Maman Voyage: all our family travel articles

Where to stay in Paris: 7 neighbourhoods for a family trip

Choosing where to stay in Paris is not always easy if you do not know the city. I have put together all our tips and a few addresses here, because I am often asked: “Where should we stay in Paris?” and “Which neighbourhood is best for a family trip to Paris?” I am a Parisian and I love my city — the place where I was born and lived for many years.

Since we moved to England, we have become visitors to Paris ourselves and have tried different places to stay: apartment rentals and hotels. We have even done a home exchange.

Of course, every Parisian has their favourite spots, so my choice of Paris neighbourhoods and my views on each of them are very personal. These are the areas I find convenient for sightseeing and well suited to a family stay. I hope they give you some ideas!

1 – Stay in Le Marais

Le Marais is old Paris at its most charming, with cobbled streets and a lively neighbourhood full of cafés, restaurants and museums.

Why stay in Le Marais?

It is beautiful and central, on the Right Bank of the Seine. Do not miss the magnificent Place des Vosges!
Le Marais is made for long walks, and you can easily catch métro line 1 to explore the rest of Paris.
There is plenty going on, even on Sundays, with lots of independent designer shops.
Wonderful museums include the Musée Picasso, the Musée Carnavalet (the history of Paris) and the Maison de Victor Hugo.
For families: there are plenty of little squares and not much car traffic. Children will particularly enjoy the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (see my selection of 20 things to do in Paris with children).

Approximate journey times:

To the Eiffel Tower: about 30 minutes by métro.
To the Louvre: about 10 minutes by métro or 25 minutes on foot.
To Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: about 40 minutes by métro.
To Orly Airport: about 40 minutes by métro; to Charles de Gaulle Airport: about 50 minutes.

Where to stay in Le Marais

This duplex for five has a lovely view and an ideal location. Be aware that it has a spiral staircase, so I would avoid it with very young children.

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This large apartment for six is another excellent option, with typically Parisian décor. It is more expensive, of course, so sharing the cost between six makes sense — perhaps with the grandparents, as we sometimes do.

2 – Stay in the Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is the capital’s student and intellectual heartland.

Why stay in the Latin Quarter?

It is another very central neighbourhood, this time on the Left Bank of the Seine.
Enjoy walks towards Saint-Germain-des-Prés or the two nearby islands: Île de la Cité (home to Notre-Dame Cathedral) and the charming Île Saint-Louis.
For families: the elegant Jardin du Luxembourg is close by and gives children plenty of room to run around.

Approximate journey times:

To the Eiffel Tower: about 30 minutes by métro.
To the Louvre: about 20 minutes by métro or 20 minutes on foot.
To Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: about 35 minutes by métro.
To Orly Airport: about 40 minutes by métro; to Charles de Gaulle Airport: about 50 minutes.

Where to stay in the Latin Quarter

This Latin Quarter apartment is ideally located, a 15-minute walk from Notre-Dame. It has a double bed and a sofa bed.

If your budget stretches further, Hôtel des Grandes Écoles is a charming, elegant hotel with family rooms.

3 – Stay near the Eiffel Tower

The Iron Lady needs no introduction! She is fascinating, and I understand why some visitors want to stay right at her feet. It is often more expensive than elsewhere, though.

Why stay near the Eiffel Tower?

The pleasure of seeing the Eiffel Tower! If you want to go up, book your tickets in advance (see my article on 20 unmissable things to do in Paris).
Excellent museums nearby include the Musée d’Art Moderne, the Musée de l’Homme and the Musée Guimet (Asian art).
For families: take that classic souvenir photo at the Trocadéro, with the Eiffel Tower behind you!

Approximate journey times:

To the Louvre: about 30 minutes by métro.
To Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: about 40 minutes by métro.
To Orly Airport: about 50 minutes by métro; to Charles de Gaulle Airport: about 1 hour 10 minutes.

Where to stay near the Eiffel Tower

At the higher end, Hôtel La Bourdonnais is a lovely hotel about a five-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower (some rooms have a tower view). Papa Voyage and I spent a night there as a couple, but it also has a junior suite for families.

