March break trip ideas

Is this your daughter's first trip to Europe? What are her interests? How long is your spring break?
My automatic response is why are you not taking her to Paris? Sure, the weather might be bad, but it might be really nice with spring blossoms and the city coming out of its hibernation. What 12yoa girl doesn't want to visit Paris? If you have 10 days, you could split your time between Paris and Provence or the Riviera. A good base in the region is Montpellier. Rent a car to see the flamingoes in the Camargue, the Van Gogh sites in Arles, Carcassonne, and dance "sur la pont" in Avignon.

If it were me, I'd prioritize France. I have four kids and because our family is of German descent and one grandparent is a 1st generation American, they all studied German in high school and a year in college. Thus, when I traveled with them to Europe, I prioritized German speaking areas. (Austria, Germany, Switzerland)

In your case, I have to think your daughter would at least want to spend some time in Paris.

A few years ago, we rented electric bikes in Orange with our 12 and 14 year old kids. The bike shop had suggested routes on a bikepath along the Rhone and then along rural roads and we were able to see the countryside in a way that the kids enjoyed, too.

The kids also enjoyed the Roman sites in Arles, particularly the Arena, because you can walk all around it. The Ancient History museum in Arles has a lot of miniature dioramas - one kid liked them, one was done with museums by that point.

I don't know if a boat tour of the Calanques is an option from Marseilles in March.

We’ve been to Paris twice with our daughter and also visited Normandy and the Loire. We love France and want to explore more but not sure where to go in March that won’t be rainy and gray.

If you haven’t yet visited the Riviera and Provence, that'd be my recommendation. Weather should be good, lots of things to do cultural and otherwise.

Last March, we were in Sicily --- certainly not gray, and the couple of days with off-and-on warm rain were remarked on by locals as being unusual. Greek temples, mosaics, Etna, wildflowers, Villa Romana, Romanesque & Baroque & Arab & Norman architecture, fantastic food, few tourists except at Monreale, easy to drive around (not in the cities of course), hill towns, interesting Easter processions.

Italy is my favorite foreign country and can't be beat. It is filled with history, amazing art and great dining.
The big three, Venice, Florence and Rome can be done in 10-12 days, fly into Venice and out of Rome. Take the high speed train between the cities.

The French Riveria has some interesting places to visit, but is a vacation spot for Europeans and sorry, but don't plan a beach vacation to relax, use you valuable time to see the history, art, culture, etc.

France is great, Paris is great, as well as Normandy, Alsace, the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, frankly over the Riveria. Of course, the Rhone River Valley is great.

One more vote for Sicily, for all the reasons mentioned.

I will link my trip report for our trip that included a bit of time in Rome and Salerno in late February / early March in case it interests you.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-february-march-in-italy

I would love your trip report!

I’d focus on Southern Spain, adding southern France for the language interest after a bit more weather digging, as it could be a tad early. I’d feel safe weather-wise with Sicily, but with just a week, I’d be focusing on maximizing my time with Western Europe and a shorter, easier journey.
Andalusia is really perfect for March, as in summer it is scorching and there is no seasonality aspect like in a coastal town. Don’t recommend combo with Morocco, both deserve their own trip without the time suck of the ferry.

Another Sicily trip report for you: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/sicily-spring-2025