Last summer we packed up the car, loaded the kids with snacks and headed off on a 14 night adventure to France with Eurocamp – and it was honestly brilliant. There were 9 of us in total: 5 adults and 4 kids of different ages, so the challenge was finding something that would keep everyone happy. In the end, I think we got the balance just right.

Our trip started with a drive down to Portsmouth to catch the overnight ferry with Brittany Ferries to St Malo. This wasn’t just a way of getting there, it felt like the holiday had started already. The kids were so excited to be on a “big boat”, checking into our cabin for the night and exploring the ship. There is something quite magical about going to sleep in one country and waking up in another.

The next morning we arrived in France and had about a 5 hour drive down to South West France, to an area called the Médoc. We stopped at a few of the French service areas along the way which, I have to say, are very different to the ones at home. Not a McDonald’s in sight, just fresh food, proper coffee and baguettes everywhere you look. It made the journey feel like part of the experience rather than just a slog down the motorway.

Our first campsite was called Club Atlantic Montalivet, on the western side of the Médoc facing the Atlantic Ocean. The location is brilliant if you like beaches, waves and that laid-back surfy feel.

We stayed in a three bedroom mobile home with a private decking area and air con which was a lifesaver. There was loads of space for everyone and a proper kitchen so we could cook when we wanted to. Outside we had a grill for al fresco dinners. After a quick dash to the local supermarché to stock up on essentials (and by essentials I obviously mean cheese, wine and crisps for the kids), we were set. The kids could head straight to the pool complex while we fired up the barbecue and actually relaxed for five minutes.

We spent 7 nights here and some of our highlights were:

• Direct access to a huge sandy beach, with surfing lessons available for anyone brave enough to give it a go (plus a handy beach bar for the grown ups).
• Horse riding for the kids, including a trek through the forest and down to the beach which they absolutely loved.
• Evening entertainment and kids’ club on site, plus a great pool complex, adventure playground and an arcade to keep everyone busy.
• An on-site supermarket, restaurant and bar, so you never feel like you have to get in the car if you don’t want to.

For week two we packed up and drove around three hours inland to a completely different part of France: the Dordogne. This campsite was set right on the Dordogne River, so it had a much more peaceful, countryside feel compared to the beachy, Atlantic vibes of Club Atlantic. It was lovely to have that contrast in one trip.

We stayed in a similar style mobile home again which worked perfectly for us as a family. There was enough space to spread out but it still felt cosy, and we could eat together on the decking in the evenings without feeling on top of each other.

My personal highlight from this week was a 10 km kayaking trip down the Dordogne River. It sounded a bit daunting at first, but it was such good fun. The kids loved being able to hop out of the kayaks and jump into the river for a swim, and we could stop off along the way in little towns and beaches. There are even small cafés dotted along the riverside where you can pull up, grab a drink or an ice cream and watch the world go by before paddling on again.

All in all, it was a fantastic holiday that genuinely had something for everyone: beaches and waves, rivers and countryside, activities for the kids, chilled evenings for the adults, and lots of quality family time without feeling stuck in one place.

If you like the idea of a road trip-style family holiday with a bit of adventure but the thought of planning it feels a bit overwhelming, you are not alone. Working out routes, ferries, driving times, and which parks will suit your family can feel like a lot. If you are thinking about a similar trip for your own family, I would love to help you piece it all together and find the sites and travel options that suit you best.