Last weekend, we crossed the Channel under sail, by catamaran, from Boulogne-sur-Mer to Dover. Travelling by sailing boat was our most beautiful transport experience between France and England. Just imagine: crossing the Channel powered by the wind! What a wonderful feeling! No noise, no pollution and the pleasure of being closer to the sea. It is a gentler, more eco-friendly alternative to the traditional ferry. This sailing crossing is perfect for foot passengers or cyclists like us. Even better, you can take part in the sailing if you want to create even more memories. As my Ticoeur loves sailing, of course he volunteered and had the pride of taking the helm for a large part of the crossing, under Captain Andrew’s watchful eye. But it is not compulsory! No sailing experience is required!
How did I get the idea to book this catamaran crossing? I had been looking for a company offering a sailing link across the Channel for a long time, but there was nothing. A few months ago, SailLink, a young English company, launched and now offers the very first wind-powered passenger transport between France and England. When I discovered this lovely alternative to the big classic ferries, I kept the idea in mind as a surprise for my teenager, who loves sailing so much. So, to celebrate the end of his GCSEs, I booked two tickets for this incredible experience, with an original mode of transport that turns the journey into an adventure! From that idea, I then built our little trip cycling along the Côte d’Opale in Northern France. You can create your own trip according to your wishes! You could come and visit Boulogne-sur-Mer or continue by train to Paris!
We did use this sailing service on our way back from France, between Boulogne-sur-Mer and Dover (you can do either way or both ways). I’ll share all the details below and perhaps make you want to try this slow-travel adventure too!
The details of our catamaran crossing between Boulogne-sur-Mer and Dover
Departure from Boulogne-sur-Mer:
The meeting point is on the quays between the fish market and Nausicaa, the largest aquarium in Europe. It is very convenient because it is central. Andrew, the catamaran captain, immediately made us feel at ease: he gives an impression of both friendliness and seriousness. He welcomed us aboard Echoes, a 17-metre catamaran. He put our bikes in the boat’s cabin. We were the only cyclists that day. The other passengers were travelling on foot.
Last weekend, we cycled along the Côte d’Opale in Northern France, starting with the section between Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer on the Vélomaritime route (EuroVelo 4). For this sporty adventure, I was with Ticoeur, my teenager: a mother-son getaway to celebrate the end of his GCSEs. We already knew the Côte d’Opale, but it was our first time exploring this beautiful stretch of northern France by bike! I can already tell you: it is not exactly a gentle ride! The cycling route between Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer is spectacular but demanding, with more hills than we expected. Luckily, we were rewarded with some beautiful sights, all detailed below. I will also share our tips and impressions.
From Calais to Boulogne-sur-Mer by bike: at a glance
The route: along The Vélomaritime, between Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer. The Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) follows the Channel coast for 1,500 km between Roscoff and Dunkirk, so there is plenty to explore if you want to extend your adventure! We checked the map available on the Vélomaritime website throughout our ride. The site is very easy to use!
Distance: officially 51 km according to the Vélomaritime website, but we actually covered closer to 55 km.
Duration: 5 hours including breaks, with about 4 hours of cycling, compared with the 3 hours announced on the website. We are fairly sporty and used to cycle touring, but the climbs definitely slowed us down!
Level: this section is classified as “difficult”, and we can confirm! There are many hilly parts (+/-329 m). Of course, it is all relative: if you are confident cyclists, there is nothing technically complicated.
Type of path: between Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer, about 60% of the route is on roads shared with cars and 40% on cycle paths.
Starting point: we started at the port of Calais because we arrived by boat from England. Officially, this section starts at Calais train station (1h50 by TGV from Paris).
Can you do it as a family? Yes, with pre-teens or teenagers who are used to cycling! However, I would not recommend it with younger children because of the hills and the long road sections. For reference, Ticoeur is 16. Titpuce was not with us on this adventure, but she could have done it too (she is 14).
E-bike alternative: we came across many tourists on electric bikes, which seems like a very good option for this Côte d’Opale itinerary!
Weather: we had 21 degrees (early July), with sunshine, which already feels warm when you are going uphill! Note that there is almost no shade along the route.
Accommodation for the night: we slept in a wonderful guesthouse in Boulogne-sur-Mer, the capital of the Côte d’Opale (see below for details of our accommodation).
And afterwards? The next day, we continued with the Vélomaritime section from Boulogne-sur-Mer to Le Touquet, an easier section with a lovely stop at Château d’Hardelot. I will tell you about it in another article.
Cycling and sailing adventure: we combined our cycling getaway on the Côte d’Opale with a Channel crossing by catamaran! A fantastic experience that we recommend!
Last weekend, we cycled to Bath from Bradford-on-Avon. I loved this cycling route through a bucolic, typically English setting! It is a cycle path along the canal, so it is traffic-free and full of charm. It is an ideal outing for discovering the Wiltshire countryside before arriving in Bath, which, for me, is the most beautiful city in the south of England! London aside, of course. For this sporty and rural outing, I was with my Titpuce: a mother-daughter escape that my teenager enjoyed just as much as I did! We loved passing locks and aqueducts in a green setting. A wonderful and original favourite for discovering Bath and the beauty of the surrounding landscapes!
