What's the best bit of France for family holiday?

[Automental]

We think we'll drive over to France this Summer and would like to rent a gite with a pool somewhere nice and warm.
Love the Dordogne but fancy somewhere different, equally picturesque but with plenty of things to do for day trips.
Any Francophiles out there with recommendations?
Thanks.

[Puggit]

Anywhere...

But if you want a pool, then head south of half way

[DocArbathnot]

I reckon Annecy is good for families/activities.

For one reason or another I've never managed to go but always wanted to. I'm sure someone with more knowledge of the area will be along soon.

[Puggit]

swerni said:

We were in Cognac last year, it was lovely - but not as lovely as when we borrowed Puggit's place

EFA

[g3org3y]

DocArbathnot said:

I reckon Annecy is good for families/activities.

For one reason or another I've never managed to go but always wanted to. I'm sure someone with more knowledge of the area will be along soon.

Annecy is lovely and one of my favourite places visited in France. We only stayed a night (as part of a road trip) but it's somewhere I'd love to go again.

[Automental]

Some great food for thought there so thanks to all. Keep 'em coming!

[Zed 44]

I worked all over France for nearly 20 years but giving advice is difficult as no one knows exactly what your interests or requirements are. A lot of families go to the Vendee which is easily reachable in a day from Cherbourg or St. Malo. Personally, I find it a bit too commercialised.

Last year we visited Burgundy which we found very interesting and pleasant; beautiful villages, lovely roads, history, a couple of motor museums, a Cassis winery.

Vezelay was our favourite stop. Lovely old hilltop village. Stayed at this hotel. Our room on the first floor at the back had a lovely balcony overlooking the gardens and hills beyond.

http://www.relaisdumorvan.fr/

Like others have said, Annecy is a lovely city and the surrounding area has much to offer with lake activities, cycling and paragliding for the much more adventurous. We stayed in a chalet on this campsite which was in easy cycling distance from Annecy and a lovely site.

http://www.camping-europa.com/accueil-camping/

Jackal from PH recommended this route but I personally have not used it but if it fitted you itinerary you might want to use it.

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Hope this helps

[Automental]

Fantastic. Thanks Zed

[Zed 44]

Forgot to mention it. Southern Brittany can be warm in high summer and is closer to get to. The area between Vannes and Guilvnec west of Quimper is my favourite. Plenty of campsites and gites. With respect to campsites, if you want entertainment especially for children there are many good four star sites. If you're pretty much self-contained, I think the camping municipaux offer great value and a better chance to mix and mingle with other Continentals.