Hello all! My family is taking an extended trip in France (a month!) and we are trying to decide between Alsace/Lorraine and Provence as our final destination. We would spend 5 days in either region before heading back to Paris. I have been down to Nice, Menton, and Monaco, but it would be a first time visit to the region for my family. Likely, we would stay near Avignon and visit Aix-en-Provence and Arles (according to Rick's recommendations). We will have a car. My kids are 5 and 2. Alternately, we would drive up to Ribeauville and visit Colmar and Eguisheim during our stay in Alsace. We would like to cross over into Germany, though with Covid and car rental restrictions, I am not sure that is a possibility this time. If anyone has traveled with young kids to these regions, would you recommend it? If you have traveled to both region without kids, what are your thoughts? We will be based in Saint-Etienne and traveling from there.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1451 posts
Your Time in Avignon, Arles and Aix-en-Provence would gracefully fill 5 days at outdoor markets and Roman Ruins and the Popes Palace and Lots of Art Venues. I stayed in Aix which is busier but has lots of Cafes on Tree Canopied streets. There is a commuter train from Aix, if you want to go Marseilles and have Boullabaisse by the Old Harbour. I would save your German Trip for when the Kids can enjoy Biking on the bike lanes by the Moselle, Rhine, and hop off and on the river boats, etc. And you can stop for Wine Tastings while they can sit down and enjoy picnics.
Posted by
Paris
6918 posts
What is the time of the year for the trip? I would avoid Alsace in November (until Christmas markets open) and from Christmas to April, due to weather.
Provence, while often bitterly cold in winter due to the wind, is more viable year-round.
Otherwise, both regions have some fun elements for a 5-year old... And will be equally challenging with a 2-year old!
From Saint Etienne, Provence is significantly closer than Alsace, so I would lean towards that.
I assume you have family / friends in Saint Etienne: the region is beautiful and I hope they will guide you around! Otherwise, the city itself gets an unjustified bad rap, I like it a lot despite the obvious signs of decline (a 25% population loss since the mining heydays does leave a mark on the city scape).
Posted by
7688 posts
I traveled with kids in Europe for years and my philosophy was to plan as if I didn't have kids with us. They don't care much for museums, so you might need to reduce museums on your trip.
Posted by
4530 posts
On the specific side trip to Aix: I wouldn’t do this with young children. It’s a ways, an hour by bus (1-1/2 by train) or if you drive there’s the parking issue, then nothing that appeals to children when you get there. There’s more of interest to children around Avignon, the Luberon, and along the Rhone.
Posted by
OP
20 posts
These are great recommendations; thanks everyone! We will be in France September 12-October 12. Yes, we are staying with friends in Saint Etienne. I agree that it is an undervalued/under appreciated area. There is so much of France to enjoy, though, I do understand the desire to see the best of the best. I am grateful to have good friends in the Rhône-Alpes, otherwise I may never have ventured to that part of France.
Posted by
12 posts
Hi, i'm currently in beaune/burgundy with my 2 year old. will let you know how it goes in alsace in a few days.. spending some time there and then we will be in paris. first time to europe with our child since pre covid times, when he was wearable and slept nearly the whole day (just a few months old). on va voir!