So you’ve realised you’re running out of time to book your Summer break and now have the added stress of flight chaos – what now?!
You could of course stay in the UK (check out our gorgeous UK properties on the Tots website) but we thought it would be useful to tell you about some of the fab French holiday spots that are within a realistic drive of the channel ports...
Britain to Bretagne...
Just a short hop across ‘La Manche’ takes you directly into the rural idyll of Brittany and Normandy...think sleepy French villages steeped in history, beaches, lakes, forests... you name it, you’ll find it here!
Served by Roscoff, St Malo, Cherbourg and Caen, the whole of Brittany and Normandy are easily reached by car, within just a couple of hours of any of the ports.
Forest House is a gem of a property that still has summer availability. Perfect for a large family trip or travelling with friends, it has 5 bedrooms, a lovely garden and is only a stone’s throw from a lake beach, village shops and restaurants, as well as stunning buggy-friendly forest trails.
Lovely Loire...
You can’t turn round without stumbling across a stunning chateau in the beautiful Loire valley! You’ll almost think you’ve stepped back in time amongst the timbered houses and narrow streets of the numerous quaint little villages.
Le Colombier is a lovely 3 bed stable conversion, just a short hop from all the Loire has to offer. Set in the grounds of a manor house and with its safely enclose pool, garden playhouse, bikes for hire and easy walk to the village, you could equally stay put for the whole holiday and never be bored!
Cher Charente...
If you’re up for a slightly longer (though still manageable) drive, perhaps having crossed on an overnight ferry, the beautiful Charente region is a little further down the West coast.
Here, you head into viticulture territory; Cognac is well worth a visit and you simply mustn’t leave without tasting the fabulous local Pineau (a blend of Brandy and grape juice) – well, it would be rude not to!
On the one hand, there is picture postcard pastoral scenery, gorgeous rural villages and vineyards. On the other, there's the fabulous Atlantic beaches, pretty port towns like La Rochelle and the hip Ile de Ré just a little further away, if you want to mingle with the Parisian set and the odd celebrity!
La Laiterie is one of 3 gorgeous gites at L’Ancienne Ferme. It’s just a few minutes drive to the beach, has oodles of space and toys in the gardens and orchard and the owner’s home-cooking is to die for (do not miss the chocolate cake!)
Calais calling...
If the SW ports are trickier for you, the equally beautiful Champagne region is an easy drive from Calais to the North East of France. Here you’ll sample real French village life and the fabulously rich Champagne producing culture, not to mention the stunning scenery and lovely little markets.
Gite Mirabelle is one of two lovely gites in the grounds of the owner’s beautiful Manoir. Taste Champagne with the owner, take a stroll to the local village for fresh croissants, explore the beautiful countryside...and if it’s your bag, Disneyland Paris is only a short hop for a day out.
For more advice on the best spot for you and help in choosing the right property, why not drop us a line on enquiries@totstotravel.co.uk or call on 0845 26 941 26? We'd love to help!
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