It is no surprise that France’s north-west region is a perennial favourite with British holidaymakers and families in particular, writes Jim Wildman.

It is home to a treasure trove of attractions and some of the most stunning countryside and coastline on the continent.

Brittany is the number one location, and for good reason. While sun is not guaranteed, it benefits in summer from a typically warm climate. It is home to seemingly endless beautiful, sandy beaches and rocky headlands combined with smaller coves where you can park up for free and just spend the day sitting, paddling, exploring rock pools and enjoying a picnic.

Then there are its amazing cultural and historical attractions. Although part of France, it shares a Celtic culture with northern and western Britain; home to megalithic monuments that rival Stonehenge, ancient towns, medieval castles and forts.

Brittany is, of course, famous for its food; seafood in particular as well as its pancakes (crepes and gallettes) which are served at most cafes and bars. In summer many harbours and villages stage festivals of music, often in the evening, with plenty of beer and of course Breton cider to drink.

A camping holiday is perhaps the best way to go if you have a young family. There are an abundance of sites and while not exactly a cheap holiday, self-catering helps with the cost and if you head for one of the established sites there is plenty of family entertainment on offer.

Canvas Holidays provides all kinds of accommodation on local sites, ranging from tents to modern mobile homes or even luxury lodges and cabins.

A typical mobile home from Canvas Holidays, as featured at Camping le Châtelet in Brittany

Perhaps most popular is the mobile home. A classic, with two bedrooms, can accommodate up to six people. There is a lounge/dining area with seating that can convert to a bed, fully equipped kitchen, shower room and toilet. Linen and towel hire is available at a charge, as well as air conditioning. All mobile homes come with free barbecue and free cots and high chairs where necessary.

Some people are discouraged from this kind of holiday experience by the prospect of the journey. Don’t be. It does involve travelling to Portsmouth or Plymouth, followed by a ferry trip and a drive on the right hand side of the road to the holiday destination at the other end. But it is no exaggeration to say it is usually a pleasant experience and very much part of the holiday. Plus it makes a change from sitting around at the airport.

Travelling with Brittany Ferries usually means travelling in comfort. Book a cabin as it gives you a base from which to relax. Then enjoy the on-board entertainment, which is as varied as movies in the cinema to magic shows and even pantomimes.

There are restaurants, snack bars, children’s play areas and shops and with all that to do you are docking at one of the two ports of St Malo or Roscoff before you know it.

Brittany is a big place and if you are travelling to the south you will be driving for a few hours. But you don’t have to go far to discover the best holidays this part of France has to offer.

St Cast is just a short distance of 20 miles or so from the sea port of St Malo and so an ideal spot if you are visiting Brittany for the first time and unwilling to travel a vast distance. There, Camping le Châtelet is a gem, set amidst rolling heathland with some breathtaking sea views along the Emerald Coast.

It offers many of the facilities you would expect from a camping holiday; a shop, bar, washing facilities, takeaway service – which is great if you can’t be bothered cooking – swimming pool and games room.

During high season there is a varied programme of entertainment including live music and the site is also home to a charming lake where carp fishing is permitted. For children Hoopi’s Club is available six days a week and is full of fun activities for those aged between four and 11.

Like many sites in Brittany, beaches are accessible via a stroll along the coastal path. Pissotte beach is a five minute walk away.

Châtelet is also a 10 minute walk from the coastal town of St Cast, which offers restaurants and bars and a regular market. If you want you could spend the entire holiday on the beach, in the pool or in the locality of the campsite but if you are feeling adventurous you don’t have to travel far to take advantage of some stunning local attractions.

The Cap Frehel lighthouse is a magnet for children and is only a short distance from St Cast. To the east of Cap Frehel, the 14th century stronghold of Fort La Latte stands on a rocky promontory and is one of the most memorable sights in Brittany.

It is privately owned but visitors are welcome from May to September. Slightly further away, Dinan is well worth a visit. It is a lovely medieval market town with half timbered houses and cobbled streets, surrounded by 600-year-old ramparts.

A visit to St Malo and its Grand Aquarium to watch the sharks’ meals times, also provides an interesting day out.

Fact file:

• Prices for Camping le Châtelet with Canvas Holidays start from £250 per family for 2012. This price is based on arrivals on site on August 31 for seven nights, staying in a Maxi Tent.
• The price includes an off-peak P&O Dover-Calais ferry crossing. A Mini Campers package for families with young children is also available at certain sites including Camping le Châtelet. It includes free hire of a buggy, high chair and cot, as well as plug socket covers in mobile homes, toilet step, toddler table and chairs, bed rail, baby bath and booster seat.
• For more details about Canvas Holidays log on to www.canvasholidays.co.uk or call 0845 268 0853.