foot. From Azay le Rideau, families can visit the nearby chateaux, villages and gardens on one of the themed cycling circuits and walking paths.
Where to stay: Lagrange Prestige Residence Les Jardins Renaissance in Azay le Rideau – Groups of terraced holiday houses with bike storage situated around a pool and tennis court, walking distance from the chateau, town centre and supermarkets. Seven nights from 27, 28 or 29/05 in a two bedroom holiday house is only £382 in total – under £14 per person per night based on a family of four sharing.
Best way to get there : Eurostar to Paris, a train from Paris to Tours, then a local train or taxi to Azay-le-Rideau. The journey takes about 7 hours in total from London and is the most environmentally-friendly and relaxing way to travel. Return train from London to Tours via Paris is currently approx. £298/pp return.
Get Active in Brittany
Brittany is the perfect destination for a family active break not too far from home this May half-term and with activities ranging from surfing and sand-yachting to golf and go-karting, the whole family will be spoilt for choice. Where to stay: Lagrange Confort+ Residence Les Roches Douvres in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, on the Emerald Coast, easy to access by plane, train or ferry – Apartments are 300m from the beach and the golf course. Seven nights from 28/05 in a two bedroom apartment is only £406 in total – under £15 per person per night based on a family of four sharing.
Best way to get there : By ferry from Portsmouth to St. Malo for approx. £483/car return, then a 20-minute picturesque drive down the coast to Saint-Briac-sur-Mer.
Feast on local specialities in the Dordogne
The Dordogne has its fair share of character with lively market towns, winding vineyards and pre-historic caves. In Bergerac, families can explore the town’s interesting and violent past and try out gastronomic delights such as walnuts, chocolate and foie gras.
Where to stay: Lagrange Prestige Residence Le Clos des Vignes in Bergerac – Apartments and terraced holiday houses with swimming pool, 500m from the nearest shops. Seven nights from 27, 28 or 29/05 in a two bedroom holiday house is only £320 in total – under £12 per person per night based on a family of four sharing.
Best way to get there: Bergerac airport is served by low cost airlines from 11 different U.K. airports.
Enjoy Spring Sunshine in the South of France
Spring is the perfect time to visit the beautiful beaches and classic resorts of the Cote d’Azur and enjoy the sunshine in peace before the tourists arrive en masse. In Sainte-Maxime you can buy an ice cream and walk along the promenade taking in the lovely views of Saint Tropez across the bay.
Where to stay: Lagrange Prestige Residence Port Marine in Sainte-Maxime – Apartments 150m from the beach and 300m from the town centre with outdoor swimming pool. Seven nights from 28/05 in a one bedroom alcove apartment is only £487 in total – under £18 per person per night based on a family of four sharing.
Best way to get there: Take the Eurostar to Paris, a train from Paris to Saint-Raphael, then a bus or taxi to Sainte-Maxime. Return train travel is approx. £334/pp return and the journey takes about 8 hours in total.
The Lagrange France 2011 programme has something to suit all styles and budgets, from apartments on the Côte d’Azur to villas with private pools, or holiday houses in Brittany and the Loire Valley. Accommodation can be booked alone, or with self-drive or rail packages at a supplement. For brochures and reservations, visit: lagrange-holidays.co.uk
