When we discovered the Station Kid Award scheme, we were intrigued and them impressed.  So what is Station Kid and what does this award offer in terms of a child friendly resort?

 

The criteria for being a Station Kid award resort are offering welcome, lodging, entertainment, activities, facilities, safety and being environmentally friendly. The Association gives this award to communes offering a real welcome policy for children from three to twelve years and their families.  After the resort has applied formally for this award an expert is sent to visit and he or she will judge the resort to see if it reaches the necessary standard.

 

Firstly the resort has to be safe and to demonstrate that conservation activities take place.  It also has to be spotlessly clean with sea water tested to A or B standard, all rubbish bins have to be emptied frequently and there have to be suitable and thoroughly clean public conveniences.  There must be First Aid Centres on the beaches.  All restaurants have to have interesting and varied children's menus and there has to be suitable seating available including high chairs. 

 

Free activities are a must and it is hoped that these include a variety of land and sea sports.  The town has to have a Beach or Activity Club for children.  Beach activities should include a Beach Library.  All activities should be extensively advertised so that visitors are aware of what is going on and the local tourism offices have to play a big part in this. 

 

Environmental workshops are encouraged where children can explore areas such as rock pools and the natural habitat of the area under guided supervision.

 

All sorts of activities are encouraged.  For instance at Piriac sur Mer there are  egg hunts on the beach for children at Easter.  Cap d'Agde have a “Laughter Week” in April. which is week  of laughter and humour with entertainment, puppet shows, films and  books. 

 

Puy Saint Vincent in the Alps offers, of course skiing and snow activities and all the fun of a ski resort but also  has a Mini Club for children from 6 to 12 who really discover mountain life with guides. To quote from their site: " In winter the resort opens two sled-slopes, two ice-rinks, two night-lit ski slopes, it has a board game lending service, a movie-theatre, a sauna, a library. Every Wednesday it’s party time: torchlight ski runs, make-up, street performances and entertainment. Father Christmas is coming to visit our children on Christmas Eve. He will arrive in the early evening at the center of the resort with his official helicopter. In summer take advantage of the pool, hiking, the archery range, the summer-sled slope, the climbing wall. Each summer a whole week is dedicated to children featuring many special activities. And last but not least, don’t forget our “Thrilling Forest” nature park."

 

Closer to home in Brittany,  Perros-Guirec has  playgrounds, kid libraries, beach clubs, sailing centres, miniature piers, climbing areas, tennis, Internet, merry-go-rounds, multisport facilities, skate park, bowling and each year the Tourism Office pulbish The Kid Magazine which gives details of all that is going on. 

 

In Normandy at Hauteville sur mer, located in the centre of "La Manche", one hour from "Le Mont Saint Michel", the resort offers Sand castle competitions, Marble competitions, chalk drawing contests, car boot sales, farm visits, shellfish farm visits, a guided tour of French architecture typical of  the region, kite workshops and swimming  competitions. 

 

These are of course just some of the activities going on and we have only mentioned five of the 31 Station Kid Resorts!  If you visit their website - details further on - there is an interactive map which takes you to all the resorts with details in English.