Burgundy, Champagne & Alsace

Burgundy, Champagne, and Alsace combine to form a region of eastern France rich in history, architecture, and distinct local cultures. Alsace, bordering Germany, is particularly magical for children. Its villages, like Riquewihr and Eguisheim, feature brightly painted half-timbered houses adorned with flower boxes. In Strasbourg, families can take a boat tour around the Petite France district or climb to the platform of the massive pink sandstone cathedral. The region is also famous for its storks; you can see them nesting on rooftops or visit the reintroduction centre at Hunawihr to see them up close.

Moving west, Burgundy offers a greener, more rural pace. A standout attraction for families is Guédelon, a unique archaeological experiment where a 13th-century castle is being built from scratch using only medieval tools and techniques. Kids can talk to the stonemasons and blacksmiths, making history tangible and exciting. For nature lovers, the Morvan Regional Natural Park provides lakes for swimming and forests for hiking. In the north, Champagne is famous for its vineyards, but for kids, the city of Reims offers the site of French royal coronations and fascinating underground chalk cellars (some tours are adapted for families).

The region's geography varies from the flat plains of Champagne to the rounded peaks of the Vosges Mountains in Alsace. The Vosges are excellent for family hiking, with the "Route des Crêtes" offering spectacular views without difficult climbing. Winter turns Alsace into a Christmas wonderland with world-famous markets, though crowds can be dense.

Dining and Logistics: In Alsace, the food is hearty—think flammekueche (thin flatbread pizza) and spaetzle pasta. Burgundy offers rich stews and the famous Dijon mustard. High-speed TGV trains connect major cities like Strasbourg, Reims, and Dijon to Paris quickly, making this region accessible even for short trips.