Countries, Deals, Europe

Lost in France

Camping wasn’t always like this, women of a certain age tell tales of stoves, nappy washing and sons getting lost in France.

No, not me this time although I would go onto miss my train back on my post-school camping trip in the French Riviera.

But Big Bro who went a-wandering in the woods.

Of course these days woods are for modern family fun such as electric biking, scootering and zip wiring.

And France has always led the way with their campsites.

Shandon in the sun

On the move: Mobile home

Now our friends at Shandon Travel in Ireland have just the thing for the larger family.

Of which the Irish, of course, have a long tradition.

The Cork-based travel agents are offering Le Kerou from €1,780 for a family of five including ferry for seven nights from 19-27 June.

Unlike my poor overworked Irish Mammy today’s mammies have it easy with all their camping wishes granted.

Kumbaya: The camp fire

Le Kérou in Le Pouldu in beachside south Brittany is a family site.

Their specs shout splashing water fun in the pools and kids-and teenager entertainment.

As well as sports fields and lessons.

And wellness for Mammy and Daddy.

Always on your mobile

Campfire classic: Entertainment guaranteed

The offer includes:

  • Return ferry crossing with Brittany Ferries from Rosslare-Cherbourg, with an inside cabin
  • Ferry crossing with car
  • 7 nights accommodation at Camping Le Kérou, in a two-bedroom Bali mobile home

Mobile homes are, of course, a misnomer ad I found out as a kid with my auntie, uncle and cousins out in Galway.

But they’re all you want at that age with other young families and romantic opportunities afoot.

None of which, of course, this bumbling boy availed of.

Bali ya dancer

Space: The Simpsons frontier, like a Bali

Now the Bali mobile home combines comfort with space.

With two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom and lots of storage space,

A different world from when your Irish Mammy was making do and mending on camping ‘holiday’ in the Sixties.

And her son was getting lost in France.

Countries, Europe, Skiing

Aprés days are here again

Aprés days are here again, back in Val d’Isere again, Aperol and Cabaret again, aprés days are here again.

We’re swaying with a gallery of foam fun characters on the dance floor of the world’s highest cabaret, La Folie Douce.

You got the bottle: La Folie Douce

All in ski boots and some on the tables.

Where not half an hour ago our Ski France party had been feasting on ink black squid, lobster and Prosecco.

Uncorked

The cork is truly out of the bottle with Covid restrictions lifted in France and aprés rules now taking precedence.

And in La Folie Douce that means throwing some shapes with giant bananas and oversized babies.

All of whom have skied to the biggest aprés party on the exclusive French resort.

Well most, with those of us who are just reacquainting themselves with the slopes after six years away, taking the gondola.

Life is a Cabaret

Dancing on the world ceiling: And in ski boots

We’re bouncing to the house beat of the top-hatted MC, the burlesque dancers and a hip-hop Cardinal Richelieu belting out Rhythm Is A Dancer (don’t ask).

Just reward after negotiating the tour of the complex, up and down and through corridors in ski boots.

All to rightly glamour at the choice of restaurant experiences, the Classical Roman sculptures and the panoramic views.

We have after all just met the challenge of that Italian-themed feast at the open-deck La Cucucina (Crazy Kitchen).

Where waiters in smocks serve up the best fare.

Grazie mille

Mona pizza: La Cucucina

And perché Italiano? Why, because Italy is just over the top of the Alps to the left.

For some though (and not guilty here) just getting back to base camp will be a task enough.

No, not our party of black run skiers, but some of our foam-costumed friends, one of whom is stopped at the pass.

By our pocket rocket host Jerrine (doubly blessed with Irish and Scottish blood) who tells him he cannot take his bottle of rosé down on the gondola.

Jerrine is un force de la nature, herding packs of overlubricated boys and girl parties away from the slopes for their own safety.

And down the gondolas.

Sway to go

Gods and men: Neptune and Bandanaman

I bodyswerve one at the foot, a snowboarder who has perfected the act of falling while staying upright.

And wait for our connecting coach to take us back to our contactless chalet, Chalet Davos.

Where a meal has been prepared for later and delivered.

And a jacuzzi awaits.

Aprés days are here again in Val d’Isere.

MEET YOU ON THE SLOPES