Just 500 meters from the sandy beaches, our Vacation Village in Pornichet-Baie de la Baule is the perfect place for a relaxing and lively vacation. A paradise for children, you’ll enjoy swimming, fishing, sailing, and kayaking.
Immerse yourself in Basque culture and surfing at our Anglet Holiday Village, ideally located just 300 m from the beach. Enjoy a wide range of sporting and relaxing activities with your loved ones and discover the region’s must-see attractions.
Our vacation village in Hendaye is the ideal spot for an unforgettable vacation in the Basque Country. Let yourself be charmed by the panoramic view of the bay, the ocean, the pool, and the entertainment!
Our vacation residence in Le Grau-du-Roi in Camargue welcomes you for an unforgettable stay. Enjoy a magnificent swimming pool and charming vacation homes for rent.
Stay at our holiday residence in Hossegor and enjoy the treasures of the region. Just a stone’s throw away, the marine lake invites you to relax, go for walks, try paddleboarding and discover oyster farming. Its immense sandy beaches facing the Atlantic will delight lovers of swimming, surfing and relaxation.
Located just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean, our holiday village in Cap d’Agde has everything you need for a successful family vacation, combining relaxation and local discoveries.
Perched on the heights of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, our holiday residence offers breathtaking views of the sea and an exceptional panorama. Close to Menton, Nice and Monaco, you will be charmed by this region.
The Hôtel du Parc, located in Hossegor, is a real gem on the southern coast of the Landes region. Situated on the shores of Lake Hossegor and 1.5 km from the Atlantic Ocean, it combines the elegance of Basque-Landes architecture with a peaceful setting, perfect for a relaxing stay.
Just 500 meters from the sandy beaches, our Vacation Village in Pornichet-Baie de la Baule is the perfect place for a relaxing and lively vacation. A paradise for children, you’ll enjoy swimming, fishing, sailing, and kayaking.
Immerse yourself in Basque culture and surfing at our Anglet Holiday Village, ideally located just 300 m from the beach. Enjoy a wide range of sporting and relaxing activities with your loved ones and discover the region’s must-see attractions.
Our vacation village in Hendaye is the ideal spot for an unforgettable vacation in the Basque Country. Let yourself be charmed by the panoramic view of the bay, the ocean, the pool, and the entertainment!
Our vacation residence in Le Grau-du-Roi in Camargue welcomes you for an unforgettable stay. Enjoy a magnificent swimming pool and charming vacation homes for rent.
Stay at our holiday residence in Hossegor and enjoy the treasures of the region. Just a stone’s throw away, the marine lake invites you to relax, go for walks, try paddleboarding and discover oyster farming. Its immense sandy beaches facing the Atlantic will delight lovers of swimming, surfing and relaxation.
Located just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean, our holiday village in Cap d’Agde has everything you need for a successful family vacation, combining relaxation and local discoveries.
Perched on the heights of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, our holiday residence offers breathtaking views of the sea and an exceptional panorama. Close to Menton, Nice and Monaco, you will be charmed by this region.
The Hôtel du Parc, located in Hossegor, is a real gem on the southern coast of the Landes region. Situated on the shores of Lake Hossegor and 1.5 km from the Atlantic Ocean, it combines the elegance of Basque-Landes architecture with a peaceful setting, perfect for a relaxing stay.
Where to go on holiday with the family? A practical guide to choosing the right destination
Choosing where to go on holiday with your family is a bit like packing a suitcase for everyone: you want to fit everything in, without forgetting anything, and above all, manage to close the zip.
The good news is that there is a simple method for making a calm decision, without spending your evenings agonising over it or blowing your budget. Follow these four criteria – budget, travel time, activities, season – and turn the big question ‘where shall we go?’ into a shortlist of suitable destinations.
The result: more time to enjoy yourself, less time on comparison websites, and a successful holiday without travelling all over the country. Ready? Let’s go… on the right footing.
Start with the practicalities: budget, travel time and season.
Set a realistic budget (accommodation, transport, activities, meals)
Before dreaming of turquoise waves or snow-capped peaks, get out your calculator. For a family, a balanced budget often looks like this (roughly): transport 15–30%, accommodation 35–50%, activities 15–25%, meals 15–25%. Tip to avoid overspending: choose a package that limits extras. Half-board or full-board can secure the ‘meals’ line. Conversely, a rental with a fully equipped kitchen is suitable if you like to cook simple meals and enjoy local markets.
In any case, set aside a leisure budget for the must-see attractions (boat trips, adventure parks, favourite museums). And keep a small margin for ‘ice cream & souvenirs’ (yes, magnets count).
Limit travel time to save money and enjoy yourself
Avoid travelling to the other side of the country: it’s more tiring, more expensive (fuel, tolls) and means less time at your destination. Aim for a distance that is appropriate for the age of your children: 2–3 hours with toddlers, up to 4–5 hours with older children. In practice, this ‘gives’ you almost an extra day of holiday (less driving = more beach, hiking or napping). As a bonus, it’s good for your budget… and your nerves.
Choose the period: high, mid or low season.
The season influences prices, crowds and sometimes the weather conditions.
- High season: top entertainment and a festive atmosphere, but higher prices and popular locations.
- Mid season: often the best compromise (mild weather, moderate prices, fewer crowds).
- Low season: minimal budget, maximum peace and quiet, but check the opening times of sites/activities.
If you have school-age children, plan ahead: book early during school holidays to have more choice (and still reasonable prices).