4 – Stay in the 17th arrondissement: Monceau, Batignolles and Ternes

The 17th is a large arrondissement in western Paris. The parts I recommend are:

Around the beautiful Parc Monceau, for a smart, family-friendly area.
Batignolles, with its village-like, slightly bohemian atmosphere.
Around Place des Ternes, particularly the market on Rue Poncelet.

I would avoid the area north of Avenue de Clichy: it is further from the centre and, to my mind, less suited to a family stay.

Why stay in the 17th?

It is a very family-friendly part of Paris with several different atmospheres.
The most useful métro lines for exploring Paris from here are lines 3 and 2. Bus 92 is handy too, taking you through some of Paris’s more elegant neighbourhoods.
For families: Parc Monceau is wonderful. I particularly recommend it with young children.

Approximate journey times:

To the Eiffel Tower: about 20 minutes by métro or bus.
To the Louvre: about 20 minutes by métro, depending on where you start in the 17th.
To Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: about 25 minutes by métro.
To Orly Airport: about 50 minutes by métro; to Charles de Gaulle Airport: about 1 hour.

Where to stay in the 17th

Just a ten-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe, this Haussmann-style Parisian apartment for four is a good family option.

Very close to Parc Monceau, this junior suite with a kitchenette is a reliable aparthotel choice.

5 – Stay in the 15th arrondissement

I worked in this neighbourhood for three years, and my father had an Italian restaurant here, so I visited often. I think it is a very good choice for families. Why?

Why stay in the 15th?

It is a residential, family-friendly area.
This is south-west Paris, so the Eiffel Tower is never too far away. I recommend staying near métro line 6 so you are not too far from the centre.
For families: you will enjoy the relaxed neighbourhood feel. Show your children Paris’s Statue of Liberty, too (on the Seine near Pont de Grenelle).

Approximate journey times:

To the Eiffel Tower: about 15 minutes by métro, or 20–30 minutes on foot.
To the Louvre: about 30 minutes by public transport.
To Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: about 45 minutes by métro.
To Orly Airport: about 1 hour by public transport; to Charles de Gaulle Airport: about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where to stay in the 15th

YOOMA Urban Lodge Tour Eiffel is a modern, family-friendly hotel.

6 – Stay in La Butte aux Cailles

La Butte aux Cailles is where I was born and lived for many years. It is in Paris’s 13th arrondissement, near Place d’Italie, on a slightly hidden hill that gives it a village atmosphere. We also lived here when our son Ticoeur was a baby. I cannot claim to be impartial, but I love it!

Why stay in La Butte aux Cailles?

It is a picturesque, lively neighbourhood, off the beaten track yet unmistakably Parisian.
Although it is not in the heart of Paris, three métro lines serve nearby Place d’Italie (lines 5, 6 and 7), making it easy to get around the city.
For families: teenagers will enjoy all the street art.

Approximate journey times:

To the Eiffel Tower: about 30 minutes, directly on métro line 6, with lovely views on its above-ground sections.
To the Louvre: about 25 minutes, directly on métro line 7.
To Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: about 45 minutes by métro.
To Orly Airport: about 40 minutes by métro; to Charles de Gaulle Airport: about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Where to stay in La Butte aux Cailles (13th arrondissement)

The Beauquartier – Butte aux Cailles studio is a practical family-friendly aparthotel-style option, with a kitchen and good value for money.
Hôtel B55 has comfortable, classic family rooms.

7 – Stay around Nation, Picpus and Bercy

Now to the 12th arrondissement in south-east Paris. It is mainly residential and family-friendly, especially south of Place de la Nation around Picpus.

Why stay near Nation?

It is further from the centre but very well connected: RER line A gets you to Auber, near the Opéra and department stores, in about 10 minutes. Métro lines 1, 6, 8 and 9 also serve many sights.
For families: I recommend walking along the Coulée verte towards Bastille, following an elevated planted walkway on a former railway line.

Approximate journey times:

To the Eiffel Tower: about 40 minutes, directly on métro line 6, with some scenic above-ground sections.
To the Louvre: about 15 minutes, directly on métro line 1.
To Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: about 30 minutes by métro (directly on line 2).
To Orly Airport: about 40 minutes by métro; to Charles de Gaulle Airport: about 1 hour.