From Bradford-on-Avon to Bath by bike: in brief
The route: along the Kennet & Avon Canal between Bradford-on-Avon and Bath, on the towpath.
Distance: 9 miles (14 km) one way, so 18 miles (28 km) return between Bradford-on-Avon and Bath. The full Kennet & Avon Canal route is 82 miles, between Reading and Bath, so sportier cyclists can set off on a bigger adventure!
Duration: around 1h30 each way, so about 3 hours return (with, for us, a long break to visit Bath. See below.)
Level: very easy because it is flat! That is the advantage of following a canal!
Type of path: this is a shared route for pedestrians and cyclists. So do watch out for walkers!
Start of the route: at the Canal & River Trust car park in Bradford-on-Avon. At least, that was the paid car park we were aiming for, but we found a free space in the street a few metres before. There were quite a few spaces in the streets at 9am, when we arrived. Note that you could also start in Bath; the direction does not really matter.
Is it doable with children? Yes, definitely! I was with my Titpuce (14 years old), but it would also suit younger children. More details below.
Walking alternative: this route is also very popular with walkers. In that case, allow about 3 hours one way, and you can return by train.
Bike hire?
Map of our cycling route between Bradford-on-Avon and Bath:
From Bradford-on-Avon to Bath by bike: the stages
After a generous English breakfast in our B&B, we set off at 9am from Bradford-on-Avon, a very pretty Wiltshire village with old stone houses and a medieval bridge. It has the feel of a Cotswolds village, which is no surprise since the Cotswolds are not far away!
We parked outside the centre, not far from the lock, near the Canal & River Trust car park.
The plan? Follow the canal! As soon as we set off, we saw our first narrowboats. There are some all along the route. I was already under its spell! What a pleasure to find ourselves on a traffic-free path!
The first sign we passed announced 10 miles, but I think it is closer to 9.
Right at the beginning, we passed the lovely Bradford-on-Avon lock:
Avoncliff Aqueduct
We then reached Avoncliff Aqueduct, a historic aqueduct 100 metres long. Everyone crosses it: boats, pedestrians and bikes! It connects the River Avon to the canal. Although we had had no doubt about the route until then, we had a moment of hesitation after crossing the aqueduct, because neither my girl nor I have much of a sense of direction! So I checked Google Maps to continue on the right side of the canal. It is the only place where I had a doubt, but with GPS it is simple! You need to keep heading west, on the right bank of the canal.
From the aqueduct, the view over the surrounding landscape is superb!
We continued through an increasingly green landscape. The distance between my young teenager and me kept growing! Ah, children overtaking their parents… it makes you feel old :-).
Dundas Aqueduct
We then arrived at the second aqueduct on the route. Dundas Aqueduct dates from the 19th century and links the Kennet & Avon Canal with the Somerset Coal Canal. This is roughly halfway. There are 5 miles left. Very clear signs point towards Bath.
We then continued quietly along the canal in the same peaceful setting. We passed through the village of Bathampton just before arriving in Bath.
On either side of the canal, the landscape is hilly. Luckily, our cycle path is perfectly flat!
As we arrived in Bath, we could already see rows of beautiful Georgian buildings in the distance. Along the canal, there are more pedestrians. You just need to slow down properly when passing them, and a bell is useful to let them know you are there!
After the canal, the cycle path continues as far as the Holburne Museum, an art museum in a smart residential part of Bath. From there, there is no longer a cycle path, but only a few hundred metres remain to the centre, and the traffic is not stressful at all.
Holburne Museum
All that was left was to ride up the broad Great Pulteney Street before reaching the famous Pulteney Bridge, which marks the entrance into Bath. It is magnificent! Like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, it is lined with shops.
Pulteney Bridge
One last little turn and we found ourselves facing Bath Abbey, where we parked our bikes! We were delighted with our little adventure! It really is a beautiful way to arrive in Bath!
Our visit to Bath after the bike ride:
We already know Bath, but how could anyone tire of such a beautiful city? It is my favourite in the south of England! As we had already done the essential visits on previous stays, this time we mainly wanted to wander through the elegant streets of the city.
A free guided tour: Free tour of Bath in English
To let ourselves be guided, without having to think about where to go, we joined a free tour organised by volunteers, mostly retired people. Tours take place every day at 10.30am and 2pm from Sunday to Friday, and only at 2pm on Saturdays (no booking required: very handy!). See the website of The Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides. Our guide was a lovely lady. Even when you already know Bath, you learn new stories, anecdotes and of course see the best-known buildings again, such as those on the Royal Crescent and TheCircus. If you speak English, I strongly recommend it! The tour lasts 2 hours. My Titpuce also found it interesting.
The Royal CrescentThe Circus
Strolling and shopping in Bath
Here is just a glimpse of the city’s beauty, with a few charming spots such as the area by the river where Parade Gardens is located:
The streets around the Abbey, including the magnificent Abbey Green square:
We did a little shopping and window-shopping in the following streets: Northumberland Place, North Parade Passage, Old Bond Street, Milsom Street and George Street.
My Titpuce loves books, so of course we went to Topping & Company, an impressive independent bookshop!
