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Family launching point

We are a family of four - including (by next summer) 4yo and 8yo boys. I would be so grateful for suggestions for a three week vacation next summer. Here is what's driving my search:
1. In Europe, but preferably not too hot (e.g., Portugal, Northern Spain, Northern Italy, etc.)
2. We want to fly into a city, stay a few days, then drive to an airbnb (kitchen is necessary) for the remainder of the trip.
3. Preferably, the airbnb would not be in a big city, but would be within walking distance to a town, have lots of good kids activities, have good restaurants for when we choose to eat out, have good outdoor activities (beaches, walks, playgrounds, etc.), and have interesting places to visit on day trips.

Our most recent trip was to London and Scotland. It was great, but we were in hotels for a lot of it and that just doesn't work for my clan - we cannot be in restaurants for three meals a day. On the other hand, Scotland was amazing for us. We had a ball with all the outdoor activities and it was so kid-friendly. It's clear I need to start planning earlier for next summer. So far, I found a possible location in Barcelona/Basque Country. But, I can't wrap my hands around whether Basque is kid-friendly. We'll go almost anywhere as long as it's not too hot and it has fun stuff to do.

Thanks to anyone who offers advice!!

Posted by
3 posts

One more thing - we could travel in June or July and we need wifi so we can work when needed. Surprisingly, this was an issue in Scotland.

Posted by
11551 posts

The Spanish or French Basque regions would be excellent as they fit your requirements.Look at maribelsguides dot com for the Basque regions in both countries. There is so much information in her guides including house and apartment rental information!
Spain's northern coast is cooler than other parts of Europe. Portugal is great too but may be too warm.

Posted by
4132 posts

In July I'd want to be north of the Alps (or in them).

Consider, then, Amsterdam or Copenhagen as gateways.

Posted by
1131 posts

Switzerland is extremely family-friendly and has lots of outdoorsy things to do. You could stay near a mid-sized city like Bern or Lucerne and then day-trip to the Alps, etc. Plus you have an easy flight from Zurich which goes just about everywhere.

Posted by
1825 posts

Start in Paris and then go to the Dordogne. The Dordogne has a ton of stuff for kids. I'd get a place near Sarlat, with a pool, I found one example Google "La Ramée - Salamandre - Périgord - near Sarlat" to see. Maybe take a train to Bordeaux and get a car there.

Posted by
11294 posts

Following up on Kelly's post, Switzerland has a reputation for high prices. But while the restaurants are indeed very expensive, the grocery stores are not. Similarly, while hotels can be expensive, apartments can be a good deal.

Definitely look into renting a place in the Berner Oberland; there are several rentals in Muerren that get good reviews here. You can go right from Zurich airport, and don't need or want a car to get to the best natural thrills.

On another note, I'm not sure why you think the Basque country is, or might be, kid-unfriendly. If you say what your concerns are, people can give a more specific answer. However, one issue with the Basque country is getting there. It's quite far from Paris, Madrid, or Barcelona (the three closest places with nonstop service to the US); Bilbao has the largest airport in the Basque country. And a car is definitely the way to have the best experience if you want to see villages, small towns, and beaches.