Where to stay around Nation, Picpus and Bercy (12th arrondissement)

One option is Adagio Paris-Nation aparthotel, with a double bed, sofa, kitchenette and living area.

A little further away, between Nation and Bercy, I spotted The People Paris Bercy hostel. It also has private family rooms with bathrooms and a large shared roof terrace. We have often stayed in hostels as a family: they can be a good, more affordable compromise.

place_nation — Place de la Nation, Paris

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Our tips for booking a family stay in Paris

Book early for the widest choice and the best prices.
Avoid the busiest periods, when hotels fill up and rates rise: Fashion Week in late September and early October, New Year, and May–June during major trade fairs and Roland-Garros. August prices are often attractive as business travellers and many Parisians leave the capital. The autumn half-term and February school holidays can also be good times.
Check how far your accommodation is from the métro. That said, you can cover a lot on foot: Paris is not as large as London, for example.
Apartment or hotel? I have suggested several apartments because having a kitchen helps keep restaurant costs down. At a hotel, there is no need to pay extra for breakfast: Paris has plenty of delicious bakeries and welcoming cafés!
Home exchange: we have tried HomeExchange in Paris and had an excellent experience. If you are interested, I can refer you so we both earn points. My HomeExchange referral code is christine-f9777.
What about the suburbs? Yes, they can help you find cheaper accommodation or a larger apartment. For me, the key is having a métro station nearby. My two favourite places for a family stay are Neuilly-sur-Seine (line 1: Les Sablons or Pont de Neuilly) and Levallois-Perret (line 3: Louise Michel, Anatole France or Pont de Levallois). Both are quiet, family-friendly suburbs, and lines 1 and 3 are among the best for crossing Paris and seeing the main sights.

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So, who is coming to Paris soon?

Visit Paris as a family: 20 ideas to discover the Capital with children.What to visit during a stay in Paris with children? Here is a list of our favourites museums, strolls, gardens and museums...

Our family hikes in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

During our family road trip in Montenegro, we spent 3 days as a family in Durmitor National Park. During our stay, we did some beautiful hikes: easy walks and proper, rather sporty alpine hikes, with routes for all levels! Whatever the age of your children, you can enjoy nature in Durmitor, in north-west Montenegro, between mountains, forests, canyon and glacial lakes.

When we travelled: the third week of July. We had good weather. In terms of visitor numbers, it was lively but very pleasant, without too many people.

Children’s ages: for this trip, we were with our Titpuce, aged 14. Ticoeur was not with us because he was doing an internship in Germany.

Below, I am sharing all the details of our family hikes in the magnificent natural setting of Durmitor National Park.

Black Lake beneath the Durmitor mountains — Black Lake, Durmitor National Park

Our programme in Durmitor National Park

We spent 3 days and 2 nights in Durmitor National Park:

Day 1: arrival in the afternoon. Loop around Black Lake.
Day 2: ascent of Bobotov Kuk, then a short hike to Tara Canyon towards the Curevac viewpoint.
Day 3: head to Durdevica Bridge for more views over the Tara River, then leave for our next stop: the Grebaje Valley.

Where should you base yourself to visit Durmitor National Park?

The main small town inside Durmitor National Park is Zabljak. It is the ideal base for enjoying all the possible day hikes. Most of the accommodation is therefore in and around this town. You will see that there are many options for sleeping in wooden A-frame huts. At first glance, all these huts look quite similar, but some are newer and therefore in better condition than others.

As for our choice, we wanted to sleep slightly outside town. We were about 3 km from Zabljak. Our hut was very comfortable in terms of bedding, nicely decorated and modern: Vila Durmitorska bajka. We highly recommend it. The location was excellent for reaching the different hiking trailheads. We were not isolated, as there were other huts like ours in the same place. Our host was friendly and lived right next door. Access by car is very easy and you can park right in front of the huts.

**** When you book a hotel or a car 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! ****

Our 3 family hikes in Durmitor National Park

First of all, do not forget to buy your annual pass online for Montenegro’s national parks. It costs 13.50 euros per person in 2026, and is free for under-15s. It is more economical than paying 5 euros per day at Durmitor National Park.

