Where to go to in France

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do at least 3 or 4 days in Paris. Then take the train to Avignon, rent a car and spend the rest of the trip exploring the Luberon villages (Roussillon, Gordes, Lourmarin, etc.) and enjoying the beach in Cassis. Aix en Provence is a nice place to spend a night or two as well.

My family lives in one of those villages in the Luberon and we spend our summers there - it is lovely, but I don't think it's the best choice with a 5yo, especially if you haven't been to France before. It's hot (assuming you're going in the summer) and while it's pretty, there is not much for kids to do. My own kids spend their days in the pool at our house and we go into the village for bread/cheese/fruit/ice cream and to run around the old castle grounds, but you won't find playgrounds or anything much for kids in any of these villages. I think the Paris plus northern France suggestion is better, or go to the Cote d'Azur which is beautiful too and a bit more lively for kids.

Agreed. Had a wonderful time as a couple in the Luberon a few years ago in May, when it wasn't yet hot. But didn't seem like a place with many kid oriented activities.

[Anonymous]

Has anyone been to Colmar? Considering going as a side trip while I'm in Switzerland.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone been to Colmar? Considering going as a side trip while I'm in Switzerland.

I have been to Colmar! I spent a lovely, chill weekend there once, riding bikes and drinking wine. It's very pretty. Not a lot to do, if I remember correctly.

For the OP, I love the idea of Paris and the Cote d'Azur. I think it would be great fun in the summer!

[Anonymous]

Provence is pretty great!

[Anonymous]

With a five year old one day at Euro-Disney outside Paris might be fun given so many other days will be more adult oriented.

[Anonymous]

With 11 days, just stay in Paris. Rent an apartment, explore the city, playgrounds, bakeries. Take a few day trips on the train. Spend a day at Eurodisney.

[Anonymous]

11 days is a healthy amount of time in France, which is easily traversed by car.

When I was a kid (older than 5, but my brother was 7 maybe and he would agree) I LOVED the southwest. Carcassonne & the big sand dunes at Arcachon. There are also some cave paintings near there. We camped in both places, and the campsite by the dune had a pool with a bar, a huge playground, and you could easily walk up and over the dune and back.

I also really liked Annency, right on the Swiss border. Big mountains, totally different food from the rest of the country.

France is an easy country to navigate, it has great grocery stores and amenities, and kids are welcome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:11 days is a healthy amount of time in France, which is easily traversed by car.

When I was a kid (older than 5, but my brother was 7 maybe and he would agree) I LOVED the southwest. Carcassonne & the big sand dunes at Arcachon. There are also some cave paintings near there. We camped in both places, and the campsite by the dune had a pool with a bar, a huge playground, and you could easily walk up and over the dune and back.

I also really liked Annency, right on the Swiss border. Big mountains, totally different food from the rest of the country.

France is an easy country to navigate, it has great grocery stores and amenities, and kids are welcome.

Same poster, and just looked at a map. Given that a car would be a PITA in Paris, I'd spend 4-5 days there, then fly to Bordeaux and rent a car there and explore that region. Do you like wine? You could see the coast and the countryside and the dune and it would give you the "country" to counter the city of Paris (which, of course, I love beyond all reason).

[Anonymous]

D Day beaches
Chamonix

Both great for a 5 year old. Chamonix is a great summer destination and there's a fun outdoor leisure park for kids and a big outdoor public pool, not to mention hiking options.

[Anonymous]

Anywhere other than Paris

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone been to Colmar? Considering going as a side trip while I'm in Switzerland.

Years ago. I remember it as being an enjoyable--though short--visit. What I most remember is a drive near sunset up the Vosges. Magnificent. One of those places that I said to myself that I must come back--but never have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:11 days is a healthy amount of time in France, which is easily traversed by car.

When I was a kid (older than 5, but my brother was 7 maybe and he would agree) I LOVED the southwest. Carcassonne & the big sand dunes at Arcachon. There are also some cave paintings near there. We camped in both places, and the campsite by the dune had a pool with a bar, a huge playground, and you could easily walk up and over the dune and back.

I also really liked Annency, right on the Swiss border. Big mountains, totally different food from the rest of the country.

France is an easy country to navigate, it has great grocery stores and amenities, and kids are welcome.

Same poster, and just looked at a map. Given that a car would be a PITA in Paris, I'd spend 4-5 days there, then fly to Bordeaux and rent a car there and explore that region. Do you like wine? You could see the coast and the countryside and the dune and it would give you the "country" to counter the city of Paris (which, of course, I love beyond all reason).

FYI, the train line to Bordeaux has been upgraded to fully high speed, so the TGV trains are now only a 2 hour ride from Paris to Bordeaux. If you book far in advance it's only 25 euros per person. So no need to fly to Bordeaux if you want to go there.

French train website in English:

https://en.oui.sncf/en/