Easter break as a single mum with one DD - advice please!

[PinotMwah]

Have a week off to go somewhere with DD (7). In an ideal world would do something like a city break followed by a couple of days on the beach. Don't like all inclusive places, generally avoid package-by-the-pool type hols unless they are really special, but conversely would like to be able to chill out a bit and read as opposed to rushing around jumping on buses and things which is what I normally do on holiday. DD has done a few city breaks and off-beat hols before so won't be phased by the lack of a pool but I'd like more of a traditional holiday for her. Heat not essential but would be a bonus. Budget up to about £600 for the two of us.

To fulfill the city break requirement I'd head to Paris for a couple of days, then get the TGV down to Collioure on the South Coast which is a lovely medieval town on the sea with restaurants, shingle beach, a fab sea wall you can walk around, promenade walk to the Argeles where there's a long sandy beach, and in the hills behind the village are easily navigable paths through olive groves.

It's the less touristy bit of South coast of France and I love it.

Malaga or Palma plus a few days at a nearby beach resort would work with your budget.

Thanks all: good suggestions. INeedNewShoew not massively enthused by Paris: I love it but I think its particularly child-unfriendly as cities go and have also been a lot for work so it doesn't feel much like a holiday. But love your suggestion for south coast.

I lived in Paris for a year and I know exactly what you mean, but had neither of you been there before you could have spent a couple of days happily hopping on/off the bateaubus to the key sights.

I suggested it as well because it's an interchange for the Eurostar. Lille is as well of course but I find Lille particularly uninspiring too!

You could fly to Barcelona and then get the train to the French border which is very close to to Collioure.

Why not consider Amsterdam. Such a wonderful city for that age and super child friendly.

I'm an Amsterdam blogger and also the Family Blogger for the city of Amsterdam site "I Amsterdam". Happy to help with advice if useful. Start with this post and let me know:

amsterdamwonderland.com/category/kids/kids-activities-amsterdam/