Our selection of saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and massage treatments will tempt mums who’ve previously pooh-poohed the idea of camping with their family.

As an added pick-me-up, our savings of up to 30% will slim down the prices of all holidays at French campsites with spas  ̶  July and August breaks included.

Four-star Le Bois Masson near to the seaside resort of St Jean de Monts in the Vendee has a sauna, steam room and fitness centre that help keep the holiday-food calories in check. Seven nights from 21 July start from £735 per family, saving £245. Steam room sessions cost 6€ per person, massages from 20€.

Domaine de Kerlann, near to Pont Aven in Brittany, offers massage styles from across the world, including Californian, Kalari Marma, and Zen Shiatsu, plus there are soothing hand and foot treatments that will ease flip-flop scuffed toes. A seven-night break from 14 July starts from £609 per family, saving £203. Massage treatments start from 15€ per person.

Les Sables du Midi, in the town of Valras Plage, in Languedoc on France’s Mediterranean coast, has massages and body scrubs to help guests keep their sun-kissed skin healthy, plus a sauna, steam room, hot tub and fitness centre – as if the weather in the south of France is not warm enough already! A break for seven nights from 14 July starts from only £693 per family saving £231. Massages start from 20€ and saunas from 5€.

For those who simply want to wash away their stresses, there are bubbling hot tubs at La Réserve in Aquitaine, Le Lac des Rêves in Languedoc and Le Montourey on the Côte d’Azur. Go to www.siblu.com/health to find out more.

Travel to France: best deals

1/ P&O Ferries has Dover to Calais crossings from £39 each way; DFDS Ferries has Dover to Dunkirk routes from only £29 each way.

2/ Brittany Ferries’ western channel crossings cost more but will cut down your drive time – and your petrol and toll costs – once you land in France. Travel midweek and in the afternoon for the lowest prices.

3/ Keep off the A (auto) routes to avoid the tolls. Plan your journey along the N (nationale) routes – they’re not as quick as the motorways but you’ll see lovely towns and scenery, as well as avoiding those toll charges.

French currency deals

4/ Don’t leave your currency change to the last minute, you’ll always end up paying more. Plan ahead because you can save £100s by using a specialist travel credit card, according to Money Saving Expert.

Holiday park deals

5/ Go self-catering to save on your food bill. Spread the cooking duties so everyone gets involved. Even the kids can make ham and cheese baguettes and every dad thinks they’re Le Chef with a barbecue. Siblu includes barbecues with our mobile home bookings on most of our holiday villages (where local regulations allow)

6/ Pick a holiday village where there are lots of activities so you won’t have to keep paying out to entertain the kids (or yourselves). Domaine de Kerlann in southern Brittany has kids clubs, indoor and outdoor pools and sports (only £672, saving £224*). La Carabasse is one of the liveliest family holiday parks in Languedoc on the Mediterranean coast (from £930, saving £309*)

Things to do in France

7/ Go where the beaches are brilliant, because they’re free and lots of fun. France’s west coast is much like the UK’s Atlantic coastline – big sandy beaches, dunes, great seaside towns – but the weather is better! Try the Vendée (Le Bois Dormant only £856, saving £285*) or Charente Maritime (Les Charmettes from £877, saving £292*).

8/ If you’re not a family who fancies spending all day at the pool or on the beach, choose a region where there are lots of attractions. The landing beaches in Normandy, the chateaux of the Loire Valley, the wine routes of Aquitaine – all can be explored for free and are fascinating.

9/ Take your bikes with you. France loves cyclists and you will find well-kept paths – winding along coastlines, through forests – close to most siblu villages.

What can you add?

Now tell us what you think. What money-saving tips do you have?

*All holiday prices are based on Esprit+ holiday homes for two adults and two children for seven-nights departing on 18 August 2012 and include discounts valid until 22 January 2012. All details are correct at the time of publishing but prices are subject to availability. Please visit www.siblu.com or call 0871 911 7777 for latest prices. **All travel deals are taken from the providers’ websites and are correct at the time of publishing. Please visit providers to for full information and to book.

Note, all holiday prices are based on a 14 July 2012 departure for two adults and two children staying seven-nights. Travel is not included. Prices correct at the time of publishing but subject to availability so please check www.siblu.com or call 0871 911 7777 for information and to book. Savings available until 22 January 2012.

Holiday deals to Brittany

Brittany has the longest coastline in France, dotted with white-sand beaches, serene harbours and craggy coves. Explore picturesque fishing towns and Carnac – France’s version of Stonehenge.

Four-star Domaine de Kerlann in southern Brittany has free children’s clubs, indoor and outdoor pools, a splash zone and sports pitches. The holiday village is located close to the pretty town of Pont Aven. From only £609, saving £203.

