Holidays in France

2012 Holidays in France Start Here !!

2012-01-21T17:45:00.001Z

Happy New Year!! 2012 will see the Chinese Rabbit move over for the Chinese Dragon on January 23rd but forget all that, it's time to start thinking about the most important leisure activity of your year - your holidays. Mirandasbeach is here to help - and the assistance that sites like ours can give is often invaluable, with independent ideas, brimming with variety and so simple and easy to browse.
So whatever your 2012 holiday aspirations - adventure, luxury, family self catering, camping, indoor pool, beach or something completely different, have a good look round and hopefully you will find something that you cannot resist!
And if double dip doom and gloom are getting you and your pocket down then rest assured there is plenty here at Mirandasbeach that has been chosen for it competetive pricing - we are all feeling the pinch except the super rich - and in my business plan I do not have the super rich down as my key target audience - perhaps I'm doing something wrong!!?

French Wine Tours - Va Va Vin!

2010-08-28T13:40:00.004+01:00

Maybe it has not occurred to you to put a strong wine focus on your holiday in France, that is beyond stocking up on the bargain vin rouge and blanc at the French supermarket. But many English wine enthusiasts are opting for specialist wine tours and holidays as a way to learn more about French wine at the same time as enjoying a fabulous holiday in some of the most beautiful regions of France.

Imagine idly meandering around a gorgeous vineyard with the golden heat of the hot summer sun warming your back while you take in the vista of juicy ripe grapes on the vine and the green hills rolling off into the distance, with the occasional steeple of a village church or small wood to add to the beauty of the view. Next you go down into the cool of a medieval cellar where you taste the most exquisite wines straight from the barrel. You are given guidance in the the art of wine tasting and are becoming more adept at assessing the different aromas, flavours and colours of the wine, which then makes your choosing of which wines to stock up on a pleasure based on your improved knowledge. And when you get back home and open that special bottle, it will all come back to you! you can share your pleasure with friends and family - a bottle of plonk will never be the same again!

Try our Wine Tours and Holidays section for lots of French Wine Holiday ideas.

Remember to drink responsibly to maximise your enjoyment of wine.

Le Camping du Point Vert - a Campsite Gem

2010-01-23T10:01:00.006Z

If you have been tempted to explore the beautiful Rhone-Alps region, including the magical lands of Chartreuse and Bugey dans l'Ain in the summer (something I can definitely recommend) then a campsite you should consider is Le Camping du Point Vert. It is situated at Serrières de Briord between the department Isère and the region Bugey dans l'Ain.

This lovely campsite is run by friendly hosts Nelly and Christian Landraud and has all the facilities you'd expect in a good French Campsite. There are tennis courts, (lessons available), swimming pool and paddling pool, volleyball, mountain bike hire, a beach on the shores of the Rhone, a Sailing Club, play areas for the kids and lots of games for adults including table tennis, petanque etc. There are also pedal boats, rowing and lots more. Lots of these activities are free to campers.

But the best thing about this place, even though there is so much to keep you active, is the peace and tranquility you can enjoy, in the campsite itself and in the surrounding regions. The hills and mountains, the fresh air and the strong local identity of the people and landscape are the ingredients for a true holiday escape.

Bugey, one of regions of Ain, between the Jura and the Alps is a wonderful area to explore, and has the added bonus of being famous for its wine. A high proportion of Bugey wine is white, but rosé, red and sparkling wines are also produced. Bugey wines made from the aromatic white variety, Altesse, locally called Roussette, are among the more noted from the area.

There are exciting walks and drives with stunning views in the massif du Jura, Bugey, like the ancient fort of Pieirre-Chatel pictured here.

Le Camping du Point Verte is open from April through to September and tarrifs are very reasonable - they even have mobile homes (4 - 6 persons) at 550 euros for 7 nights in high season if you want more luxury. There are 2 to 4 person chalets at 400 euros for 7 nights in high season. Sounds good to me !

