Best 2-3 day Stop between Chamonix/Annecy and Paris

I haven’t been there, but one place the RS Family tour stops at is Guedelon Castle, a castle the is currently being built using medieval techniques. I believe there is a lot geared to kids and families. It appears to be between Annency and Paris.

https://www.guedelon.fr/en/

Perhaps too close to Annency, but Pérouges is a hidden gem, almost requiring a car. Is it too subtle and quiet for young children? I have no idea.

Edit: A larger town with more to do: Besançon. We stayed there to follow the track of Gustave Courbet, like La Source de la Loue.

Lyon would be my choice. Kids might enjoy exploring the Traboules (I'd get a guide as many of the best ones got closed to the public during COVID and some private guides apparently have access -- but you can see many on your own). The Roman ruins are impressive. Good food. Maybe two nights there.

I also like the idea of visiting the castle mentioned above -- we thought of doing it a few years ago and didn't and now regret it as we no longer drive in Europe.

My opinion - Chamonix is the exclamation point.. Head to the airport from there!!! Seriously though, it would be hard to top Mont Blanc/Chamonix. In July 2022, we went from Chamonix to the Nimes Arena to see KISS, and then to Brussels to see The Rolling Stones (and that was all awesome) but I kept thinking "man, I wish I was back in Chamonix"!!

Guedelon would be a great stop for one day. It will take a big chunk out of your day and will be well worth it.

They are building a castle from a 13th century design, using mainly materials from the site and sticking to the techniques known at that time period, with the exception of steel-toed boots and protective gear when needed. The castle is a work in progress, slow progress since part of the job of each worker is to explain how they do what they do and how it fits in to the overall project.

It takes energy to see the whole site but kids have that. They'll enjoy the animals, the blacksmiths, the mill, the stone carvers, the rope makers, the dyers, and so on. There are always kids' groups there with plenty of questions (in French). There are English tours but it's not a regular thing. Plenty of the workers can speak English.

Take a look at some of the Feux de Guedelon videos on youtube and see what you think. You can ask for subtitles.

They are closed on certain Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Their 2023 schedule will be here: https://www.guedelon.fr/en

Hello,
Thanks for the great responses so far. Guedelon was previously on my radar, but I had forgotten about it. That might be a great stop. Will maybe start researching what the best town/home base would be within a short drive.

And very glad to hear the love for Chamonix. I'm still considering ending things there, but weighing all the options. I was originally planning on staying about 5 days in Chamonix and 5 days in Annecy (the accommodation we're in love with in Annecy has a minimum 5 day stay), but I'm slightly leaning towards just extra days in Chamonix, with a day trip to Annecy, or just a much shorter stop in Annecy at a hotel or BnB we don't like as much. The time in Annecy or Chamonix would include many day trips...I realize 5 days in Annecy is a lot.

Anyone have a strong opinion on Annecy? It looks beautiful, and we were looking forward to the bike path around the lake, and spending time on the lake, but maybe a day trip or two is enough? I am a little concerned about it being very crowded and maybe not the best last stop.

Thanks again,

It's the end of the trip, so August, right?
Then yes, Annecy is crowded at that time of the year. Is your accommodation in Annecy itself, or in the general area of the lake? If it's in Annecy, then 5 days is indeed too long. If it's on/near the lake but out of Annecy, it is easier to drive around and there will be fewer crowds, so you can definitely enjoy 5 days there.

Hello,
Yes, end of August, which was worrying me about Annecy. And my accommodation was just north of the old town, so perhaps an issue for driving in and out on day trips.

I think i've been convinced to shorten our stay in Annecy, or just day trips from a longer stay in Chamonix, then finish with some time in Burgandy, along with Guedelon.

Thanks everyone.

Some time in Burgundy is a good idea! Guedelon is an easy day trip from northern/western Burgundy (e.g. the Vézelay area).
I would also have suggested the Jura region (around Arbois for example), which is full of lovely lakes and waterfalls (and great cheese), but late August is not the best time to go due to the risk of drought.