Pierres Couchees is just a few hundred metres from a great sandy beach with gentle surf, ideal for little ones. The rural setting is relaxing and those that don’t fancy the beach can laze by the heated outdoor pool. From only £699, saving £232.

Holiday deals to the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley was the go-to place for French royalty before the revolution, which is why the region is dominated by so many stunning châteaux. The World Heritage setting is dotted with many pretty villages and towns.

Domaine de Dugny is an outstanding 4-star holiday village with free kids clubs and a highly praised pool complex. There’s a small boating pool that’s also good for fishing. Several of the most famous chateaux, including the Royal Château at Chambord, Château Chenonceau and Château Royal d’Amboise, are close by. From only £557, saving £185.

Holiday deals to the Vendee

The Vendee is among the most popular holiday destinations in France, loved for its big, sandy, sunny coastline. Le Bois Masson, close to the resort of St Jean de Monts, is a lively four-star holiday village with indoor and outdoor pools, a health and wellbeing spa, bar and restaurant. From only £646, saving £215.

Holiday deals to Charente Maritime

Charente Maritime is the sunniest region of France’s west coast and has massive sandy beaches hidden by forests of pine trees. There are lots of fun seaside towns, so the destination gives the perfect mix for family holidays.

Les Charmettes is a giant holiday village with a brilliant indoor and outdoor swimming complex and  pools, slides and fountains that the kids will love. There are two entertainment stages, outside and inside, where the team perform shows throughout the week. From only £793, saving £264.

Bonne Anse Plage holiday village is on the edge of La Coubre forest and within walking distance of the sea. The parc has pools and slides, a climbing wall and cycle paths that snake off to the local beaches. From only £766, saving £255.

Holiday deals to Aquitaine

Aquitaine is a large region covered with pine forests, stretching from the stylish city of Bordeaux to the foothills of the Pyrenees. There are medieval towns, vineyards and long beaches which are popular with surfers.

La Réserve sits on the edge of Lake Biscarosse, which has a golden sand beach and safe, shallow waters. The holiday village has its own pool complex, kids’ playgrounds and there are lots of watersports available on the lake. From only £766, saving £255.

Holiday deals to Languedoc

Languedoc is not as glitzy or glamorous as its neighbour, the Cote d’Azur, but this is still a Med-coast region that enjoys buckets of sunshine, incredible beaches and beautiful scenery. Languedoc is the world’s biggest wine region, covering almost 300,000 hectares and producing more wine than Australia.

La Carabasse is a huge holiday village with a giant pool area. There are beaches, shops and restaurants in walking distance and the kids will love the energetic kids clubs. From only £819, saving £273.

Lac des Reves is a truly relaxing family site close to the Mediterranean coast and Montpellier. There is a highly rated pool and large sandy beaches nearby. From only £819, saving £273.

Les Sables du Midi is a small holiday village on the outskirts of the popular seaside resort of Valras Plage. From only £688, saving £229.

So if you want a family camping holiday in France, packed with activities, big pool complexes, dynamic children’s clubs, some of the best beaches in France, and the chance to feed popcorn to giraffes, choose a stay at one of these holiday villages with siblu.

Beauval Zoo
Beauval is home to over 4,000 animals and the zoo has been described as one of the world’s 15 best. It has the largest elephant plain in France, an African Savannah with over 80 animals, one of the biggest sea-lion swimming pools in Europe and rare breeds including white lions and white tigers.

Where to stay: Domaine de Dugny is on the northern bank of the Loire river, close to many stunning chateaux. There is a pool complex, free children’s clubs, adventure playground, bike hire and fishing available. Seven-nights from 17 July starts from only £874, including a saving of £88 for bookings made before 28 March.

La Palmyre zoo
La Palmyre zoo is one of the biggest in Europe with 1,600 animals from across the world. It has a strong conservation programme and runs breeding programmes for endangered species, but children will be much more interested by how close they can get to many of the animals.

There are stalls selling snacks which you can feed to the animals, getting you really near to elephants, giraffes and zebras. Children will also love watching the polar bears swimming through their glass-walled tank, the parrot and sealion shows, the baby monkeys and the extrovert meercats who love to play up to an audience.

Where to stay: La Pignade is a scenic siblu village surrounded by woodland stretching to the nearby beach. There is a covered pool, horse-riding school and free children’s clubs. Seven-nights from 24 July starts from only £1,046, including a saving of £116 for bookings before 28 March.

Oceanopolis sea life centre
Oceanopolis, on the outskirts of Brest, is a high-tech sea-life centre with Europe’s largest marine aquarium. It contains polar, tropical and temperate zones dedicated to a huge amount of sealife. The tropical zone is the most impressive and has species including sharks and large sea turtles which you can see at close quarter from walk through tanks.

