lyl

Hi, my family and I are headed to Europe in September; we have two toddlers - ages 2 and 4. We'll be arriving in Barcelona and first taking a 10 day cruise then spending a few days in Paris. We're looking for another place to visit for approximately 4-5 days. I'm torn among choices of Nice/Provence region, staying longer in Barcelona, or others? I'm primarily looking for a location near small, quaint towns where we could relax but yet has enough interesting activities to keep my toddlers entertained. Is Nice/Provence region laid back and toddler-appropriate? We were also thinking about Geneva, but is that too far to travel and then get back to Barcelona for our flight back to the US? Any suggestions?

amwosu

If you chose to go to Geneva do an open jaw air reservation rather than a round trip to/from Barcelona. Or have you already booked your flights?

I would consider returning to Spain after Paris and hanging out somewhere within a few hours train ride from Barcelona. Sitges, a combo gay/family friendly town is a lovely relaxing beach resort only 12 miles from Barcelona. Sitges might be sleepy during the day and lively but not raucous at night.

September weather should be in the 70s during the day and the hordes of summer sunbathers will have thinned. Sitges is protected by mountains and has a microclimate different than Barcelona. Lots of sunshine too. Sitges has a lovely old town center.

You might stay a couple of days in Barcelona after the cruise then a few more days in Sitges and head to the airport directly from Sitges.
Ann Marie

Jean

Another nice city a little farther from Barcelona is Girona with probably more to see and do than Sitges. I think you can fly from Paris Beauvais airport directly to Girona's airport, then train or bus from Girona to the Barcelona airport.

http://www.girona.cat/turisme/eng/monuments.php

HappyTrvlr

Look at the Costa Brava, north of Barcelona. One nice town is Begur.

zeppole

Personally, if you are committed to gong to Paris, I would go directly there and settle into an apartment. Your toddlers are going to be fascinated by any park, any fountain, any set of swings or puppet show -- but less moving around for them and you if you settle down in Paris and get in a groove before returning once again to Barcelona.

If you are not committed to Paris, you might consider San Sebastian, which is not too long a drive, either through Spain or France, and has sweet treats for children, especially the toddler park on the Monte Igueldo.

San Sebastian is easier to get to than southern France.