1/ Black Lake: the favourite family hike!

Loop around the lake: around 40 min for 3.6 km. Level: easy.

The walk around Black Lake (Crno Jezero) is a very easy hike, more like a woodland walk, ideal with children, even young ones, because there is almost no elevation gain and the scenery is magnificent right from the start of the loop. You immediately fall for the emerald and turquoise colours of the water. To reach the lake, you need to walk 30 minutes from the centre of Zabljak (which is what we did), or 10 to 15 minutes from the large paid car park. Then the loop takes around 40 minutes. Some families do not walk all the way around and simply settle down facing this superb setting. Others swim there. The path is flat for a good half of the loop, with a few short uphill sections that are not difficult. Here it is in pictures:

Timber sitting room in a Durmitor chalet — Black Lake, Durmitor National Park

Hiring a car in Montenegro: all our practical tips

For our 8-day road trip in Montenegro, we hired a car when we arrived at Podgorica airport. Many of you asked me whether the roads were in good condition and whether hiring a car in Montenegro was a good choice: clearly yes, we highly recommend having a car, and it was a really easy and comfortable experience! Overall, Montenegro’s roads are in excellent condition and driving there is very relaxed. We felt completely safe.

To help your driving experience in Montenegro go as smoothly as ours, I wanted to share a few tips and practical details here. I hope they will be useful!

Where should you hire a car for a road trip in Montenegro?

Our car hire at Podgorica airport

Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro and also the main airport. It was therefore the most obvious starting point for our itinerary. We hired a Citroen C3 for 30 euros per day. We compared the different offers for car hire at Podgorica airport and chose the cheapest option among the rental companies with the best reviews. Obviously, prices vary depending on the season. We travelled at the end of July, so in high season, and we had booked our car one month in advance. Compared with other countries in southern Europe, we found it more expensive, but it remained an affordable budget. Good to know:

UK and other European driving licences are accepted.
You drive on the right, as everywhere on the continent.
Some rental companies do not have a desk inside the terminal. That was the case for us, but it was not a problem because the rental company picked us up with a free shuttle.
We preferred hiring a small car because it is easier for parking and for winding roads.

Our 8-day road trip in Montenegro

We have just returned from a one-week road trip in Montenegro, travelling between the sea and the mountains. What did we have planned for this new family trip to Montenegro? Mainly national parks, time in the great outdoors and hiking, with a visit to the coast as well. Montenegro is a fantastic destination for nature lovers like us! This trip also gave us the opportunity to discover the local culture.

In eight days, we completed a big loop around this small, fascinating and endearing Balkan country. Below, I am delighted to share the details of our Montenegro itinerary and give you some advice for planning your own trip.

When we travelled: late July, during the third week of the month. It was 25°C on the coast, which suited us perfectly because we do not enjoy extreme heat. Be aware, however, that it can be much hotter: the seasonal average in July and August is around 30°C. In the mountains, temperatures were about 19°C, with cooler mornings.

Age of our children: Titpuce, aged 14, was with us, but Ticoeur could not join us because he was doing a summer internship. It was the first time we had gone on holiday as a family of three!

Our Montenegro itinerary at a glance

We completed a loop from Podgorica, the capital, travelling clockwise, although the direction does not really matter. Our itinerary combines Montenegro’s coast and mountains, with a particular focus on its national parks. These were our stops during eight days and seven nights in Montenegro:

Crossing the Channel by catamaran: our adventure on a sailing ferry!

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.

Cycling the Côte d’Opale in France: from Calais to Boulogne-sur-Mer

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!

Bath by bike: an easy ride from Bradford-on-Avon along the canal

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.

Neoclassical façade of a country house near Bath — 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 and the River Avon in Bath — 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 The Circus. If you speak English, I strongly recommend it! The tour lasts 2 hours. My Titpuce also found it interesting.

Royal Crescent in Bath seen from the lawn — The Royal Crescent

The Circus in Bath framed by tree leaves — The 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.

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.

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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!

Our 8-day road trip in northern Greece with the family

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.

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.

Family cycling in the New Forest

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.

Cycling weekend along the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy

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.