Camping operators are feeling the benefits of a favourable exchange rate which is making France an attractive destination for families this summer.
Keycamp Holidays managing director Simon Tobin said: “France represents sensational value for money this year which has resulted in a growth of bookings in the camping sector of around 4%.
“This has allowed families to spend more on their accommodation and there is clear evidence of customers trading up to bigger and more luxurious models of mobile homes.
“There are still some excellent discounts available on June holidays and our research shows that even in peak season, self-drive camping in France is at least 25% cheaper than the equivalent self-catering holiday in the Mediterranean.”
New for 1999, the operator has added a three-bedroom, two-bathroom Grand mobile home on selected sites in France.
Also new is a riverside site in Brittany for activity-based holidays, and an activity programme for 13-16 year olds at selected French sites in peak season.
Normandy, Brittany and the Vendee still remain favourites for families with young children.
EuroSites reports that 17% of its clients head for the Vendee on the Atlantic Coast where it has 15 sites. Atypical two-week holiday in July for a family of up to six costs £679 for a luxury tent or £909 for a mobile home.
Head of Eurosites Richard Allen said: “Once families discover this area they return time and again. It has magnificent beaches, safe bathing and it’s a doddle to get to.”
The south of France has traditionally been less popular with families but Allen said prices did not have to beprohibitive.
A typical two-week holiday to the Cote d’Azur for a family of up to six people costs £1,335 in peak season and £560 in low season. Prices include return Dover-Calais crossing on Hoverspeed and overnight stop en route each way.
French Life has increased its number of campsites from nine to 16 for 1999 and added 150 new mobile homes.
Director of retail sales Julia Slater said the operator still had availability on sites in Vendee and the Brittany during the school summer holidays.