From Bradford-on-Avon to Bath: our good addresses
Lunch by the water in Bath
A big favourite: the Bathwick Boatman restaurant, by the River Avon in Bath! A lovely goal to celebrate our little cycling adventure! And after all those miles, we certainly had an appetite. We loved everything: the food, the lunch menu and the magnificent view from the balcony of this boathouse! Wonderful!
Italian dinner in Bradford-on-Avon
In the evening, we had dinner at Ravello in Bradford-on-Avon. Our pasta dishes were very good, and we recommend the little arancini as a starter.
Our Bed & Breakfast in Box
The Saturday evening before our cycling trip, we slept at Lorne House, a very well-kept Bed & Breakfast in the pretty little village of Box, 20 minutes from Bath by car and also 20 minutes from Bradford-on-Avon. We recommend this address, which we really liked: the setting is very English, the house is in a typical Victorian style and the breakfast is excellent! As an anecdote, the Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry, author of the children’s books “Thomas the Tank Engine”, lived in this house at the beginning of the 20th century.
**** When you book a hotel on Booking by following a link on my articles, it allows me to receive a small commission: it does not change the price for you and it helps me maintain the blog. So thank you very much to those who book the hotels we recommend! ****
The location is excellent: the day before our cycling trip, we went to Lacock, which is 15 minutes by car from this Bed & Breakfast. Lacock is a very old village, known for its abbey and filming locations from the Harry Potter films.
If you prefer to sleep in Bath to do the outward journey one day and the return the next, I recommend this Bed & Breakfast (which had no availability the weekend we were there): 2 Crescent Garden Guest House, a 5-minute walk from the Royal Crescent:
A bike ride for families?
My Titpuce is 14, so this was an easy route for her. But it is perfectly doable with younger children too, as the cycle path along the canal is flat and traffic-free. We have already done similar cycling routes as a family when the children were 6, so that is the age I would recommend. The most important thing is to know what distance your child is able to cover. For this route, the return distance is 28 km, so it is not for complete beginners either.
Depending on your child’s age and experience, there are shorter variations:
Option 1: do the route only one way and return by train. Bradford-on-Avon and Bath are very well connected.
Option 2: sleep in Bath to split the adventure in two.
Option 3: take a ride along the canal from Bath or from Bradford-on-Avon and turn back whenever you like! I recommend reaching at least one of the two aqueducts.
***
In conclusion, we loved our bike ride along the canal as an original way to discover the area around Bath! It was a lovely mother-daughter escape that you can adapt to your fitness and your tastes. We really enjoyed the landscapes between Bradford-on-Avon and Bath. I think that next time, we will try the western section with the cycle path linking Bath to Bristol! To be continued!
I have already told you about the main stops of our 8-day family road trip in northern Greece. Here is now the article to present the itinerary as a whole and share all the practical details with you. We designed this trip with the aim of discovering Greece off the beaten track: yes, our itinerary includes the famous Meteora, but then we explored a less visited region around the Vikos Gorge, before continuing on to the island of Lefkada to enjoy a mix of mountains and sea. Finally, we made a few stops in Macedonia, following in the footsteps of Antiquity. I really tried to include everything we love in our programme: hikes, cultural visits and beautiful beaches. Our itinerary was nicely balanced and allowed us to discover less visited corners of Greece. I hope it will make you want to travel to northern Greece with your children!
Children’s ages: 13 for our Titpuce and 16 for Ticoeur Travel period: October, during the autumn half-term holidays. We had around 22 degrees and sunny weather. You can also consider this trip in spring or summer.
For this family road trip in northern Greece, we went away for 8 days and 8 nights. It is a return itinerary through the different regions of northern Greece, starting from Thessaloniki. We therefore travelled from east to west, from Thessaloniki to Lefkada, before returning to Thessaloniki at the end. We crossed Central Macedonia, Thessaly and Epirus all the way to the Ionian Sea. Before our trip, I did some research but did not find any similar itineraries, so it took me a while to put this one together. I hope it will inspire you! And I will tell you further down what I would change if I were to do it again.
Our 8-day itinerary in northern Greece
Arrival in Thessaloniki
For our road trip in northern Greece, we booked a rental car at Thessaloniki airport via DiscoverCars: we rented a Clio for 114 euros for 8 days, so 14.25 euros per day. The car budget was therefore not high for this trip!
We arrived very late in Thessaloniki, so we quickly went to bed in order to leave early the next morning towards Meteora, which we were very excited to discover! In Thessaloniki, we had booked this apartment, which was functional and clean. If you arrive early enough, we recommend heading straight on to Meteora or Edessa, because Thessaloniki, where we came back at the end, did not seem unmissable to us, and parking there is complicated.
**** When you book a hotel on Booking by following a link on my articles, it allows me to receive a small commission: it does not change the price for you and it helps me maintain the blog. So thank you very much to those who book the hotels we recommend! ****
The incredible Meteora
2 days – 1 night
We loved discovering Meteora! They are located in Thessaly, about 2h45 from Thessaloniki. Even though we had seen photos before, we were not disappointed. These perched monasteries are truly astonishing and surrounded by a dizzying natural setting! The walks and steps leading to each monastery offer beautiful viewpoints. The landscapes are magnificent, with unusual rock formations. It is really the overall scenery that gives the place all its charm. Yes, it is interesting to visit a few monasteries, but there is no need to go inside all of them! We visited the following 4 monasteries out of a total of 6:
Great Meteoron: it is the largest one, so there is more to see.
