Travelling to France for a summer holiday has never been more convenient with the various weekly sailing from Rosslare and Cork.
Travelling to France for a summer holiday has never been more convenient with the various weekly sailing from Rosslare and Cork, especially with the luxury of the WB Yeats, a new cruise ship which was recently added to the Irish Ferry fleet.
For years Irish families have been taking to the sea, kids and cars in tow, in search of reasonably priced top quality campsite vacations across Europe but today we are going to explore France a little deeper.
Here are some of our favourite family-friendly French campsites we think you should consider if you're planning a camping holiday in the coming months.
1. Esterel Campsite
Situated in the south of France, this award-winning five-star campsite on the French Riveria has everything from nearby beaches, a waterpark and a kids' club all in a stunning forest setting. Complete with two pool complexes, the jungle-themed indoor toddler pool with miniature waterslides is a children's paradise and with a large outdoor splash park with numerous waterslides - the kids will never want to leave.
Esterel offers 495 pitches, 331 state-of-the-art mobile homes and 164 caravan pitches on its 19 hectares site located just 3km from the beach. Mobile homes also suit larger families, fitting up to eight in some.
Once on site holidaymakers have the added luxury of a minimarket, ice-cream parlour, bars, numerous restaurants and eateries and a huge entertainment package for kids including evening discos, a games room and animation team.
2. Tohapi Domain de Leveno Campsite
Nestled between southern Brittany and Vendée Camping Village Le Domaine de Lenévo is another all-rounder when it comes to family camping resorts in France. With 715 plots including cosy mobile homes and chalets sleeping up to six people, Lenévo has something for everyone who stays on site.
Nestled between southern Brittany and Vendée Camping Village Le Domaine de Lenévo is another all-rounder when it comes to family camping resorts in France. With 715 plots including cosy mobile homes and chalets sleeping up to six people, Lenévo has something for everyone who stays on site.
Facilities include a games room and an impressive pool complex with both tropical indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a large waterpark, spa and a multisports grounds with activities such as a gym, basketball court and volleyball terrain.
Domaine De Lenévo has been awarded for its excellent sanitary facilities on site and extensive entertainment for young families. It's suitable for disabled persons and dogs are also permitted throughout the season once on a lead.
3. Camping Zagarella
Located in Saint Jean de Monts, Zagarella offers 278 luxury tents, cottages and chalets for families of all sizes including tent and caravan pitches located in the heart of the Vendeé.
Equipped with eight indoor and outdoor pools, the aquatic area offers something for both big and small just minutes from sandy beaches. In high season the campsite children's club opens each day offering numerous workshops and entertainment all day long.
Also on site, families can enjoy themed evenings, shows, playgrounds, various sports tournaments, a bar and a minimarket. Pets are also welcome.
4. Escale St Gilles Campsite
Located in south Brittany, Escale is an exceptional site with a heap of impressive facilities including an indoor and outdoor pool, a waterpark with numerous waterslides, a children's pool, a spa, playground and various sporting facilities. And like the other campsites mentioned above, La Point St Gilles is perfect for seaside lovers, however, this campsite has its own direct access to the beach.
Accommodation includes 2- and 3-bedroom mobile for families of up to six people starting from as little as €50 a night and serviced tent pitches for campers. Food options include a bar, a bakery, takeaway, restaurant, mini-market and top of the range breakfast service.
In July and August, they host daily evening entertainment and a kids club during the day - the smallies will never want to leave.
Kellie Kearney is a Dublin mammy of 4 kids aged 2, 3, 5 and 9 (and she is expecting baby #5 in May). Described as a self-confessed procrastinator and picker-upper of things, Kellie would never turn down a coffee, loves to travel and shares her every day true to life moments on Instagram.
