What to Do With Your Kids While Mom Goes Paragliding?

That's it... your other half has gone off for a whole week of fun on a paragliding course with Les Grands Espaces, and here you are alone with your darling child :)How do you make the most of this one-on-one holiday time? Our beautiful region is packed with activities to satisfy kids, young and old alike... Here's a short list of magical places to discover together, so you get to enjoy some wonder too...

• Playing together in nature:

To stretch your legs and set off on an adventure together, nothing beats the Bout du Lac Nature Reserve... This family walk offers a calm, varied route through an unspoiled forest, alternating between wild thickets and wooden walkways, playing with the sunlight in the reed beds, and following the lake and its streams. You can capture the majestic centuries old oak tree, one of the finest trees in France, and climb up to a medieval fortress (a small watchtower by the lake). This loop of about 3 km will take up about 1 hour. BONUS/alternate route: If your beloved little one is dragging their feet, there's an escape route: about 800m from the car park, the suspension bridge lets you reach Doussard beach in 10 minutes: swings, ice cream, and slides will save the day for sure.Another option: the Roc de Chère Reserve. Countless trails wind through this magnificent forest, leading to stunning viewpoints overlooking Lake Annecy. Have fun getting lost in the winding paths of this preserved area, and bask on the large stone slabs overlooking the Château de Duingt...

Every year, to our great delight, the Festival des Cabanes encourages curious visitors to step off the beaten path, scattering original, temporary cabins all around Lake Annecy. Architects from around the world express, through these slender wooden structures, a poetic vision of humanity and its place in nature. Each cabin has its own story... Don't hesitate to stop by the tourist office to pick up the map, it'll make them much easier to track down! Occasional pop-up activities are also offered on certain days (storytelling, games, evening events...).

• Play parks:

Depending on their age, various play parks are available for your kids. The biggest tree-top adventure course is above Talloires, at the Acro'Aventure park. You're sure to find an activity that suits your little monkey! Zip lines, sensory trails, treasure hunts, and sweet crepes await... The youngest ones will find colorful, fun modules suited to their age at Criqu'Parc. Zip lines, skill and balance games, and a giant slide are all there. It's ideally located near a little known small beach, where you can relax away from the crowds. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent. A small organic snack bar completes the setting... And if you lose track of time, evening acoustic concerts will keep you there a bit longer.To gain some altitude and cool off, head up to Fort de Tamié!

Nestled up on the Col de Tamié, between Faverges and Albertville, this huge fortification almost blends into the forest... On site you'll find quick food options, divine local ice cream, and above all a large tree-top adventure course running through centuries-old trees. A play area will let the youngest ones have a blast on inflatable structures, or practice on a mini tree-top course suited to their size.

• Splashing in the water:

You really can't pass by Lake Annecy without taking a dip in its turquoise waters! If your little one wants to take the opportunity to learn to swim, local lifeguards offer swimming lessons for kids, from age 6! The friendly Pool'Nat swim club even starts them from age 3, solo or in groups, which is fairly rare in France :)

• A touch of magic:

After all these adventures, admiring the colorful peacocks and enjoying a chocolate waffle on the esplanade of the sumptuous Château de Menthon will always be a treat. Wandering through the grounds of this fairytale monument will transport you to another era... Access to the gardens is free, and castle tours run almost every day, no booking needed.