The website is at camping-ain-bugey.com

Cheese Heaven

2009-10-31T10:39:00.002Z

A holiday in France is also a cheese vacation for me, with the wine as well of course! France has so many local cheeses that a fantastic way of discovering a region is to discover the smells and tastes of it's "grandes fromages". That is if you like cheese; if you do not then you'll just have to find other ways, and France offers so much to the cheese hater and the cheese ambivalent that you'll stay happy even if surrounded by people ranting on about the wonderful Camembert, Coeur de Touraine, Brousse and Brie!

However, I find that, like other interests, it pays to do some research and study beforehand. It can add so much to your enjoyment if you know a bit about what you want to look for in a French region so that you can take pleasure in trying to hunt out that special cheese that caught your eye. And where better to let a cheese catch your eye than in Frencheese.co.uk where the information overflows on this most addictive of topics. You have at your fingertips access to all the regions of France by use of an interactive map that then takes you to the most comprehensive lists of French cheeses.

So, make a point of making your mouth water with anticipation for the local cheeses of you chosen French holiday region and you'll add that little something extra to your break.

Hands-on Cooking Holiday in the Dordogne

2009-09-07T21:32:00.002+01:00

English chef, Jim Fisher is a Masterchef semi-finalist and winner of £5,000 1st prize in the Rick Stein - Radio Times sea fish cookery competition. He has worked with Rick Stein in Padstow and Alastair Little in London and now you can go down to the Dordogne to his family's converted 17th Century farm and work on your cooking skills with Jim.

There are one, two, three, four and five day courses, summer and christmas specials and lots more. The prices are very reasonable, currently the 5 day, six night residential course is £695 per person (based on two sharing) and they do a Cooking & Painting combined course for the same price. Go and have a look at the itineries and more details on the site at Cook in France and I think you'll be impressed.

If you are browsing around with an eye on a cooking or painting holiday in France then have a look at our directory

Limousin Tipi at La Tuilerie

2009-06-06T18:43:00.008+01:00

This last half term the family sped down to the Limousin region of France for a relaxing week in a Tipi on the delightful farm of Paula and Graham Grant known as La Tuilerie (www.limousin-farm-holidays.com). They currently have two Tipis and a fine looking Yurt, and the word is that they are expecting delivery of a second Yurt imminently. Everything about the accommodation and amenities was excellent, The Tipi, set amongst the meadow flowers in a field right by the farm, was comfortably furnished with futons. The dedicated Farmhouse building with showers, toilets (each Tipi and Yurt has their own shower and toilet allocated) and a very thoroughly equipped kitchen and dining room ensured this trip was luxurious.

But most of all it was the friendliness of Paula, Graham and their four children that made the holiday so memorable and relaxing. This is a working farm, with plenty of sheep, cows, chickens, pigs and rabbits to see and hear. They have there work cut out keeping all of that going, but still found time to cook us Pizzas in their outdoor Pizza oven on the Wednesday night and lay on a fantastic four course meal on the Friday night.

Our two boys had a great time playing, cycling, swimming in nearby lakes or just lazing around reading in one of the many hammocks temptingly put up near the Pirates Fort they have assembled.

I can heartily recommend La Tuilerie, but book early, I think the return visits of previously enchanted families will mean they get filled up pretty quickly!!

Belle France Walking and Cycling

2009-01-03T16:48:00.002Z

Belle France was voted 2008 Best Specialist Tour Operator Award from Maison de la France, and they are definitely worth checking out for the French Walking and Cycling holidays they been offering for over 20 years. Their vision is to provide the opportunity to explore all the best regions of France at a leisurely pace, friendly, comfortable little hotels offering comfy beds, interesting wine lists and regional cuisine. They also offer on some holidays extra special options like a flight in a hot-air balloon, a cookery class, special wine-tasting, canoeing, horse-riding or even rock-climbing. You are provided with detailed maps and notes to help you along your way and luggage transfer between hotels as you travel, leaving you free to enjoy the beauty of France at your own pace.

France is a Great Holiday Destination

2008-10-21T22:07:00.002+01:00

France is big, but has the same population, roughly as the UK. This means the roads are not as crowded, there seems to be much more wide open spaces, the climate is warmer than the UK and the wine, garlic, onions, cheese, beer and pastis make it such a welcoming place. I have spent many happy times in Paris, Marseilles, Normandy, the Alps, The Pyrenees , Bordeaux, and picking grapes in Beaujolais - so I can tell you from experience - its a great place for a holiday. So if you are browsing for a Gallic treat and need inspiration, choice and plenty of it, then go to Holidays In France - the French Holiday Idea Generator par excellence for the last five years and still going strong !

Focus on Biarritz

2008-05-13T23:01:00.005+01:00

Biarritz started life as a whaling port, and it's sailors sailed across the Atlantic from there home in the notorious Bay of Biscay. Biarritz was made first a popular beach resort back in the times of Napoléon III and his Spanish wife Eugénie, who brought their aristocratic friends with them on chic holidays. Since the sixties the Cote d'Azur has become more and more popular, while Biarritz may seem more low key to some, but there is a lot of elegance and spice in the town with the surfers and Parisians taking over from monarchs and courtiers.

Accommodation is on the whole expensive in Biarritz town and it one good idea taken up by many is to stay in Bayonne and travel the couple of miles into Biarritz.

You'll want to visit the Casino Municipal behind the Grande Plage, and extravagant 1930's building in the centre of town. You can enjoy a wander up the beautiful streets from the casino to the old port in the west. Biarritz may have faded charm, but the sealine is spectacular and beautiful with sandy beaches and crashing surf. The plage du Port-Vieux is considered one of the best beaches as it provides a lot of shelter and a friendly setting. The Rocher de la Vierge is near, which is a rock with a white statue of the Virgin Mary on top. La Grande Plage near the casino is a bigger stretch of sand.

Try these links for Biarritz Holiday ideas:
alternative-aquitaine.com/biarritz.htm
Time Out - Biarritz
Surf Breaks

Dordogne on your Doorstep - Beautiful Holidays

2008-04-29T22:34:00.005+01:00

The Dordogne is a very popular destination in the South West of France, with a particular pull for UK visitors. It has a host of famous places to visit including the Lascaux caves, the Marqueyssac gardens, beautiful old medieval Sarlat, the Chateau Castelnaud and the prehistoric caves in the Vezere Valley. It also has all the draws that make France the most popular holiday destination in the world, fantastic countryside, amazing old villages, romantic and peaceful cafes and restaurants; it really is worth a visit.

Try these sites to get you started on your online explorations into the Dordogne region:

dordognehols.co.uk
dordognevalley.com
dordognebreaks.com
gitesindordogne.co.uk
dordognedream.com
guardian travel: Dordogne
france-for-visitors.com - dordogne
northofthedordogne.com

Les Castels - true 4 star camping !

2008-03-11T19:43:00.004Z

We regularly uproot the family and head off to France for 4 star camping at a Les Castels site. We are great fans of this company and we aren't being paid any commission to say it ! The reasons why we keep returning are the special atmosphere on site where the kids (now 10 and 12) have so much fun that we can relax and take things easy, the friendly co-campers a lot of whom are returnees and the very reasonable prices.

Here is the blurb from the front of their home page which will show you that they are that little bit different:

If you dream of wide open spaces, preserved nature, real authenticity…come and camp at the Castels campgrounds. If you enjoy friendly hospitality and the freedom to do something or nothing…the Castels campgrounds are perfect destinations for your next holidays. All of the Castels campgrounds are 4-star sites. You’ll enjoy a wide selection of accommodations: large pitches for fans of camping, modern mobile homes and comfortable chalets that are perfect for families, and at some sites, cottages where you’ll rediscover the authenticity of charming old buildings.

‘Zen'holidays: tranquillity goes hand in hand with relaxation and discoveries, 'active' holidays for maximum sensations, passions and memories. Everyone has the freedom to choose!
Doing nothing has never been so easy; you'll rediscover harmony and well-being. People who love to keep active will find activities and sports for the whole family.

