The road with the kids: a family driving holiday in Spain and France

The road with the kids tests whether a long family road trip can work, anchoring this piece in a Bilbao-to-Saint-Malo revival of a journey the author once undertook in their twenties. The plan spans three weeks, blending home swaps with a mix of upscale camping to balance spontaneity and comfort. The voyage begins with a two‑night Brittany Ferries crossing from Portsmouth to Bilbao aboard the Galicia, where travelers can watch dolphins and relax in a Commodore lounge for £79 per person, including a buffet and drinks. The trip kicks off in Bilbao on the opening day of Aste Nagusia, then threads a stroll around the Guggenheim before descending on Plaza Nueva’s pintxo bars.