Travelling from Geneva to Méribel takes more than two hours, and with kids in tow, that can be a long time. Here are some tips on keeping them occupied.
Skiing holidays are fantastic for all the family to enjoy, and Méribel, in the three Valleys, is one of the most family friendly destinations in the French Alps. After a flight from the UK that probably left before dawn, however, the last thing you need is a long transfer from Geneva to Méribel with grumpy tired children in tow. The transfer is over 2 hours, on a good run, but don’t despair, as here are some suggestions of how to survive the journey from Geneva to Méribel with kids.
Games to Play on The Way
It might seem somewhat old-fashioned, but everyone loves a family game, so get creative, get everyone involved and the journey will go much faster. You could try the Theme Tune Game, where everyone takes a turn to hum the theme tune of a popular TV show, or you could play 20 Questions where people take a turn to think of an animal, vegetable or comic character and the others ask questions in order to guess what it is. There are so many games you can play - just use your imagination and think back to when you were a kid yourself!
Make Sure The Kids Are Fed
Hungry kids are never any fun, and youngsters have an innate inability to hang on when it comes to food. So, make sure you have plenty of snacks with you. Anything from fruit to muesli bars and breadsticks to sandwiches are good options, but avoid chocolate unless you want sticky fingers.
If you chat to your driver, you may be able to arrange a stop off for food on the way. This breaks the journey and gives the kids something else on their minds. About half way from Geneva to Méribel is the stunning town of Annecy. Here you can treat the kids to a great burger at L’Heure Tourne. If you can push on a bit longer, take a detour into Albertville and sample a delicious crepe at the aptly named La Creperie.
Stretch The Legs
Stopping off might not be so easy if you are on a shared transfer, but if you book a private transfer from Geneva to Méribel or you are in a hire car, it is easy to make a diversion and take some time out on your journey for the kids (and adults) to stretch their legs. Jet d’Eau in Geneva is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and kids will be wowed by the towering jet of water that spurts upwards from the fountain on the lake. This is a good option if the kids are fractious after the flight and need to burn off some energy before embarking on the journey to Méribel.
If you have stopped for food in Annecy, why not visit the Jardin de l’Europe? This amalgamation of small, well designed plots that portray the history of gardens through the centuries is the perfect place for the small ones to have a run around. You could buy some breakfast pastries from a local bakery and enjoy them here. It is free and there is plenty of space to relax for as long as you like.
Albertville itself does not have many attractions that will drag you away from your journey, but the small medieval hilltop village, Conflans, just outside Albertville, is a real gem. As soon as you enter the winding streets, you feel like you have stepped back in time. Full of charm and character, this tiny town has a beautiful central square with some lovely cafes at which you can enjoy a morning coffee while the kids have a run about.
The journey from Geneva to Méribel with kids in tow does not have to be dreaded. Just get prepared, include some games and a stop off or two and it will pass in no time.
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