Varlaam: my favourite!
Aghia Triada: the most photogenic and impressive from the outside, as it seems to be balancing in the air.
Roussanou: very small. The path leading to it and the views are worth it, but we do not recommend paying to go inside.
Here is a cycling loop we love to do as a family in the New Forest: the Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland route around the village of Brockenhurst. This part of the forest is particularly beautiful because it is home to the tallest trees in the National Park, including huge Douglas firs and giant sequoias. Of course, as always in the New Forest, we have the pleasure of coming across plenty of free-roaming ponies! You know how much we love this forest, which is right next to where we live. I’ve already described all our loveliest walks in the New Forest. So, for a change, I invite you to follow us by bike!
A family cycling loop in the New Forest:
We recommend the Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland loop for a family bike ride that will give you a lovely overview of the New Forest.
It’s a 17.4 km route that starts at Brockenhurst station. Over the whole itinerary, we ride on tracks for 65% of the way and on quiet roads for 35% of the way. In terms of difficulty, it’s accessible to the whole family. There is very little elevation gain. I’d say it’s ideal from around the age of 8, with children who cycle well and aren’t afraid of riding on a road with cars at times. If your children are younger, we’d recommend the Hawkhill trail instead, as it’s a completely traffic-free route.
We’ve done the Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland loop several times with Ticoeur and Titpuce. Let me show you our latest ride in pictures…
The start of the loop:
We first downloaded this map from the official New Forest website. Then we decided to start the loop at point 10, by the Brock Hill Car Park. If you come by train, you’ll start at point 1, in the village of Brockenhurst.
We wanted to begin by admiring the tall trees, so we first made a little 750 m detour south of the car park to go and see the two finest giant sequoias in the New Forest (you’ll also see them marked on Google Maps). They are part of the famous tall tree trail, a 2 km walk. The sequoia on the left of the photo is 51 m tall and the other reaches 47 m.
This weekend, I cycled along the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy on a perfect coastal cycle route, discovering the beautiful “Côte de Nacre” and its History. My route covers parts of the famous Vélomaritime and a short section of the Vélofrancette, two famous French cycling routes. We had already cycled along these cycle paths as a family because they are very pleasant and easy, right by the water. This time, it was a solo adventure for me. I’m going to give you all the details here, so that you too can set off on this adventure, solo, as a couple or as a family! It really is a cycling route suited to all levels and completely flat! A dream if, like me, you don’t like hilly roads!
Cycling adventure along the D-Day beaches of Normandy : a brief summary
Starting point: Ouistreham
Take the ferry from Portsmouth to Caen. You will arrive in Ouistreham which is Caen’s harbour. I recommend the 8:00am sail to arrive at 3:00pm in France. Then you still have time to cycle. In the past I have tried the night ferry but I didn’t like it as the night is too short. They wake you up very early. Then I was very tired and didn’t really enjoy my first day cycling in Normandy.
Cycling distances to have in mind:
Ouistreham -> Lion-sur-Mer : 4km
Ouistreham -> Pegasus Bridge : 6km
Ouistreham -> Caen : 16km
There are several possible variations for your road trip. I will give you some ideas to extend your cycling adventure, later in that article.
As I am Parisian and here I tell you all about our travels with children, ultimately I rarely talk about Paris, my dear city! Which museums, neighbourhoods and monuments should you visit in Paris with children? So here is a first selection of 20 visit ideas for discovering Paris as a family!
20 visits for discovering Paris as a family:
1 – The Louvre Museum in a short version:
At the Louvre, with children, I recommend choosing a small part of the museum and spending only one hour there. Our children liked the section:
on Egypt (Sully wing): the room with the mummies and sarcophagi, the statue of the Seated Scribe, the blue hippopotamus statuette, the Great Sphinx, etc.
on Primitive Arts : magnificent African masks, pre-Columbian sculptures, art from Oceania and Asia.
on Islamic Arts : a superb Ottoman wall that catches the eye with the beauty and diversity of its blue patterns.
also, I strongly recommend Napoleon Bonaparte’s apartments: a real favourite and often not very busy!
The most visited galleries at the Louvre are devoted to Italian painting or French painting, but I think that would be a little ambitious with children! Finally, to avoid long queues at the museum entrance, I recommend entering via the Porte des Lions rather than the Pyramid entrance.
After or before your visit to the Louvre, children will enjoy a break in the magnificent Tuileries Gardens. During the festive season, there is a Big Wheel offering lovely views over the surrounding area.
Bookings:on the official Louvre Museum website. €22 for adults from the EEA, free for all children and free for 18-25-year-olds from the EEA (2026 prices).
Bonus info:in the Louvre buildings, you will also find the Musée des Arts Déco, which often puts on very beautiful exhibitions. See their programme here.
The Louvre MuseumBonaparte’s apartments
2 – The Palais Garnier (Paris Opera):
My Titpuce is a fan of Ballerina and classical dance, so the Paris Opera is a must-see for her! The visit inside was a real favourite for the whole family! It is Versailles, but not in Versailles! Luxury and excess are on the programme. You step into Paris during the Second Empire. Not to be missed:
The grand staircase, so majestic.
