cottages4you blog: inspiration for your cottage or villa holiday in UK, Ireland and Europe

Holidays in France are great fun and can also be a really practical trip for the whole family.

There are now plenty of ways to get across the Channel, allowing you to pack up your car with everything you need to enjoy your stay in a France holiday cottage.

Here at cottages4you we love to travel by car, as it saves you worrying about check-in fees, luggage allowances and flight disruptions.

To make sure you enjoy your journey as much as possible, you must always make sure your car insurance will cover any mishaps.

According to moneysupermarket.com, some companies can change your cover when you go abroad, so it’s important to read the small print.

Head of car insurance at the firm Steve Sweeney said: "When driving in continental Europe, motorists need to be aware a provider could automatically downgrade a fully comprehensive policy."

It’s worth speaking to your insurer before heading on your holiday in France, just to be on the safe side.

Then book your Channel crossing, remember to drive on the right when you arrive in France and you’re good to go!

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you

Families in search of some snow on their French holiday should consider staying in a self-catering property close to Val Thorens.

Here you’re guaranteed to have see a good dusting, says Clementine Blanchard, a spokeswoman for the Office du Tourisme de Val Thorens.

It’s ideal for those of you who like to stay active during your holiday in France, as you can enjoy mountain biking, skiing and tobogganing, as well as much more.

According to the Crystal Ski Industry Report 2010, France is the most popular country to take to the slopes, with Austria and Andorra also common choices.

Ms Blanchard says the three surrounding valleys make Val Thorens ideal for skiing, but there’s also an ice driving circuit and France’s longest toboggan run, which takes 45 minutes to go down.

If you and your family are new to the slopes, you’re in good hands in this region because there are runs suitable for all levels, she adds.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you

If you’re considering a holiday to France, it’s likely you’ve thought of popular destinations such as Provence, Brittany and Normandy.

These will all provide you with a fabulous stay, but you might also like to head off the beaten track a little and explore some lesser-known areas.

A great place to start would be the village of Megeve in the French Alps, which has history dating back hundreds of years.

Stefan Laude, press agent for Megeve Tourisme, says the water there makes it ideal for the hotter months, because there are heaps of activities – such as canoeing – to enjoy.

"As a summer destination we have many events all summer long, evening festivals and so on," he adds.

If you fancy a bit of adventure on your French holiday, you could consider taking a small plane trip around Mont Blanc and into Megeve.

The Skyscanner Flight Trends report for June found France was one of the most popular countries to visit.

If it’s top of your list, the Megeve may be well worth a trip.

Posted by Daniel Leray, cottages4you

If you’re heading out with the family on holidays in France this summer, the Chateau de Crevecoeur in Normandy could offer the perfect day out.

Between August 1st and 8th, the castle will be host to the Medieval Festival, which will see enthusiasts joined by historical groups and skilled craftsmen in recreating life in the 15th century.

Those staying in France holiday cottages near the region will be able to feel like they have been transported back in time thanks to the painstaking work of historians and archaeologists, who ensure the reconstructions are accurate.

"Come and behold unique scenes, as a spectator, witness and actor," the website for the Chateau de Crevecoeur recommends.

The castle has been preserved and remains practically intact and as it appeared when it was built ten centuries ago, when it was the home of French farmers who would escape attacks by hiding in the fort.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

Wine lovers heading to France for their summer holidays are in for a real treat with some truly delicious tipples on offer.

Regions such as Bordeaux are well known for their grape varieties across the globe.

But you might like to try something different and sample Loire Valley wines, as these are "easy to drink and relatively light", according to an expert.

Amanda Gallou from Amanda’s Wines – a firm that imports the drink from this region – says the white wines are unoaked and this gives them the delicious light quality.

"The Sauvignon Blanc is one of the main grape varieties," she explains, but there’s plenty more to choose from.

If you’re passing through the Loire Valley in June or July, you should definitely check out the Anjou Festival.

Running from June 17th to July 10th, the country’s second-largest theatre festival is sure to be entertaining and you could even pick up a bottle or two while you’re there.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you

At cottages4you, we know how much so many Britons love a holiday in France.

With lots of beautiful areas to explore, along with outstanding food and luscious wines, we can see why.

On your next trip across the channel, you might want to spend some time in Bordeaux, which promises to offer you all you could wish for from a Gallic holiday.

Even if you’re just passing through on the way to your holiday cottage, you should make time to sample some of the best-tasting oysters in the country.

Apolline Belondrade, spokesperson at Bordeaux Tourisme, suggests La Boite a Huitre, which is right in the centre of the city.

"To finish your stay, don’t miss the Ice Bar of Bordeaux, one of the largest in Europe, where you’ll be able to drink frozen vodka in a unique atmosphere," she suggests, although make sure you’re not driving afterwards!

If you want to take a taste of Bordeaux with you, the Comptoir Boredelais next to the Grand Theatre is a vital stop-off, she adds.

Of course, one of the main attractions of the area is its delicious wine, so be sure to pick up a bottle on your travels.

A votre sante!

Posted by Daniel Leray, cottages4you

With the hustle and bustle of city life, here at cottages4you we can understand why Raf Casert packed up his car and took his wife and kids on a holiday to France.

The travel expert suggested in the Canadian Press that holiday homes in France could provide the perfect place to start a tour of the countryside by car, passing through Burgundy, the Rhone wine valley and the Midi.

You could even pick up a couple bottles of wine to enjoy in the holiday homes in France you stay at along the way.

"We never missed the cities or traffic jams. We craved neither overpriced parking tickets, nor the surly city waiters serving meals where the only thing resembling a Michelin-starred restaurant is the bill," Mr Casert said.

If you follow in his footsteps, you too could be going for midnight strolls around Romanesque buildings, passing rustic farms in the Provence and taking in the beauty of the 11th century churches dotted around the country.

The Champagne region of France also provides a sophisticated break from the city regime, the French Tourist Office recently said, with its picturesque rolling hills and excellent drinks.

Find out more about the Champagne region here.

Posted by Daniel Leray, cottages4you

Holidays in France are just perfect for those of you with all ages to cater for and there should be something to please everyone.

"The range of beaches, countryside and market towns provides the perfect backdrop for a family holiday," says a Cottages4you spokeswoman.

And if you need some inspiration for activities to do during a stay in a France holiday cottage, you should take a look at the Beautiful Village Drives ‘bookazine’ from France Magazine.

This could prove handy for those taking trips to Brittany, Normandy, Dordogne and Languedoc-Roussillon – all of which are enjoyed by car drivers, the spokeswoman explains.

It might prove to be a popular means of transport for those wanting to avoid the chaos caused by the volcanic ash cloud.

And, with France so close to the UK, driving there needn’t be too strenuous, she adds.

Just make sure you remember to drive on the correct side of the road!

Posted by Andrew Hill