FAQ
Family Farm Holidays France
General
WHEN MAY WE HAVE OUR FAMILY HOLIDAY?
We are open from Easter to early September, and we offer two unique luxury holiday options during the season. A favorite package is the “Absolutely Everything’s Included” family holiday, available during our Summer Season from May half-term to end of August. Our A la Carte luxury holidays are available during our Spring Season from April to May and the first week of September.
DO GRANDPARENTS COME TO COUNTRY KIDS?
Absolutely. Our holidays work really well for multi-generation getaways. Grannies, grandpas, mums and dads have time with the little ones, time with the big ones and time to themselves. Everyone can enjoy the wine tasting, local markets and off-site activities. The Farmhouse is the perfect accommodation if you are bringing Granny and Grandpa as there is a double bedroom and bathroom on the ground level whilst the main family accommodation is upstairs. Apartment 1 is on the ground floor and works well too. There are two bedrooms with double beds. Plus a twin bedroom for the kids.
WHAT TIME CAN WE ARRIVE?
Our check in time is 4 p.m., but if you arrive before that we will show you around and give you some towels to go for a swim. We recognise that it is probably easier for you to come straight to Country Kids and let the kids play here than to look for somewhere to hang about after a long journey. Before you arrive, we will ask what time you expect to arrive so that we can do our best to have your accommodation ready for you whatever time you arrive (departing guests permitting).
WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD WE BRING?
The weather is one of the few things out of our control but summer days are usually warm and glorious although be prepared for the odd flash storm to clear the air. In Spring and end of September you might need warmer clothes for some days and for the mornings and evenings but the pool is always heated so you will always be able to swim. Restaurants are mostly casual but there are a few nicer ones where you would not look out of place in special outfit. if you don’t want to wear more than shorts and jeans that is also fine and don’t forget to bring trainers for your off site activities/tennis.
ARE THERE NICE RESTAURANTS TO GO TO ON OUR BABYSITTING NIGHTS?
Yes. The closest is 1 minute in the car or 15 minutes walk in the beautiful countryside surrounding us and then there are several more within a 30 minute radius. We will recommend and book for you plus give you fail safe directions!
HOW FAR IS THE NEAREST VILLAGE ?
The very closest village to us is Brenas and it is tiny, perfect for a stroll but not a shop in sight so you can go without your wallet! Octon is a 10 minute drive and there you will find a small village grocer, a post office, two cafés and restaurant. 20 minutes drive are the larger towns of Bedarieux and Lodeve where you will find shops, supermarkets and restaurants. Clermont L’Herault is 25 minutes drive and has one of the largest weekly markets in the region.
WHAT MEDICAL FACILITIES ARE THERE NEARBY?
We have a very nice GP surgery with one English doctor and another two English speaking doctors in it. There is a 24 hour emergency clinic in Bedarieux 20 minutes away and exceptional hospital facilities if needed in Montpellier.
Travel
HOW DO MOST FAMILIES GET TO COUNTRY KIDS?
Most guests fly. If you prefer to drive, we are 10 hours from Calais. Some guests stop over in Orleans if they are passing through on their way to or from Country Kids. You can come by train to Montpellier Saint Roch (City Center) or Montpellier Sud de France (Direct access to A9 motorway). If you are training from London, change at Lille rather than in Paris. Lille is a platform change, whereas Paris is a station change. The two closest airports are Béziers (BZR) and Montpellier (MPL). There are several other airport possibilities, many serviced by low-cost airlines.
DO WE NEED TO HIRE/HAVE A CAR WITH US?
Absolutely, yes. We are in the countryside. You cannot get about without a car. To visit local markets and attend off-site activities, including day trips to the beach and your romantic dinners on babysitting nights, you will need a car. We recommend you hire with any company that is NOT linked to your airline as often that company will be the one with the longest queue. Taxis can be arranged, but they are expensive.
Accommodation
DO WE NEED TO BRING SHEETS AND TOWELS?
We provide all bedding and towels as well as a set of pool/beach towels for each family.
DO I NEED TO BRING A HAIRDRYER AND WHAT CLOTHES WASHING FACILITIES DO YOU HAVE?
All apartments have a hairdryer, iron and ironing board as well as a washing machine. We always provide a free clothes drying service if the sun isn’t doing its job. During the Summer season a weekly washing and ironing is included and this is available as an option at other times.
Catering
CAN WE BUY PROVISIONS ON SITE AND HOW FAR IS THE NEAREST SUPERMARKET?
Our on site shop stocks all the provisions you will need to get started so you won’t need to rush to the shops when you arrive. And if you do want to go shopping you can go during crèche/kids club hours and actually take your time and enjoy seeing what they have in French supermarkets! We stock fish fingers and chips, baked beans and tuna, pasta and sweet corn, nappies and wipes, sun cream, chocolate and more. We offer a selection delicious locally sourced meals like daube de boeuf, vegetarian lasagna, chicken in a lemon sauce and vegetable soup that you can pop in the oven for easy meals. Each morning there are freshly baked croissants, baguettes and pastries so you can come down to the bar in your toweling robe to pick up a pain au chocolat for a real French start to the day! The closest large supermarket is 20 minutes drive but if you don’t want to, you don’t need to set foot in it during your stay.
CAN YOU CATER FOR FOOD ALLERGIES/VEGETARIAN/HALAL/KOSHER GUESTS?
Yes, we will ask you before you arrive if you have any dietary requirements and we will not let you go hungry!
Facilities
DO WE NEED TO BRING CYCLE AND RIDING HELMETS AND DO YOU HAVE BABY SEATS ON YOUR BIKES?
We have helmets and bikes with one baby seat available for guests use. We have a full carbon road bike available and guests can bring their own pedals to put on it if they wish to. We also have a baby trailer that can be attached to bikes for the really little ones. The pony school and horse riding instructors have riding helmets for you so you don’t need to use up valuable packing space on these items!
DO WE NEED TO BRING TENNIS RACKETS AND BALLS?
No, we have enough for everyone.