With the offer of an idyllic countryside escape, many UK travellers are drawn to the rustic charm of the French continent. Imagine relaxing with a glass of local wine while your children explore the open spaces around you, and round off the day with a family dinner time together enjoying freshly cooked Beef bourguignon, slow cooked on your stove. Whether you prefer the speed of flying or the scenic route via ferry, this guide will help you plan the smoothest journey to each of our French farm locations.
La Flocellière en Vendée, Pays de la Loire
- By Plane
✈️ London → Nantes (1h30)
🚗 Nantes → La Flocellière (1h15) - By Ferry
🚢 Portsmouth → Saint-Malo (9h)
🚗 Saint-Malo → La Flocellière (2h30)
This destination combines a short flight and manageable drive, making it a great option for those flying to western France. And if you don't want to hire a car or drive, La Flocellière offers you a chauffeur service 7 days a week if you come by train to Cholet, Angers or Nantes.
Located in the Loire Valley, with a mixture of animals to meet on site, you'll be surrounded by French countryside. With play equipment, games to play in the barn and even a pond for fishing or swimming, there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Les Jardins des Coccinelles, Brittany
- By Plane
✈️ London → Rennes (1h30)
🚗 Rennes → Val Couesnon (1h) - By Ferry
🚢 Portsmouth → Saint-Malo (9h)
🚗 Saint-Malo → Val Couesnon (1h)
With both options offering simple onward travel, this farm is easily accessible from either air or sea. Take in the tranquillity of the local area while this charming organic market gardening farm offers you a unique and immersive experience. Children can have fun in the fields, play in the straw bales or enjoy the equipped play areas, and you can share a farm breakfast together with locally-produced food from the honesty shop.
La Ferme de Fontenille, Hauts-de-France
- By Plane
✈️ London → Paris (1h15)
🚗 Paris → Wissignicourt (1h30) - By Ferry
🚢 Dover → Calais (1h30)
🚗 Calais → Wissignicourt (2h30)
Ideal for northern France adventurers, Fontenille is easily reachable via Calais for those preferring ferry travel. It's also less than 90 minutes from Paris, perfect for combining an off-grid activity with a city break - the combination of two worlds! You can go car free to Fontenille if preferred, the farmers can pick up from the direct train from Paris to Anizy. Discover all the wild beauty of the farm's flora and fauna, see the cattle and other farm animals and stroll through the French countryside.
Ô Manoir de Glams, Normandy
- By Plane
✈️ London → Caen (1h15)
🚗 Caen → Isigny-le-Buat (1h30) - By Ferry
🚢 Portsmouth → Caen (6h)
🚗 Caen → Isigny-le-Buat (1h30)
A relaxing Normandy countryside destination, well-suited for either flying or taking the scenic sea route. Spend your time at the farm collecting fresh, organic chicken eggs and pet the goats and ponies here too. Enjoy a stroll around the farm, build huts in the woods or take a short drive to the coast, there's plenty of choices for your family holiday in France.
L'Étable des Mauges, Pays de la Loire
- By Plane
✈️ London → Nantes (1h30)
🚗 Nantes → Beaupréau-en-Mauges (1h) - By Ferry
🚢 Portsmouth → Saint-Malo (9h)
🚗 Saint-Malo → Beaupréau-en-Mauges (2h)
Quick access from Nantes makes this a very fly-friendly location, especially if you're taking a shorter trip. Watch the cattle graze from your cosy canvas hideaway, you can also meet pigs, rabbits, chickens, goats and sheep at the farm too! Spend time in the play area or try fishing in the pond, whichever you fancy. With vineyards close-by, historic villages and water activities all nearby, you'll be spoilt for choice here.
Fermette des Trois Tilleules, Brittany
- By Plane
✈️ London → Lille (1h15)
🚗 Lille → Bezinghem (1h30) - By Ferry
🚢 Dover → Calais (1h30)
🚗 Calais → Bezinghem (45min)
One of the quickest destinations to reach by ferry—perfect for families and short breaks. With beaches nearby, along with charming villages and historical sites, your family holiday has something to suit all tastes. At the farm, meet the many animals: cattle, sheep, alpacas, horses and a multitude of small farmyard animals, and experience the French countryside a short distance from home.
La Ferme de Penquelen, Brittany
- By Plane
✈️ London → Brest (1h30)
🚗 Brest → Scaër (1h30) - By Ferry
🚢 Portsmouth → Saint-Malo (9h)
🚗 Saint-Malo → Scaër (2h30)
Tucked into Brittany, our most westerly location in France this farm is best suited for those looking to fly into western France. This organic dairy farms offers unique experiences, including watching the cows being milked and kids can relish in a donkey ride. Nearby, enjoy the beautiful fine sandy beaches and Breton coves from Névez to Concarneau, all while being surrounded by beautiful French countryside on your farm stay.
Figari Corsica, Figari (island)
- By Plane Only
✈️ London → Figari (2h30)
Total: Approx. 2h30
The only French island destination on this list, Figari is exclusively accessible by air, offering a Mediterranean farm escape. Set on the edge of the mountains in the plain of Figari, this vineyard offers a memorable experience in a unique holiday destination. Spend days on the beach or exploring nearby ports, before enjoying a slow-cooked meal with a glass of local wine, the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
✨ Top Travel Tips
- Book Early: Flights to regional French airports can fill quickly in high season so get ahead when you can.
- Car Rental: Renting a car is usually essential for these rural farm locations - be sure to reserve one in advance.
- Ferries: Consider overnight crossings for added comfort and the ability to drive straight off in the morning.
- Travel Light: Pack practically for countryside comfort—boots over brogues!
Whether you’re seeking Normandy’s pastures or Corsica’s sunshine, Feather Down’s French farms offer a rich variety of nature experiences. Choose your route, plan your journey, and prepare to unplug in style!
