Want to organize a family trip without adding to your carbon footprint? It's easier than you might think to travel with children without taking a plane, especially in Europe. More and more routes are available from France. If you want to go further afield, night trains are also a good option. For your vacations, here's our selection of European destinations where you can go without flying when you have children.
1- London, a destination easily accessible without a plane when you have children
London is one of the top destinations for a European family getaway. In terms of transport, it's easily accessible from France without having to take a plane. From Paris, the journey takes just 2 hours 20 minutes. From Lille, it takes less than 1h30. Must-sees with children include the London Eye, the parks and the Natural History Museum, one of the city's many free museums!
- Fares : with Eurostar, for children under 4, the train journey is free if you keep them on your lap. Children's tickets for ages 4 to 11 are 30% off during rush hour, and up to 50% off during off-peak hours (except on Eurostar Premier).
The article to read to see all our ideas for family activities in London.
2- A family trip to Brussels
Welcoming and lively, the European capital is an ideal city for a stay with children. Above all, Brussels is the easiest European destination to reach from France, with 27 train connections a day. From Paris, allow around 1h25, and 35 minutes from Lille. For those on a budget, an OUIGO train makes the journey from €10. On the spot, take your kids to theAtomium and visit the Comic Strip Museum before enjoying some real Belgian fries.
- Fares : with Eurostar, children under 4 can travel free on your lap. Between the ages of 4 and 11, they benefit from a discount of around 50% on the ticket price (except on Eurostar Premier).
Did you know? Brussels is one of those destinations that can be reached faster by train than by plane!
3- Cologne
Located at the gateway toGermany, Cologne can be reached by train from Paris in just 3 hours and 20 minutes. This large city on the banks of the Rhine is full of beautiful walks and cultural visits. Discover its famous cathedral before going for a bike ride or a stroll in Rheinpark, voted the country's best park in 2007. And don't forget to take the kids to the playful Musée du Chocolat, one of the city's must-sees.
- Fares : with Eurostar, children under 4 can travel free on your lap. Between the ages of 4 and 11, they benefit from a discount of around 50% on the ticket price (except on Eurostar Premier).
The article to readwhat to do in Cologne in 3 days
4- Barcelona, Europe easily accessible without a plane when you have children
If you're looking for a sunny family vacation, Barcelona is the place to go by train. The journey is even easier if you live in the south of France. From Montpellier, for example, the journey takes around 3 hours 10 minutes. Once there, stroll through Parc Güell and lose yourself in Horta's labyrinth before enjoying Parc du Tibidabo.
- Fares : with the SNCF, your child under 4 can travel free on your lap. Between the ages of 4 and 12, they receive a 50% discount on their ticket. What's more, if you have a Carte Avantage, your children aged 4 to 11 will benefit from a 60% discount. There is also a large family fare for 3 or more children.
Read the article to discover our selection of activities to do in Barcelona with children.
5- Geneva
Take a deep breath of fresh air and head for Switzerland, especially Geneva and its shores of Lake Geneva. If you live in and around Lyon, the city is only 2 hours 10 minutes by train. From Paris, it's more like 3h30. Once you've arrived, enjoy the city's gardens with your family, visit the Botanical Gardens and take a boat trip on Lake Geneva. To stretch your legs, you can always go hiking in the surrounding mountains.
- Fares : on TGV Lyria trains, children under the age of 4 can travel free of charge without a seat (on your lap, that is). If you wish to take a seat for them, charge €19. From 4 to 11 years of age, they benefit from a 30% reduction on the adult fare.
Read the articlewhat to do in Geneva The must-sees.
6- Edinburgh, for a family holiday in Scotland
To get to Edinburgh by train, you'll first have to travel via London. At its shortest, the total Paris - Edinburgh journey will take you around 7 hours. This itinerary gives you several options, so you can spend a few days in London before heading for the Scottish capital. You can get there by conventional train, in around 4h15, or by night train with Caledonian Sleeper. This journey takes around 7h40.
- Fares : if you're traveling from Paris to London, you're still entitled to Eurostar's child fare, as described above. On the Caledonian Sleeper, your children aged 4 and under can travel free of charge. From 5 to 15, they benefit from discounts of up to 75% of the ticket price.
The article to read what to do in Edinburgh on a long weekend Itinerary tips
7- Madrid, ideal for a trip with children
If you want to travel to Madrid with your family, you'll usually need to make a stopover. Depending on your departure city in France, you may have to stop off in Barcelona or Figueras. This is another opportunity to discover several destinations in one trip. There are a few exceptions, however. If you're coming from Marseille, the journey is direct and takes around 7h30. When you arrive in Madrid, take advantage of its wide open spaces and visit the Santiago-Bernabéu stadium.
- Fares : for the first part of your journey (if you're not traveling direct from Marseille), you can take advantage of the SNCF child fare. Then, if you're traveling with Renfe in Spain, children aged 3 and under benefit from free travel, but do not have their own seat. Up to the age of 14, they benefit from a 40% discount.
Read the article to discover our selection of the best destinations to travel to with children.
8- Milan, Europe easily accessible without a plane when you have children
You can get to Milan from France simply by taking the SNCF train. From Paris, the journey takes around 7 hours direct. If you live in Lyon, the journey generally takes just under 6 hours. This train also stops in Turin on the way. If you wish, you can divide your trip into two parts to discover these two cities and enjoy the dolce vita with your family.
- Fares : with the SNCF, your child under the age of 4 can travel free on your lap. Between the ages of 4 and 12, they receive a 50% discount on their ticket. What's more, if you have a Carte Avantage, your children aged 4 to 11 will benefit from a 60% discount. There is also a large family fare for 3 or more children.
Read this article to discover Milan's must-sees.
9- Copenhagen
The first step to getting to Copenhagen without flying is to fly to Hamburg (from Cologne or Brussels, for example). Once in Hamburg, the journey to the Danish capital will take around 4 hours 45 minutes. This itinerary therefore involves two changes if you're departing from Paris, but once again is an opportunity to discover several cities in one trip.
- Fares : To reach Cologne or Brussels, apply Eurostar fares. Then, on the German DB trains, children under 5 are free, while those aged 6 to 14 receive a 50% discount on their ticket.
Good to know for German trains, which are notorious for their lateness, you should allow a little time between connections.
Read this article for more information on how to get to Copenhagen without flying.
10- A family trip to Vienna
Taking the whole family to Vienna without a plane is a bit of a trip. The simplest solution is to travel to Brussels, where you can take a night train from the Belgian capital toAustria. A 14-hour train journey will give you time for a nap and breakfast, before you set foot in the land of Sissi. Once in Vienna, be sure to visit Schönbrunn Palace. Its gardens and puppet theater will delight your children.
- Fares : for Brussels, apply the Eurostar or OUIGO fares detailed above. On the ÖBB Nightjet night train, your children under 5 travel free with you. Children aged 6 to 14 benefit from reduced fares.
Read the article to discover other night trains in Europe.
Tempted by a family trip? Book your tickets now to take advantage of the best fares:
