Holiday in Central France - ideas please

Iwork2shop

Hi,

I'm thinking of booking a family holiday (5 adults) to Central France next year. We would like to fly somewhere, hire a car and stay in a gite or villa. However, I'm not sure where to go or where to fly to.

Has anyone any suggestions, tips or links to appropriate and useful websites?

Thanks a lot

wolfytom2009

We've done something similar to your proposed trip for several years now.

Flights to Limoges, Bergerac or Bordeaux, or, if you're heading further south, to Rodez, Pau or Carcassone. These, except Bordeaux, are all with Ryanair. Hire cars sorted through HolidayAutos or TravelSupermarket.

However, some years we drive. Stop off in Paris and make the journey part of your trip. It works out about £200 cheaper than flying if you drive, cross at Dover and stay in a budget hotel like Premiere Classe or Bonsai. They will set you back between £20 and £35 a night for a room sleeping 3.

The area varies a lot. The Dordogne is beautiful but very poular with the Brits - markets sound like Oxford City Centre!

We have moved on to the Lot. It's absolutely gorgeous, the weather is virtually guaranteed and there are far fewer Brits around.
The gites, booked through Gites de France or HolidayRentals or French Connection or Chez Nous. are much cheaper.The area around Villeneuve Sur Lot extending out to Figeac is lovely.

Jelliebeen

For gites/villas, you could try this site:

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/france/

It's where private home owners advertiser their properties to rent, so there's no agencies involved (= no commission = cheaper). My parents advertise on the site and I've used it to find a place to rent on several occassions.

As for locations, I'd recommend a bit further south around Toulouse. Have family in that area (Albi) and have enjoyed many a nice summer holiday there. Carcassone and Cordes sur Ciel are worth a visit.