Driving to the Alps with children

If you're travelling as a family, driving to the Alps is a great option over flying. A self-drive ski holiday gives you the flexibility to take whichever route you like, stop for breaks when you need to, and remain comfortable in your own space.

Driving to the Alps can also allow children to get really excited about the holiday to come, as their surroundings change along the journey.

Quick tips for driving with children

• Plan plenty of rest stops along the way

• Pack snacks and drinks for the journey

• Bring games, activities or entertainment

• Allow flexibility in your plans

• Consider breaking the journey with an overnight stop

Is driving to the Alps with children a good idea?

Driving to the Alps is often a great option for families.

A self-drive ski holiday gives you the flexibility to take whichever route you like, stopping for breaks when you need to, and travelling in a way that suits your family. You can also remain in your own space, which can make a big difference compared to travelling through airports with children.

For many families, it makes the overall journey feel more manageable and far more relaxed.

How should you plan the journey with children?

When travelling with children, it’s worth thinking about how you want the journey to feel, not just how quickly you can get there.

Breaking the journey up into smaller chunks can make time go much quicker and help keep things manageable for everyone. Some families prefer to drive in one go, while others choose to split the journey over two days.

For route options, see best routes to the French Alps from the UK.

Should you stop overnight when travelling with children?

Stopping overnight can be a great option, particularly with younger children.

Breaking up the journey allows you to stretch little legs, avoid very long days in the car and make the whole experience feel more relaxed.

Stops in towns such as Reims or Troyes can also make the journey feel like part of the holiday rather than just the drive.

See where to stop overnight on the way to the Alps.

What should you bring for the journey?

One of the biggest advantages of driving is being able to bring everything you might need.

This includes:

• plenty of snacks

• drinks for the journey

• games, activities or entertainment

• comfort items such as blankets

Long car journeys and hungry children don’t mix well, so having snacks to hand can make all the difference.

How can you keep children entertained on the journey?

Keeping children entertained is key to a smooth journey.

• Play car games – you could even prepare something in advance. Download our mini guide which has 10 car game ideas to get you started

• Create “busy bags” with activities for each child tailored to their age. It could include sticker books, colouring or small games. The key not giving them the bag until that first boredom moment!

• Listen to audiobooks that the whole family can enjoy. Audible has a great list of best audiobooks for all ages.

• Create a road trip playlist of your favourite songs and have a sing along

Embracing technology can also help. If ever there was a time to relax the screen time rules, this might be it.

How often should you stop?

Planning regular stops is important when travelling with children.

French motorways are well set up for this, with rest areas every 10–20km, making it easy to stop, stretch your legs and take a break when needed.

Breaking the journey up into sections will help the time feel like it passes more quickly.

What should you expect on the journey?

It’s worth remembering that travelling with children isn’t always without its challenges.

Allowing extra time, staying flexible and being prepared will help keep things as stress-free as possible. Delays can happen, so having everything you need to hand will make a big difference.

Some families find it useful to bring:

• spare snacks and drinks

• warm blankets

• sick bags, just in case

• chargers for devices

Tips from families

Our clients love driving to the Alps with their families. We asked them for their tips and they delivered...

“Don't forget to stop at the patisserie in the nearest town, before you wind your way up the mountain, to ensure you have something delicious to savour once you've unpacked the car!” – Siobhan O’B

“We have travelled to the Alps twice. We had plenty of games for the children which included enough prizes for about every hour. They were just small things like a new toothbrush or stickers but kept them entertained.” – Helen O

“Lots of snacks, warm drinks, soup or cup-a-soups and water for delays and warm blankets for the kids. iPads/DVD’s for the kids and charger units so you don’t drain the battery if at a standstill for long periods of time and they are kept happy.” – Nicola B

How can you make the journey part of the holiday?

Driving gives you the opportunity to make the journey part of the holiday experience.

For children especially, the changing scenery as you head towards the mountains can build excitement for the trip ahead. Stopping somewhere new along the way or taking your time can help make the experience feel more like an adventure.

Related guides

• Driving to the Alps from the UK: a practical guide

• Best routes to the French Alps from the UK

• Where to stop overnight on the way to the Alps

• What to pack for a self-drive ski holiday