With the lingering effects of the pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living squeeze, many UK families have put holidays on hold for years. But as demand for getaways surges, so do prices, making the hunt for a break that doesn't break the bank more crucial than ever. One family found the perfect solution: a week-long escape with Eurocamp, the UK's leading European outdoor holiday specialist, for a total cost of less than £400.
A Rural Retreat on the Outskirts of Paris
The family, including two primary-aged children, chose Eurocamp's La Croix du Vieux Pont parc in Berny-Rivière, situated just northeast of Paris. Opting to avoid airport stress, they drove from the UK, taking the P&O ferry from Dover to Calais on a sunny Sunday morning. The journey was described as calm and pleasant, with the French landscape and poignant war memorials providing a meaningful backdrop during the drive to the parc.
Upon arrival, they were welcomed warmly and settled into a premium three-bedroom holiday home with a covered decking area overlooking a river. The accommodation offered a true 'home-from-home' feel, providing the space and comfort essential for a relaxing family retreat.
Endless On-Site Activities and Easy City Access
The five-star resort itself was a major highlight, designed to keep all ages entertained. The family made full use of the four swimming pools, complete with brand-new giant waterslides, a beach-fringed lagoon, and a boating lake. Other facilities included ten-pin bowling, a games arcade, and a mini quad bike track, allowing parents to relax while the children played.
For days spent exploring beyond the parc gates, the location proved ideal. A highlight was a visit to the historic town of Compiègne, less than an hour's drive away, home to the Palace of Compiègne and the Church of Saint-Jacques. The family also took a straightforward day trip into Paris, catching a train from nearby Villers-Cotterêts to Gare du Nord in under an hour. There, they visited the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower and were fortunate to catch a special 150th-anniversary Impressionist exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay.
Budget-Friendly Dining and Lasting Memories
Keeping costs down was easy with the on-site amenities. Each morning started with fresh pastries from the parc bakery, and lunches often consisted of simple baguettes. Evenings were spent either enjoying delicious takeaway pizzas or cooking in the well-equipped lodge kitchen, overlooking the tranquil river.
All too soon, the holiday came to an end. The family departed with plans to return, having not had time to try laser tag, mini-golf, archery, tennis, or canoeing. The children were also keen to visit Disneyland Paris, which is accessible via a shuttle service from the parc.
For families seeking value, Eurocamp presents a compelling case. With over 160 parcs in France alone and the flexibility to choose your duration and travel method, it offers an affordable alternative to pricier UK resorts. As the writer concluded, the region offers family fun, history, culture, and great food—all experienced without compromise and, just as importantly, without costing the earth.
Example pricing for a week's stay at La Croix du Vieux Pont from Monday, September 2nd:
- Classic 3-bedroom holiday home (sleeps 6): From £379 per family (saving 19%).
- Premium Azure 3-bedroom holiday home (sleeps 6): From £530 per family (saving 19%).