The ceiling painted by Chagall in the auditorium.
The grand foyer, which clearly recalls the Palace of Versailles with all its gilding and mirrors.
Bookings:on the Opéra Garnier website. €15 for adults from the EEA, free for children up to age 12 and €10 for 13-25-year-olds from the EEA (2026 prices).
Bonus info: remember to check the programme because seeing a show will allow you to admire the place (so you could save on the visit). With my daughter, we went to one of the performances by the Petits Rats de l’Opéra (usually in December and in spring). A great idea for a mother-daughter outing!
Current news:a new film about The Phantom of the Opera, starring Romain Duris, will be released in cinemas in September 2026 (at least in France). A good way to immerse yourself again in this beautiful romantic legend.
3- The Buren Columns, a Japanese restaurant and perhaps the Musée en Herbe:
The Buren columns are located in the courtyard of honour of the Palais Royal, behind the Comédie Française. It is a work of art by Daniel Buren dating from 1986. It is not a very big space, but Ticoeur and Titpuce never tired of climbing on the smaller marble columns and it makes for very pretty photos!
Nearby, you can have lunch in the Japanese quarter with a delicious bowl of ramen (rue Sainte-Anne and around).
Bonus info: just a few steps from the Buren Columns, if the programme looks good, do not miss the Musée en Herbe, dedicated to art exhibitions for children.
4- The Petit Palais or the Grand Palais:
The Petit Palais, right next door (free), presents beautiful and varied art collections in a magnificent setting. Plus, you can sit down for lunch on the terrace of its lovely garden. From 20 June to 20 September 2026, do not miss the free exhibition “Here we are (still) here”: colourful urban art that the whole family will enjoy!
Finally, the Grand Palais is sublime, so if the current (paid) exhibitions might appeal to your children, go for it! The interior is monumental! The current exhibition not to miss? The Matisse exhibition, until 26 July 2026.
2026 info: just next to the Petit Palais, there is also the Palais de la Découverte (perfect for introducing children to science in a fun way), but it is currently closed for renovation.
The Petit PalaisThe Grand Palais
5- The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature in the Marais and/or the Picasso Museum:
Ticoeur and Titpuce loved the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, located in the heart of the Marais, a neighbourhood not to miss when visiting Paris for the first time. In the museum, you enjoy the setting of a magnificent mansion and discover paintings, taxidermied animals, weapons and decorative objects. Allow a good hour for the visit.
Not far away is the Picasso Museum, which is absolutely superb! Children should also be interested in the visual originality of the artist’s works. Doing two museums in a row is not suitable for all children, so I will let you choose according to your preference.
Bonus info:for a gourmet break in the Marais, just a few steps from these museums, I recommend the courtyard of the Swedish Institute, where you will find Café Fika.
The Picasso Museum – ParisCafé Fika at the Swedish Institute
6- The Centre Georges Pompidou, the Stravinsky Fountain and a delicious pistachio ice cream!
The Centre Pompidou is closed for renovation until 2030 but, just a few steps away, the Stravinsky Fountain by Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle catches children’s attention. Then, a few steps further, you will arrive at Bachir (58 rue Rambuteau, Paris 3rd), a Lebanese ice cream shop (and organic too!) where the ice creams are delicious, especially the pistachio and ashta flavours.
Stravinsky Fountain
7- The Musée des Arts & Métiers and brunch at La Gaîté Lyrique:
We really like the Musée des Arts et Métiers, located right in the heart of Paris and bringing together inventions and trades through the ages. Do not miss the part located in the former church, with Foucault’s pendulum and the first aeroplanes. The collection of old bicycles is also interesting.
Then, I suggest heading to the cultural space of La Gaîté Lyrique (5 minutes on foot), where you can have lunch or brunch at 3Bis, a café and games bar. Also, feel free to check the programme at La Gaîté Lyrique, which regularly offers exhibitions suitable for young audiences, dedicated to digital arts and contemporary music.
The Musée des Arts et Métiers
8- The balloon at Parc André Citroën:
Obviously, Paris has no shortage of famous viewpoints! The top of the Eiffel Tower, the roof of the Arc de Triomphe or the terrace of the Sacré Cœur are undoubtedly the most famous! But I suggest flying up in a balloon at Parc André Citroën, for the children’s enjoyment and for very beautiful views over the capital, 150m up. There are rarely many people, but the balloon does not always take off because very favourable weather conditions are needed. With Titpuce, we tested and approved it! But it is impressive! It moves quite a lot, so avoid it if you suffer from vertigo.
9- The Jardin des Plantes and its museums:
When the weather is nice, and especially in spring or summer, the Jardin des Plantes is a very pleasant place for a family stroll. The garden is free, but you can buy tickets to visit:
The Grandes Serres and their 4 areas to discover: the tropical forest, the deserts, Pacific biodiversity and the History of Plants. Bookings and prices.
The Grande Galerie de l’Évolution: in the impressive setting of an immense glass roof, you discover the history of living things and many animals. Bookings and prices.
Recently, it was the Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology that we rediscovered and really enjoyed! You can see very beautiful specimens of crystals, precious jewellery, diamonds and Martian meteorites!
