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Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions section. These FAQs are real - they've been asked by enquiring families and we always answer to our best ability. New FAQs and answers are always posted to our website for all to see.

If you have a question that is not answered here or elsewhere on our website let us know. Click here to email us now with any questions you still have.

Activities

Are the activities instructed in English?

How does the activities programme work?

Do we have to take part in all activities?

Is there a minimum age restriction for children for the different activities?

We've got children who are under 7. What can we do?

What do families tend to do in the evenings?

Are the activities instructed in English?

Yes, all sessions are held in English. Our instructors are our employees - we don't use local instructors so there is no need to worry about not understanding the local language! Our staff really do make all the difference - they are incredibly dedicated to giving you the best possible holiday.

How does the activities programme work?

All of our centres are multi-activity centres. All our guests have the opportunity to participate in as many of the activities as they want, and so it is not possible to focus on only one or two activities for the whole of the holiday.

There are normally three activity sessions each day: a morning session following breakfast (usually 2 ½ hours), an afternoon session following lunch (usually 2 ½ hours), and an evening session following dinner (usually 1 ½ hours).

Activities are not compulsory. Although we run activities every day (apart from the planned rest/excursion day at Villeneuve, Narbonne and Labeaume) we recommend that families take some time out from activities for rest and relaxation, local visits and sight-seeing, sunbathing, etc.

Our activities are sometimes weather dependent and it may be necessary to rearrange or cancel sessions from time to time.

Do we have to take part in all activities?

No. Adults and children can take part in whatever activities they choose. We take full responsibility for all participants during activities, so there is no need for adult supervision. Activities are not compulsory and therefore there is no pressure on anyone to participate in any activity you don’t want to take part in. The only exception to this is for children under seven years of age, where they must be accompanied at all times by an adult.

Unlike some other companies, we very much encourage adults to enjoy the activities with their children - we don't think it's a real 'family' holiday if the children and adults are forced to spend time apart! However, if you want to opt-out of an activity, or for a day, or even for the week, we take full responsibility for your children, so you need not worry and can spend the time as you wish.

Is there a minimum age restriction for children for the different activities?

Children seven years of age and over may participate in all of our activities. The date of birth defines when they can participate, so they don't need to be seven at the time of booking, but do need to be seven on the day of activities. Sometimes children turn seven during the holiday - in these cases they can participate from their birthday onwards.

Younger children are always very welcome at our centres, and there is always plenty for them to do. Parental supervision is required but there are often younger children around and parents take it in turns to 'babysit'. We've found this to be particularly common when two or more families travel together as friends.

We've got children who are under 7. What can we do?

Families with children of all ages are welcome at our centres. Unfortunately, for health and safety (and insurance!) reasons, children under 7 years of age cannot participate in activities organised by us. However, there is always plenty to do at most of our centres for young children and there are often plenty of games to be played at our centres. If you have a young child that you want to bring, give us a call - we can often give good discounts for young children.

What do families tend to do in the evenings?

There is varied evening entertainment with activities such as tug of war, parachute games, competitions and a whole lot more. However, many families prefer a slower pace of life in the evening and tend to enjoy socialising with each other, either relaxing over a glass of wine on centre or visiting the local area. Usually, while we entertain the children!

Accommodation

How does the activities programme work?

How many tents will our family have?

What are the toilet and shower blocks like?

What are the tents like?

How does the activities programme work?

Our activities are sometimes weather dependent and it may be necessary to rearrange or cancel sessions from time to time.

How many tents will our family have?

Families of two or three people are allocated one Principal Tent; families of four to six have two tents: a Principal tent with full facilities as shown above, and a secondary tent with the metal-sprung beds and a solid flooring only.

What are the toilet and shower blocks like?

The shower & toilet facilities vary from centre to centre. Labeaume has unisex facilities, however all individual toilets, showers and washbasins have closed doors and the toilets are European in style, not continental. Narbonne has unisex facilities that are also European in style. All other centres have plenty of separate facilities for males and females.

What are the tents like?

Our tents are basic and comfortable. They are only used for sleeping, as our self-contained villages each have their own play area and central marquee for eating and socialising.

All tents have solid floors and metal, sprung beds.

The Principal Tent for each family will normally be equipped with items such as an Inner Tent to provide a small bedroom area, a hanging wardrobe, lighting, and a patio table, chairs. At our centres in France and Italy, the tents may also have a mirror, a small fridge and a bedside table.

Secondary tents, normally used for children, contain just the metal-sprung beds.

Food & Drink

What's included?

Travel

Why should I choose a coach holiday?

Will I need to use my car whilst at centre?

Where will the coach pick-up point be?

There's only coach holidays on the dates I can travel, but I want to drive!

Why should I choose a coach holiday?

Coach holidays are ideal for families, particularly single-parent families, who don't like the idea of long drives or driving on the wrong side of the road! They are also a very good way of keeping down the hidden costs of travel. With our coach holidays you don't have to fork out for some or all of the following: petrol/diesel, car wear and tear, ferry/eurotunnel costs, road tolls, extra car insurance, extra roadside recovery, etc., etc. The coach is always available for transfers to activity sites where necessary, and is also used for excursions and evenings out whenever required - allowing you to make the most of french wine without having to worry about driving! Also, the coach travel to and from centre continues throughout the night while you sleep - cutting the perceived journey time for all the family.

Will I need to use my car whilst at centre?

If you choose a Self Drive or Fly Drive holiday, you may have to use your car to access some of our activity sites, especially at Villeneuve in Italy where almost all activities are off-site. You will of course be welcome to go off-site at any time for excursions or days/evenings out, although we find that many families only choose to do so once or twice during their holiday with us.

Where will the coach pick-up point be?

Coach routes usually start in the North of England or Scotland and then follow a main route South to London and Dover. Some coaches stay close to the A1, some the M1 and others the M5 and M40. We choose the best route for the coaches depending on where you are coming from. Pick up points are often transport terminals such as coach stations and main line train stations, and motorway service stations. If you are about to choose a coach holiday but are worried about where the pick-up point might be, please call us so that we can work out which route is best for you.

Many families use the excellent National Express network to meet our coach at a convenient place. Look at their website for routes and prices.

There's only coach holidays on the dates I can travel, but I want to drive!

Just because we have a coach going out on your chosen dates doesn't mean that you must travel on it! You can still book that holiday and then drive or fly. The price remains the same and we don't sell your seats on the coach so that they are available for you on excursions or journeys to activity sites should you want.