Many of you will know all about my huge holiday mix up this Summer and how we never made it to Portugal as planned. It was a complete nightmare but all was not lost. We did make it away and enjoyed a fabulous holiday in France instead.
Having spent all our money on the holiday that never happened (or won’t happen until next year) Husband was reluctant to spend much more but we needed to get away. After scanning the internet we realised we wouldn’t be flying anywhere but driving to France and catching the ferry would be a great alternative.
We decided to go with Eurocamp as had enjoyed a fantastic family holiday with them earlier in the year. Being the end of season we got a really good deal and heading to the Dordogne meant warmer weather and sunshine too. Perfect.
We stayed at St Avit Loisirs which was hidden in the French countryside. It was beautiful, in the middle of nowhere and we felt cut off from reality. Just what we needed as a family.
Being the end of season had its ups and downs. It meant on day three that the park pretty much emptied and we appeared to be one of only a small number staying on. No fighting over sun beds (yes that really happens)! or having to queue to get on the waterslides. Quieter evenings were welcomed too. However, it also meant we only caught two days of kids club which was a shame. We did manage to get Rosie into swimming lessons everyday though and she took off like a mermaid. She did so well and is now swimming yeah!
The pools are what this park is all about. There really is something for everyone. Based on two levels there is an indoor pool, toddler pools, a splash park, waterslides and several other pools too. Being the end of season meant it was definitely time for repairs though. There were quite a few loose tiles around the pool area which meant many of us kept stubbing our toes or cutting our feet. We were reassured it would all be sorted ready for a new season next year.
Here’s a little video to give you a flavour of whats on offer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg8KEebiZHE
This holiday has taught us a lot about what we enjoy in a holiday. As a family we prefer smaller hotels and resorts (just as we did previously as a couple). We don’t like lots of loud entertainment (discos and karaoke) especially as the children are all still so young. They stay up a little later on holiday but are still in bed at a reasonable time. Nowadays holidays for us are all about lots of outdoors fun and adventures during the day and then Husband and I enjoying a bottle of wine and having a chat on the deck once they are in bed. It might not sound like everyones perfect holiday but for us it was very very relaxing and just what we all needed.
Lots of quality time together, and sunshine… what more do you need?
Karen x
Coombe Mill
October 9, 2015 at 11:09 pm (9 years ago)It sounds like my idea of a good holiday too, I can’t be doing with too much noise and entertainment. Oh for those hot days and swimming pools again, we loved our French trip too. Thank you for sharing on Country Kids.
Would Like to Be
October 11, 2015 at 9:11 pm (9 years ago)I love seeing your french posts every summer. Its a great place for family holidays 🙂
Sara | mumturnedmom
October 9, 2015 at 11:14 pm (9 years ago)It sounds pretty much perfect to me! Spending all day outside, sensible bed times and lots of chat are exactly what we want too 🙂 Lovely photos of your girls enjoying the water x #countrykids
Would Like to Be
October 11, 2015 at 9:12 pm (9 years ago)I so want to go away again already. We love holidays x
Dean of Little Steps
October 10, 2015 at 1:36 pm (9 years ago)I love Eurocamp too. Stayed with them at La Croix du Vieux Pont and it was lovely. If all goes well, we plan to go to the one in Italy next summer 🙂 #countrykids.
Would Like to Be
October 11, 2015 at 9:13 pm (9 years ago)Oooh will have a look at that one. Always good to see where other people have been x
Claire at Tin Box Traveller
October 10, 2015 at 5:28 pm (9 years ago)This sounds like just our sort of holiday. Our kids are a bit too young to make the most do lots of evening entertainment but the Tot is just starting to want to swim. The pools look great. Mr TB and I also love being able to grab some quiet time once the kids are in bed and when in France it would be rude not to sample the local wine! #countrykids
Would Like to Be
October 11, 2015 at 9:14 pm (9 years ago)The pools were great. We spent most of our holiday in them 🙂
Kriss MacDonald
October 10, 2015 at 7:43 pm (9 years ago)So much better not having crowds and fights over sunbeds. It can be more fun for kids when camps are on filled with other kids but on the other hand you had ideal time together as a family.
Would Like to Be
October 11, 2015 at 9:18 pm (9 years ago)You are quite right. Last time they loved meeting the other children at kids club and then played with them in the pools too. Luckily there were still some children around and they were all very sociable. They played with whoever were in the pools each day 🙂
Emma T
October 10, 2015 at 10:02 pm (9 years ago)Sounds like my cup of tea too, looks lovely. Great pools, and well done Rosie for now being able to swim.
Would Like to Be
October 11, 2015 at 9:14 pm (9 years ago)Thank you. Rosie is very proud of herself and her confidence is growing all the time now 🙂
itsamumsworld
October 11, 2015 at 2:12 pm (9 years ago)A lovely post which I really enjoyed reading – we’re heading to an out of season Eurocamp in France in a few weeks for a half term mini break. We’re not expecting sunshine in late October but it was lovely to see your pics! Glad you had a nice time. x
Would Like to Be
October 11, 2015 at 7:46 pm (9 years ago)You will have a fantastic time I’m sure. We have been twice this year and both times really enjoyed ourselves x
Hannah
October 19, 2015 at 4:54 pm (9 years ago)Sounds and looks like you had a wonderful time there and as always your photos are lovely and really show everything off. I really missed some abroad sun this year so hoping to get some next year xx