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It was our first time camping in France this summer (and we loved it!) but I really would advise you to somewhere within a 4 - 4 1/2 hr drive for your first time. Before we went this summer we were already thinking ahead to next summer - and the South of France, but after driving to the Loire which was almost 5hrs (with a half hour stop) we decided it was far enough.

Kids had watched two dvd's, had a nap and were ready to arrive - which was just as well. Glad we didn't venture further afield for our first time. Our youngest will be four when we go next summer so we have decided that we will go back to the same site ( L'Etang de la Breche, just outside the lovely town of Saumur).

I think a longer journey would be ok if you have a caravan and can stop overnight easily, but for us with a folding camper (which was jam packed) it would have been totally out of the question.

If I were you, I would look no further South than the Loire. Southern Brittany has some great sites too!

Hi there. Firstly just let me appologise if i go over old ground here its just that i havent read the whole of this thread (busy bee me!) but just feel compeled to respond.

You must must must go to France. Fantastic country and friendly people. Ignore this anti French hype you get from the certain type of stick in the mud brit. You will have a fantastic time. We have 3 children who fortunatly travel well. This year we went all the way to Bordeaux in one go including the Midlands to Dover. But, that may not suit everyone. Dover Calais is your cheapest option for the ferry. But for your first trip i would suggest Britany, Normandy or Vendee area. To keep the kids occupied get them a travel dvd. Mine can go for hours with a few dvd`s to watch. Infact its me and the other half needing to stop first for the loos!! And why not travel through the night. We get the midnight ferry from Dover. Just pull over for a kip and breaks now and then. Its all part of the adventure for us.

As far as the weather in concerned, yes it gets better the further down you go but hey, didnt spain have it cooler than the uk this year at one point. Maybee im thinking of last year but my point is it can be rainy anywhere. My inlaws had 2 weeks rain in Cyprus this year !! So, you see my point. Just go for it. We had the main part of this years hol in Bordeaux which was hot. Then we went up to Normandy for 3 nights and it was even hotter.

France is a lovely country and you will not regret it. Just a few french phrases will go a long way to, just dont jump in to conversation blabing on in English. Thats not very polite.

Go on, book it soon. You know you want to.

Regards,   Rob.