Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Q. I will be driving down to southern France (near Narbonne) to visit family and enjoy Bastille Day. I would like to take my children into Italy, Switzerland and Germany on the return, on a trip of 12-14 days. Can you suggest places to visit that would interest my children (boy aged four and girl aged six)? Paul Saunders
A. It's a solid five- or six-hour drive across southern France to the Italian border, and when you finally cross it there is no need to go further than lovely San Remo (pictured above). Stay in the resort for two or three days, taking advantage of the ready availability of those holiday staples: beach, pizza and ice cream.
Next, a treat for the driver: swerving north through the Alps (and nipping in and out of France) en route to Turin, for a last overnight stop in Italy – and a chance to convince the children of the joys of pesto alla Genovese, which was born here. Then up to Aosta, steadfastly avoiding the Mont Blanc tunnel back into France, and instead going north to Martigny in Switzerland. Pause at the Labyrinthe maze (labyrinthe.ch), then travel down the Rhone Valley to Vevey on the shore of Lake Geneva – a relaxed place to stay, with a lakeside swimming pool well equipped for youngsters.
Exit Switzerland at Basel and make for the heart of the Black Forest, the gentle corner of Germany that is ideal for families, especially if you spend a few nights at a "hay hotel" – a barn on a farmyard. You snuggle down on the hay and enjoy days helping out on the farm.
Cut a corner by slipping across the French region of Alsace to Saarbrücken and on through Luxembourg into the Belgian Ardennes – and a much-overlooked resort, Les Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure (lacsdeleaudheure.be). It is a Center Parcs-like complex in a lovely setting. Finally, take your pick of great North Sea resorts, between Zeebrugge, Ostend and Dunkerque, which should be warming up nicely by late July.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments