Keeping the Kids Entertained Whilst Camping in France

Come summer time, camping in France is one of the most popular holiday options for families in the UK. Thousands of families flock across the channel each year, taking advantage of the sunny weather, regional attractions and the many well provisioned campsites in France.

There's nothing better than a family holiday when it everything goes well but when the children squabble and become bored, the parents start to get stressed, and everyone returns home far less relaxed than when they started! If you want to enjoy a fun and (almost!) stress free French camping holiday, here are a few tips on how to plan your trip...

Choose Your Region

There are attractions to be found in every part of France, but it is best to choose one that ties in with your mutual interests as a family. If your children are fans of the great outdoors, a camping holiday in the French Alps or the Jura will place you in amongst some of the most spectacular woods and mountains in France. Beach lovers should head to the Cote d'Azur or to the Vendee, the two best stretches of coast in the country. While if fine food and high culture are what keep you entertained, Brittany and the Loire may be the best choices, or perhaps a campsite near Paris. Each region has its own individual character - make sure you choose the right one for you (and your kids!)

Pick Your Campsite Carefully

It pays to choose your campsite in France with care - different campsites offer very different facilities and holiday experiences. More lively campsites can be perfect if you've got older children and like a few late nights out, but can be too loud and crowded for smaller children. Equally, a quieter campsite may leave older kids bored stiff!

Having the right facilities can make or break a holiday, especially when it comes to kid's clubs - many of the larger campsites in France have dedicated children's clubs that can be great for keeping the kids entertained (and out of your hair for a few hours!) Read up on any prospective campsites carefully, and make sure it has everything you and your family needs.

Research the Local Attractions

Once you've selected a specific region and an individual campsite in France, research the attractions in the local area. Children's interests can change from day to day, and it is good to have a range of options researched and available - if the family is in the mood for some fun family entertainment, a theme park like Disneyland Paris can be ideal. If it is culture you are after, a visit to Mont St Michel or the Loire Chateaux may be in order. For a great family day trip you can suggest a visit to fun resort towns such as Nice and Les Sables d'Olonne.

Of course, it is essential that you read up on the finer details of opening times or prices - it is no fun driving for hours to reach an attraction only to discover that it is closed, booked out, or prohibitively expensive! But so long as you have a good range of days out and local attractions thoroughly researched before you go, you'll never want for something to do whilst camping in France.

All very basic advice, but the key to a really great French camping holiday amounts to little more than thorough research and careful preparation - follow these simple steps, and you'll be all set for a truly outstanding holiday experience!