5 great car holidays with kids (part 2)
In our previous blog, which you can read here, we put together a first list of 5 fun driving vacations. Incidentally, this blog has been one of the most read in recent months, so for that reason and because Europe is so big, fun and interesting, we've easily made a second list of 5 for you. Read on and you know we'll be happy to help you choose!
1. Germany
Dive into an undiscovered gem
The Saarland, just below Germany's famous Mosel region, is a playground for adventure-loving families.
for adventurous families. This part of Germany, with its fascinating history
between German and French, offers a treasure trove of activities, especially for children.
of activities, especially for children.
Visit the Völklinger Hütte, a former steelworks
UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one of
trains, monorails and huge blast furnaces form a whole.
blast furnaces, forming a unique experience where technology, nature and art merge.
merge.
Saarbrücken, the heart of the Saarland
Saarbrücken, the heart of the Saarland, is a city where conviviality reigns supreme. Playgrounds, squares
and the beautiful walk to the old castle on the river make it an ideal stopover for families.
ideal for families. But the real gem lies just 5 kilometers from the center
the city center: the "Urwald vor den Toren der Stadt". This nature reserve
This unique nature reserve lets nature take its course.
With its dense network of old paths, it's a real voyage of discovery for children!
In the north of the Saarland lies
the magnificent Bostalsee lake, ideal for water sports and swimming.
and swimming. And for even more fun, there's mini-golf, an inverted house, footgolf and an indoor playground.
and an indoor playground.
Finally, the Saarschleife, the famous river loop of the Saar, lies at the entrance to the town.
The Saarschleife, the famous Saar river loop, has had a magnificent tree-covered trail since 2016.
Walk along this 800-meter trail, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, and enjoy breathtaking views.
and enjoy breathtaking views at the summit. At the bottom, an adventure playground awaits you,
guaranteed fun.
Just outside the Sarre lies the
castle, a waterfall in the town center and a cable car that takes you to a summer garden.
a cable car that takes you to a summer toboggan run - an adventure not to be missed.
Don't miss it.
Canoeing on the Saar offers a serene
a serene experience in nature. Paddle through the protected nature reserve, admire the birds
birds and, for the more adventurous, opt for a sporty return trip.
If you still have a pleasant place
to sleep, this is an excellent stay! And, of course, we'll take care of
too. See the Seezeitlodge hotel & spa here. A place where you and your children
and your children can completely unburden themselves and recharge their batteries.
So you don't always need a
a long car journey for a wonderful vacation ;-).
Would you like a tailor-made round trip? Inge will be happy to help.
2. Austria
Escape to the stunning Tyrol and discover a world of alpine adventures, perfect for a family holiday. As the mountains bask in sunlight, Tyrol becomes a paradise for adventurers of all ages.
Stay at LaPosch, a charming and exclusive chalet village nestled in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps. Here, you’ll enjoy complete privacy in your own luxurious chalet, complete with a wood-fired sauna, outdoor bath, and breathtaking panoramic views. Each chalet is carefully designed, offering a cozy atmosphere and ultimate comfort in a serene alpine setting.
Start your day with a walk through Tyrol’s picturesque alpine meadows. Specially marked trails make it easy for the whole family to explore together. Enjoy colorful flowers, grazing cows, and maybe even spot a curious marmot. Looking for more adventure? Hop on a bike and follow one of the many routes winding through forests, along babbling streams, and over rolling hills. For an unforgettable experience, join a guided mountain biking tour along untouched trails and hidden valleys.
A must-see is the gondola ride to the Zugspitz Arena. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. Family-friendly hiking trails lead to scenic viewpoints where you can take in nature’s beauty. For kids, there’s even an adventure park at the summit with playful activities to keep them entertained for hours.
Another highlight is visiting the Blindsee, a crystal-clear mountain lake where you can swim or simply relax by the water while the kids play. End your day in the charming village of Lermoos, where you can savor local specialties in a cozy Tyrolean atmosphere.
Tyrol in summer is an oasis of tranquility and adventure, perfect for families seeking to enjoy nature and create unforgettable memories together. Come and experience it for yourself!
Prefer another destination? Talk to Joren, our Austria specialist.
3. Switzerland
Switzerland in summer, a joy for families. The country
reveals its splendor in the picturesque town of Sankt Moritz. Surrounded by majestic
majestic mountains and crystal-clear lakes, this region offers a perfect
of natural beauty and family adventure.
Stay at the elegant Grand Hotel La Margnain Sankt
Moritz, where luxury and comfort come together. This hotel, with its breathtaking
With its breathtaking mountain views, this hotel guarantees an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
family.Hotel Valsana in Arosa offers a harmonious balance between nature and modern comfort.
between nature and modern comfort, ideal for families looking for a relaxing retreat.
ideal for families looking for a relaxing retreat.
One of the highlights of Sankt Moritz for families is the ride on the famous Bernina Express.
One of the highlights of Sankt Moritz for families is boarding the famous Bernina Express. This panoramic train journey, which winds its way through the Alps, offers an unrivalled experience.
The Bernina Express, which winds its way through the Alps, offers incomparable views and is an ideal way to admire the breathtaking scenery.
is the ideal way to admire the region's natural beauty.
Close to the Hotel Valsana is Arosa, famous for its
Arosa, famous for its magnificent hiking trails through alpine meadows and dense forests.
These trails are suitable for all ages, making them ideal for families.
ideal for families. Along the way, you may even encounter some of the region's wild animals
mountain goats and marmots.
