We found it!
We all know how difficult it is to find a holiday that works for the whole family without breaking the bank or spending it apart (although we all like a bit of space…) but guess what people, we’ve just found it!
Some of you may already know about this gem and have been keeping it a secret but we thought we’d be generous and tell you about Mas de Jouas, a beauty of a property in the Aveyron region of France. You can get here from Sevenoaks in a (long) day’s drive or take it a bit easier by breaking up the journey around the Loire/Limoges for a night or two or flying closer by, to Toulouse.
What we loved:
It’s a beautiful renovated French property – the rooms are lovingly decorated and the beds are v comfy.
The pool is great! Loungers for all (no getting up early to play lounger grabbing) plus a table and chairs if you fancy having your lunch there.
There’s room for 4 families so there’s always playmates around but you’re not overwhelmed with masses of kids.
The host family Abbi & Danny and children Lauryn and Maddy have been doing this for 13 seasons now and have a very slick set up. They know everything about the local area and booked a fab restaurant for our wedding anniversary and arranged massages and manicures. Abbi will even arrange a PT session if you’re feeling energetic??!
Toys galore. You don’t need to bring a thing with you. 
Equipment galore – we borrowed their baby carrier for some exploring around the local area.
Childcare – Lauryn and Maddy run a children’s activity every afternoon and babysitting is available (at an extra cost) as and when you like.
Someone else does the cooking! Abbi cooked us 5 meals (part of the price) which were delicious. We particularly enjoyed the Paella. The children are fed earlier and are very close-by when in bed as the adults eat on the terrace. Otherwise we ate food bought at the local market or ate in cafés and restaurants. This is a really foodie region and we ate so well. 
Masses to visit locally. We particularly enjoyed the big market in Villefranche de Rouergue, the chateau at Belcastel, the medieval village of Saint Cirq La Popie and swimming in the Lot river. There are also caves, lakes, cycling, trails, museums and a host of ‘Beaux Villages’ all within 30-90 mins away.
We had glorious weather in the mid 30s all week so spent lots of time in the pool.
The holiday really left nothing to be desired and we can’t recommend it enough. We’ve booked for next year already!
Francesca & family xx
Abbi has been generous enough to offer a 150Euro discount on any bookings for next summer if booked by the end of August. Just quote Sevenoaks Mums when booking. Go for it, you won’t be disappointed!
