Where should I take my family on holiday - nice but not too hot?

[dreamingoaholiday]

I have a new job and I can finally afford to take my family on holiday!

My DC are 10 and 15 and have never been abroad. I want to book a holiday for 2024.

I haven't been on a holiday abroad in nearly 20 years and never with DC, I'm not sure where to start! But also, we're not into a lot of the traditional holiday things e.g. we're not sun seekers.

We like: nice food, exploring, history, culture. Would be nice to visit some lovely beaches but we don't need to be there everyday.

We don't like: very hot weather. My eldest and I melt if it's above 25c!
Not into sitting by the pool all day. The kids would probably like to be somewhere they can meet other DC but DP and I would hate to be in a large hotel resort. Would consider self catering cottage / villa, Eurocamp, a small hotel - open to suggestions!

Where could we go that's not too hot, but with lots to explore? And that doesn't break the bank!

Must it be a beach? A nice lakes and mountains destination somewhere in the Alps might work better for you.

100% agree. The French Alps are stunning and there are loads of activities. In the summer it’s warm but not stupidly hot, and you can always go up an alp and cool off!

We had a great summer holiday in the Alps last year. Near Morzine. Lots of hiking, swimming in lakes, mountain biking. Quite an active holiday. You could break it up by driving down and staying in a French city on the way to get the history element.

If you are thinking of France, this might suit you:

https://www.puydufou.com/france/en