The Grandes SerresThe Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology
10- From the Paris Mosque to the Arènes de Lutèce:
When leaving the Jardin des Plantes, you can have a mint tea in the oriental setting of the Paris Mosque: the interior room is very exotic and the Hispano-Moorish garden gives the impression of a trip to Andalusia.
Then, right next door, head to the Arènes de Lutèce, not often visited and yet they are beautiful Gallo-Roman remains (free access). These arenas used to host gladiator fights and theatrical performances. Children can run around and you can sit on the amphitheatre steps for a picnic.
Bonus info: if you do not have a picnic, I recommend the crêperie Le Pot O’Lait, located 10 minutes away on foot (41 Rue Censier, Paris 5th).
The Arènes de Lutèce
11- A barge or water-bus ride and a visit to Notre-Dame de Paris:
Here is a great classic that lets you see Paris from the Seine. As a family, the advantage of a barge ride is that the children do not get tired. If you do not want to board a full cruise, you can also take a water bus (see the Batobus website for pass timetables and prices). Along the way, you can wave to Notre-Dame de Paris. And while disembarking, I recommend visiting the renovated interior of Notre-Dame de Paris. It is superb!
Renovated Notre-Dame de Paris
12- The Fondation Louis Vuitton and the Jardin d’Acclimatation:
Are your children asking for rides and playgrounds? Then head to the Jardin d’Acclimatation on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne. For parents, the appeal is to start with the Fondation Louis Vuitton, whose Gehry-designed architecture I love. The exhibitions there are often very interesting. Until August 2026, do not miss the exhibition “Calder. Rêver en équilibre”. The museum entrance tickets give access to the Jardin d’Acclimatation, where the children can have fun after the exhibition visit.
13- The Musée Nissim de Camondo and Parc Monceau:
Here is a museum off the beaten track and yet so interesting! You discover the interior of a very beautiful mansion, still furnished (wow, the kitchen!). The visit is not very long and then you can follow it with Parc Monceau, so the children can run and play or for a picnic in summer! Parc Monceau is one of my favourite Parisian parks. It is particularly elegant, full of charm and family-friendly.
Musée Nissim de Camondo: 63 Rue de Monceau, Paris 8th.
14- The Musée de l’Armée:
Located at Les Invalides, this museum delighted my Ticoeur! It is one of the most important military history museums in the world. I recommend the special family guided tour. You go through, chronologically:
The ancient department and its beautiful armour
An imperial section linked to Napoleon
A modern section dedicated to the 20th century.
What did Ticoeur prefer? The armour and the section on Napoleon.
If your children are like mine, they do not like walking in the city when it is all flat… In Montmartre, they will be delighted: it climbs! At the top, in front of the Sacré Cœur church, the effort is rewarded with a very beautiful view of Paris. It is also worth going inside the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur (free) to admire the large spaces and the Romano-Byzantine architecture. For budding little artists, it is always fun to watch the artists drawing portraits on Place du Tertre.
Bonus info: on the way back down there is a merry-go-round if needed ;-).
16- Parc des Buttes Chaumont:
This park in the 19th arrondissement, created under Napoleon III, has lots of charm and offers varied landscapes: it is very hilly, with a lake, a waterfall, an artificial grotto, a suspension bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel and, finally, a belvedere not to be missed for the view. Parc des Buttes Chaumont is ideal for a family picnic or a break at Rosa Bonheur, which has a guinguette spirit. You will also find playgrounds there.
17- From Canal Saint-Martin to Canal de l’Ourcq, all the way to Parc de La Villette
Parents will appreciate the charm of the Canal Saint-Martin, which will remind you of certain scenes from the famous film Amélie. All along the canal, there are plenty of places for brunch or lunch.
By continuing to follow the water, you arrive at the Canal de l’Ourcq, where in summer you can take a little electric boat ride and enjoy the terraces on the quay. Our children really enjoyed this activity!
Finally, still following the water northwards, you will arrive at Parc deLa Villette, where there are many spaces dedicated to children:
the Cité des Sciences: to introduce children to science in a fun way. Do not miss the visit to the submarine the Argonaute or the planetarium. You will also find spaces suitable for younger children in the Cité des Enfants (2-7 and 5-12-year-old areas). In short, there is plenty to keep you there for hours! See opening times and prices.
and our favourite, the Musée de la Musique : you discover many instruments through the ages. Demonstrations are also organised.
The Géode at La Villette
18- The Musée du Quai Branly:
This museum is not very busy and yet it is full of treasures from all over the world. I love the section on Oceania and Africa! The children enjoyed it too! A guaranteed change of scenery with a very beautiful scenography. See programme and booking.
Nearby, you can walk along the Seine or head to the Eiffel Tower!
19- The aquarium at Porte Dorée and the Parc Floral:
Here, we are in the far east of Paris. The aquarium at Porte Dorée is worth a visit for its architecture, its very gentle price and, of course, its fish! Nearby, if the weather allows, head to the Parc Floral. Ideally, go when the summer jazz concerts are on. I find it much better than the Aquarium de Paris at Trocadéro (and cheaper!).
20- The Eiffel Tower!
