Choice and Value for a French Spring Bank Holiday
After a long winter, many families are looking at ways to get a bit of sun before the summer holiday frenzy. The Spring Bank Holiday falls on Monday 27th May this year combining the UK May half term break and luckily for us this is outside the French school holidays. This blend means that France is the perfect destination for UK families looking to take advantage of affordable breaks this May. Pierre & Vacances’ prices are pegged to the French holidays, as a result the availability and pricing at the end of May are incredibly attractive. There are dozens of half term options with Pierre & Vacances taking in the start of the balmy summer days and a renewed desire to enjoy the outdoors. Here we have picked a few options that are sure to be half term favourites for years to come.
Activities: Port Bourgenay Holiday Village http://www.pv-holidays.com
Located within the Vendee region of France, the park enjoys the value of France’s west coast but the weather of somewhere more southern. And, if the village doesn’t provide enough excitement the Puy du Fou Theme Park is just one hour away. The theme park is an entertainment extravaganza, with an educational aspect, as holidaymakers are treated to a series of historically themed shows within large arenas, one of which resembles the Coliseum. Restaurants add to the theme with the commercial aspects of theme parks that sometimes blight the day far from sight in this park. Back at the Holiday Village activities such as golf, swimming, tennis and horse riding are on offer. 7 nights from 25th May starts from £367 for a 1 bedroom apartment sleeping up to 4.
Weather: Cap Esterel Holiday Village http://www.pv-holidays.com
The perennial issue with the Cote d’Azur, it’s just too hot for its own good in July and August, May on the other hand is just right. Cap Esterel is in an ideal position overlooking the Bay of Agay with easy access to the beaches via a mini train. The beach is sandy and basks in sunshine for much of the year with average temperatures hovering around 20°C in May. A host of activities are available, including an extensive aqua park, circus skills and flying trapeze courses for children. Sea kayaking, biking and horse riding on terra firma are also available in May. 7 nights from 25th May start from £501 for a studio apartment sleeping up to 4.
Culture: Premium Residence in Houlgate http://www.pv-holidays.com
Perfect for a short break this Premium Residence from Pierre & Vacances is in Normandy, just 3 hours’ drive from Calais and right on the coast. A mix of history and beautiful countryside is on offer with highlights including the D-Day landing sites, Bayeux Tapestry and the city of Caen. Who said the kids needed a break from learning anyway? In the evenings the kids can make use of the indoor and outdoor swimming pools at the residence while Calvados is sipped from the overlooking seats and balconies. The residence features a range of luxury self-catering apartments with a weekend break starting from just £211 for a 1 bedroom apartment sleeping up to 4 for 2 nights from the 25th May.
Golf: Belle Dune Holiday Village www.pv-holidays.com/belledune
This is one for the golfers, weekends to sample a different golf course are often expensive not with Pierre & Vacances. The eco-village is rather more subdued than, for example, action packed Cap Esterel making it ideal for a Dad’s golfing weekend. The Golf de Belle Dune course that borders the village is up there with the best bringing a brand of links golf to the coast of France. The course continues the eco theme of the village with natural habitats left undisturbed between fairways. What makes this an even better option for a weekend of golf is the close proximity to Calais, just a one hour drive. ,Prices start from £277 for a studio apartment sleeping up to 4 for 3 nights over the bank holiday weekend.
