Thursday, January 28, 2016

Family Holidays In France | Travel & Adventure

Now that the excitement of Christmas and the New Year are over it's time for us to begin thinking of our annual family holiday. It's something which we save up for all year round and thoroughly look forward to, so it's important for us to choose the perfect location and accommodation for us to stay in so that we can all have the perfect family holiday, full of memories for us to enjoy forever.

Last year we were able to visit the beautiful island of Jersey twice and made sure to take a day trip to the tranquil and stunning island of Sark. One destination I also wanted to visit while we were in the Channel Islands was France, as there's a ferry service from the islands to St. Malo and Brittany. My aunt and her family used to visit France every year when her children were younger and they all absolutely loved it. I'd love for myself and my family to be able to have those fond family holiday memories to treasure forever for ourselves.

France is a perfect holiday destination for families, with various holiday locations available within the country itself and something to offer for everyone, no matter what your interests may be - the South of France for those who like to soak up the sun, the Loire Valley for those who like to relax in a beautiful countryside setting, Provence for those who may want to fit the adventure of skiing in the Alps into their holiday and of course Paris and Disneyland for those who want to experience some magical moments during their holiday.

France is also great for families as you can travel there in ways other than plane - this is great for those who may prefer not to fly to their chosen destination. Car ferries are available to France from the UK and Ireland, meaning that those who want to explore France by car can do so easily. The Channel Tunnel is also available from the UK to France making it easy for those who wish to just pack up their car and cruise to their ideal holiday destination too.

The climate in France isn't too hot either, meaning it's perfect for children of all ages. This is something we definitely have to factor in this year as we'll have a three month old baby as well as a three year old little boy in tow on our first holiday as a family of four.

One aspect I love about France as a potential family holiday destination for us, is the choice of accommodation available for families with young children. I've stated on the blog before that I'm not really a fan of resort type holidays - I'm not really up for a battle for a sun chair on my holiday or an overcrowded swimming pool, preferring to stay in quiet apartments or villas which are just for my family and I. There are so many beautiful villas in France, all available to book for the perfect, relaxing family holiday. What draws me in most to the idea of staying in a family-friendly villa in France is the beautiful outdoor areas they all seem to offer and all the fun they would give to Tyler Lee for exploring, swimming, etc. I also love the fact that renting a villa gives you the privacy and peace and quiet that other accommodation choices lack. The villas pictured in this post are Clos De Chinon which is in the South of France and Water Lily House which is in Provence. These were two of my favourite villas on offer as I think they just exude French style, elegance and charm. Both of these properties are baby and toddler friendly too which is a must for us as a young family.

I'm so enticed by the charm France has to offer - what with its beautiful landscapes, great weather and various locations to appeal to families no matter what their interests, it's a destination with a lot to offer. The photography lover in me is already dreaming about the beautiful captures I could get of my little ones amongst the lavender fields and on the stunning beaches.

*This post is a collaboration on behalf of Oliver's Travels. All of the pictures used in this post are courtesy of Oliver's Travels.
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17 comments

  1. I would love to visit France, I am on a warpath to conquer Europe and I am making a nice dent. I would like to stay in villa in south of France.

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    1. You're doing so well with your travels Miranda so I have no doubt you'll make it to France someday soon too!

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  2. I still have never been to France before but I would like to because it has gorgeous views and the culture is fascinating! Look forward to exploring it one day...

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  3. I love France - we used to visit every summer (pretty much) when I was growing up, and I've managed to go back most years ever since, exploring different areas. It's two years since my last trip so I'm dying to go back and have been plotting a ferry trip to the north - it's so easy with kids, as you say. But having seen these villas, I'm wondering whether I can venture a bit further for some sun!

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    1. How lucky you are, it's such a lovely place to holiday. The ferry is a great resource, especially when traveling with the little ones. Enjoy it if you do go.

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  4. OMG, Fiona you make me want to hop over to France right now! I think you are right in saying that France is a perfect holiday destination for families. I can just see you taking loads of pics outside your rented villa of your little ones while on your dream holiday. :D I can't wait to see where you end up going!

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    1. You could definitely manage it Nadia, you're closer than I am :) A nice little trip for you and Alan perhaps? x

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  5. I LOVE France. We spent a lot of our time there growing up as we had a gorgeous little cottage in Brittany. It's such an amazing country and is so beautiful x

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    1. It really is beautiful, I just love the countryside views, so scenic.

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  6. I have never been TO France to stay, but drove through it on a school holiday! We are looking to go hopefully in May, I will be driving on my own with the children so am a little nervous! I hope you get your family holiday, it sounds heavenly. Kaz x

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    1. Enjoy your trip there in May. You're very brave, I'm hesitant to even drive to the city on my own and it's only twenty minutes from my house! x

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  7. Fiona your photos are just amazing... you have captured France so well ... Id love to rent a villa this year and have my family in such idyllic surroundings. I will be looking into this if the budget is right ...

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    1. Thanks for the compliment but I'm afraid these pictures aren't mine. They're courtesy of Oliver's Travels, as stated at the end of the post.

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  8. I've only been to France a couple of times, once on a day trip with a friend which was a bit of a disaster, and a week during my A levels with family so I could practice my french. I'd quite like to go back

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  9. I've been to France a few times and your right its the perfect climate for those travelling with young kids. I'd like to explore the Northern regions more soon.

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  10. I was very pleased to find this site.I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post  Heli-skiing tours

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