This May, our family went on an unforgettable holiday to Domaine des Ormes, a stunning holiday resort in Brittany, France. We discovered this incredible deal on Rory's Travel Club, offering a package for just €999 for two adults and three children, inclusive of ferry travel with Irish Ferries.

For the first time ever, our local primary school took a week off in May allowing families to go on holiday and avoid steep summer prices. When we seen the Rory’s Travel Club email in our inbox with this offer we jumped at the opportunity to go. As big fans of Center Parcs in Longford, going on trips several times a year, we were delighted when we read that Domaine des Ormes would offer a similar experience. Upon booking the trip we realised that one of the children’s passports needed updated and unfortunately it didn’t arrive in time. Our holiday for two adults and three children was now for one adult and two children, however, what seemed a daunting experience ended up being more than enjoyable. For any single parents debating if they can manage a trip alone, if I can do it you can too. Here's a detailed look at our experience, which I highly recommend to other families.

Getting There

The journey began with a smooth Irish Ferries crossing from Rosslare to Cherbourg. The children were thrilled with the onboard facilities, which included comfortable seating, a cinema, and a restaurant serving a variety of meals. We headed straight for the cinema to try and distract from any potential sea sickness however the children were completely relaxed and didn’t notice a thing. The crossing was relaxing, and we arrived in France well-rested and ready for our adventure. We then made our way by car to the resort, this was a two hour journey which I would describe as straightforward and scenic. Top Tip: The Waze app is great for navigating through France and I would recommend when driving. 

The Resort

Domaine des Ormes is nestled in the heart of Brittany, set within a vast 250-hectare estate. Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by the beauty and tranquillity of the surroundings. The resort offers a variety of accommodation options, from cosy mobile homes to unique treehouses and even water lodges. We opted for a spacious mobile home that comfortably accommodated our family, complete with a well-equipped kitchen, modern bathroom, and a private terrace.

Facilities and Activities

The resort is packed with facilities and activities that kept the whole family entertained throughout our stay. Here are some highlights:

• Swimming Pools: Domaine des Ormes boasts several swimming pools, including a large indoor pool with water slides, lazy river and a wave pool, perfect for children of all ages and a favourite with our children. We spent most days here enjoying the water and slides.
• Adventure Park: The adventure park was a big hit with our children. It features zip lines, climbing walls, and an exciting treetop adventure course.
• Horse Riding: The resort has an equestrian centre where the children enjoyed pony rides, while I took a leisurely horse ride through the scenic trails.

Other activities include fishing and golf on the 18 hole golf course. We didn’t try these activities but they are great options. Equipment can be hired from the resort, making it easy to try these activities.

Dining

The resort offers a range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. We often cooked in our mobile home, enjoying meals on the terrace. This is something I would highly recommend doing especially if you have plain eaters who enjoy home cooked meals. We brought lots of food and snacks with us as we had a generous amount of room when travelling by ferry. However, we also indulged in the local cuisine at the resort's restaurants:

• L'Orangerie: This restaurant offers a buffet breakfast and a varied dinner menu, featuring local specialities and international dishes.
• Le Club House: Located near the golf course, this is a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner, with a terrace overlooking the greens.
• Takeaway Options: For more relaxed dining, the resort has several takeaway options, including pizza and crepes, which the children enjoyed.

Conclusion

Our family holiday to Domaine des Ormes was a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and quality time together. The resort's extensive facilities and activities ensured there was never a dull moment, while the beautiful surroundings provided a peaceful retreat. This deal, found through Rory's Travel Club, offers excellent value for money and a memorable experience for families. We returned home with wonderful memories and will definitely be returning next year (next time, hopefully with the five of us). If you're considering a family holiday, Domaine des Ormes booked through Rory’s Travel Club should be at the top of your list.