The family trip to Médoc-Océan, France, involved balancing interests: beach fun for the kids, surfing and dining for the husband, and vibrant beaches for the writer. They stayed at Village Western, enjoyed cycling, and engaged in winery tours, ultimately finding a harmonious blend of activities that fulfilled everyone’s preferences while exploring scenic beaches and lakes.
My five-year-old son expressed his disinterest at the prospect of a vineyard tour during our planned holiday, failing to grasp that family vacations involve various activities. Balancing our needs—my sons’ desire for safe beach fun, my husband’s yearning for good food and surfing, and my preference for lively beaches—required careful planning.
We settled in the Médoc-Océan region near Bordeaux, specifically at Village Western campsite in Hourtin Port, surrounded by natural beauty and offering various family-friendly activities. The campsite featured amenities like mobile homes and shaded pitches, plus a cowboy theme complete with horseback riding and bike rentals, making it a pleasant spot for family fun.
The campsite was conveniently located five minutes from Lac d’Hourtin, 90 minutes from Médoc vineyards, and an hour from the Atlantic surf beaches. Eager to enjoy the ocean, we cycled to Hourtin Plage, navigating through scenic forests while our kids entertained us with stories. After a rewarding but tiring bike ride, we enjoyed some surfing and family time on the beach.
On our next adventure, we attempted our first winery tour. The cycling journey to Chateau Lynch Bages was longer than expected, leaving the kids restless, while the formal tour felt tedious for them. Nonetheless, we persisted in our effort to explore the local wine culture.
Our visit to Château Larose proved more enjoyable, focusing on a family-friendly atmosphere with engaging staff and a children’s area. While we savored the wine tasting, our kids played nearby, making it a harmonious experience that kept everyone entertained.
We limited wine excursions to approachable local shops and prioritized beach days, where the children enjoyed swimming and building sandcastles. They thrived in the lake’s shallow waters and soft sand, blissfully engaged in fun activities like watching water sports from the shore.
Despite their willingness to stay at the lake, we appreciated a holiday that satisfied parental preferences while creating wonderful family memories. Our wine-clinking moment amid the scenic pines symbolized a successful balance of activities enjoyed by all.
Ferry crossings were offered by Brittany Ferries, with fares starting at £150. Camping at Village Western begins at £17 per night, including free stays for children under 11 and affordable bike rentals. For cycling routes in Hourtin, consult medococean.co.uk for helpful resources.
The holiday successfully balanced the varied interests of the family, blending beach enjoyment, wine tasting, and outdoor activities. The choice of location in the Médoc-Océan region proved advantageous, providing easy access to stunning beaches and vineyards. Ultimately, the experience emphasized the importance of accommodating each family member’s desires while fostering shared memories. The trip exemplified how diverse activities can create a fulfilling family vacation, reminding everyone that collaboration is key in family travel planning.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
