To drive to Central France with 2 kids for a holiday alone

[Eeekblunders]

I'm anxious that it's a terrible idea. I'd be the only adult. It's a caravan holiday and I can't decide if we'd just be better off at home. I've tried asking friends but none are available. The weather looks ok ish.

[WorraLiberty]

Depends entirely upon their ages and how well they travel.

[TimetohittheroadJack]

I travelled from North of Scotland to Devon alone with my three kids for a holiday. We stopped for an overnight half way and stayed for 2 weeks in a couple of different places. It was a brilliant holiday and the kids loved it. I was slightly bored in the evening as never had another adult to talk to (and there is only so much Minecraft talk I could take), but I'd say go for it!

[CaurnieBred]

Fine. Get one of those automatic toll reader things (Liber-T which will make going through the tolls a breeze

When stopping at one of the littler Aires (ie, not with a proper service station), the disabled on is a real loo, not a squat toilet. We would grab bread, cheese and cold meat from a supermarket and stop at these ones.

Driving on the French motorways are a breeze: much quieter than our crowded ones.

[AdaColeman]

Have a look at the Via Michelin website.

You can put in your start point and destination and it will give you a very detailed travel plan and route, with timings etc. also the costs for the toll roads.

There are many stopping places along the way, "aires" so you and the children will get frequent breaks if and when you need them.

[FritzDonovan]

It's not a terrible idea, providing you are normally ok with entertaining them by yourself for the required number of days. I've done a number of road trips with my two, it's easier than staying at home sometimes as there's new things to explore.

[dingit]

Where from? Mine have travelled every summer to all over France from a very young age. They have a DVD player in the back ( nowadays their phones).
If you don't mind the driving it will be fine with some planned stops. I always take food, as it is expensive to buy, and mine are fussy.

[Eeekblunders]

My kids are 6 and 10

[Ancienchateau]

Is it the driving or the holiday itself that concerns you? Where in the Centre? If it's now the weather is sh1te. If it's in the summer it can be very nice.

[Bluntness100]

What's concerning you, is it the driving or the fact you will be holidaying alone with the kids?

I've driven through France to Brussels many a time, normally on my own, from south east England and back again, I prefer it to flying as it's about five hours door to door, but I'm used to driving on the "wrong side" of the road.

If you're uncomfortable with it, then don't do it.

[notarehearsal]

I started taking mine to the south of France when they were around 8 and 11. I'd never driven in France before and was newly single and did find it nerve wracking at first. This was before sat navy and the first year I even forgot a map! However, as the years went on and friends of the children were added it became more and more fun. The holidays are associated with such fantastic memories now. You will meet lots of people if you are staying on a site ( i used to do the Key camp type holidays) I say do it!

[notarehearsal]

sat nav

[BillSykesDog]

That'll be fine. Those campsites in France are brilliant for kids. Have you booked stopovers to break the driving?

[yetanotherdeskmove]

As above is it the driving or the holidaying alone that bothers you?
I regularly take my two (6 and 3) one a 7 hour each way trip to see my parents and it's fine. Audio cds and plenty of snacks!!

[Huldra]

Go for it. Have you driven in France before, or is the first time driving their on your own?

Get a Toll tag.
Get a sat nav, with lane assist if possible.
Try and avoid driving at Weekends in the summer holiday.
If you're using Bluetooth for media, train the 10 year old where the music and audio books are on your phone.

[LittleLionMansMummy]

I'd be wary of doing it with young kids because they demand so much attention but at 6 and 10 that shouldn't be an issue. The roads in France are (mostly) a delight to drive on - better than in the UK imo. As pp said, get one of those automatic cards so you can just drive through the Peages.

[MsGameandWatch]

I've taken my kids to America, UAE, Thailand, all over Europe by myself. I made a decision very early on that I wouldn't let being a single parent restrict me from doing this stuff with them. The only time I was nervous was first time to America when I was driving out the airport, THAT was hairy. Having to get us there driving on the other side of the road by myself, I was actually shaking. But I did it and have been back and done it again a few times. Honestly you'll never look back once you've done it the first time 😊

[Eeekblunders]

Thanks for all the replies.
My concerns are driving, weather and sheer boredom being the only adult.
It's not on a site so just me!! I'm concerned about managing on my own.

[Ancienchateau]

The driving is easy. I live in The Centre of France and drive to and from UK a lot.

The weather is usually good in the summer. When are you going?

I am afraid it is pretty boring

[isittheholidaysyet]

Go for it, I've not yet dared.

Furthest I've been is 4hrs away in England with trailer and 4 kids 10 and under. (But I was meeting people there)

As for the boredom, couple of good books, some games you've always wanted to teach the eldest but he's only just big enough for, (scrabble? Monopoly? Risk?) And load a media player with films you've always meant to watch.
Then go on big day trips to places which interest you.(But won't totally bore the kids) so you are all ready for bed at kids bedtime.

(Obviously, I've never actually dared do any of this, but I watch friends in awe!)

[Eeekblunders]

Ancient chateaux!!

I've been many times before. I'm aware of the utter boredom/ peace aspect. I'd be going in april. It may be wet?.

[Ancienchateau]

It's been raining pretty much non stop since February so quite likely.

[Ancienchateau]

We are north centre though so it might be better if you are a bit further south

[Eeekblunders]

Gulp!

[Eeekblunders]

It's near Guerret

[Huldra]

I've often taken mine away solo since they were babies. Anything from camping on a very basic site, holiday park to nice hotel.

There is the boredom of being the only adult but for me it's outweighed by the need for an adventure and breaking up the school holidays. Can you take something like a laptop & small speaker with loads of media or dvds? Whilst it's nice if they come in at 9pm exhausted, a programme after dinner, or to keep them happy on a rainy morning is great. Last summer touring Europe we ploughed through Falling Skies again at night time, it was really nice.

I like downloading podcasts to play as background noise sometimes. There's some good radio 4 ones that are fine for younger ones to overhear and appreciate on whatever level they want to.

Just a minute, Unbelievable Truth, Infinite Monkey Cage, No Such Thing as a Fish, Museum of Curiosity, History of the World in 100 Objects, More or Less, Cabin Fever, Another Case of Milton Jones. Some you have to buy through somewhere like Audible but it's worth stocking up. Horrible History audio books are ok too.

When you're driving make sure they have a few things to hand to reduce distractions. Water, snacks, bag for rubbish, small towel for spillage or vomiting