When you choose one of the 36 four-star Castels campgrounds in France, you're guaranteed unforgettable holidays!

For more camping in France ideas go to our Camping Page

Yurts in France 2008

2008-01-21T21:34:00.001Z

I love camping and I love France, and so do my family, but we are not averse to a bit of luxury. Which is where Yurts come in - they are big and spacious, stylish, fun and definitely at the luxurious end of camping. Canvas Chic have some beautiful examples in the Ardeche and their Yurts "... are handcrafted from oak and ash wood and covered in creamy natural canvas and furnished with a double or king sized bed, luxurious bed linen, fluffy towels and two single camp beds for children. Each tent has its own deck and relaxation area with hammocks giving you the space and privacy rarely found on a traditional camping holiday".

There are also Yurts on a working farm in the Limousin region of Central France at Limousin Farm Holidays. "The tipis and yurts are all 5 metres diameter which will sleep 6 comfortably. They are positioned carefully and individually in one of our prettiest fields. This is a small, exclusive site. The tipis and yurts are furnished with futon beds, mattresses, and bedding. Linen and towels are provided. They have tables, chairs, rugs, cushions and all the crockery, glasses and cooking equipment you will need. Each tipi or yurt has a central chiminea, and wood supply, to keep the inside beautifully cosy. Outdoor campfires for each tipi and yurt provide campfire cooking areas and potential for 'ging gang gooley'."

Carry on Carping - Fishing in France

2007-11-11T11:52:00.001Z

France is incredibly popular for anglers, and the reasons are obvious. Well stocked lakes and rivers, big fish !, beautiful countryside and climate. From Normandy in the North down to the beautiful South there is tremendous fishing. Here at Holidays in France we have a dedicated Fishing Section packed with the links you need to help you make that next gallic fishing trip a truly special one ! go to Fishing Holidays in France and take a look round.

Ile de Re

2007-08-27T11:32:00.002+01:00

Parisians love the slower pace of the "St Tropez" of the Atlantic, also known as the French "Hamptons" and this delightful island is well worth considering. In particular it is a flat bicycling heaven, with gourmet sea food restaurants and pretty fishing villages thrown in !

The Ile de Re is an island on the West Coast of France near the town of La Rochelle, which lies halfway down the Atlantic coast, midway between Nantes and Bordeaux. Since 1988, the île de Ré has been linked to La Rochelle by a 3-kilometres toll bridge. Another transport option to Ile de Ré is the boat from La Rochelle's Old Harbour to St. Martin. There are only a couple of daily departures but it is a fun way to get there.

For more information on this increasingly popular destination go to:
The Official Ile de Re site

Camping on Ile de Re

Focus on the Lot Valley

2007-07-26T23:28:00.001+01:00

The Dordogne, the Lot and the Tarn are sister rivers. Their streams give life to a beautiful region of France, where the towns have hardly spread beyond the limits of their ancient walls, and the countryside is untarnished. The stranger, looking at it, will cry, Now I know why they say ‘La Belle France’! To lovers of beauty, to lovers of history, this land has everything to offer. Let them come here, and beauty and history will fill their minds as water fills a spring.

Freda White — Three Rivers of France, 1953 - still apt today.

The Lot Valley is in the South West of France and is an area of outstanding natural beauty loved for its peace and tranquility. It is less explored than its famous neighbour the Dordogne Valley but really is just as beautiful and spectacular and not as busy. You will see tremendous scenery, and if you go walking in this countryside you will find lovely and varied footpaths and trails. The region is full of history, with wonderful old buildings and caves dating back to prehistoric times. Many medieval villages dot the area. The Lot and Cele valleys around this region are built around a limestone plateau cut by deep valleys and covered with orchids and small white oaks.