For a day full of fun and learning, visit the Heidi Village
in Maienfeld. This charming village, the setting for the famous story of
Heidi, offers an interactive experience where children can discover life in the Swiss Alps.
Here, children can discover life in the Swiss Alps, as described in the classic book.
Adventurous families enjoy a day out at Adventure
Färich in Davos. With climbing routes and zip lines for all ages, it's a great place for kids and adults alike.
for all ages, it's a great place for kids and adults to push their limits.
push. After a day of adventure, relax in your hotel's
wellness facilities is the perfect conclusion. The Grand Hotel
La Margna and Hotel Valsana both offer a wealth of facilities to help you relax and recuperate, ready to face another day in Switzerland.
to help you relax and recuperate, ready for another day of Swiss wonders.
Switzerland is a destination that appeals to all families.
with its blend of adventure, culture and relaxation, all surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery.
of adventure, culture and relaxation, all surrounded by some of the world's most breathtaking scenery. Whether you choose
for the luxury of Sankt Moritz or the serene beauty of Arosa, your summer vacation in Switzerland promises to be a great success.
Whether you choose the luxury of Sankt Moritz or the serene beauty of Arosa, your summer holidays in Switzerland promise to be a great success.
See also our Swiss tours.
4. The Loire (France)
Explore the enchanting Loire region, a treasure trove of French history, culture and natural splendor. of history, culture and natural splendor, perfect for a family summer vacation. family summer holidays. In the midst of this picturesque landscape lies Domaine de la Tortinière, an ornate château-hotel that's the ideal starting point for an unforgettable family vacation. unforgettable family vacations. This hotel, with its fairytale towers and gardens, offers a royal experience for the whole family. This This charming château-hotel, located in the heart of the Loire Valley, combines historic elegance with modern comfort. historic elegance and modern comfort. Breathtaking views of the Indre River and surrounding forests Indre and the surrounding forests create a peaceful and magical atmosphere.
Start your adventure with a hot-air balloon flight over the Loire Valley.
Soar over castles and rivers, admiring breathtaking panoramas.
breathtaking panoramas. It's a unique way to discover the beauty of the region.
and is sure to delight young and old alike.
Discover the many châteaux of the Loire Valley. The Château
de Villandry, famous for its Renaissance gardens, and the fairytale-like Château de Chenonceau.
Château de Chenonceau, overlooking the Cher river, is a must-see. These castles
These châteaux are not just architectural marvels.
These castles aren't just architectural marvels, they also offer interactive tours that are just as fun for the little ones in the party.
Take part in a family bike ride along the
Loire River. With easy-to-navigate paths and plenty of picturesque stops, it's the perfect way for families to explore the region.
It's an ideal way for families to explore the region.
Along the way, you can picnic in the vineyards or take a break in one of the charming villages.
For a day of entertainment and education, visit Futuroscope,
a futuristic theme park just an hour's drive from Domaine de la Tortinière.
Domaine de la Tortinière. With its innovative attractions and shows, Futuroscope offers entertainment and learning opportunities,
Futuroscope offers entertainment and learning experiences for all ages.
After a day of adventures, return to the tranquility of your hotel and enjoy a family dinner in one of the restaurants.
of your hotel and enjoy a family dinner in the gourmet
gourmet restaurant, where you can enjoy sophisticated local cuisine
while the kids play in the playground or by the pool.
Quite a prospect, isn't it? Contact Ann for more information.
5. Tuscany
Dive into the heart of Tuscany, a region full of hidden gems and unique adventures.
of hidden gems and unique adventures, because Tuscany isn't just hills and vineyards.
Tuscany isn't just hills and vineyards, for those who look further afield.
Start your adventure with a visit to Niki de Saint Phalle's little-known Tarot Garden.
Niki de Saint Phalle's Tarot Garden. This colorful, artistic garden, full of mythical sculptures and mosaics, was created by Niki de Saint Phalle.
full of mythical sculptures and mosaics, is a magical experience for children and adults alike.
for children and adults alike. It's a lively, playful place that stimulates creativity and imagination.
imagination.
Discover Florence's secret nooks and crannies, and swap the typical tours
for an olive oil tasting at a local farm. Learn with your children
with your children the olive oil production process, from tree to bottle, and taste the subtle differences between the different varieties.
the subtle differences between the different varieties. It's a unique way
to discover Tuscan culture and gastronomy.
For a day out in nature, explore the Apennine trails.
Apennines, where you'll hike through pristine forests and may even catch a glimpse of the local wildlife.
local wildlife. These lesser-known hiking trails offer breathtaking views and the chance to discover Tuscany.
These lesser-known hiking trails offer breathtaking views and the chance to discover Tuscan nature in its purest form.
Visit one of the many medieval villages that have yet to be discovered by mass tourism.
by mass tourism. Villages like Poppi or Monteriggioni offer a glimpse of Tuscan authenticity.
a glimpse of authentic Tuscan life and are perfect for an afternoon of
stroll through the ancient streets, enjoying a gelato or a cup of local espresso.
local espresso.
Tuscany, with its blend of culture, adventure and nature, offers a wealth of experiences beyond the familiar clichés.
a wealth of experiences beyond the familiar clichés. It's the
ideal destination for families looking for authentic, enriching vacations.
authentic and enriching.
Please have a look at our child-friendly accommodation in this beautiful region, or send Inge a message if you'd like her to help you plan your ideal family vacation.
