Cheap Family Weekend Breaks: Our Ideas in France

A cheap family weekend break doesn’t mean crossing the whole of France. From the Vendée coast to the volcanoes of the Auvergne, via the rivers of the Périgord, camping remains the most accessible type of accommodation for tight budgets. Our cheap campsite comparison tool lists more than 1,800 sites across the country, most of which are eligible for VACAF grants and ANCV holiday vouchers.

Here are 12 destinations for combining family activities, a change of scenery and a small budget over 2 or 3 nights.

Our ideas at a glance

Cheap seaside family weekend

For a cheap seaside family weekend, the Atlantic coast has the best campsite deals. The Vendée, Charente-Maritime and Hérault together have nearly 600 VACAF-eligible campsites, with accommodation from €50 a night in a mobile home outside peak season.

Here are 3 seaside destinations suited to families:

• Saint-Jean-de-Monts in the Vendée offers 8 km of supervised beach, free kids’ clubs and more than 30 campsites in the area.
• Royan in Charente-Maritime combines 5 family-friendly beaches, an 18-hectare zoo at La Palmyre and safe cycle paths.
• Cap d’Agde in the Hérault has budget-friendly water parks and pitches just 100 metres from the sea.

Nature and river family weekend

Away from the beaches, inland France offers very affordable nature weekends. The Ardèche, Dordogne and Vosges combine wide open landscapes, outdoor activities and 1- to 3-star campsites from €45 a night, ideal for keeping to a budget.

Here are 3 nature destinations worth prioritising with the family:

• Vallon-Pont-d’Arc in the Ardèche remains the go-to spot for canoeing through the gorges, with safe river swimming and campsites under the pines.
• Sarlat-la-Canéda in the Dordogne gives access to the castles of the Périgord Noir, the caves of Lascaux and a trip down the Dordogne river by traditional gabare boat.
• Gérardmer in the Vosges combines a purpose-built swimming lake, easy trails around the high pastures and typical farm inns.

Family mountain weekend away from the ski resorts

The mountains aren’t just for skiers. Away from the ski resorts, the Auvergne, the Pyrenees and the Jura offer year-round accessible weekends, with rustic campsites from €45 a night and plenty of free outdoor activities.

Here are 3 mountain destinations suited to children:

• Le Mont-Dore in the Auvergne combines climbing the Puy de Sancy, swimming at Lac Pavin and walks through the volcanoes for all levels.
• Argelès-Gazost in the Hautes-Pyrénées gives access to thermal spas suitable from age 4, the Cirque de Gavarnie and hikes across the high pastures.
• Lac de Vouglans in the Jura offers a family watersports base, purpose-built beaches and shaded trails around the dam.

Family town and culture weekend

Combining a city visit with affordable accommodation remains possible by choosing campsites on the outskirts of major towns. Carnac, Strasbourg and Avignon combine remarkable heritage with 2- to 3-star campsites 15-20 minutes from the centre, from €60 a night.

Here are 3 town-culture destinations for a family weekend:

• Carnac in Southern Brittany lines up 3,000 prehistoric megaliths, has supervised beaches and a museum suited to young visitors from age 5.
• Strasbourg in Alsace charms with its medieval centre, its Gothic cathedral and its Christmas market in December, reachable from the outlying campsites.
• Avignon in Provence offers the Palais des Papes, the Pont Saint-Bénézet and campsites in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, 15 minutes away by bus.

Great tips for spending less on a family trip

To have a cheap family weekend, 6 savings levers combine easily. Social grants, a smart booking calendar and the choice of accommodation can turn the bill from simply affordable to very cheap indeed, especially in off-peak periods.

Here are the smart moves to activate savings:

• The VACAF scheme covers part of the stay for CAF/MSA benefit recipients, up to 80% of the accommodation cost.
• ANCV holiday vouchers can be used at most partner campsites and allow payment to be spread out over the year.
• Booking early (4 to 6 months ahead) gives up to 30% off the standard rates.
• Last-minute rates (7 or 15 days before departure) drop by up to 50% on unsold pitches in low season.
• A bare pitch (tent, caravan) costs 2 to 3 times less than a mobile home, for equivalent comfort.
• A 2-night weekend outside school holidays halves the price of a summer weekend.

Good to know: VACAF grants cover up to 80% of accommodation costs for families receiving CAF or MSA benefits. The family quotient determines the amount granted.

Planning your next cheap family weekend and looking for a destination suited to your children without blowing your budget? Book your campsite now on our site and pick the accommodation that matches your dates, your region and your VACAF grant!

FAQ — Cheap family weekend

What budget should I plan for a cheap family weekend?

For a cheap family weekend of 2 nights, budget from €200 for a bare pitch out of season and from €350 for a mobile home for 4 people. This budget covers accommodation but not meals, petrol and sightseeing. VACAF and ANCV grants often cut this amount by 40 to 50%.

Can you go on a weekend break with VACAF grants?

Yes, VACAF grants can be used for a weekend just as for a longer stay, at VACAF-approved campsites. The amount granted depends on your family quotient and is capped at 80% of the accommodation cost. The application is made via VACAF.fr or with the partner campsite, which checks eligibility at the time of booking.

What is the best time for a cheap family weekend?

The best time for a cheap family weekend runs from April to June and from September to October. Campsites then offer up to 40% off compared with July-August. The weather stays pleasant and tourist sites are less crowded, ideal for visiting with children.