The polar zone is the smallest but has fascinating attractions including a penguin colony, a pack of ice seals and impressive giant crabs. There’s also an atmospheric movie shot from of a research ship crossing a polar ice flow.

Where to stay: Domaine de Kerlann is a four-star holiday siblu village in southern Brittany. It is a great base for exploring and has free children’s clubs, indoor and outdoor pools, a fantastic splash zone and multi-sports pitches. Seven-nights from 31 July starts from only £1,053, including a saving of £285 for bookings before 28 March.

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Le Bois Masson
The health and wellbeing centre at Le Bois Masson siblu village, near to the seaside resort of St Jean-de-Monts on the Vendée coast, has a steam room and spa offering massages, body and skin treatments, from only 18€ for a 30-minute session. The village itself has indoor and outdoor pools, free children’s clubs and is close to cycle routes that stretch along the wonderful coast.

Les Sables du Midi
Les Sables du Midi siblu village can offer body scrubs, circulatory stretching and Californian massages to anyone who needs more than a beach break under the south of France sun to unwind. Sauna sessions start from only 5€ and treatments from just 20€. The village also has two small pools and is less than one kilometre from the sandy beaches if Valras Plage.

For a family holiday with a difference, take advantage of France’s love affair with the bike and try out miles of new cycle networks in popular French tourist resorts. You can strap your bikes to the car or hire cycles during your break and enjoy one of these great value pedal-powered family holidays with siblu villages (www.siblu.com; 0871 911 7777).

The Vendée’s vélo routes
The Vendée has invested heavily in cycle tracks and the region can now be explored in full from the saddle, along more than 1000km of designated routes. Almost 300km of tracks run along the coast, taking in marshland, dunes and beaches.

A unique attraction of the region is the Vélo Rail, where families can swap their bikes for a cart which they pedal along 10km of disused rail track through the Vendée countryside.

Stay at Le Bois Masson in St Jean De Monts. This large and lively holiday village has entertainment for children and adults, indoor and outdoor swimming, free children’s clubs and even a spa for post-cycling stress relief. A seven-night stay from 13 August starts from as little as £1,038 for a family in a two-bedroom holiday home.

On your bike in Brittany
Brittany, which is renowned for its beautiful coast, has new cycle routes that take in some of the most stunning ocean views. Designated vélo routes can be followed to the towns and beaches around Quimper, Brittany’s oldest city.

Base yourself at Domaine de Kerlann siblu village near to Pont Aven, where saddle sore families can relax with free children’s clubs, indoor and outdoor pools and a splash zone. A seven-night stay from 23 July starts from as little as £808 for a family in a two-bedroom holiday home.
Cycling through Charente Maritime
There are miles of accessible cycle routes for all abilities through Charente Maritime, the sunniest region on France’s west coast.  Take to two wheels through the La Coubre forest, to discover the golden beaches of the Côte Sauvage.

Start your adventure from Bonne Anse Plage siblu village in La Palmyre. When the cycling gets too much, you can let the outdoor pools and free children’s clubs take the strain.  A seven-night holiday from 20 August starts from only £950 for a family in a two-bedroom holiday home.

All prices are subject to availability.

Our new brochure features 14 outstanding locations, in destinations as diverse as the heart of Normandy to the sun-dappled Cote d’Azur. You can see the brochure online or request a copy.

New savings include up to £125 off holidays in July and August for early-bird bookings made before 31 January 2011.  Easter seven-night holidays are available from only £265 for a family and Whitsun week holidays from just £340.

Our 14 holiday villages range from the large and lively to beachside and rustic. Every siblu village has free children’s clubs, evening entertainment and lifeguarded pool complexes, with guaranteed full facilities from May 21 to September 11.

Each Siblu village is a great base for exploring the local region, where families can discover France and find incredible beaches and seaside towns, wine routes and fairytale chateaux, historic monuments and dazzling attractions.

Domaine de Kerlann, in southern Brittany. has free children’s clubs, indoor and outdoor pools, a children’s splash zone and a variety of sports. If you book before 31 January, a seven-night holiday departing 16 July 2011 starts from only £583 for a family staying in a standard two bedroom holiday home. The price includes an early-bird discount of £103.

La Reserve, in the south-west region of Aquitaine, sits on the edge of Lake Biscarosse and has its own sandy beach which gently slopes into the waters. There is a vast pool complex with indoor and outdoor swimming, free children’s clubs, sports and bike hire. Seven-nights start from £1,147 per family from 23 July 2011, including an early-bird saving of £121 for bookings made before 31 January 2011.

