France
 

This is my first trip and i will be taking my young son with me we would like to keep it simple with nice cheap places to stay and eat, small villages to visit quite country roads as anyone got any suggestions or point me in the right direction on the site im quite a newbi:clap:

In a word - FRANCE.

Keep away from the 'bright lights' places and you will find peace, reasonable costs and a highly enjoyable life style.

France is large and diverse but every region has huge fascination for me.

Thinking of your young son there will be many local attractions everywhere. France is far more family orientated than UK. Suitable local attractions are everywhere from Disneyworld down to local animal farms, active country crafts or markets. Kids are welcome in restaurants, even in evenings. They behave well because it is normal for them!

For a first timer I recommend the Michelin Green Guides - for France and also the regions you are interested in. I have never been disappointed with their star system of rating attractions.

Keep to the by-ways to see the real country. Much like Wales!

And bikers (if that is you) are highly respected and welcomed everywhere - unlike most of UK.

You are also hated if you have a large 4x4, even if you use it for its intended purpose.

I took my godson round France and the alps last year. At the initial planning stage he fancied Disneyworld etc. but avoiding such things, he really enjoyed the real attractions that France can offer.
Just make sure each days journey is not too long.
Stay off the autoroutes, avoid route nationals where you can, and keep to the yellow roads.
If your looking for small hotels, they are not as commonplace as they used to be, but "Formule 1" type places can fill the gap. If you camp, there'll be sites wherever you go.

In 2008 I did a nice trip in France.
The trip report is here:
http://www.xs4all.nl/~jkrijt/trips/m...08/index.shtml

Maybe it can give you some ideas

Have a nice trip.