The songs were definitely not British top 20 hits. Yet the crowd of British youngsters gathered around the stage were singing along with gusto, as if they had been French speakers all their lives.

The same, I noted could be said for the Dutch and other non-locals who were enjoying the evening’s entertainment. If the accents weren’t quite right, or the words a little confused, it didn’t matter.

This was holidaying with the locals at its very best, and it was obvious everyone was enjoying the bon temps.

The road from Perpignan Airport to the coastal resorts near Cap D’Agde where the French Languedoc meets the Mediterranean is straight, short and quite breathtaking. It takes no more than an hour to follow the A9 north, the rock-strewn dramatic mountains on the one side, clear blue sea on the other, to reach the coastal resorts just south of the fishing port of Sete.

It means that within less than three hours of leaving Southampton Airport with direct Flybe flights to Perpignan you can be pulling into your beachside accommodation – and ten minutes later be throwing yourself into the crystal blue warm waters themselves.

Cares abandoned? Job done.

There are closer resorts, but I’d been travelling to this part of the French south coast for many years and its wonderful mix of unspoilt beaches, empty roads, fields of vines and friendly, ‘real’ French holidays towns always seemed to draw me back.

OK, so there is little of the glitz of the Cote D’Azure, but there’s none of the snobbery also, and the prices are way, way lower.

Scattered along the coastline near to the town of Bezier with its magnificent cathedral lie several such resorts; Marseillan Plage, Vias Plage, Portiragnes Plage, all wonderful capsules of what the French demand from down-to-earth holiday resorts: well kept beaches, neat tidy towns, abundant restaurants and bars, no pretention, little fuss – lots of moules and frites. Marvellous.

This year the destination was the small resort of Serignan Plage. No more than a strip of eateries and stores really, but set on one of the best beaches in the area and close enough to local villages and other resorts to allow visitors to set their own pace.

My pace was to be relaxed.

The chosen destination was the resort site of Serignan Plage with Thompson Al Fresco acting as hosts.

I like Thompson Al Fresco – a lot.

A cut above the average mobile home holiday provider, their standards are high, their accommodation first class – air conditioning a blissful feature at many sites – and the staff are always spot on.

The service and standards not to mention the Al Fresco team at Serignan Plage did not fail to live up to expectations. The meet-and-greet was smooth and efficient, the Rossini mobile home was spotless, the advice and support on offer was exemplary. Trips out? They could organise it. Advice on where to shop? They had it to hand. Tips on how to get the most from the visit? All there.

The mobile home itself came with two bedrooms, a well equipped kitchen, separate toilet and shower facilities, comfortable lounge area and a large outside deck with table, seats and barbecue. The spot, in common I realised with all other Al Fresco managed mobile homes, was well chosen, with plenty of shady trees and far enough from the noise of the pool and entertainment areas to be a peaceful haven but still close enough that joining in the fun wasn’t a hike.

And fun it was. The site is typical of so many along this stretch of the coast; beautifully laid out with plenty of tree cover to provide shade. The large pool area with its interconnecting swimming areas of varying depths and fabulous waterslides was clean and tidy.

The surrounding grassed sunbathing area provided complimentary sunbeds. There was also an indoor heated pool.

The park has direct access on to the beach itself with two walkways leading through the dunes and onto the golden sands.

A spa on site is complimentary for guests staying for a week or more, although do note that it is used for naturists in the morning and the rule is no bathing costumes whatsoever. The naturist beach is adjacent to the parc.

In the evening the emphasis for activities shifted to the entertainment complex sited around a marvellous complex of bars and restaurants.

An outdoor stage area was the setting for nightly shows, visiting bands and entertainers and a variety of self-created shows by the parc staff and guests.

A touch I particularly liked was the creperie, a brilliant eaterie serving candy floss, ices, and of course crepes well into the night.

The area around the parc is flat and a haven for cyclists. Nearby attractions including pony rides, go-karting, pedalos, catamarans and windsurfing are easy to access and the Thompson Al Fresco staff were on hand always to provide advice and information as well as booking trips and organising events.

For children the site has a parc run kids club for ages four to 12 years and there is a playground and trampoline. A teen club runs in high season and as well as beach volleyball and football, there are tennis and table tennis facilities.

It was hard to fault the site and the Thompson Al Fresco team who were unobtrusive yet keen to be of help when required. A great choice for families, without a doubt.

And at the end of the holiday there’s every chance your children will be able to wow their friends with their ability to sing in French.