Where to go on holiday depending on the activities you want to do
Sea & ocean: beaches, water games, gentle water sports
Who is it for? Families who want swimming, sandcastles, coastal walks and seaside markets. Highlights: children’s clubs, long secure cycle paths, gentle introduction to paddleboarding or kayaking (depending on location). If you’re looking for a family seaside holiday destination, check for: supervised beaches, pushchair access, showers and nearby shaded areas.
Summer mountains: nature, easy hikes, lakes
Who is it for? Active families looking for fresh air, space and breathtaking views. Highlights: marked trails (choose 1–3 hour loops), accessible lakes, adventure parks (tree climbing, summer tobogganing), summer ski lifts in some resorts. This is the perfect option if you’re torn between ‘where to go on holiday in the mountains’ and ‘where to go on a budget’: there are often free or inexpensive activities (hiking, picnics, water games at the lake).
Winter mountains: skiing, sledging, snowy atmosphere
Who is it for? Families who dream of winter sports and lively resort towns. Highlights: beginner areas, children’s lessons, snowshoe trails and non-skiing activities
(ice rink, water park, sleigh rides depending on the resort). For your first time, choose family-friendly resorts, accommodation close to the slopes and well-organised equipment hire services.
Countryside & lakes: slow pace, animals, heritage
Who is it for? Nature-loving families who want to relax, stick to their budget and discover local produce. Highlights: educational farms, swimming in lakes (at authorised sites), greenways for cycling, charming villages and castles. Perfect for ‘where to go on a family holiday on a budget’: lots of free activities, accommodation often more affordable.
Cities & culture: museums, aquariums, street food, parks
Who is it for? Curious teenagers, city break and weekend getaway enthusiasts. Highlights: fun museums, aquariums, urban parks, easy street food, convenient transport. Ideal for trying out a destination without a car, combining culture and games, and keeping your budget under control with family passes.
What type of accommodation should a family choose?
Holiday villages & residences
Advantages: entertainment, children’s/teen clubs, on-site facilities (swimming pool, sports fields, halls), simplified logistics (catering, linen, cot, etc.). Ideal if you like to alternate between family time and time for yourself.
Camping & glamping
Advantages: friendly atmosphere, wide choice of accommodation (tents, mobile homes, lodges), varied facilities (play areas, swimming pools, evening entertainment). Affordable and instantly sociable for children.
Hotel
Advantages: comfort and services (breakfast, cleaning, concierge), perfect for short stays or city breaks. Compare the size, meal options (on-site restaurant vs. nearby restaurants), swimming pool and proximity to activities to find the right fit. Neutral comparison tip: make a mini-chart with size, meals (fully equipped kitchen vs half/full board), children’s facilities, distance to key activities, parking. In 10 minutes, the best option will stand out.
3 strategies for staying within budget without depriving yourself
Playing the proximity card
Less fuel/tolls, a relaxed arrival, and the pleasant feeling of having gained an extra day of holiday. What’s more, you can return to a favourite spot for a long weekend: that’s the magic of nearby destinations.
Choose the right meal plan
Full board/half board if you like everything to be taken care of (and want to avoid washing up). Fully equipped kitchen if you prefer markets, mixed salads and picnics. The important thing is to choose a plan that suits your family’s habits: that’s where you’ll save money… and enjoy peace of mind.
Plan three must-do activities and some free ones
List three must-do activities (e.g. boat trip, accessible via ferrata, large aquarium) and surround them with free activities: beaches, hikes, playgrounds, markets, bike rides, seasonal festivals. This mix of fun and sensible choices guarantees an enriching stay without breaking the bank.
Quick decision checklist (to be completed)
- Maximum overall budget: ________
- Target travel time: ________ hours (one way)
- Acceptable season & weather: ________
- 3 priority activities for children: ________
- 2 preferences for parents: ________
- Preferred type of accommodation: ________
- Essential facilities (swimming pool, clubs, etc.): ________
FAQ 'Where to go on holiday'
Where can you go on a family holiday on a budget?
Focus on nearby destinations, travel during the mid/low season if possible, choose accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen or clear packages, and combine three must-do paid activities with mostly free activities (beaches, hiking, lakes, playgrounds, markets). The countryside and lakes are often great choices.
Sea or mountains with young children?
The sea = easy swimming, sand, naps in the shade; the mountains in summer = fresh air, short hikes, lakes; in winter = beginner areas and non-skiing activities. Choose based on distance and amenities (supervised beach, pushchair access, children’s area).
Where can you go on holiday without travelling too far?
Aim for a radius of 2–5 hours, filter by access (train, smooth roads), and map out nearby cycle paths, beaches/lakes, parks or cultural sites. Bonus: you can come back the following weekend if you fall in love with the place.
What is the ideal length of time to enjoy with your family?
Seven days offers a good balance (settling in + rhythm + rest). Ten to fourteen days if you like to explore more extensively. Also consider mini-breaks (three to four nights) to test out a region before a longer trip.
How can you avoid unpleasant surprises?
Read the list of included services, check the actual distance to key activities, look at the opening hours according to the season, and book activities that are in high demand (children’s classes, tours). A checklist shared with the family avoids any ‘oh, I forgot…’ moments.
Conclusion
To decide where to go on holiday, use the 4-step compass: budget → distance → activities → accommodation. Choosing somewhere close to home saves money, allows you to arrive relaxed and means you can enjoy yourself more. Now it’s up to you: define your criteria, tick off the checklist, draw up a shortlist of 2–3 destinations, and… book. The hardest part now? Deciding which swimsuit or hiking boots to take. (We’ll leave that up to you and your family to discuss!)