I was woken by an alarm this morning as the new school term interrupts our family fun. I enjoy being with my children and always have mixed feelings when term starts once again. I can get back to work and get the house organised but I do miss their presence, their cheeky chatter and enthusiasm for life. Once the sun is shining I love sitting in my garden and watching them play. Erin potters about from one activity to another whilst the older two are much more cooperative with each other and even go off and play tennis together each day. It is these simple pleasures that make me feel complete.
This family picture also reminds me of my many family holidays in France. We camped, but as adults we are not really a camping family, preferring raised beds and more mod cons, preferably with wifi! Those childhood holidays saw dad BBQing most evenings whilst us children would form new friendships are enjoying playing in lakes, windsurfing and hanging out with a multitude of nationalities. This was long before smart phones so we would swap addresses rather than facebook details and continue our friendships, in some cases they would peter out after a few letters yet with others real friendships blossomed and visits to each others home happened.
I have been looking for a similar holiday experience for my children and came across French Loaf who have a number of holiday lets in France. The boutique style lets are varied in both size and style. The homes are equipped with everything needed to give you that relaxing quality family time that is needed. The locations are traditional in the areas of Lot and the Dordogne and have been hand picked because of the suitability. Those behind French Loaf have a understanding of the area and what we look for in a holiday destination.
As I looked at the site I could picture myself sitting outside with a glass of wine and some French cheese whilst the children did their thing. That patio table would be a wonderful place to watch the sunset. These properties are also excellent for larger family groups or holidays with friends. I am already thinking about my 40th birthday next year and this is up their among the contenders.
The properties are also ideal for younger families and comes equipped with highchairs, baby monitors and even a play mat this just takes the pressure of mum and dad and allows the complete family to relax from the outset. Maybe take the grandparents on a mulitigenerational holidays which appear to be on the rise and then you even have babysitters on hand!
What do you look for in a holiday? We enjoy experiencing the local culture and especially the food. I enjoy a mixture of eating out at local restaurants with all their charm but also enjoy just relaxing in the evening and enjoying the warm evening sun. My ideal day (whilst on holiday) is a lazy start with a trip out somewhere where we can have a coffee and do some people watching before an evening of chatter and sociable family time. We often play cards with the older two once Erin is in bed. In fact carrying a pack of playing cards is always in my holiday handbag they come out all the time!
If you had an unlimited budget what type of holiday would you choose?
18 Responses
It looks like a gorgeous place to stay. I have always really enjoyed France. When looking for a holiday I like to be close to the sea, a clean beach is really important to me and I like to experience the culture and food too x
This sounds perfect – I like self catering holidays especially when I’m staying for more than a couple of nights. This looks like a great place to have some family time and explore the local area.
What a gorgeous looking place to go to – ohhh I would be torn I would either want to go to Egypt or Disney wonder if I could fit them both in somehow lol.
The photos look lovely. Our family holidays are a balancing act these days as the kids are 16 and 12 and at very different stages. Our ideal place is a luxury resort where there are lots of activities on offer and which is in a culturally interesting location.
It looks like a very relaxing place to stay. My ideal holiday would have sunshine, places of interest to visit, peace, quiet and a kids club so I could read a book in peace!
This sounds fab! I have to say, if Mummy had the money, our dream holiday is Walt Disney World, Florida!
An unlimited budget would see me back in Vegas, but right now, I would settle for a hotel near the sea for a few nights x
One of our favorite holiday places is France. I am hoping we can afford something this year
I am a big fan of self catering when holidaying with the kids – I just find it so much more relaxing having our own space as opposed to a hotel room. Would love to take them to France so will be checking out the website!
I haven’t heard of French Loaf before but they sound great and we love self catering holidays.
Wow this looks beautiful. I think when we look to take our family abroad we will look to cottages/villas to keep our Beans contained!!
Not heard of this site before and have just booked a holiday i France for next year. Will keep it in mind though
oh wow this place does look idilic to us, we would love to have a holiday booked and waiting here Emma .. i have only been to France as a teen *must go back*
Looks amazing! I much prefer the idea of staying in homes like this than a hotel.
We are going to France this year to a camp site, although not literally camping we’re staying in a chalet type thing. But we haven’t done it before and it will be interesting to see what it’s like and how the children mix with others (which they always seem to on holiday anyway don’t they?) This apartment looks beautiful, love that kitchen/diner x
What a gorgeous place! I’m really not sure where I’d go if I had the choice! xx
What a pretty place to visit, it looks lovely.
I’d love to take the kids to Oz on a months long holiday.
Not heard of this site before