Editor's Choice: Chateaux Holidays

Château & Country, an association of owners of castles interested in preserving French heritage, publishes a list of chateaux offering accommodation suitable for families.

Room and all meals, ie full-board or pension terms, are usually offered for a stay of three days or longer. Half-board or demi-pension (room, breakfast and one meal) terms are usually available outside the peak holiday period. Hotels charge around 30% extra for a third bed in a double room. For children under 12, many chains will provide another bed free in the parents' room. Logis de France are small- or medium-sized, inexpensive and often family-run hotels which provide good, clean, basic and comfortable accommodation with a restaurant attached.

Gîtes de France are holiday homes (often old farmhouses) in the country, all of which conform to standards regulated by the non-profit making National Federation.

Villas and houses can be rented on the spot. Local Syndicats d'Initiative can supply a complete list of addresses of local rental agencies.

There are thousands of campsites throughout France. A few have tents and caravans for hire. Prices vary according to location, season and facilities. All graded campsites will provide water, toilet and washing facilities. Touring caravans may be imported for stays of up to six consecutive months. Numerous British companies offer camping holidays in France. The French Government Tourist Office has a full list of tour operators who run all types of tours, including camping and special interest holidays.

There are hundreds of youth hostels in France, offering very simple accommodation at very low prices. There are hostels in all major towns. Stays are usually limited to three or four nights or a week in Paris. Hostels are open to all members of the National Youth Hostel Association upon presentation of a membership card.

Fédération Nationale des Gîtes de France
56 rue St Lazare, 75009 Paris, France
Tel: (01) 4970 7575.
Website: www.gites-de-france.fr

Fédération Française de Camping et de Caravaning
78 rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris, France
Tel: (01) 4272 8408.
Website: www.ffcc.fr

French Youth Hostels Federation (FUAJ)
FUAJ Centre National
27 rue Pajol, 75018 Paris, France
Tel: (01) 4489 8727.
Website: www.fuaj.org

Fédération Nationale des Logis de France
83 avenue d'Italie, 75013 Paris, France
Tel: (01) 4584 8384.
Website: www.logis-de-france.fr

Châteaux & Country
49 avenue d'Iéna, 75116 Paris, France
Tel: (01) 4720 1827.
Website: www.chateauxcountry.com