Just across the border, the Kids to Go edition (Belgium, Germany, Northern France)
We were (and still are) on top of it: the European travel advice. Because although airline tickets have been available for booking for some time now Portugal, Spanish islands again good to go being and Greece turns yellow here and there, our neighboring countries are also participating with more positive travel advice. Things are going in the right direction! Where to then? In addition to the Coronawise is going in the 'right' direction, you are also going in the right direction with a trip to Germany, Belgium and we immediately take a piece of Northern France. Because one kid proof a holiday by car is ultimately the ideal choice easy way out. It's really not a bad idea to go for 'convenience'. But if you're all about convenience, go for one well prepared car trip with the (among others plant based) snacks of NaturNes Bio in preparation. In advance: you're welcome!
Image @LeBarn (read more about this beautiful place below)
Germany? Of course! The country is close to home and who would ever say no to a bockwurst and a beer. Moreover, the majority of Germans will certainly move to our coast, so we have more space with our eastern neighbors.
Just look at it Langenbachhof in the Black Forest (Schwarzwald), a holiday home where you can stay with half the village (or the entire extended modern family) in can. And that too in Schonach im Schwarzwald, one of the most beautiful areas in Europe.
Two more houses – no, sorry, 'zwei haüser' – to choose from in beautiful Germany. Respectively Haus Pine en House Sand and placed on the coast (yes, that is also possible in Germany), just in the dunes and between the trees. With four bedrooms, Haus Pine is the largest. Haus Sand has three.
Cute with a capital S, that is Haus Steuermann in the village of Nieblum on an island in the far north of Germany. To be clear: although this house is one large whole, it was broken in two, with its own wing in the west and one in the east. A maximum of six people can fit in the West and a maximum of four in the East. Before we continue, here's a disclaimer: if you like warm colors and thick carpets, dark wood and darker corners, then pull hard on the wheel and drive somewhere else. The key words here are open, light, white and glass. A Scandinavian feeling that you have to love. We will, but then you are already informed.
Hop, on to the southern neighbors. What a loss that was, to be among the good old Burgundian Belgians.
Friday Ghent, can we live here, please? We already knew that there is a nice coffee bar, a top restaurant or a good café on every street corner in Ghent, but we now also know that this lovely house is such a great place to go with children. The guest house can be found in the historic Prinsenhof, a nice, quiet neighborhood and yet centrally located in the cozy city. The inside of the house feels a bit like a classic French farmhouse, but modern – get it? Wooden beams, beautiful tiled floors... Well, experiencing it yourself is always better. You're going to like it.
Sometimes simple is enough, and your child will certainly not notice a room that is a bit smaller. Give it a try. The Cozy Cabins from Nutchel are relatively small, but very nice. You will find the huts hidden in the forest of the Het Warredal domain. As if you are miles from civilization, just across the border, in Belgium.
Bart (your) heart August Hotel, in Antwerp. The historic city center feels small and familiar and you know your way around, even though it really is the largest city in Flanders. Nice and close too, nice since the family expansion. Hang the little one in a baby carrier and stroll through the city together, although Antwerp is fun for all ages (check out all the fun in and around Parkspoor Noord in the summer). Hotel August has only just opened in April 2019 and is definitely worth a visit. The name refers to the building's previous purpose: an Augustinian monastery.
Well, France. Trés romantique. Winding roads between vast lavender fields, wines and champagnes as if an angel is peeing on your tongue, picturesque villages and... Sun!
Speaking of perfect family places: move Hotel Le Barn top of your list when in France. Or just go to France for it. The large green area is a true play paradise for your little one and the hotel itself? You will certainly appreciate that. You can play badminton, football, horse riding, volleyball, and of course just romp in the vast meadows and forests. There is also no shortage of walking routes and cycle paths. Something different from the city parks.
Looking for the ultimate southern France feeling? Lavender blue shutters, walls overgrown with green, a stately waiter who knows his Pappenheimers? This is where you need to be. Bee Les Sardines des Yeux Bleus you have a choice of three apartments and three rooms, but you can also rent the entire house. Be crazy, get fourteen people together and have a party. And let's be honest, 'sardines with blue eyes', that sounds too sweet, doesn't it?
Chateau de MassillanYou can't get more rural, more French than that. The hotel is surrounded by trees and vineyards, and on the site itself you will find a beautiful organic vegetable garden that extends over 3500 square meters. To complete the party there are also animals: chickens, rabbits and pigeons. We don't care about enthusiasm anymore, and your kid(s) probably don't either.
More tips
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Barts Best of: The most wonderful addresses in Greece (for the kids, but also for yourself)
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3 x holiday homes in Germany
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kids to go: 12 x Mallorca as you probably never knew it! Tipped by the locals.
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Mallorca without kids, that's also a good plan. And then we sleep at ICON Valparaiso by Petit Palace
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The best thing about Zakynthos (with kids)
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The best thing in Antwerp (with kids!)