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The French villa that's perfect for an activity-packed October half-term holiday

Where can you live in the woods, a five-minute drive from great food and beaches? Try the Aquitaine for half-term
Where can you live in the woods, a five-minute drive from great food and beaches? Try the Aquitaine for half-term

If you are still wondering what to do for October half term, try Villas La Clairière aux Chevreuils in Aquitaine, reviewed here by Mark Henshall, who found plenty of on-site activities and charm when he visited with his teenage son.

Telegraph rating: 8/10

Peaceful, spacious and secluded self-catering luxury villas in south Aquitaine, surrounded by pine woodland with a large pretty garden, terrace and private swimming pool.

You can eat indoors out outside
You can eat indoors out outside

Location: 8/10

On the Atlantic coast, 2km (1.2 miles) from the small traditional village of Moliets, set between south Aquitaine’s sweeping sandy beaches and the Landes Forest. The main beaches are 1km from the villa complex, it is 30 minutes to the spa town of Dax. Bordeaux is just under two hours’ drive away through the majestic Parc Natural des Landes de Gascogne.

Nearby Vieux-Boucau has a weekly food market and there are local shops such as a bakery and butcher, with a supermarket 5km away. Moliets, a five-minute drive away, has a good range of restaurants, bars and cafés.

One draw to the area is the fantastic food and wine
One draw to the area is the fantastic food and wine

For day trips, Biarritz is just over an hour away, or explore San Sebastian and Pamplona over the border into Spain. SummerFrance, the accommodation specialist, has good online information and can help with tailor-made activities and excursions.

Style/character: 8/10

The villa’s wooden beams combined with high ceilings, large windows and white interiors give the property a bright and open feel with plenty of natural light. Inside, the wooden furniture, flowers and aroma essential oils create a homely feel, while pictures provide subtle flashes of colour.

A wooden dining terrace at the rear gives onto a large, quiet, well-maintained garden with birdsong in the morning and a private swimming pool with loungers. The villa blends into its natural surroundings and its position means there is a feeling of seclusion and calm. The smell from the pine forest - beyond the lawn - suffusing the air is exquisite.

Facilities: 8/10

There are four unfussy rooms with separate bathrooms including dual sinks, strong showers and modern fittings, Jacuzzi bath, complimentary toiletries and separate toilets. The living room is large and comfortable with a sofa, wooden recliner chairs, a fireplace, satellite TV, free WiFi, and iPod docking station.

Moliets beach is just 2k away - Credit: Credit: PHILIPPE ROY / Alamy Stock Photo/PHILIPPE ROY / Alamy Stock Photo
Moliets beach is just 2k away Credit: Credit: PHILIPPE ROY / Alamy Stock Photo/PHILIPPE ROY / Alamy Stock Photo

A separate space for indoor dining has a view of the garden, while the well-equipped kitchen includes a washing machine and tumble dryer. Outside is a private garden with wooden terrace and dining area, and a rectangular swimming pool. Nice extra touches include a welcome basket of fresh pastries and local produce on your first morning, free bath robes and laid-back pieces such as books and boardgames.

Value for money: 8/10

Villas are from £819 for seven nights in October rising to £3,579 for seven nights in August, plus free WiFi and cleaning twice each week. Shopping, the beach and activities are all close to the property. The villas sleep from eight to 12 people including private parking, linen and towels.

Family-friendly: 9/10

An outstanding spot for families with excellent activities such as surfing, sailing, tree-top adventures, tennis, a skateboarding school, golf and stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding, all close by.

Cycling trails offer pretty spots to stop for picnics and the sandy beaches are long and quiet.

The villa has an open plan design and big garden for younger children to run around in, while the swimming pool has a secure, protective covering. Deer can be spotted around the complex and also nearby is a big nature reserve (La Réserve Naturelle du Courant d'Huchet).

Britain's best holiday camps
Britain's best holiday camps

Parents can indulge in local delicacies: Armagnac; duck confit; Perigord truffles; foie gras; and fresh seafood such as oysters from the Bay of Arachon. The vineyards are a short drive away.

Details

Rue des Craquillots, 40660 Moliets (0203 475 4756; summerfrance.co.uk)

Access for guests with disabilities?

Apartments are on one floor and suitable for those with restricted mobility plus easy internal access and external access to the garden.