Worried that the credit crunch will mean your training holiday is cancelled this year? Then take the whole family with you and make a week of it. Merryn Thomas discovers an exciting new training vacation in France.

Hidden away amongst a labyrinth of lakes, castles and forests, is nestled a utopia of home grown food, tranquil gardens, rustic French charm… and an endless pool.

This is Tri-Topia, the brainchild of a young family from Cornwall, who have said goodbye to cycling on crowded roads to create a paradise for triathletes in France's Loire Valley.

Tri-Top ia is located in the heart of The Brenne National Park. Surrounded by miles of unspoilt countryside, it is the perfect place to hone a triathlete's technique.

And here's the refreshing bit: your family will enjoy their holiday just as much as you will! Whether they're into history or nature, hiking or sunbathing, there is plenty in The Brenne to amuse them. When they're not making full use of the fitness facilities, that is.

Owners Lee and Sam don't believe in doing things by halves. You'll find no bunk-beds here! The accommodation is very comfortable, and each room has its own en suite shower room. In the evenings guests are treated to a delicious four course meal, cooked by experienced international chef, Lee. That'S on top of breakfast and lunch, which is included in the €500 bill. And with much of the food grown in the family's own small holding, guests can rest assured it's largely organic... and very, very nutritious.

The Tri-topia idea was born when Lee and Sam moved to the Loire after hosting ski holidays in the Alps. Lee wanted to turn his triathlon passion into a business he could be proud of. So the couple and their two young children set about converting a cluster of old farm buildings into a haven for them, their triathlete guests, and a gaggle of resident goats, pigs and chickens.

Facilities include a fully equipped gym, endless pool and sauna. Out and about, The Brenne area offers a thousand lakes in which to swim, as well as miles of undulating, traffic free-roads for cycling, and picturesque woodlands for cross-country running. It's not difficult to get to, either. Tri-topia is just 40 minutes from Poitiers airport, an hour from Limoges, or 90 minutes on the TGV from Paris.

What's more, you don't need to be an experienced triathlete to make the most of Tri-topia. Everyone can benefit from a holiday at Tri-topia, and all are welcome, from club members to families; from complete beginners to elite athletes. Tri-topia helps guests to create their own weekly training programme, and works with them to help reach their season's goals. And with BTF T2endurance coach Phil Jarvis on hand, you'll be taking your home triathlon circuit by storm in no time.

A number of specific training weeks are scheduled for 2009 or you can arrange your own tailored trip if you prefer or perhaps you could combine your holiday with an event in the area. To find out about up and coming races, see the Tri-Topia website at www.tri-topia.com.