Towns and Villages
Tournon d'Agenais picturesque hill top town.
Puy l'Eveque - 'The Bishop's Well' don't miss the view from across the river. Some quaint 13th 14th & 15th century buildings 12th century tower.
Cahors - the famous Valentré bridge over the river Lot, tiny streets in the old part of the town, a fine cathedral, museum of the resistance, lively cafés, open air theatre. You can take a guided tour on the little train.
Penne D'Agenais with its fine Basilica.
St Cirq Lapopie - one of the most beautiful villages in France perched on a cliff on the side of the Lot, stunning views across the river, 12th century church, tiny shops and ancient houses.
Rocamadour The most famous site in the Lot, clinging to the cliff face, superb views, fascinating old town steeped in history, many interesting things to see

Some Lot Valley Holiday sites

Lot Valley Rentals
Nougayrede Bas

Or how about The Old Farmhouse of Goth ? which dates back to the 15th Century.

Or place yourself in the meadows and woodlands by the river Lot at Moulin de Lantouy which sounds like a beautiful retreat, active or not with wood burners, canoeing, fishing and chilling out.

Cycling from Calais

2007-06-28T10:43:00.000+01:00

Cycle off the ferry , turn right past Sangatte and within 20 minutes you'll be on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline anywhere in France.
Both Sea France and the Pas-de-Calais tourist board have useful websites with a variety of circular rides ideal for day trips.
The dramatic white cliffs below Cap Blanc Nez mirror Dover's are backed by sweeping dunes and fringed with long sandy beaches. The Côte d'Opal is so-called because the chalk cliffs give the sea a beautiful, milky hue.
Wissant, south west of Calais is a small fishing village ringed by dunes where you can cycle along the miles of firm, wet sand where kitesurfers play.

Refuel on crab and mussels at one of the many whitewashed cottages in Audresselles, another timeless fishing village - and head for the beach resort of Wimereux for sunset. There's a selection of brasseries and hotels, but it's hard to beat the Atlantic, which has rooms and one of the best seafood restaurants in the region - both come with sea views.

Turn inland through the Parc Naturel des Caps with idyllic pastoral scenery just 20km from the pancake-flat industrial sprawl of Calais. The rolling green hills are easy on the eye but steep enough (when carrying panniers) to provide a challenging weekend ride. In fact this is perfect cycling country: the volume of traffic is quiet compared to English country roads and in a land where cycling is revered, the respect motorists show cyclists is almost humbling.

Meander past farmhouses and chateaux to Audenfort for the night. In French villages there is little to do in the evening aside from eat and then sleep, and if you're cycling all day you want to do both well, so it's worth planning ahead.
The Auberge du Moulin d'Audenfort, a converted 17th-century mill with the stream still running through the building and a menu of hearty regional food is up to both tasks. Terrine of rabbit in white beer and hazelnuts and knuckle-end of lamb in thyme and garlic could linger in the memory and the Vieux Lille cheese is so earthy you can taste the farmyard.

Formidable France

2007-05-19T23:12:00.001+01:00

Have you got kids and you need a grown-up break? It’s not cheap but it looks worth it:
http://www.chateaurigaud.co.uk/index.html
Read this family’s enviable experience:

Guardian article may 2007

Look out for the new Channel Tunnel link which should be completed on time in 2007.
The first half of the connection - to Ebbsfleet - was built on time. Now the second part, also with substantial Treasury guarantees, is nearing completion too, along with the comprehensively rebuilt station at St Pancras.

Close to home ... Reims is now just 45 minutes from Paris on the TGV:
Guardian article May 2007

Anyone planning a quick weekend jaunt to France should check out
http://www.bedbreak.com/
It has an impressive array of properties.

