This article details a family’s holiday experience in the Médoc-Océan region of France, focusing on the balance of activities suitable for both children and adults. Key highlights include their stay at Village Western campsite, cycling trips to the beach and vineyards, and family-friendly wine tasting experiences. The itinerary carefully considered the differing needs of each family member, ensuring enjoyable moments for everyone while exploring local attractions and nature.
During our family trip to the Médoc-Océan region of France, my son initially expressed disinterest in our vineyard tour. Preparing a holiday that suits my two children, my laid-back husband, and myself proved challenging. We needed a location with safe beaches for kids, but also waves for surfing and opportunities for relaxation and good food for my husband.
We chose Village Western, a scenic campsite in Hourtin Port, surrounded by a forest and located near Lac d’Hourtin, France’s largest freshwater lake. The campsite featured shaded pitches and mobile homes, providing a quiet environment during peak holiday season. Entertainment included horse riding and themed decorations that kept our children active and engaged while enjoying the convenience of on-site bike rentals.
The campsite’s location made it a convenient base from which to explore. It was just five minutes of cycling to the lake, about an hour to the Atlantic beaches, and a 1½-hour bike trip to the Médoc vineyards. Our family found joy cycling on off-road paths, transitioning from camping fun to excursions at the beach and vineyards.
We first visited Hourtin Plage, traveling through picturesque forests. The 13km bike ride was slightly strenuous but enjoyable for the kids, as they shared stories along the way. After a refreshing surf session for the adults and beach play for the kids, we enjoyed a delicious pizza dinner before heading back to the campsite.
Our first vineyard tour at Chateau Lynch Bages didn’t capture the children’s excitement, leading to some restlessness. The bike trip to the vineyard took over two hours and lacked engagement for the kids despite the wine tasting. In contrast, visiting Château Larose later provided a more relaxed and welcoming environment, allowing our children to explore freely while my husband enjoyed the tasting experience.
To avoid overwhelming the children with wine activities, we focused on nearby family-friendly local attractions. This included leisure time spent on warm, shallow lake waters and relaxing on ocean beaches. Our children thrived in the soft sand and shallows, fostering their creativity with sandcastle building and enjoying recreational activities like paddleboarding.
Ultimately, our holiday balanced the children’s enjoyment and our adult desires, culminating in a toast amid the pines, featuring the local wine. This trip successfully catered to both relaxation and family fun, making it a memorable experience for all.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
