Switzerland? France? Somewhere else?

[71wheretogo]

Please help - the summer holidays are looming and I have nothing organised for me, dh and dd aged 12... I don't really know where to go, and can't quite face all the organisation either. Our budget is also not high and we'd be camping in either our own tent or if there is an option for an already-set-up one then that would be fantastic. Or a cabin, even!

I like the idea of Switzerland but can't face the drive - too long to do in one day, so a stopover in Reims, same on way back - I feel a tiny bit of dread when I think about it.

France, not sure where to go - like lakes and easy rivers for kayaking, but within 4 or max 5 hours' drive from Calais?

Germany even?

Or is there somewhere I haven't thought of that we could fly to?

As I said, our budget is not high.

Can anyone help me??!

Of you haven't got a high budget I'd avoid Switzerland, it's expensive! We had a couple of nights in Bern en route to Italy last year. Lovely city but it's not cheap!

Baie de Somme, Berney Riviera?

would something like this in italy work? it has several pools and waterslides etc.

Italy could be a bit far to drive I think but thank you.... it looks nice if only I could face the driving.

You can turn left at Calais and go to Belgium. Very easy drive and no shortage of places to camp. We went to Durbuy which is a village/town, We saw kayaking and had lots of restaurants aimed at families all set in front of a massive chateau. Maybe good if you like the feel of Switzerland but not the expense. I’m not sure how long you could spend there.

Switzerland is amazing, but just don’t do it if your budget is not high. You could consider the haute savoie in France and around annecy, although that is almost as far as Switzerland. The Limousin? It’s relatively untouristed (or at least, just French tourists), there’s caves and countryside and kayaking (i think), not so many lakes though.

Oh I lie, there are lakes: www.france-voyage.com/travel-guide/limousin-territoire.htm

Why not fly into Geneva but rather than staying in Switzerland go to the French side of Lake Geneva. Evian / Thonon are nice areas. Lots of kayaking on the lake and only a short drive to the mountains for hikes/ biking etc.

The Loire valley in France is beautiful. Stay near to Chinon. The whole area is just stunning.

Thank you all. I will do some googling.

Might be a bit late now but Slovenia is so worth a visit. Just got back. Scenery beautiful (city break, mountains, lakes, caves), roads easy to drive, campsites galore (although you would need to book).

We had a great time at this campsite last year. Booked direct with site and stayed in their most basic cabin. Really cheap. Right by Switzerland, great lake on site.

www.chalain.com/en/

France has some fantastic camp sites.

The Loire Valley isn't too far from the Channel ports.
The Dordogne region is a bit further, but doable in a long day. We like Camping Le Paradis near Les Eyzies.

Not sure if it’s too far down but how about Colmar - it’s a very pretty town - you can take your daughter to Europark for the day, day trips to Switzerland, Strasbourg etc

ohhhhhhhhhhhh you musttttttttttttt go Ancey is HAVEN blue lake and ................