Le Lac des Rêves is a sun-basked rustic siblu village located close to the cosmopolitan city of Montpellier. The parc has swimming and toddler’s pools, waterslides and a Jacuzzi, all overlooked by a sunny restaurant terrace and bar. Holiday homes are available from only £1,134 for a family, for seven nights from 6 August. This includes an early-bird saving of £123 for bookings made before 31 January.

You can find out more about all of our siblu villages on the siblu website. If you really want to enter the mood, take a look at our French website for added ooh la la!

Strikes are due to end on Friday, although the situation is continually changing.

For the latest information and travel advice please see the Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) website for latest advice.

The FCO website provides links to several news sites which are providing additional information about the strikes and about fuel shortages. There are also several websites showing latest information about the availability of fuel at petrol stations by region.

Our advice to any holidaymakers travelling to France in the next few days is to use these resources to plan their journey, and drivers should ensure they keep their fuel at a sufficient level for their return journey.

Dave Bates and Nicola Thomas recommend travelling overnight, so dodging the problem of bored children during the day. Paul Robinson suggests a twist on this idea, by taking an overnight ferry crossing to St Malo, which leaves a shortish drive to many of the west coast resorts.

New technology plays an important role for many parents too, with in-car DVD players top of the list for lots of families. Paul Robinson champions a DVD player and Sat Nav combo, to make the journey a cinch for everyone. Jo Taylor, Simon Childs and Nicola Thomas agree.

Food might be the way to a man’s heart, but it’s also a way of entertaining your little ones on long drives. Will Goodridge packed himself fizzy pop and chocolate to keep alert during his drive, only to find they’d been found and gobbled up by his kids. Snacks helped to keep Simon Taylor’s girls quiet on two 12-hour drives too, and Paula Beale has even spotted the potential of food wrappers to divert little ones.

Old-fashioned bits and pieces are recommended to. Paula Beale continues her theme by recommending fiddly toys and threading beads (yes for boys too) to keep youngsters occupied, while Katharine Childs recommends wipeable travel cards and pens for doodles from Usbornes, which went down a treat with her 7 and 4 year olds …until they lost one of the pen lids!
Sarah Birch suggests the clever ruse of a bag of must-not-touch items, including an egg timer, calculator and old mobile phone to play with in the car. Another tip from Sarah is to go round the pound shops, as they have lots of good travel bits.

What other ideas you can suggest for keeping children entertained on long journeys?

Futuroscope is the second most visited theme parc in France (after Euro Disney) and yet, it seems to me, most British families know nothing about it.

The parc is unlike anything I’m aware of in the UK; essentially it uses Imax cinema technology to show films that put you at the heart of incredible events and bring to life amazing experiences.

There are more than 30 attractions to explore, with several that are brand new for 2010.

Hurricane on the Bayou – New for 2010
Hurricane on the Bayou is a thrilling story and a musical celebration of New Orleans that teaches about the importance of preserving wetlands and ecosystems.

The gigantic images on the 9,700-ft² dome screen take viewers deep into the Louisiana heartland. When the Mississippi was diverted, New Orleans was able to spread out into new zones, but doing so has resulted in massive coastal erosion. The damage to its bayous and wetlands, once natural hurricane defences, has been such that New Orleans finds itself at increasing risk from cyclones, as witnessed by the devastating effect of Hurricane Katrina.

Brush with Genius – New for 2010
This is a moving journey to the sources of the Van Gogh’s inspiration for his work. Images on the 6,500ft² screen give viewers a new perspective on his art, and makes the film an original sensory experience.

Arthur, the 4D Adventure
Arthur, the 4D Adventure from Luc Besson (director of The Fifth Element, Leon, and The Big Blue) takes the audience into the make-believe world of the Minimoys. The full array of image technologies (3D modelling, large-format IMAX 3D images, motion simulator and physical effects in the theatre) and the creative flair seen in the Minimoys world thrust visitors on a roller coaster ride of excitement and thrills.

The Future is Wild – New version 2009
Darwin’s theory of evolution throws light on how species evolved in the past, and is the inspiration for Futuroscope’s imaginative look into the future. Our visitors climb aboard expedition vehicles for an interactive augmented-reality adventure, where, kitted out with camera-binoculars and sensor bracelets, they will meet and interact with animals that could be roaming the planet millions of years from now.

Cosmic Collisions – New for 2009
This spectacular, immersive and instructive show from the American Museum of Natural History, narrated by Robert Redford, takes visitors on a breathtaking journey through time and space to witness the cosmic smashes that shape the universe. The scientific images shown on the dome screen were taken by NASA satellites and modelled to simulate cosmic phenomena in 3D.

Fly Me to the Moon, new in 2009
Be a fly on the wall inside the first moon shuttle in Fly Me to the Moon and live an incredible adventure with three stowaways.

Stay at Les Charmettes, La Pignade and Bonne Anse Plage for best access to Futuroscope.