My idea of a great holiday isn’t always the same as everyone else’s, but as a husband and father of two, occasionally I must find a break that suits us all – tricky!

With a cracking wife who likes the finer things in life, a 14 YO daughter who likes warmth, sunshine, fresh air and WiFi, and a 12 YO boy that needs to be kept as busy 24/7 – I had my work cut out.

So what does a family of four do on a budget of £1,600.00 for a 7 day break in the sunshine, during summer holidays?!

Well, we found ourselves taking the car via Britany Ferries to Caen via Portsmouth and ended up at the Gites at Civray, just a few miles from Le Grand-Pressigny – 46°55′16″N 0°48′13″E

“IT WAS – EPIC!”

The Thompsonator “The Gites at Civray were where we had one of the best family holidays ever”

Why did the Camping-Jedi love it?

The gites are run and owned by Stephen and Jennie, two fantastic hosts, (they even cooked us pasta as we turned up with nothing).

They’ve recently renovated what was a pretty run down set of outbuildings into what is now a charming, but still suitably French and rustic, set of holiday lets, or Gites as they say en francais – see, I can do French 😊  The Gites are in the Loire Valley.

I got to know Stephen and Jennie pretty well over the week and it was interesting to hear how they’d thrown in the towel on the big smoke and city life when their daughter went to University in search of a more relaxed way of living, something that I very much plan to do when I move on from my current 9-5

Stephen is an interesting character, a ‘Yorkshire-man’, but don’t let that put you off.  He’ll not be bothered at me saying he was one a little ‘chunky’, much like myself, until he discovered the health and lifestyle rewards of doing exercise – but he’s taken it to the next level as when he’s not being a great host he’s pretty much full time training Triathletes, or helping those who’re looking to do their first Ironman!

The day we arrived he’d just returned from IronMan Sweden, and showed me a few pics and videos – pretty hardcore.

Please understand this week in the Loire Valley wasn’t planned as a ‘training holiday’ but Stephen and I ended up running every day, which was a great way to start the day.

As many of you will know I’m a big fan of getting out into nature, not just for physical health reasons, but also for the mental health benefits.  My 9-5 is as a Sales and Marketing Director for a Global Software business with many brands, staff and pressures means my 5-9 is very much about getting away from it all, and this time the family came too.

I can honestly say that running through the grassy fields and silent French lanes was quite literally amazing, the first time in years I’ve been able to switch off from work, I took a few snaps too.  No filters – it really was that beautiful!

For me getting out into nature, exercising and pushing myself to my max has become my medicine – and it helps me hugely with my life choice of not drinking or doing drugs – now approaching 4 years.  Stephen helped me understand my limits physically, and more importantly that I could overcome them. Running fast in the 30+ degree French sunshine with no shade and little water, was a challenge – but it was great.  You can see me here after an impromptu 17K run – look he’s even laughing!

It may sound a bit selfish but getting up early for a run and having that almost meditative state you find when you’re at your limit set me up perfectly for a day of rest and relaxation.

On days 2,3 and 4 the wife and kids even came along for the ride, literally on their bikes cheering us along – it was great fun and great to see the kids away from their devices.

On the final day I did however need to rest, my legs we’re pretty broken!  So what better to take an opportunity to get some tips on his swimming technique.  Steve is not only a Triathlete coach, but also an Ocean Walker Technique Qualified Coach

Ocean Walker Swimming Coach – the only in France! 

What could be better than getting up early for a run, pushing yourself to the max, then sipping coffee and croissants with the family in the sunshine ahead of a days exploring in the Loire Valley, then back for a swim!

Why was it the best holiday for Mrs Thompson?

1. I read two books.
2. I drank wine and chilled out in the sunshine
3. My husband made me breakfast in bed after his run
4. We went to a fab car boot sale and bought a few bits
5. “The kids were happy, so I was happy”
6. My T-Total Husband agreed to go to a Vineyard and let me taste lots of wines!
7. We went to a super-romantic chateaux
8. The Ferry was super convenient, it was part of the adventure

Harry ‘Thompsonator Jnr’– why did you like the trip to Civray?

1. It was so nice to get out on our bikes, the roads we’re dead.
2. The pizza delivery van was super cool, really tasty pizza!
3. I enjoyed buying bread and cheese form the shops or boulangerie
4. The WIFI was really good so we got to chill and watch Netflix in the barn
5. Mum and dad let me swim all day in the pool
6. I got a savage tan
7. Lots of my favourite food – I ate so much cheese!

Jessica 14

“The fresh air was nice, I’ve never cycled so much, the bed was comfy, it was very French, the food was nice and I got to chill by the pool”

A lady of few words, but they summed up the trip perfectly!

Why not drop Steve and Jennie a line and check out their place?  Don’t forget to mention the Thompsonator!

I even got a chance to practice a little more astrophotography!

We’d thoroughly recommend the @GitesatCivray 

Why not check them out on FACEBOOK or just Get in touch with them!

Bits you might want to check out:

• How to build your own swimming pool in France https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuvJ6d-NRsA
• Read Steve and jennies full story here
• Contact Steve and Jennie at the Gites http://www.gitesatcivray.com/contact-us
• Steve’s bike skills in Civray – can be found here
• Abbaye de Saint-Savin is home to some cafes and an abbey. Founded in 800, it aided in the merging of eastern and western Europe, and in the Christianisation of the region. By the 9th century this abbey had become one of the most important in the region.
• The Château D’Azay-le-Rideau is situated on it’s own island. A mix of 16th century architecture, art and tapestries and 19th century décor allows for a unique visit. It is free to access for all those who are under the age of 26 and are an EU national.
• Photo’s of some of the local attractions in the area http://www.gitesatcivray.com/gallery