Keycamp's La Vallée at Houlgate - a great place for a family holiday

The facilities at Keycamp's La Vallé proved to be a hit with the whole family. The small shop sold fresh croissants and bread daily offering a treat every morning for breakfast. The swimming pools were a real bonus. They were open for a two-hour morning session and a longer afternoon and evening session up to 7pm. There were three pools: indoor heated, outdoor, and toddler pool. Two slides in a separate section were high and daring enough to maintain everyone’s interest. 

The pools were well supervised, even to the extent of refusing entry into the pools as an ancient pair of M&S trunks were deemed to be shorts, which are forbidden. Much family hilarity followed as a pair of Speedo type trunks had to be purchased and worn by slightly chunky other half. This proved no problem at the pool as all shapes and sizes were squeezed into over-tight swimwear.

The children took part in archery, rock climbing, water polo and sumo wrestling. Adults and children don sumo wrestling suits and fight it out – very silly, but fun. Tennis courts were also available. Various other activities were on offer (all part of the kids club) the majority of which were free during the week.

The Mathilde and Joe met and made friends with a number of children, in particular at the playgrounds. Children tended to "hang out" here, relishing the freedom of being out without parents, often denied at home. La Vallée security was very good. Each checked-in car had a swipe card, and each person had a wristband.  No cars were allowed to drive into the parc after 11.00pm. A car park was provided just outside the barrier if you arrived backafter that time.

There was entertainment each evening, which was quite noisy from about 8pm to 11.00pm. However La Vallée was certainly quiet by about 11.30pm. We chose not to eat or to have a takeaway from the bar/restaurant; the food seemed standard fast food fare with the addition of moules and frites.

The Keycamp reps were available at their tent during office hours or otherwise by phone. They were able to answer our queries well. They were hands off – which in our eyes is a great bonus – but we knew where they were if we needed them. There was also a person on reception 24 hours a day.

We could have stayed on site for the whole holiday, and indeed we met families who were happy to do this as the facilities on offer provided their children with plenty of entertainment, allowing parents to relax. We however prefer to mix local sightseeing with relaxing back at base. During our stay we visited the Airborne Museum Pegasus Bridge, Bayeux and the tapestry, Honfleur, and the beautiful city of Rouen. 

Louise Pollard and her family were guests at Keycamp's La Vallée at Houlgate, France.

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