France

Le Racou, France

Last updated 3rd January 2017

Why go?

With stunning sandy beaches and warm seas, this stretch of coast is ideal for seaside-loving families. Beaches are clean, many have life guards, there are designated sections just for swimmers and clear boundaries for jet skis – all making it super safe for families.

Le Racou, Argeles-Sur-Mer, is located on the coast of France and it’s the quintessential spot for a quaint and relaxed family holiday. Take the kids for some outdoor fun at the beach and instead of staying in a hotel or resort, try a camping holiday to spice up your summer getaway.

Activities

If you fancy a relaxing beach break, then it’s easy to while away the days relaxing on the beach and swimming in the sea at Le Racou. For those who want a bit more action, there are plenty of watersports at Argelès-sur-Mer, which is just a short drive up the coast (or even a walk if little legs can manage it.)

Unlike further along the coast at the Cote d’Azur, most of the beaches here are not privately owned and there is plenty of room for kids to run about and play.

The port has many relaxed restaurants, and is a perfect place to spend an evening watching the boats go in and out.

The beaches in this area do get quite busy by the afternoon. If this happens, I suggest going further up the coast to Grau de Leucate. Here the beaches are surprisingly quiet and you can buy oysters straight from the sea from simple huts to enjoy with a glass of wine.

The lowdown

Where to stay: We travelled with Canvas Holidays and stayed on the Bois de Valmarie campsite – a small, friendly site within easy walking distance of the beach and the shops and restaurants of Le Racou. 

The site has its own well-stocked shop and an authentic-feeling restaurant serving both French and international food, with low-key entertainment such as music or magic shows most nights

Within the site there’s a childrens’ play area and free childrens’ activities, a fantastic pool with slides, loungers and a bar. Our mobile home was also well-equipped with an outdoor gas BBQ, too.

Prices: A week at Bois de Valmarie in a two-bedroom Choice mobile home sleeping up to six people costs from £274 per week (April 2015) to £845 (August 2015.) For more information visit www.canvasholidays.co.uk

For more information, visit www.canvasholidays.co.uk

More of what you love…

For more camping fun in France, check out Tracey Davies’ outdoor family adventure.

If you’re planning a camping holiday in Europe in the summer, check out our 10 favourite places to camp in Europe with our families.