Belle France

Specialist Reports Activity Holidays Walking Holidays non-UK Operators Belle France 

	Belle France
Spelmonden Old Oast, Goudhurst, Kent TN17 1HE			MAP
tel: (0870) 405 4056

Where

France to Normandy, Loire, Burgundy, Dordogne, Lot & Tarn, Auvergne, Alps, Pyrenees and Provence.

Style

For families only offer independent options. Route maps are provided along with notes. (On tours the baggage is transported so if things go wrong people can be transported as well.)

Minimum Age

None. If child can be carried can take a standard walking holiday but warn that the child may be rather heavy and feel that it is not good for a child to be out in the sun all day. Between 2 and 5 years if the child has a lot of energy but usually can't walk more than a mile or two so would suggest a fixed location and day walks. Generally recommend for 10+ if used to walking and a tour somewhere like the Loire or Auvergne where not too punishing but still suggest that possibly a fixed location may be best in case things go wrong during the day. Provided it is planned carefully an can drop out.

Accommodation

Largely two and three-star hotels, all with en suite bathrooms, generally small and family-run.

Length of Trips

Generally a week. Can be fixed base or routes. Fixed base walks may be easier because avoiding regular re-packing of both own and children's cases. Walks are graded from easy - 4-6 hours, to hard, up to nine hours per day. Most are seven to 10 miles.

Sample Price

Around £500 per person per week. There are limited discounts for children because in these smaller hotels children will generally have their own room and full meal. A single child reduction may be available sharing a room with two adults.