South of France

[jack_lord]

I've driven through France a good few times but haven't stopped in the country for any length of time.
What's the story in the South of France?
Where are the decent places to stay?
Is it expensive to eat out?
Any recommendations?
TIA

 

[Fireboy]

I've driven through France a good few times but haven't stopped in the country for any length of time.
What's the story in the South of France?
Where are the decent places to stay?
Is it expensive to eat out?
Any recommendations?
TIA

Carcassonne, it's got a cracking medieval citadel and the town is well worth a visit.

 

[Resolvenjack]

I've driven through France a good few times but haven't stopped in the country for any length of time.
What's the story in the South of France?
Where are the decent places to stay?
Is it expensive to eat out?
Any recommendations?
TIA

It is expensive,period!

 

[Cooperman]

I've driven through France a good few times but haven't stopped in the country for any length of time.
What's the story in the South of France?
Where are the decent places to stay?
Is it expensive to eat out?
Any recommendations?
TIA

Carcassonne, it's got a cracking medieval citadel and the town is well worth a visit.

Shout out for Carcassone. We did ten days down that way last year. We’ve also been a little further West and toured around Lourdes area. We’ve both flown it and driven it; either is fine.

 

[jack_lord]

Carcassonne, it's got a cracking medieval citadel and the town is well worth a visit.

Shout out for Carcassone. We did ten days down that way last year. We’ve also been a little further West and toured around Lourdes area. We’ve both flown it and driven it; either is fine.

we are looking for something relaxing, near good beaches for the young adults travelling with us. Yes, it will be nice for beautiful scenery good food and wine but Spain is cancelled so emergency travel. We may drive but exchange flights is a short term solution for the county airlines

 

[Cooperman]

Shout out for Carcassone. We did ten days down that way last year. We’ve also been a little further West and toured around Lourdes area. We’ve both flown it and driven it; either is fine.

we are looking for something relaxing, near good beaches for the young adults travelling with us. Yes, it will be nice for beautiful scenery good food and wine but Spain is cancelled so emergency travel. We may drive but exchange flights is a short term solution for the county airlines

In which case Carcassone and Lourdes areas are no good for you as they won't be beach accessible. You'll have to head further West to the Atlantic cost (never been) or East towards Montpellier (only been further East than that to Nice) and as RJ said it can then get expensive. Things you can be sure of with South of France:
Great weather
Great food
Long way to go if you drive
More expensive the further East you go

 

[WxmJax]

Do you have to have a beach ? We used to hire somewhere with a pool and the kids were happy.

Stayed here once, big pool, huge lawn for games and just really nice. In the cote de rhone wine region about 10 miles from Avignon, some great places to visit, Pont Du Gard etc. Owned by a Belgian Baron and his wife who have done it up from run down buildings, I'd go back.

http://www.moulindelaroque.com/

 

[Professor]

France is not cheap. Places inland tend to have amazing campsites like the Ardeche region with big pool and even spa complexes. Some good scenery around with mountains and gorges. Most have cabins or mobile home rental too. It’s a long drive and another couple of hours to the coast. Places like Avignon and Aix en Provence are lovely too. The other alter is the west from Southern Britanny (Morbihan) through the Vendee down to Charentes maritime. Lots of resorts and shortish drive from a Western port like St Malo or Roscoff. You could not drive to the South in a day and stay sane

 

[Cooperman]

France is not cheap. Places inland tend to have amazing campsites like the Ardeche region with big pool and even spa complexes. Some good scenery around with mountains and gorges. Most have cabins or mobile home rental too. It’s a long drive and another couple of hours to the coast. Places like Avignon and Aix en Provence are lovely too. The other alter is the west from Southern Britanny (Morbihan) through the Vendee down to Charentes maritime. Lots of resorts and shortish drive from a Western port like St Malo or Roscoff. You could not drive to the South in a day and stay sane

When we’ve driven it’s always been a two days jaunt. Wales to somewhere north of Paris on day one and then across France on day two. Amiens to Carcassone was about eight hours including a stop; toll roads €100 ish each way.

 

[Professor]

France is not cheap. Places inland tend to have amazing campsites like the Ardeche region with big pool and even spa complexes. Some good scenery around with mountains and gorges. Most have cabins or mobile home rental too. It’s a long drive and another couple of hours to the coast. Places like Avignon and Aix en Provence are lovely too. The other alter is the west from Southern Britanny (Morbihan) through the Vendee down to Charentes maritime. Lots of resorts and shortish drive from a Western port like St Malo or Roscoff. You could not drive to the South in a day and stay sane

When we’ve driven it’s always been a two days jaunt. Wales to somewhere north of Paris on day one and then across France on day two. Amiens to Carcassone was about eight hours including a stop; toll roads €100 ish each way.

Not done for a few years but would travel overnight in the U.K. for early tunnel or ferry whether going East or West (Early Caen crossing for that then 4-5 hours to get to Charentes). We made it down to northern burgundy overnight and to Ardeche around 3pm as tent to pitch etc. Did a month once -Champagne (ok), Jura (amazing place), Ardeche and Burgundy.

 

[BanosSwan]

The Dordogne is a good shout, near Sarlat. Can swim in the river.

 

[Sa2 jack]

The Dordogne is a good shout, near Sarlat. Can swim in the river.

If you're still thinking about this JL,I have a chum that goes every year to the Auvergne. Val de Cantobre. Miles form the coast obviously but great outdoor life.

If I were you, I would go to Royan area. Its ,about 350/400 miles from Cherbourg so one overnight on the Cotentin peninsular will do you fine.

La Palmyre is a well established camping holiday area

 

[Professor]

The Dordogne is a good shout, near Sarlat. Can swim in the river.

If you're still thinking about this JL,I have a chum that goes every year to the Auvergne. Val de Cantobre. Miles form the coast obviously but great outdoor life.

If I were you, I would go to Royan area. Its ,about 350/400 miles from Cherbourg so one overnight on the Cotentin peninsular will do you fine.

La Palmyre is a well established camping holiday area

Been to La Palmyre twice when kids were young. Some great beaches through the pine forest. Plenty to do ( if open of course). Good places to eat in Royan . Worth visiting Oleron and La Rochelle too. Local wine is OK and can be picked up cheaply.

 

[Sa2 jack]

If you're still thinking about this JL,I have a chum that goes every year to the Auvergne. Val de Cantobre. Miles form the coast obviously but great outdoor life.

If I were you, I would go to Royan area. Its ,about 350/400 miles from Cherbourg so one overnight on the Cotentin peninsular will do you fine.

La Palmyre is a well established camping holiday area

Been to La Palmyre twice when kids were young. Some great beaches through the pine forest. Plenty to do ( if open of course). Good places to eat in Royan . Worth visiting Oleron and La Rochelle too. Local wine is OK and can be picked up cheaply.

Stayed Puits de L'auture.Oysters sold outside the site.Not pour moi.

Happy day there Prof.

Ile de Re is something else too although rich Parisians are a pain there

 

[Pegojack]

I love the South West of France, it's my favourite part of the country. Went to Colioure for a long weekend last summer and it was fab. Next April, myself, the missus, two German and two French friend are hiring a boat for a week on the Canal du Midi. it's a one way trip starting in Aigues Mortes and ending in Le Somail.
I know from several recent visits to France that it's an expensive destination these days. Costs of everything you need as a tourist have shot up - accommodation, eating out, drinks, fuel. hence the recent 'gilet jaune' protests. They were reacting to the recent steep rise in the cost of living.