7 Reasons to take a Low Season Holiday in France

Posted by Rosie

"Where are you going on your SUMMER holidays?" is a question many of us both ask and get asked.  However holidays do not need to be limited to the summer months and there are some very good reason to take a holiday out of peak season ... which is great if you are some-one with pre-school children or a couple/group of adults without any children in tow!

Normandy countryside in winter

7 Reasons to Take A Low Season Holiday in France

Discounted Prices

Despite what some people say about how holidays cost more in the peak summer months, it is far more likely that owners discount their holidays out of high season in an attempt to fill these more difficult weeks.  Therefore, if you can holiday in low or medium season the price for your holiday should be much lower than in the summer.  The same is true for ferry companies with considerably lower ferry ticket prices in low season.  Oh and we have a code that will give you 20% off with Brittany Ferries crossings.

Flexible Dates

Most holiday home owners will be happy to take a short booking in low season if you cannot make a whole week.  Alternatively they are generally more flexible with dates and will allow a whole week but with midweek change-over if that suits you better (and midweek ferry travel is cheaper).

Special Offers

Many holiday home owners have special offers in low season.  Here at Eco-Gites of Lenault we offer a 15% discount from September to June if just two people stay in gite.  Certain dates are excluded but couples can still bring a cot sleeping infant without losing this reduction.  We are also offering 2016 holidays at 2015 prices if you book before Dec 31st 2105.   More details of all our offers are detailed here.

Quieter Tourist Attractions and Restaurants

Here in Normandy many of the main tourist attractions are still open and much quieter.  For example you will not have to queue to get into The Bayeux Tapestry and with so few other visitors you will have plenty of time and space to admire this fabulous piece of needlework.  Some attractions are also cheaper to get into in Winter.  If you want to eat out you will also find restaurants less packed and no chance of missing out at your favourite place to eat.

Part of the Bayeux Tapestry.  Image from http://www.bayeuxtapestry.org.uk

 

Plenty of Events, Exhibitions and Festivals

Certainly in Normandy there are things going on all year round.  For example in November there are festivals celebrating seafood and cider, in December there are Christmas markets and in January there is a huge antiques fair in Rouen.  The weekly town markets continue all year round and without so many tourists they are less crowded and you will have more time to chat to the stall owners (who love it if you try out your French).  Click here for more details of events throughout low season.

Sale Time (Les Soldes)

In France all shops have to have their sales at given times and the next major sale period is in January. Why not use some of the money you saved on your booking and splash out in the sales?  There are often huge reductions to be had and currently the Euro is weak against the pound so your money will go even further!

Log Burners and Mulled Wine/Cider

You may not have the long evenings of Summer to sit outside but what could be nicer than heading out for a bracing walk around the local footpaths or up at the coast and then enjoy the evening in.  Make yourself a mulled wine/cider or steaming hot chocolate and snuggle up in front of the wood burner.  At Eco-Gites of Lenault there are plenty of books for you to read and games to play so you won't be bored of an evening.  The wood for the wood burner is included in the price of your holiday, as are lessons on lighting the fire if you are struggling!  It's very easy once you know how though.

The wood burner at Eco-Gites of Lenault

Christmas

Finally we could not really end this post without a mention of the festive season.  Our Christmas week is priced at mid season levels (not high) and the weeks up to Christmas are low season.  So even if commitments tie you to family and home for the Big Day itself you could still fit in a sneaky French break beforehand. Come and enjoy the Christmas markets, stock up on wine and presents and enjoy a country where commercialisation of Christmas is much less but town Christmas lights and decorations are fabulous.  Have a look at our Christmas in Normandy Pinterest Board to see what I mean.

I hope by now we tempted you to think about taking a low season holiday.  If so please do get in contact with us for more details and to book your stay at Eco-Gites of Lenault.  Click here to email us or visit our website here.