France, Fun for All in the Family

I remember going to France when I was younger and I loved it. But usually when you think of fun family trips you think more along the lines of Disney world or land- which, don’t get me wrong, is an amazing place and one of my favorite places to visit to this day. Alexandra Regan writes about her family trip to France in the article, “Strasbourg, France: A City to Enjoy with the Kids.” She makes a good point than when travelling with a family there is still a segregation in interests, kids want to go to fun parks, adults to museums, teenagers, elders, all have different interests. So, it is important to travel to a place where everyone can find adventure and fun.

This vibrant symbol of European unity (it is the headquarters for the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and the European Court and Commission for Human Rights) has a complex and fascinating history, and the blend of French and German architecture, cuisine, and language makes Strasbourg very different from other French cities.

Winter is a fabulous time to enjoy Strasbourg’s coziness. The Christmas markets that run from the end of November through December 24th are perhaps the best in France. These outdoor markets sell hot spiced red wine (spiced cider or orange juice for the kids), pretzels, crepes, and cakes, as well as crafts and inexpensive Christmas items.

Cathedral Notre Dame - This stunning pink stone cathedral is one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in Europe. Victor Hugo described it as “a skillful combination of monumental size and delicateness.” Building began in 1015 and the spire was completed in 1439. The kids can burn off some energy (and their parents the heavy Alsatian meals) by climbing the 330 steps to the base of the spire. From the cathedral platform you can enjoy the view of the city and beyond in all directions.

If the kids get hungry outside of regular mealtimes, try one of the informal brasseries found throughout the city. Perhaps because of the German influence, meal times seem to be earlier than in most French cities, and we found it easy to dine before 7:00 pm. Most restaurants will have Alsatian dishes such as choucroute and tarte flambe on the menu.

Alexandra Regan visits kid-friendly Portovenere, Italy

Instead of whisking her two kids around Florence, Venice and Rome, contributing writer Alexandra Regan and her family settle into a relaxing village on the Ligurian Coast for a week. She writes about excellent exploring opportunities as well as places to eat and stay. Enjoy the excerpts below!

"Portovenere, with its colorful houses perched on a rocky shore of the romantically named Gulf of Poets (Byron and Shelley once lived in the area), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but that’s not why the kids loved it. They were enchanted by the beach across from our villa, and my husband and I were happy to relax on the rocks while they played for hours."

"It is possible to do some serious hiking right from the hills above Portovenere, but just climbing the narrow winding streets and stone staircases to the top of village might be enough for the kids. We found a tiny playground – two swings and a teeter totter – just above the Church of San Lorenzo that has the best view of any playground I have ever visited."

"In addition to the frequent ferry service (as fast as and much easier than driving) to four of the five villages of the Cinque Terre, (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso) it is possible to visit the nearby islands by boat and to rent canoes and kayaks."

"We ate many of our meals at home on our terrace (provisioned by a small grocery store in town), but nevertheless found time to return for lunch at Bacicio, a small café and restaurant we liked for its casual atmosphere and incredible pastas and pizzas. I ordered the same black pasta, tomato, onion, and anchovy dish several times in a row, each time wondering why I’d never had anything as good at home. Bacicio Via G. Capellini, 17 Portovenere."