On the Road with the Kids: A Family Driving Holiday in Spain and France
The quest for adventure with children is a delicate balance between the desire for excitement and the need for comfort. As a parent, I've always been drawn to the allure of the open road, but the reality of traveling with two kids can be a daunting prospect. So, when the opportunity arose to recreate a classic road trip from my 20s, I was eager to take on the challenge. The journey began with a ferry ride from Portsmouth to Bilbao, a two-night voyage filled with dolphin sightings, book reading, and the occasional nap in the cabin. Upon arrival, we kicked off our escapade in Bilbao, timing it perfectly to coincide with Aste Nagusia, the city's annual nine-day party.
One of the highlights of our trip was staying in Berastegi, a small hamlet in the Spanish Basque Country. We discovered Casa Julian, a charming place in Tolosa, where we indulged in a steak so good it rendered all future steaks redundant. The money saved on accommodation allowed us to splurge on a night in a hotel in San Sebastián, where we enjoyed the city's Michelin-starred restaurants and kid-friendly attractions like the aquarium and Monte Igueldo amusement park. Our next stop was Arcachon, a seaside resort in France, where we stayed in a luxury chalet at Huttopia, a family-run chain of nature-immersed campsites.
The experience at Huttopia was a delightful blend of comfort and nature. Our chalet, nestled among the pines, offered a nice toilet, strong shower, and comfortable beds. We explored the Dune du Pilat, a breathtaking sand dune that felt like landing on the moon. The journey continued to the Île de Noirmoutier, where we set up home in a well-stocked Huttopia wood and canvas desert tent, next to the water's edge. The stars stretched out across the inky sky, reminding me of the eagles we had seen during our previous travels.
Our final stop was Saint-Malo, a charming Breton port with a wealth of charm, great food, and delicious cider. We spent four days at a home exchange, enjoying the coastal pool and exploring the nearby Cancale, where we indulged in oysters and mussels. The adventure wasn't over after all, as I realized that the joy of traveling with my children is as much about their discoveries as it is about mine. The journey taught me that adventure is not just about the destination, but also about the experiences and memories we create along the way.
