IT is always a bit of a balancing act for parents trying to enjoy a relaxing holiday while keeping young children happy at the same time.

Get it right and you reap the rewards. Get it wrong, and you pay the price. The more children you have, the harder it is to tick all the right boxes but we struck lucky with a trip to west Brittany with Venue Holidays.

We couldn't have asked for more to keep three boys under the age of seven smiling and laughing from dawn until dusk.

Venue have sites all along this beautiful coastline, from Camping Les Deux Fontaines at Raguenès to their new site, Camping L'Atlantique, at Fouesnant.

Camping l'Atlantique is a friendly, family-run campsite just 400 yards from a beautiful sandy beach that stretches from the Mousterlin Point down to Beg Meil.

The short walk to the beach is a delight, as the path from the campsite winds among the trees and streams of the Mousterlin nature reserve.

The modern campsite facilities include a fascinating and colourful pool area, complete with slides, chutes, bridges and fountains. There are some great sports facilities, including the imaginative mini-golf course.

Atmosphere

The campsite has a great atmosphere with a lively entertainments programme in the bar area, during the high season.

Just off the coast are the beautiful Iles de Glénan where you can take in the incredible marine life from a glass- bottomed boat. About three miles from the campsite is the pretty Breton town of Fouesnant.

This is a coastline of remarkable beauty.

Sheltered bays of pure white sand are home to small fishing communities, while to the west is the dramatic scenery of the Pointe du Raz, the `Land's End' of France.

The slow and steady pace of life in the region is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city living, and even with three energetic youngsters to keep entertained, it was a remarkably relaxing break.

The youngsters soon got into the swing of things and eagerly raced to the site shop in the morning for fresh croissants.

They soon became good friends with the site staff who were helpful throughout our stay, offering plenty of advice about what to do and where to go. There is enough going on at Venue sites to keep you busy all day long, so it can be quite an effort to drag the children away to take in a few of the local sights.

But be warned. It is a bit of a drive, especially with children, although the route is liberally dotted with service stations in some very scenic spots.

A return fare to Calais with P&O Ferries is included in the price of the stay but we chose an overnight crossing from Portsmouth to Caen with Brittany Ferries.

Factfile:

Colm Griffith and family travelled to west Brittany with Venue Holidays.

At Camping l ’Atlantique at Fouesnant, south west Brittany, the company offers tents and mobile homes.

Prices: Seven-nights this month, from a total of £396 per party for a tent or from £570 per party for a mobile home. Prices, for two adults and up to four children, include return mid-week fare to Calais with P&O Ferries.

Information: 01233 629950 or venueholidays.co.uk

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