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Can  highly reccomend this site in the Loire valley

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=6960

It's proabably a bit late now if you've started buying stuff, but I would go for a Canvas, Eurocamp site with pre-errected tents.

I've never stayed in one, but I think they have everything you need except bedding.

We go to France each August and have seen plenty of the tents empty, so I'm sure you could just turn up.

Try 'Travella' - a homoeopathic remedy for travel sickness - and works very well, even for cynics.

No you're not mad - but a tent might be a good idea!  If you don't get anything to sleep in (as in sleeping bags) then take your pillows and duvets from home - we do.  Camping mattresses would be a good idea, but if you don't get any then a large French hypermarket will sell them. 

If I were you I would just head generally south - and take some good guide books with you.  Either that or stick to the coast west of Calais and just keep driving until the sun comes out!  We use the green Michelin guide, Alan Rogers, and the Caravan Club - but you may be able to borrow some of these from the library.  That way you know where to head to find sites.  Once you've got your tent pitched on your first site, and realise it isn't so bad, then you'll be fine!

Have a great holiday.

By trailer do you mean a trailer tent or do you still have to buy one?

This has me fascinated! It took me so long to persuade OH that camping was for us and then so long again to research the exact tent, cooker etc!! That's before I started on where we would go.

You'll have a great time. Head south for the weather as Val has said. It's actually very easy and very relaxing. Totally unlike camping in England, which I love, but not as much!!!!!

Well, with 3 kids in tow and never being camping before you're certainly brave!  Have you got your tent sorted yet?  when you're buying that think of where you're all going to sleep, e.g. will your older one want a separate bedroom to the younger 2?  Do you all want to share a room (wouldn't recommend myself but lots do)  If it were me I'd probably be going for a tent with bedrooms either end of a living area with one of the rooms dividing into 2 for some privacy for older child.  Go for a good recognised brand and test pitch it in the garden beforehand.

As to sites there's plenty of good ones listed on here and although I've not tried them the large hotel chains (formula 1 etc) apparently offer good value for stopovers.  French sites we've stayed at have been great for big enclosed pitches and great facilities. 

I hope you have a great time, don't forget to let us know how you went on when you return. 

Latest update.  Have had "camping meeting" tonight with husband's friends who are seaasoned campers.  Giving lots of advice and gone through list of what to buy!  When I say trailer - Pink Sequin -  I mean just trailer! Which following "meeting" it has been decided is too small so husband is going to purchase another tomorrow!  We are purchasing a Outwell Idaho XL if that means anything to anyone out there!  I am meanwhile booking myself into the Priory - it will probably cost less than all this equipment we now have to buy!  And I have purchased my husband some speedos - have been told these are obligratory in french pools!!  My son is refusing to acknowledge his father is he wears them!  I will be in constant fits of laughter which will make the entire holiday!  My youngest, who is a very naive (just turned) 5 year-old, doesn't understand what camping is all about and keeps asking when we're booking the hotel and why we have to drive and not go by plane like we normally do!  Will keep you all posted and may even post some pictures!!!!

If you're relaxed enough at this stage to still be able to smile then I'm sure you'll have a great holiday.  Just remember French roads are so much better than here, as are French campsites, French markets, French wine, and (most) French restaurants, so at least you're off to the right place.  You'll also find you 'stumble' across villages which over here would be tourist traps, but over there are just places people live in.

If you can borrow any equipment, rather than buy, then do so - our friends borrow our top box (no trailer), and portable 3 way fridge - they're in France at the moment. 

My two sons loved our camping holidays, and when my niece (9) and nephew (7) were asked this year what they wanted to do for their summer holiday they said 'Go with Auntie Val and Uncle David in their caravan, on a nice campsite'!  (And Hong Kong, Malaysia, Grand Canaria, and Cyprus have all featured in their recent holidays!!!!)

bugeye the initial outlay for all the equipment is expensive but will more than pay for itself over time. Unless of course you hate camping and never go again.

Outwells are good tents. Ours has stood up to wind, rain and thunderstorms. Here's hoping you don't see any of these on your trip. Will you get a chance to view any tents before you buy?

Will you get the chance to practice putting the tent up before you go? I'd thoroughly recommend it!

Look in pound shops for cups, plates etc- some dodgy melemine designs but much cheaper than camping shops.

Packing the car is a bit of an art so be sure you leave plenty of time otherwise you may have to leave someone behind!