Le Spa Bleu, Ardeche, FranceThis 18th-century former farmhouse has views of vineyards, fruit trees and forested hills. It's a well-run but informal place offering an impressive range of alternative therapies from an international team of therapists. Smoking is allowed, and guests can help themselves to bottles of wine from the cellar-cum-games room. The farmhouse has an unheated outdoor private pool and a large indoor Jacuzzi with whirlpool and jetstream. Treatments range from the traditional to the esoteric such as "aquawellness" treatments by local expert, Anne Toulemonde , who combines watsu and j ahara to ease stresses and strains.· 0033 4 7539 9375, lespableu.com. From €60pp per night. Fly or train to Montpellier then a two-hour drive or bus to Aubenas

Hip Chateau

2007-03-04T14:50:00.000Z

http://www.chateaurigaud.co.uk/index.html
(see website for photos)
Rigaud House Party is ultimate short break with your family.
Rigaud is a rare find! A “Hip Chateau” which blurs the boundaries between boutique hotel and private house rental.
There are sixteen original stone fireplaces at Rigaud, four staircases, five lounge areas, five separate terraces and during the winter months you have four open fires to choose from. The living space can feel endless!
During July and August the chateau is only available for booking as a whole. At other times it's possible to book just a room on a chambre d'hote basis, or the wing with between three and seven bedrooms. See also our House Party events which offer a fully catered package by the room including activity based childcare.

“Rigaud really is about as lovely as it could be but the cinema is the final fabulous touch. A full on Odeon experience! Can we live here all the time please"

Table tennis, Croquet, Giant Jenga, Rounders, Boule, Disco Gear & Mountain bikes all available to keep you amused.
Broadband wi-fi Childrens play area X-Box iPod docks Boules terrace
The whole chateau.. Can accommodate 16 adults in 8 double bedrooms and up to 6 children a further three rooms From €10,000 / week inc. breakfast

Vive La Difference ! Various French Holiday 2007 Ideas

2007-02-15T21:51:00.000Z

Le Domaine aux Quat'Saisons
Classy but affordable B&B in a sleepy village in the South of France. Does such a thing exist? Yes. Le Domaine aux Quat'Saisons, a 20-minute drive from Carcassonne, is a classic French house with five rooms, cornflower-blue shutters, and a garden with a decent-sized pool. A small gîte attached to the house sleeps six.

Chamonix all-in for £400
It is For years it was a deal that the French kept to themselves. Now the Brits are finally getting in on skiing's big secret. If you are between 18 and 39 then you are eligible to use action-outdoors.co.uk

They have got some top deals in great French resorts including Chamonix and Tignes -

How do they keep their costs so low ? Here is their answer -

"Our main partner, UCPA, is an organisation dedicated to providing opportunities for young people to experience the outdoors. Action Outdoors has negotiated excellent travel deals and keeps it's costs down by not having shops or paying for expensive agents. The accommodation is not 5* but it is certainly clean, comfortable and you will not be disappointed in the food provided. The quality of the activity, instruction and equipment is second to none."

What about a quick hop across the channel:
Dover – Calais from £26:

And for the longer stay you can look for French Cottages at chooseacottage.co.uk for a big choice of self catering holiday accommodation in France.

Wine is cheaper in France !

2007-01-10T23:36:00.000Z

Hotels in the Alps, recommended by the Guardian, which caught my fancy, due to my predilection for a fine Burgundy, are Le Gourmandin http://www.hotellegourmandin.com/ , for the best, yet simplest meal you’ll have all holiday, and Le Cep http://www.hotel-cep-beaune.com/ in Beaune.

Read Jenny Agutter's Beaune Idyll article to give you a good idea of what to expect in this geat town and region of France with its ancient wine traditions (and they are really very good wines too !) and beautiful buildings and countryside.

Turning our attention to the North of France now, it is interesting news that cheap flights are starting with Ryanair from Stanstead to Deauville on 1st March. http://www.deauville.org/fr/
Casino, horse racing, polo and the film festival are some of the diversions enjoyed on the Normandy Riviera by the Parisian smart set and I think this is going to be a winner all round.

Camping by the beach in the South of France

2006-12-09T21:42:00.001Z

It sounds a great combination: Camping in the South of France plus direct access to the beach and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. So here are some campsites to think about choosing either for a short stay on the way to somewhere else or for a full holiday.

Camping Des Mures near St Tropez which is an attractive family activity campsite with direct beach access and plenty to do !

Camp Du Domaine on the Med is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful sites in Europe, it is set in a 45 hectare pine-wood next to the beach and facing the "Golden Islands" (Iles d'Or).