Ha ha! Were you wondering whether I was going to skip it? But no, we love our Eiffel Tower! I just imagine it was already on your list of visits in Paris! Nevertheless, I can tell you how we like to visit it: on foot, up to the 2nd floor! It is a great option to pay less, have a shorter queue, and it is a memorable experience for the whole family. By choosing the stairs rather than the lift, the children will let off steam and be impressed. It is an adventure in itself when you climb the steps surrounded by this incredible iron structure. With the stairs option, you cannot go up to the 3rd floor but believe me (I have been on all floors), the view from the 2nd floor is superb! You will not be disappointed!
I hope you enjoyed this first big stroll all across Paris! To get around, the metro and buses are very practical with children. You just need to make sure you avoid rush hour! And about metro line 14, the driverless one: get into the first carriage because children will love seeing the tracks and tunnels through the front window!
***
Paris as a family: accommodation
Many of you ask me for accommodation tips in Paris for a family stay. Since we have been living in England, we have had the opportunity to come back to the capital and therefore to sleep in hotels or rentals because our families do not have enough space and our flat is often rented out. So here are a few tried-and-tested addresses.
Our good family accommodation addresses in Paris:
Le Yooma urban lodge: a comfortable family hotel in a quiet neighbourhood (15th arrondissement)
Hotel B55 in the south of Paris (12th arrondissement): family room with two double beds.
La Belle Ville: I stayed there with Papa Voyage but they also have Junior suites for 4 with a double bed and sofa. The neighbourhood is not ideal for families, right in the east of Paris, but the hotel is beautiful, the rooms are very good: good value for money. Very beautiful plant-covered façade. Also, despite its outlying location, the metro is just a few steps away, so it is easy to get to central Paris.
Renting a flat: we have spotted, but not yet tested, this lovely loft in Montmartre.
**** When you book a hotel on Booking by following a link on my articles, it allows me to receive a small commission: it does not change the price for you and it helps me maintain the blog. So thank you very much to those who book the hotels we recommend! ****
There you go! That was my selection of family visits in the capital!
The Lot is clearly an ideal destination for a family holiday. We had already been there with Ticoeur when he was two, and we were very happy to return! In the middle of summer, it is a great way to avoid the crowds on the beaches, and if you fancy a swim you will easily find a lovely river or stream. For a nature holiday, somewhere green and with children, it is just perfect! Today, I wanted to share with you 10 ideas for outings with kids in the Lot:
1 – Take a steam train ride in Martel:
This trip along a cliff 80 metres high, on an old railway line overlooking the Dordogne Valley, feels like a childhood dream. Honestly, it is brilliant for children, but it is magical for parents too! What is so impressive about the Lot steam train, called “Le Truffadou”, is going through the tunnels. It is a real adventure! As the train passes through the tunnels, you are surrounded by all the smoke and find yourself in a cloud… It is a fun experience that helps you understand what travelling used to be like. And the view over the valley is superb! The ride lasts one hour. Absolutely worth doing!
2 – Visit the Cougnaguet watermill
This pretty mill is very picturesque and dates back to the 14th century. The guided tour is really interesting for understanding how flour is made. Children can watch the machinery and cogs turning and discover every stage, from wheat to flour. On top of that, the welcome from Odette and Hubert, the owners, is more than adorable. We were lucky enough to have a picnic with them and they gave us the warmest, simplest and most generous welcome. Hubert tells the story of his mill with real passion and knows exactly how to share it with visitors passing through.
3 – Meet the black-spectacled sheep of Quercy
Well, I am very much a city girl, so perhaps this will not mean much coming from me, but I had never seen sheep like these before! They look like little stars with their black glasses 😉 And they are right to show off, because these Causse sheep are really beautiful. They are a breed specific to the Lot and are bound to be a hit with little ones!
4 – Discover how Rocamadour cheese is made
After the sheep, the goats! During our visit to Ferme Lacoste, we were able to say hello to the friendly goats that produce the delicious little AOC cheeses we know so well. Then we discovered the room where the cheese is prepared. A very fragrant visit! And do not miss my article about the superb town of Rocamadour.
5 – Canoeing on the Dordogne
The Dordogne flows calmly and peacefully, so do not picture white-water rapids! Canoeing on the Dordogne is really one of the summer activities for families, a lovely way to admire the scenery while doing a bit of sport. For safety reasons, children simply need to be at least 6 years old and able to swim. So for us, we will have to wait a few more years before trying it. In the meantime, last time with Ticoeur we opted for a boat cruise on the Dordogne, a classic and very pleasant outing where you find lots of families with younger children.
6 – The Gouffre de Padirac
Have another look at my article about our visit to the Gouffre de Padirac, an underground curiosity to discover as a family, whatever the age of your children. The little boat ride is probably the most fun part for kids!
7 – Lunch by the water
After canoeing, feeling a little hungry? We had lunch in a waterside restaurant perfectly suited to families, Le Vieux Chene in Montvalent. It is a lovely restaurant with a large open-air terrace in front of the Dordogne, a swimming pool for sunny days, games for children and, of course, an old oak tree! The menu is very good value and the natural setting is truly relaxing. A beautiful pause in the sunshine, with good things on the plates. That said, we had not really earned our lovely meal, as we were unable to go canoeing: it had rained too much in the previous days. Just look at how the trees had water up to their “knees”!
