Post Category - TravelTravel - Post Category - Inspiration & TipsInspiration & Tips - Post Category - Long HaulLong HaulA breath of fresh air – just what we need when the weather in Dubai is getting hot and sticky!
When the next holiday is around the corner (it’s not that long until the summer now!) and your wandering mind needs to travel, it is time to look at some of the most child-friendly places to linger and take a breath of fresh air – the freshest air, we like to add.
Family Fun
In the beautiful region of Vaud, Switzerland, families are known to find all they look for in a holiday within a most exquisite setting of natural extravaganza. Bordered by the Alps, cornered by Lake Geneva (Lac Leman to the locals) and peppered with vibrant towns along the lake, this region is a retreat for all the family – mum, dad and the children.
Be like Coco
For mums, there is a calming spa to be found in all the five star hotels along the lake or even a restful afternoon on the hotel lawn in your own private cabana. A visit to Coco Chanel’s favourite haunt, chocolate workshops in the birthplace of milk chocolate, Vevey, or boat rides in one the belle époque paddle steamers – you might as well imagine Leonardo by your side. Alternatively, visit Lavaux, the region’s pride and a world UNESCO site. Filled with the finest of reds and whites, it is a wonderful way to spend some quality time with hubby watching the sun set over the crystal clear lake.
From water sports to workshops
Dads can find their thrill on the lake with a plethora of water sports activities or venture into the mountains for a ride along the windy roads or off-terrain through forest areas and grassy meadows. It is not for no reason the area received the CN Traveller favourite road trip destination. For those interested in Swiss clockwork, a watchmaking workshop can be arranged under the ‘watchful’ eye (excuse the pun) of local expert, Lionel Meylan. Running over a half-day, The Watch-making Experience instructs participants on how to re-assemble a timepiece, even your own.
History in the making
For the children, hotels are catered for all young travellers’ needs and there is plenty on offer for the family too. For a little history and treasure hunting visit the Chillon Castle in Montreux, a medieval castle situated on its own island. Head to the Olympic Museum for an interactive day of sports – race Usain Bolt in the museum gardens or test your ski skills on screen. The latest addition to family fun is the largest freshwater aquarium Aquatis, located on the shores in Lausanne. And whilst enjoying Lake Geneva from the side, you might as well rent some bikes for a trip along the lake or book a kayak, canoe or even a sailboat for more holiday fun.
All the towns offer boutique shopping, quality cafes and restaurants with an array of cuisines – the area is known for its density in Michelin Star restaurants and brasseries. The towns offer plenty of historic sites to soak up on culture and for those in need of the outdoors, the backdrop is the way to indulge in an abundance of green spaces, picturesque villages and nature at its finest. Take the Chocolate Train – a 1915 Pullman, the most tasteful train ride through the mountains, or head out in search of those Swiss traditions including cheese making and decoupage just a little further afield coated in a nice summer breeze. As that is what you get when heading to Vaud – all in all a breath of fresh air in every sense of the way!
Vaud Region
http://www.lake-geneva-region.ch
