tin pot wrote:I've had a word with the mechanic, he's not that keen on winter tires
Does he know anything about them? :evil:
tin pot wrote:the best thing to do if you're doing it is to get a spare pair of front wheels, put the winter tires on that and then you can swap them on and off much easier.
It's certainly a good plan to get a spare set of wheels, but that's a full set. Do not even think about running two winter tyres with two summer, it's beyond stupid. Massively different levels of grip between front and rear has never been a good idea. Even if you survive leaving the road backwards at the first slippery bend, your insurance will almost certainly not pay out and you'll probably be looking at a prosecution (possibly for killing your children).
However, *do* get *4* winter tyres, with or without spare rims, and you will be able to drive more confidently and much more safely to your destination - probably without needing to use chains.
There's nowhere within 5 hours of Calais that's worth the journey (there are small, occasionally open, hills in the Ardennes and Vosges but that's not what you probably want). There are, however, plenty of places to stay to break the journey on the way to the Alps and they needn't break the bank.
Driving has its own pros and cons, suits some people but not others, and you're doing the right thing by asking here (and getting some great advice - the tips in the earlier post really do help when the weather gets snowy).
Driving with young children is another dimension and you need to plan on lots of ad hoc breaks (when they want to go, they want to go NOW), give them the chance to run about and stretch their legs (and then fall asleep in the car if you're lucky), take snacks, give Teddy a good view, etc.
La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand are both good for families; you might also look at Morzine and Les Gets (same distance from Calais).
It's well worth doing though! 8)