8 – Easy walks in the Lot
Thankfully, hiking does not always have to mean the GR20 😉 In the Lot there are lots of very easy short walks that are suitable for children, even very young ones. We discovered one very simple route in the Ouysse Valley, a walk that can be done with children: the walk to the Gouffre de Saint-Sauveur.
9 – Discover the Lot by bike!
How could I possibly leave cycling off my list? As you know, we are big fans, so I looked into it: the Tourist Office offers easy cycling routes for families, and that does not surprise me. Fun little story: our much-loved bike trailer was bought second-hand from a family who had used it for five years, every summer, in the Lot and only in the Lot! So I think our trailer will be very keen to return to this corner it knows so well!
10 – A typical family dinner in the Lot
After a busy day of activities with children, nothing beats a local restaurant where kids are welcome. We tried Ferme auberge du Bougayrou in Lacave, a very typical Quercy inn with large tables for families. There, we discovered a really intriguing and… filling dish: pastis! Inside this enormous pie? Duck confit, chicken and salsify. Pastis is eaten before Lent and, believe me, you understand why! In short, a good local meal after a very active day with children!
Of course, my list is not exhaustive. There are plenty of other outings to enjoy with children: castles, wildlife parks, caves and more. I therefore invite you to have a look at the website of the Lot Tourist Office.
***
Where to stay in the Lot?
The charming hotel Les Vieilles Tours in Rocamadour: the beauty of old stone buildings with nicely decorated rooms. The family room has one double bed and two single beds.
**** When you book a hotel on Booking by following a link on my articles, it allows me to receive a small commission: it does not change the price for you and it helps me maintain the blog. So thank you very much to those who book the hotels we recommend! ****
***
And you? Any other ideas for outings with kids in the Lot?
For the Easter long weekend, we spent 4 days in Barcelona as a family. Ticoeur and Titpuce are now teenagers, so the programme was different from the last time when they were young children. I’m going to tell you about our visits and walks day by day, to inspire you, and I’ll also tell you what our teenagers liked most in Barcelona! I can already tell you that we still love this city just as much!
Children’s ages: Titpuce 14 and Ticoeur 16 Time of year: Early April. We had dream weather!
Barcelona as a family: 4 days and 3 nights
You’ll notice that we zigzagged around the city a lot. Our journeys in Barcelona were not optimised because we had booked certain visits at specific times that didn’t follow on from one another. In fact, to make the most of all Barcelona’s bargains and free museums, you have to juggle the days and times. Read my article: Visiting Barcelona without breaking the bank.
As usual, I’ve added little ❤ symbols for our favourites!
Day 1: the Gothic Quarter, Sant Pau and Montjuïc
We arrived in Barcelona just before midday. We dropped our bags at our accommodation, in the Les Corts district, and started with tapas on a terrace in a very pretty square in the neighbourhood (see good addresses below).
After lunch, we got straight into things by taking the metro to the Gothic Quarter. The Gothic Quarter is the historic heart of Barcelona. Starting from La Rambla (the main central artery), we passed the famous Boqueria market, then headed towards the lovely Plaça Reial❤ with its arcades and palm trees. I’m attached to this square, where we took lots of photos of the children when they were little. We recreated the series now that they’re bigger! Then we wandered through the little streets around the Cathedral. As it was Good Friday, there was a mass taking place right outside! It was unusual to have the service in the square rather than inside!
When I booked our long weekend in Barcelona as a family, I wasn’t expecting to discover that Barcelona had become such an expensive city! We’d been there several times in the past and it used to be a pretty budget-friendly city. The last time we were there was for my Titpuce’s 5th birthday, so that was a while ago! Inflation has clearly happened since then, but not only that! Barcelona is a victim of its own success and tourists pay the price! Luckily, I found several ways to save money on our spending. So I’m going to share my finds with you, so that you too can visit Barcelona as a family without breaking the bank!
Children’s ages: Titpuce 14 and Ticoeur 16 Time of year: Easter, in bright sunshine and 21 degrees! And that dream weather is… free 🙂
1- Visit Barcelona on the first Sunday of the month:
Because good news! There are some great free museums!
We were in Barcelona during the first weekend of April and we were able to take advantage of free entry to several Barcelona museums, including one of Gaudí’s houses! But watch out! Even if the tickets are free, you still have to book them in advance online, and make sure you don’t get the booking timing wrong because these free tickets go very fast!
Palau Güell: free on the first Sunday of the month – to book the previous Thursday at 10am
Visiting a Gaudí work for free—believe me, it’s a miracle! Among all the things to do in Barcelona, the biggest budget item is getting into the famous Gaudí houses: Casa Batlló, Casa Milà (or La Pedrera) and Casa Vicens. Each costs €20–25 per person. Luckily, one Gaudí building offers free entry on the first Sunday of the month: Palau Güell. Thank you! This palace, located in central Barcelona just a stone’s throw from La Rambla, is one of the architect’s first commissions, made at the request of his patron, the wealthy Eusebi Güell. Palau Güell is therefore a pure example of Catalan Art Nouveau style. It’s the famous movement known as Modernism. You’ll see many characteristic details such as wrought iron and noble materials. You can already see all of Gaudí’s creativity and originality—especially his rooftop chimney style.
