WE’VE all been there, desperately trying to lure the kids away from their devices.
But I’ve found the solution — head to all-inclusive activity specialists Club Med and there will be so much for them to do, the problem will be fitting it all in.
There’s nowhere better to tempt the kids away from tech than the golden sands of France’s Atlantic coast.
Sat somewhere between a 20-mile stretch of rugged coastline and the lush La Coubre forest, the world-class Club Med La Palmyre Atlantique is pure “Ooh La La”.
The resort itself looks a little like a chic oyster-farming village, with colourful bungalows scattered between lush trees and distant views of an old lighthouse atop a cliff.
Whether you’re keen to hire bikes and explore the nearby World War II bunker, or just stroll the beach to watch the famous Atlantic rollers with a book, holidays here can be taken at your pace.
I was visiting with my wife Emma and two children Corben, 11, and Piper, nine, and we switched instantly into holiday mode on arrival.
The whole vibe was uber laid-back, despite being an action-packed resort full of families with kids.
And this is where Club Med truly earns its stripes.
Kids’ clubs here cater to all ages, offering arts and crafts, archery and table tennis — although they should be prepared that the resort is heavily French-speaking.
But the perk means they may pick up some Franglais.
There’s also a professional circus school where little ones can channel their inner Greatest Showman, as well as off-site horse riding.
Piper loved taking her horse Jacques on a ride into the woods.
The G.O.s (Gentils Organisateurs — meaning Kind Organisers) took her and a group of others to the ocean for a beach walk and sailing experience.
Meanwhile, my son Corben headed to the resort pitch to join the football camp hosted by Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers, and exclusive to Club Med.
Each day, the Wolves coaches ran sessions on dribbling, passing, ball control and shooting, followed by a series of mini games.
The Wolves academy split into age groups from four to 17-years-old from all levels, and my football-mad son loved every minute.
The relaxed vibe meant it didn’t matter whether your child was destined to be the next João Gomes or just loved a kickabout.
And at the end of the week, the young players were congratulated with an awards ceremony.
Best of all, this was included in Club Med’s all-inclusive package and didn’t cost a penny extra.
While the kids are kept busy, adults can kick back by the pool or play a round at the Golf de Palmyre nine-hole course just next door to the resort.
The 2,992-metre course is set around 93 acres of pine wood with water obstacles, large bunkers and rolling fairways.
Some holes boast ocean views and the course is ideal for beginners, offering group or private lessons from age 11.
If you’d rather stick together as a family, however, there’s group tennis, archery, sailing and windsurfing, too.
Even the spa offers treatments you can enjoy with the children so we booked in for a family massage beside the beach.
After action-packed days, we would spend an hour or so relaxing ahead of dinner.
Our rooms were in The Dunes area, an upscale space for those who want a bit of extra luxury, and came with a small lounge area and pine forest views.
Then it was time to feast.
The main restaurant, L’Atlantique, offers an impressive buffet which includes fresh seafood, local oysters, steaks, salads and a huge dessert table.
The kids were horrified when I explained what escargot is and how foie gras is made but at least it wasn’t nuggets and chips.
For something a bit more upmarket, The Belle Époque speciality restaurant is perfect for a “date night” while the kids are at a supervised pyjama party.
This gourmet lounge serves up local Charentais wines and seafood with a view of the lighthouse.
And because it’s Club Med, the “all-inclusive” tag means exactly that.
Premium booze, cocktails, and snacks are all included.
Most nights a band played in the main bar and music went on ’til late but like most holidays with kids, Mum and Dad were shattered by 10pm.
Outside of the resort there’s plenty to do if you fancy exploring the region.
From the Île de Ré to the Île d’Oléron, from La Rochelle to Royan, the Atlantic coastline has tons to offer.
Book your family a ticket on “Le Train des Mouettes”, the 19th-century steam train, or climb to the top of the Phare de Cordouan, the lighthouse listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
It’s rare to find a resort that genuinely caters to every generation without feeling like a theme park.
But La Palmyre Atlantique manages to stay stylish and very French.
We returned home with a suntan, a slightly tighter waistband and kids who, for a second, forgot what an iPad is.
GO: FRANCE
GETTING THERE: Ryanair flies from Stansted to La Rochelle from £38 return.
See ryanair.com.
STAYING THERE: A seven-night stay at Club Med La Palmyre Atlantique starts from £952pp, based on a family of four sharing.
See clubmed.co.uk or call 03453 676767.
