Which charming small towns do you recommend with kids?

Hi everyone,

We’ve visited Zeeland (Netherlands) several times with our two young children—Middelburg, for example—and really loved it. We’re looking for something similar in the Benelux or northern France:

- A pretty, historic small town with charm, not just a village, since we enjoy a slightly "urban" vacation vibe: parks, biking on dedicated paths, museums, cafés, restaurants, and shopping - Very pedestrian-friendly and/or bike-accessible (like the Netherlands always is) - Relatively safe and welcoming for kids, with activities for them (which is also very common in the Netherlands)

Unfortunately, I haven’t found anything as well-preserved and lovely as the extensive center of that small town, which seems to fly under the radar. I’m sure there must be others like it that I’m missing. In the same vein but on a larger scale, we love Bruges, for example—but it’s bigger (which is fine) and especially very expensive.

Thanks in advance for your tips! !

Hi Lucas,

In Belgium, you have Ghent and Antwerp, which are really beautiful and interesting cities, but they’re a bit bigger than what you’re looking for.

Otherwise, Dinant is a smaller and cute town.

Hi there,

As an alternative to Middelburg, you could try Nieuwpoort in Belgium and its seaside promenade extensions toward the other towns.

Michel

I agree about Ghent—we were completely charmed by this city and its canals (less touristy than Bruges)! :)