Active Family Getaways with Madame Vacances

Madame Vacances knows that having access to activities that will keep the kids entertained can be key to a successful family holiday.

From Aquitaine to the Ardeche and Brittany to Provence, the French accommodation specialist has scoured the country to handpick its upmarket collection of child-friendly holiday options.

So, whether youngsters are keen to get into the swing of things à la Tiger Woods, explore the underwater world like wildlife hero Steve Backshall or hang ten emulating surfing legend Kelly Slater, here are a few ways parents can tailor their next trip to keep restless troops entertained this summer:

LAND LOVERS

THE ANIMAL AMBASSADOR: Set on the riverbank next to Le Teich Bird Reserve, the Résidence Les Rives Marines (Aquitaine) is the perfect place to encourage youngsters to swap Twitter for more natural tweets. Over 300 bird species visit the reserve’s 120 hectares of lagoons, forests and salt marshes every year. Also nearby is La Coccinelle (Ladybird) wildlife park, where kids can hand-feed its cute baby residents in its mini farm. And, with French restaurants having a more relaxed approach to four-legged friends than back home, the family dog will be welcome most places too. 7 nights for a family of 4 starts from £279 staying in a self-catering apartment.
THE GOLFER: Not only does the Résidence du Golf (Aquitaine) sit within striking distance of the 17^th hole of the one of France’s top ten 27-hole (18 and 9 hole) golf courses, but all its bright and spacious apartments have perfect views across the Golf de Moliets’ world-famous greens. Whether new to the sport or an inspiring champ, the chance for golf-lovers to grab their clubs so near to home will surely strike a chord. 7 nights for a family of 4 starts from £389 staying in a 2-bedroom apartment.
THE HISTORY BUFF: For kids bewitched by tales of Vikings, Musketeers and the Knights of the Round Table, staying in Les Maisons de Fontenelles (Vendee) – just down the road from medieval theme park Puy du Fou – could be just the ticket. Travel through time and then take advantage of the modern resort’s incredible facilities, including pool, tennis courts and pétanque court. 7 nights for a family of 4 starts from £289 staying in a 2-bedroom cottage.

WATER BABIES

THE SURFER: With dozens of surf schools on its doorstep, the seaside resort of Moliets is ideal for hanging loose. Just a few miles north of Europe’s surfing capital of Hossegor, the waves are plentiful along the Landaise coast and the golden sand perfect for cheering the family’s young surfer dudes on. Back at base, the beautifully styled Villas La Prade (Aquitaine) – nestled between pine forest and ocean – were designed with chilling out in mind. 7 nights for a family of 4 starts from £1229 staying in a luxury 3-bedroom villa with pool, sleeping up to 8.
THE SWIMMER: For kids who see paradise as one giant swim zone, holiday nirvana could be as simple as renting a villa with its own private outdoor pool and tranquil gardens. So a week in one Le Domaine de Vertmarines’ (Vendee) luxury properties is certain to make a splash. And, like most of Madame Vacances’ villas, it’s within a short distance of idyllic sandy beaches, opening up new swimming horizons for all. 7 nights for a family of 4 starts from £649 staying in a 2-bedroom villa with private pool.
THE SCUBA DIVER: If the lure of swimming with the fishes is strong, the Résidence Le Village des Aloès (Languedoc-Roussillon) has its own on-site scuba diving club for would-be mermaids and mermen. Under the guidance of expert instructors, kids aged 8 upwards will have a fin-tastic time taking the plunge in the ultimate aquarium and coming face to face with its slippery residents. 7 nights for a family of 4 starts from £249 staying in a self-catering apartment.
THE WATER SPORTS FAN: In the heart of the Avesnois National Park and on the edge of northern France’s largest lake, Les Cottages de Valjoly’s (Northern France) picturesque natural setting ensures easy access to a host of water sports. From canoeing and kayaking to windsailing and windsurfing, the rural lakeside resort has all the ingredients for an action-packed aquatic adventure. 7 nights for a family of 4 starts from £269 staying in a self-catering wooden cottage.