Germany / Switzerland / Regional France in Nov With 10 & 7 y.o. Boys

Hi

Thank you to all who contribute here. It is such a rich resource.

We we will be at Neuschwanstein in southern Germany around 3 November and are looking to fill 16 days before Paris accom is booked from 19 November. We have come up with three options and would love any advice on which might be the most enjoyable to do with two boys (7 & 10) who have lots of energy but also love galleries, museums, libraries, castles etc.

1) Middle Rhine in Germany looks great - Mainz to Koblenz. People advise car or train because boats only run in November if enough bookings. That sends us north so we'd then do eastern France or Belgium and on to Paris.

2) Another option is Switzerland but it seems as though it is somewhat in hibernation in Nov, sadly. Glacier Express train not running. Resorts closed till Dec. Zurich and Geneva are fine, of course, but, otherwise, it doesn't seem ideal. Foggy, rainy, closed. Is that your understanding?

3) Or we could head to regional France for those 16 days. Maybe Aix-en-Provence, Arles etc and up to a beautiful house we know of to rent near Bergerac and on to Paris for 19 November.

We would greatly appreciate any thoughts based on your understanding of weather and what might be enjoyable as a family at that time of year. Thanks!

TJB.

I'm in Alsace so I know the climate here. It can be grim in November. Also, like you correctly observed, a lot is closed. The week of All-Soul's Day (Nov.1st) is a school break for most Catholic countries in Europe so things fill up. Then it all shuts down once that school is back in session and either regroup for Xmas, or stays closed until next spring. There is also another "dead" period coming up now, pre-Easter and post-ski.

South of France or Barcelona would work. Look into low-cost European airlines if the distances are daunting. Air Berlin, Ryan Air or Air Europe might be able to zip you down there quickly for a reasonable amount. Check all possible airports. You can usually buy a one-way ticket because often they're sold point-to-point anyway. The fast speed train (TGV) from that region to Paris is easy and relatively quick so don't bother with flying that leg.

Hi eclipsepearl

Thanks so much for this information. It's super helpful to know about the 1 Nov week and I really appreciate your thoughts on South of France over Alsace in November. Very kind and I will look into those flights south, too.

Kind regards,

Tristan.

I agree with eclipsepearl and would head to the South of France. Weather makes a HUGE difference in travel, more so with kids. LOTS of rain, dreary gray days, wind, cold etc...makes touring not so fun...that is why we always headed to Costa del Sol by November. Even Barcelona can be quite miserable then and we've even run into snow in Oct in Florence, had to pretty much skip beautiful Budapest one late fall, the weather was soo horrendous.

I imagine you don't want to go to far and there is a TON to see and do in Provence that you all will enjoy.

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2012/06/france-with-kids-exploring-provence.html

We've been to this area many times in our 7 1/2 years of non-stop travel and never tire of it.

Pont du Gard is amazing in the summer:

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2010/09/swimming-canoeing-at-pont-du-gard-france-family-travel-adventures-family-friendly-camping-.html

But also cool in the fall and they have a fantastic museum for kids too ( in case the weather is bad).

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2010/09/swimming-canoeing-at-pont-du-gard-france-family-travel-adventures-family-friendly-camping-.html

We loved this campsite in Nice which many winter in and it is quite central and they have cottages to rent and near the train if you are looking for budget gems.

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2010/08/around-the-world-with-kids-extended-travel-long-term-travel-families-and-friends.html

Happy travels!!