Sean C
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Options researched: - Northern Spain (Cantabria/Asturias) - France Dordogne - France Brittany - Eurocamp Domaine des Ormes - Eurocamp La Grande Métairie - Siblu Domaine de Kerlann Includes detailed itineraries and costings for family of 3. Dates: 18 July - 2 August 2026 Budget: £2,000
3.3 KiB
3.3 KiB
Holiday Options Summary
Quick Comparison
| Northern Spain | Dordogne, France | Brittany, France | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Feasibility | ⚠️ Tight (£2,000-2,100) | ⚠️ Tight (£2,000-2,130) | ✅ Achievable (£1,970-2,000) |
| Mosquito Risk | ✅ Low | ✅ Low | ✅ Very Low |
| Travel Time | Long (20h ferry + driving) | Medium (6h ferry + 10h driving) | Short (6h ferry + 6h driving) |
| Child Appeal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Uniqueness | High (new region) | Very High (caves/castles) | Medium (coastal) |
| Vegetarian-Friendly | ✅ Good | ✅ Good | ✅ Very Good (galettes) |
| Self-Catering | ✅ Apartments available | ✅✅ Gîte paradise | ✅✅ Gîte paradise |
| July Weather | 20-26°C, some rain | 25-32°C, mostly sunny | 18-24°C, mixed |
Budget Comparison (£2,000 target)
Northern Spain
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ferry (Plymouth-Santander) | £450 |
| Accommodation (14 nights) | £700 |
| Food | £450 |
| Fuel | £200 |
| Activities | £100 |
| Contingency | £100 |
| Total | £2,000 |
Dordogne, France
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ferry (Portsmouth-Caen) | £350 |
| Accommodation (14 nights) | £750 |
| Food | £500 |
| Fuel | £200 |
| Activities | £150 |
| Tolls | £50 |
| Total | £2,000 |
Brittany, France
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ferry (Plymouth-Roscoff) | £350 |
| Accommodation (14 nights) | £750 |
| Food | £500 |
| Fuel | £180 |
| Activities | £150 |
| Contingency | £70 |
| Total | £2,000 |
Key Decision Factors
Choose Northern Spain if:
- You want somewhere completely new and different
- You don't mind a long ferry crossing
- You're excited about unspoiled Atlantic coast + mountains
- Your daughter loves caves and nature
Choose Dordogne if:
- Your daughter is obsessed with castles, knights, or caves
- You want a truly unique family experience
- You don't mind a longer drive
- Self-catering in a proper French gîte appeals
Choose Brittany if:
- Budget is your #1 priority - best chance of staying under £2,000
- You want shorter travel time
- You want guaranteed beach days
- Crêpes and galettes sound perfect
- You're okay with weather that might be mixed
My Recommendation
For Budget (£2,000 strict): Brittany ✅
- Most realistic to achieve budget
- Shorter travel (less tiring for everyone)
- Great mix of beaches, castles, culture
- Easy to find affordable gîtes inland
For "Wow" Factor: Dordogne 🏰
- Incredible experience for a 6-year-old
- Caves, castles, canoeing - magical
- Will create lasting memories
- Slightly tighter budget but achievable
For Something Different: Northern Spain 🇪🇸
- Least touristy option
- Beautiful unspoiled region
- Mix of coast and mountains
- Longest travel but most "adventure" feel
Next Steps
- Discuss as a family - which option excites you most?
- Start researching accommodation - get a feel for what's available
- Set booking deadlines - January/February for gîtes, March for ferries
- I can help with:
- Finding specific gîtes in your chosen area
- Checking ferry prices and availability
- Building detailed itineraries
- Researching specific activities/attractions
Created: 15 March 2026