The Best Family Holiday To The Charente in France

Our Family Holiday Staying at La Garenne

Our journey from Stanstead to La Rochelle with our 20-month-old was manageable, thanks to the toddler-friendly amenities. We flew with Ryanair, checked in online, and took advantage of the free two-item allowance to bring our stroller and a car seat.

La Garenne is a beautiful property with renovated gites, each equipped with child-friendly features like stair gates, cots, highchairs, and more. The enclosed garden allows children to play freely, and there's a variety of entertainment, including a ride-on tracker and a playroom.

Dorte's thoughtful touches, like a selection of food and drinks upon arrival, added to the convenience. The property's location is picturesque, surrounded by quaint villages, sunflower fields, and vineyards.

The Charente region offers various family-friendly activities. Despite a weather change, Dorte suggested the Aquarium in La Rochelle, which turned out to be a hit with our toddler. The local market in Saint Jean D’Angely on Wednesdays and Saturdays was a delightful experience, with fresh food and charming surroundings.

For a beach day, we returned to La Rochelle, where we ended the day at a seafood restauran called, La Yole de Chris. Back at La Garenne, the garden provided a perfect space for Rupert to play.

The property owners, Richard and Dorte, are welcoming and knowledgeable about the area. La Garenne caters to both active days and relaxed ones, making it suitable for families with diverse preferences. Our only regret was not having friends or family to share this wonderful experience with. We look forward to returning to this special place.