travelrequired

We are looking at spending about 4-5 days in late June in Brittany near(ish) Vannes. We aren’t feeling super particular about exactly where as we are travelling with kids (6,11) and the idea is to get settled into the rhythm of local life (and allowing my older child to practice his French) rather than racing around by car seeing the sites. We do want decent access to beaches and walking to a boulangerie would be a big plus but not necessary.

We have found a lovely property near Saint Cadot (not actually on the island but just across the bridge), which would provide that small village setting though it’s admittedly further north than we were looking at first, and somehow I’m disappointed it’s not right near the ocean though that’s probably irrational.

Similarly we have found really love traditional French family houses with large gardens near Carnac (more specifically near Saint Colomban), Larmor/St Philibert, AND on the Ile des Moines. I am really intrigued by the Ile Des Moines particularly. Thinking that might just be the perfect escape but I’m not sure.

We will be 2 families with 4 kids 6-12 and a mother in law in 70s with fairly good mobility.

I’d welcome your thoughts on pros/cons of any of these places if you’ve visited!

Michael

Enlarging your search: what about the Íle de Ré? The island has bike paths well separated from the roads.

https://flic.kr/p/7mHttx

kerouac

Although I am not a fan of Brittany, I have a growing desire to go to Quiberon.

bilboburgler

If you want time for your kids to chat in French I suggest either go camping on a French camp site where families can hang out or book him onto a dinghy sailing course so he has to chat or drown ;-) just buying the family bread will not cut it

hetismij2

Excellent advice, though they may end up befriending English Dutch or German kids as well or instead. Actually in June there may not even be many kids about.
Many campsites have lovely cabins and chalets you can rent, and though most will expect you to stay for a full week you may get lucky in June with a four day rental.
Where else are you planning on going?
Be prepared for variable weather in Brittany. It can be very wet.

travelrequired

Thanks for the advice everyone. In the end we rented houses/gites/apartments (still able to cancel if need be) in Trinite sur Mer, at Domaine du Gavaudun (in Dordogne/Lot) and in Strasbourg. We are also bringing my 76 year old mother-in-law from Australia (for what may be her last trip to Europe) so decided renting au centre ville in Brittany would allow her to get out easily to see things and come back to the house to rest. She also adores sailing so Trinite sur Mer felt like a good fit. I think our kids will get exposure to European children at Domaine du Gavaudun so we decided that ticked that box, but I think the idea of camping is a great one that perhaps we will explore next time.

Maribel

travelrequired,
Trinite-sur-Mer is a great town and location and one that I want to spend more time in on our next trip to Brittany.

travelrequired

We are actually now looking at Ile de Re as well. I’m curious about your opinions of St Martin vs Le Bois Plage for 5 days. I hear the beaches are much nicer on west side for the kids but also want my MIL to have enough to do in a village.

bilboburgler

St Martin, is really nice, it has a regular market and just nicer. I couldn't spot the dates which is important as the Parisians come during August and the people of Ile de Re really don't like the Parisians and it can get a bit fraught.

travelrequired

I should have mentioned we are there June 21-27 so hopefully it will be a little quieter than later in the summer!

kerouac

Ile de Ré is pretty boring if you are not an avid cyclist.

travelrequired

We do love to cycle and play on the beach. We’ll probably also do a day in La Rochelle. I have a six year old who struggles with lots of transitions so we are OK with it being very low key.

kerouac

If you go to La Rochelle, do not miss the aquarium, one of the best in France. Most foreign tourists do not think of such a place compared to historic buildings and the various natural wonders; Also, the boat trip that circles Fort Boyard out in the ocean is worth it. Both things are great for a six year old.

joannyc

I very much enjoyed the aquarium in La Rochelle!

travelrequired

Thank you so much for this suggestion!!

kerouac

I even made a little video of it.