There are many good reasons many families return to France every year.
It’s a beautiful country offering something for everyone.
From the rural hinterland to historic cities and glamorous beaches, France spoils families with its incredible mix of outdoor activities, cultural sights, and fun entertainment.
You can also drive your way to the different places but make sure first that you are well-informed regarding the rules for driving in France like having a Crit Air Sticker for your vehicle.
If you are planning a trip and wondering where to go, here are the best places for family travel in France.
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Normandy
Normandy is a scenic region north of France boasting golden sandy beaches, lush green countryside, picturesque villages, fascinating historic sites, and lush rolling hills offering fun, family-friendly adventures to delight your little ones.
You can spend your holiday strolling along the picturesque streets, admiring the beautiful half-timbered houses, biking through scenic trails, or exploring fascinating attractions like the Mont St. Michel.
If you’ve got curious kids interested in history, take them to the D-Day landing sites and museums to learn more about this historic event.
Visit the Overlord Museum to learn about the history of D-Day and tour the Omaha Beach Memorial Museum, showcasing photographs of soldiers in Normandy.
Adventurous kids can enjoy the thrills of sand yachting on the beautiful beaches of Calvados and Manche.
If they prefer more thrilling pursuits, take them rock climbing in Eure. Nature lovers can hike through the lush forests in Orne and observe wildlife along the cliffs of the Seine-Maritime.
If you’re up for a sailing adventure, rent a boat and visit the Chausey Islands. Lying off the coast of Normandy, these islands are wonderfully wild and authentic, an unspoilt paradise thanks to their remote location.
On your boat trip to the island, keep your eyes peeled for some dolphins trying to chase your boat.
The Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in France, offering the perfect setting for a fun family vacation.
Dotted with magnificent castles and chateaux that look straight out of a fairy-tale book, the Loire Valley is a true delight for your kids.
It’s also packed with family-friendly adventures to entertain every family member.
Cycling is a fun activity for active families, and you’ll find many places in the Loire that rent bikes for all ages.
Some hotels offer this as a complimentary, so take advantage of this.
On your cycling adventure of the Loire, marvel at the magnificent scenery along the scenic banks of the Loire River and discover enchanting chateaux and palaces while passing along picturesque villages.
If your kids are into a fairy-tale, take them to Parc Mini Chateaux in Amboise, where you can see miniature versions of the castles of the Loire.
There’s also a wonderful garden, where they can play and relax.
Make the most of your holiday to the Loire Valley by sleeping in a real castle.
The region is renowned for its many castle hotels. Some have amenities to cater to families with kids.
Staying in these hotels will make you feel like royalty – an experience your kids will remember for the rest of their lives!
Provence
Provence is a scenic region in France.
Nestled in the south, it’s home to charming medieval villages, stunning lavender fields, beautiful gorges, and a remarkable coastline.
It’s one of the best places to visit in France on a family holiday, offering everything to meet the expectations of adults and kids.
What’s more, you will discover plenty of excellent villa rentals with pools in Provence, ideal for those seeking somewhere for the whole family to stay.
Aix-en-Provence is a fabulous town in Provence and an ideal base for your holiday in the region.
Here, you can spend your days exploring its historic old town centre and discovering local markets selling fresh produce and handicrafts.
It’s the perfect place to immerse in the local culture and witness the local life.
No visit to Provence is complete without stopping by its famous lavender fields.
Your little ones will have a blast running around the place and admiring the colourful flowers.
But note that the sun here is relentless, so don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and lots of water.
For history lovers, visit the town of Orange, where you’ll find the impressive ruins of a Roman theatre.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s one of the world’s best-preserved Roman theatres.
Cote d’Azur
Cote d’Azur is a fun destination that suits family holidays in France, especially if you have kids who love the sun, sea, and sand.
It’s home to some of France’s most beautiful beaches and the iconic resort towns of Saint Tropez and Nice.
For a bit of culture and history, take the kids to explore some fascinating museums and historical sights.
The Promenade de Paillon Park in Nice is a run place to take your kids.
It’s a lovely park with a playground featuring swings, splashing fountains, and mist stations to cool off.
Your kids will have fun running around the vast open space filled with trees and grasses, where you can spread out a picnic blanket for snacks and refreshments.
If your little ones prefer to play at the beach, you’ll have numerous options in Cote d’Azur.
Visit the picturesque city of Antibes, where you’ll find a beach with super soft sand, only a quick walk from the city center.
Your little ones will have fun building sandcastles and playing in its soft white sands.
Nice
Nice is one of the most picturesque cities in the South of France, offering a pleasant surprise for the whole family.
You will find numerous incredible things to see and do with kids in Nice.
For the history buffs, explore the archaeological museum in Cimiez.
Perched high on the hills overlooking the city, exploring the museum is perfect for families with curious kids.
No visit to Nice is complete without visiting the stunning Promenade des Anglais, a fun place to take scenic walks with your little ones.
The iconic promenade is about 7 kilometres long and offers the perfect place for kids to play, cycle, roller skate, and run around.
If your kids have worked up some appetite, you’ll find many restaurants along the promenade, or better yet, pack some snacks and have a picnic by the beach.