Camping de Saint-Aygulf Plage is situated by the seaside, in the Var heart of the côte d'azur, between Cannes and Saint-Tropez. It is a 22 hectare park created in the middle of a pine tree wood, with direct access to the most beautiful sandy beaches of the Var coast and creeks.

Camping Marius is located on the "Blue Coast", between Marseille and Martigue, a part of coastline that is well preserved and wild. It offers you peace and quiet with a chance to relax in a genuinely family atmosphere, just a stone's throw away from the Camargue, and with a direct access to the fine sandy beaches, the creeks (the famous "Calanques") and pinewoods. Amoongst numerous options are Bengali and Fun Flower tents which look particularly good.

Christmas Romance in Paris

2006-11-16T22:10:00.001Z

How about going to one of the most romantic cities in the world this Christmas. Whether you’re a believer or not mass at Notre Dame is a moving experience on Christmas day.
Wander down La Rue St. Andre des Artes on the left bank where the bohemian crowd stroll, stop off for a glass of red wine in a cozy bar, get out you sketch book or note pad, soak in the atmosphere and be inspired.

Maybe you could go before hand for some Christmas shopping in Paris at Galleries Lafayette and surrounding magasins:
cntraveller.co.uk/Travellers_Tales/Paris/

Here’s the book to take with you for inspiration:
Christmas Holiday by W Somerset Maugham

Of Course there’s always Disneyland Paris. Here are some pros and cons in this review from a mother:

The Disneyland Paris home page

Paris on foot – Exploring hidden Paris in small groups: call 0870 836 0778
For latest offers:
http://travel.guardian.co.uk/readeroffers/france

On the other hand you and your family and friends might be able to find a group accommodation in a gite or chateau.
http://www.groupaccommodation.com

For an a good overview on visiting France and lots of interesting articles:
Guardian Unlimited - Travel - France Section

Winter holiday fun in France

2006-10-09T21:09:00.000+01:00

Why not get fit and have family fun in France this winter! (not necessarily skiing). Or get unfit in front of a cosy log fire. Or maybe both!

Have you thought of of Snowshoeing holidays, igloo building, full moon or evening treks, or overnight adventures when you eat and sleep in a traditional mountain hut in France? Or else go for the cross country skiing, paragliding or dog sledding option. Aimed at people who have yet to try a winter sport this is an ideal introduction to the wide range of winter options.
A high-quality, action-packed Chamonix adventure holiday with 2 or 3 activities each day but always with the emphasis on tasting and enjoyment which does not require decatholon-level fitness!

If you’re into snowboarding then you’d be interested in a book by former British champion Chris Moran who picks his favourite rides. View some of them in this Guardian article

Also recommended here is www.chaletmarigold.com
Luxury ski holiday. Superior chalet.

Alternatively what about staying-in in front of a log fire? More advisable for the chilly amongst us!
www.holidaylettings.co.uk/winter-warmth/47/ideas/
There’s a couple of places in France I’ve put in my family favourites.
Get away just to be cosy!

France is a Great Place for a Holiday

2006-10-01T01:03:00.001+01:00

France is the most popular destination in the world. Over 60 million people a year, roughly the equivalent of the population, visit France, making tourism the country's number one industry.
One of the reason France is so popular is the vast number of virtually unspoilt villages, from Provence to Bretagne, from Pays-Basque to Perigord and through to Alsace. From Normandie to Roussillon, Fleurie in Beaujolais, up to the Chartreuse and across to Bordeaux, you will find amazingly varied villages and towns. Ffortified villages, villages perched on rocky peaks like birds of prey or the serene flat landscape villages. French villages full of eventful stories, beautiful markets full of fresh produce, boulangerie and of course the cafes and bars, the steady witnesses of the everyday French life. Brick or stone walls, towers and vaults, lanes and stairs, gardens and tiny squares in a symphony of colors. Gauloises and red wine, Ricard or Brandy and Champagne lubricate the French Joie de vie and all this makes holidaying in this country a great experience.