French city break - which city?

[Nellybell]

DH and I want to do a city break this summer for a long weekend with DS (2.5) and DD (4 months)
I've had a look at where direct flights go to from our local airport and we have a choice of the following:

Albert
Avignon
Bergerac
chambery
La Rochelle
Nice
Paris
Toulouse

I haven't been to any of these destinations so was hoping that mumsnetters might be able to advise which would be most suitable for a short break with young kids?

I'd go to Paris, if you have never been there. Lots of lovely parks to take the children. You can combine parks with sightseeing. Also you can board a bateau mouche (spelling?), which could be fun for your ds. And the eiffel tower.

But if going to a big city is too daunting, I'd go either to Nice (you can take them to the beach) or Avignon. Chambery is the only French town I saw that I didn't like.

My brother used to live in Toulouse - fab place!

Really Leslaki? I'd heard it was incredibly industrial. What is it like? What are the highlights? do tell all please!

Hey Nellybell,

Personally I would go to La Rochelle, if you are planning to hire a car the main town is ten mins from the airport. Town isn't too big but would be plenty to do with young children.

There is an aqaurium nearby along with many fabulous beaches. Also the two islands of Ile D'Oleron and Il De Re are gorgeous. (We have holiday's on Ile D'Oleron for the past 22 years - can recommend some great restaurants that are very child friendly)

Around the harbour in La Rochelle are plenty of pavement cafe's and restuarants with spaces for 2.5 year old to walk around.

If you'd like anymore information please do not hesitate to shout.

Claire

Toulouse is beautiful - although I had a miserable time there as I was au pairing in the the sticks!

chambery is lovely and near the mountains.

I am not a fan of Paris, (and a friend who went with her baby recently would back me up on that), although millions will disagree.

Avignon is also great.

Other friends have had wonderful times (but dodgy weather) in La Rochellle.

I've been to all except Chambery (not all with dcs though). I'd pick La Rochelle out of that list (possibly with Ile de Re too). Had a nice weekend there with ds1 when he was about a year old.

If you've never been there, go to Paris.

Avignon is diviiiiiiine!

I'd choose La Rochelle.

A weekend break with a toddler aND BABy in a city, I just don't understand. My idea of hell.