Family Surf & Beach Week in Montalivet, France

The camp sits at the edge of a pine forest, about 700 metres from the beach — a short walk through the trees that also provides shade during the hottest part of the day and shelter when the wind picks up. Accommodation is in modern tipi tents: furnished with a double bed and two single beds, storage for clothes, a small table and chairs, and electricity. Each tent sleeps up to four people plus a baby. Larger families can add a smaller tipi next to the main one, which takes up to three children on two mattresses.

Days follow a simple rhythm. Breakfast is served at camp, then everyone packs up and heads to the beach for surf lessons and games. Lunch is back at camp. Afternoons are open — guests often drive to Soulac-sur-Mer, the Dune du Pilat, a local climbing park or one of the region's vineyards. Some families surf again in the evening. Dinner is communal, and the evening usually ends with people sitting around together while the children play.

The week runs Saturday to Saturday. Check-in is after 4:00 PM on the arrival Saturday, with a shared dinner that evening. On the final Saturday, breakfast is served before 10:00 and there's usually time for one last surf before departure.

Surf lessons are optional and booked separately, so you can surf as much or as little as you like. Wetsuits and boards are available at camp. Children taking part in surf lessons should be able to swim at least 25 metres in a pool; for those aged 2–6, childcare is provided during lesson times.

Montalivet itself is a 10-minute walk away, with small restaurants, cafés and a weekend food market. The surrounding area has cycling and hiking trails, and Bordeaux and other towns in the region are within driving distance for day trips. Travel to and from the camp is not included, but Bordeaux, Nantes, Biarritz and San Sebastian are all workable arrival airports — Bordeaux is the easiest for transfers.

What's included

- 7 nights in a tipi tent (added during booking) - 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners plus daily snacks - Use of surfboards - Use of wetsuits - 4 x 5 hours childcare during surf lessons for children aged 2–6 - Use of camp facilities - Snacks during the days - Travel Guarantee Fund membership - Best price guarantee

What's not included

- Airline tickets - Transport to and from the camp - Surf lessons (optional) - Tourist fee - Local transfers (except from Bordeaux, if booked)