Thinking of spending a few weeks travelling around (some of) Europe this summer with DCs aged 8 and 6. DH can join us for a couple of weeks at most, and one week is to be spent with ILs in Loire Valley in s/c house they have booked in mid Aug. Am thinking we do a few long all day journeys and then little trips within a country/region maybe from a base to save on hotel booking admin. Am thinking - regretfully - that will have to plan and book in advance.
At present we are thinking maybe SW France, onto Spain, Rhone valley and Italy - maybe onto Greek islands (this may be too ambitious) probably staggered into 10 days either side of the fixed week in Aug.
I am looking for anyone else who has done this, any tips etc, and ideas of must-see places. Which Spanish cities would you visit with kids if you had to pick two, which seaside towns have a beach etc, esp any recommendations for cheap hotels/pensions or sites to search for them.
We like being near the sea and they can take a half day of culture if followed by icecream. We will be on a budget!
All suggestions, ideas and old threads that my inept searching failed to throw up v welcome!