We are planning a 2 week trip for our family next summer (probably late June early July). We have two kids age 9 and 12 who are good travelers and like lots of activity. We will spend about a week in Paris, I would really appreciate advice for the rest of the trip. The kids have not been to France; my husband and I have been to Normandy, Dordogne, Languedoc, and Provence and enjoyed them all. I am thinking 2 days in Normandy and so the question is the remainder. The two options I am considering are the Alps or Provence. We have never been to the Alps and think we would love the sights but I am worried about the weather being bad and therefore nothing to do. My husband thinks a gite in Isle sur la Sorgue would be really fun; there the worry is crowds and heat. After reading many forums on this site, I am now wondering if Murren would be better. I am not sure would be more fun for the four of us. We are going to take Iceland Air and so flying out of Geneva is an option.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3984 posts
If you want to go to the Alps, I would not worry too much about weather in late June or July. Summer months in the Alps are generally temperate and, depending on where you are in Alps, there might be some rain. L'Isle Sur la Sorgue is very crowded on market days but the rest of the time crowds are not a major problem.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Rick's Switzerland book and online summary describe a few bad-weather options in the Berner Oberland, but I also would not be worried about the weather. An additional bad-weather option could be a day trip to Bern, one hour each way by direct train from Interlaken.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
I wouldn't worry so much about crowds in Isle sur la Sorgue but the heat is something to contend with in the south of France during the summer months. If you don't like heat, then Murren would be a great option and certainly has a lot to do with your kids. The weather in the Alps is very changeable in summer. You'll have beautiful, blue sky clear days mixed with periods of rain and clouds. It won't be too cold though so activity doesn't have to come to a grinding halt by any means! Just bring rain gear and you'll be fine.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Can you get to Normandy your first day? If so, Normandy > Paris > Swiss Alps > Fly home from Switzerland may be your best bet. And a nice trip too, I think!
Paris > Normandy > Switzerland is possible, of course, but that's a looong travel day.