My family of 5 is touring France late July and August for three weeks this summer, and I need help finding a great place to stay! We're doing one week in Paris and staying with family up there, so I'm just looking for recommendations in the Loire Valley (10 days stay) and the Dordogne (6 days stay). We prefer to stay in the countryside instead of cities. I have three small children, so we would be looking for either a B&B with a self catering cottage option or some type of holiday resort village where we have a kitchen. Let me know your favorite areas!
Posted by
Florida
1450 posts
I highly recommend La Tour De Cause B&B for your Dordogne visit. It's run by two chefs from Brussels, comfortable, and in a quiet location about 2 miles from Beynac. I visited last year and am looking forward to doing so again.
Posted by
Somerville, MA
653 posts
I can't recommend this house enough:
Of all the places I've ever stayed on vacation in lifetime, I have enjoyed none more than this home. Perfectly located within walking distance of downtown Beynac, but in the quiet countryside. 3 bedrooms and tons of space. Herb garden, grill, and wonderful deck, supremely helpful owners, secure parking, 10 minute drive to the beach (Dordogne River beach in Vitrac) and to the amazing St Cyprien Sunday morning market. And the price can't be beat.
-Matt
Posted by
Loire Valley, France
9 posts
Hi
I would consider Saumur for your stay in the Loire. It's a smallish town but ideally located for exploring the Loire Valley, as it's in between Tours, Angers and Le Mans. There's plenty of countryside around so you could be within easy driving distance of Saumur etc. Try www.loirelife.com for accommodation ideas, it has lots of self catering options covering the Loire Valley area.
Posted by
3123 posts
In Azay-le-Rideau I can highly recommend Hotel de Biencourt. The innkeepers are wonderful and it's a lovely property, just a stone's throw from the chateau. The village has 3 or 4 gourmet restaurants.
If you visit Chinon, know that the fortress/chateau is an ideal place for kids. It has lots of interactive exhibits with sound effects etc. We didn't stay there overnight so I dunno about lodging though I'm sure there are some nice places. Oddly, the TI office was closed when we were there at midday on a Saturday.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10627 posts
We stayed for a week at this farm/inn in May 2016 outside Les Eyzies. It was very reasonable and had breakfast and dinner included in the price. The food was homemade, delicious, regional recipes from their own farm products and all the guests ate together family style at long tables starting with housemade aperitif at 7 p.m. We had some excellent experiences thanks to the advice of others we met. There's a pool and equipment for the kids to play on, as well as the farm animals. The owners' grandchildren and daughter are there all summer.
One little caveat: the owners don't speak English, but one of the guests or their daughter should be able to translate if you need help.
One more: there's a campground owned by and favored by the Dutch just over the hill, so it may be more active on this hilltop than when we were there in shoulder season.
They have 5 rooms: for four people, one for five people, and two for two people. They also have at least one gite, maybe two, (which is what you asked for).
Posted by
Birmingham AL
346 posts
We based in Amboise at an apartment called Villa Concorde, and would absolutely stay there agin. Loved Amboise!
Posted by
Somerville, MA
653 posts
Finnlee, what do you think? Do you have what you are looking for?
Posted by
OP
45 posts
I have some places to start! Thanks! Debating whether or not we should just stay at a camping resort. No character, but my kids would love the activities.
Posted by
OP
45 posts
Well, I just booked our place in the Loire Valley! We're staying at a cottage that's part of a B&B near Chinon and Saumur. With all of our must-haves (wi-fi, kitchen, pool, washing machine, kid-friendly, character) and the fact that our stay wasn't a week, it was a challenge finding a place. Now onto finding the perfect place for our five night stay in the Dordogne.