Seeking a special place in France
 

Hello, travelers! We are seeking something fairly unique and have not been able to find it. We will be traveling, 4 adults and 3 small kids, to Paris and would also like to visit the countryside. We would like to stay in a home that is (1) big enough for our families (2) has a lake or river on-site that we can swim in and (3) has a farm or animals either on-site or nearby. Does anyone have a suggestion? Burgundy area would be ideal!

Best wishes!

Here are some with pools (no filter for lake or river) and I have no doubt there are animals nearby most:

https://www.airbnb.com/s/dijon-franc...ss_id=w86xx37s

You might want to investigate this site: http://www.un-gite.fr/gite/luxe-x0fr2170x0x0p1.html

Thanks! We would like to find a natural place, rather than a pool -- a lake or a river. Can you suggest any lakes or rivers that are particularly inviting for families with young children (e.g. shallow or calm, nice beach) that are within 3 hours drive or train from Paris? Surely there are some! I realized that there are many animals and wildlife just about everywhere in the countryside. Thanks!

Will you and your kids enjoy cold water temperatures? If so, Annecy would be my choice.

There are many beaches withing 3 hrs north & west of Paris - but I would not consider that to be "countryside", and there is no wildlife. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is quite popular. Try Veules les Roses, St Valery en Caux, Etretat, or even the Normandy resort beaches at Deauville, Cabourg, etc. However, every time we've visited these beaches, it's been too cold to swim - even in early July.

If you want warm water - the Cote d'Azur would be a good choice - but it's more than 3 hrs away unless you fly. And no wildlife - but there may be a zoo nearby.

Stu Dudley

Thank you for the suggestions! I think it doesn't have to be warm -- mostly because I realize we don't have the time to get all the way to the southern part of France. But one time we visited Lac du Bourget in the summer, and it was a bit chilly but still nice to splash around in. Our kids don't seem to mind, as long as the air is warm. But since we were in that area already (including Annecy) I would rather check out something new.

Are there other rivers or lakes that fit the bill? Perhaps there is a town on the Dordogne that is particularly beautiful / good for families? Or another place I am not aware of?

Many thanks!!

The Dordogne is more than 3 hrs away from Paris. Train plus car will take you about 5 1/2 hrs to get there.

Stu Dudley