Operators are offering expanded programmes, special discounts and new services for summer 2000 to encourage families to take gite and self-catering holidays in France.
In Cresta’s France 2000 brochure, a ‘Kids Go Free’ offer applies to all self-drive, self-catering holidays.
Cresta France brand manager Sarah Aulton said: “Prices are based on two adults sharing. Additional children – and adults – go completely free, so it is very good value.”
Prices start from £282 in May at the Port Bourgenay Village on the west coast, in accommodation that sleeps up to five, including return ferry crossing. Pre-bookable kids’ clubs and baby packs have been introduced in many self-catering apartment complexes, added Aulton. Self-catering short breaks are also new.
Several operators have increased the number of properties on offer for summer 2000. Country Cottages in France has 227 more properties this year, bringing the total to 735. Many of the additions are large houses with pools, popular with families, said Country Cottages managing director Geoff Cowley.
Meon Villas has added 20 upmarket properties to its portfolio – nine of which are in the Dordogne, which it claims is its fastest-growing destination, along with the south of France.
French Life has also expanded its range of luxury accommodation. French Life group business development manager David Stamp said: “We have accommodation for all budgets – from simple apartments to luxurious villas. There’s a market for all of it, but there’s growing demand for luxury properties.”
Brittany Ferries has increased the number of properties in its Gite Holidays in France 2000 brochure by 15%, to 1,500. To make life easier for pet-loving families, pet friendly gites have been marked, taking advantage of the new pet passports which are being introduced next week. Brittany Ferries has also extended its early-booking offer of 20% off the price of gite rental – except between July 8 and August 19 – until March 15 2000. Operators reported a slow start to sales for summer 2000, with figures down around 9% on this time last year.
Vacances en Campagne marketing director Owen Davies said: “We sold well for the summer earlier but the usual January rush hasn’t happened. The off-peak market is sluggish.”
While Cresta’s sales to the west coast were down 20 % on last year, the Riviera was up by 15% and the Pas de Calais and Normandy up by 50% – possibly because of the introduction of short breaks, said Cresta’s Sarah Aulton.
Other operators reported Provence, the Cote d’Azur and the Loire were selling well. For families travelling longer distances, Vacances en Campagne has introduced pre-bookable themed stopovers in Disneyland, Parc Asterix and Futuroscope. Brittany Ferries is also offering one night’s free family room stopovers for holidaymakers staying for two weeks.
Despite a rise in ferry fares, most holiday prices were up by less than 5% on last year. French Life’s David Stamp said: “The strong pound means that increased ferry prices could be absorbed. Self-catering holidays in France remain very good value, especially compared with other destinations. To go to Italy, for example, you really have to fly, and hiring a car once there is very expensive.”
Gite breaks
Vacances en Campagne (Individual Travellers Co.):seven nights in a traditional farmhouse in St Avit Senier, Dordogne, sleeping six and a baby, costs £872 from May 26. Includes channel crossing for one car. Close to Beaumont with pool and garden. Sailing, windsurfing and canoeing nearby.
French Life: seven nights in detached cottage in Chateau la Vallerie, Loire, sleeping four and a baby, costs £470 from June 29, for two adults. Children under 18, free. Ferry crossing included. Good base for exploring the Loire chateaux.
Brittany Ferries: seven nights in a detached gite near Guingamp, northern Brittany, sleeping four, costs £281 from June 24. Ferry not included. Large property in gardens. Good for exploring old Brittany. Ancient mills, wells, farms and churches all over the area.
Meon Villas: one week in the 14th-century Chateau de Cazenac in the Dordogne costs from £2,980 including accommodation for up to 15 people with daily maid service. Mid-week return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais for one car and occupants.