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Top things to do in France with your Family

August 26, 2019 by Jenni 13 Comments

 

Are you planning a holiday in France with your family? Well, you are in for an experience of a lifetime. It is like arriving in a giant playground with so many options and attractions in every direction.

 

Lucas in Brantome. Things to do in France with your family

 

You can take coastal dips in shimmering blue waters or hike the national parks, you can sail on the Brittany coast or gawk at the Eiffel tower. Get ready for the best ever family days out and experiences with your loved ones in wonderful France. Explore the countless beaches, beautiful towns, and the amazing wilderness during a road trip in France.

Here are some of the top attractions and major activities for families on holiday in France.

 

Lucas playing games on the lawn outside Mareuil chateau

Go for an exciting ski holiday

Stay at the centrally located chalet for a ski holiday. You will never be far from the snowy slopes or the local attractions. The family-friendly resorts offer modern amenities and facilities. Get ready for an excellent skiing time during your winter holiday in France and well within your budget. The skiing schools, skiing slopes, and main ski lifts are close by, and those wide slopes cater to skiing for all abilities. It is an excellent idea for families who are skiing enthusiasts. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your lodge and enjoy fresh food and hot coffee or drinks in front of a roaring log fire. Chamonix, Tignes, Val-d’Isère and Morzine are some of the most famous spots for skiing in France.

Cycling

La Dolce Via is a gentle vélo route in the Ardèche region of France. It runs alongside a converted railway track and the river Eyrieux. This easy cycle route passes ancient farmhouses, crumbling water mills, and 9th century villages and takes between 2-5 days to complete, depending on your speed and itinerary. It’s the perfect first family bike tour in France and easy to do self-guided.

Go scuba diving

France offers a number of different styles of scuba diving and different conditions for diving. The French Riviera dives are very different from the dives in Normandy. Cave diving is also very popular with both inland and coastal caves to explore.

 

Is three looking at the camera smiling wearing life jackets in the canoe, you an see the river behind us

Fun in the Dordogne Valley

When you mention the Dordogne Valley, you get images of pretty villages, rolling vineyards and hot air balloons sailing across the vast blues skies. The beautiful Dordogne Valley is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and its natural playground with mysterious forests and rivers is just perfect for a family holiday. Children would simply love the phenomenal outdoor activities as the valley has just about everything. You can canoe on the River Dronne and build your skills as you go on those gentle downstream routes. Take advantage of family-friendly riverside campsites and enjoy the safe and serene sailing experience. If you are looking for somewhere to stay on the Dordogne and Charante border, I recommend Domaine Du Sourire.

A trip to Paris

Of course, you must visit the French capital that is loaded with art and history. There is so much to do and see here, and this is a perfect way to spend quality time with your family and children. Paris is a paradise for the vintage fashion-mad teens, and there are thousands and thousands of boutiques here. Keep your camera ready as the Parisian architecture will never cease to amaze you around every corner. Ascend the Eiffel Tower which is looked upon as a130 year-old excellence of engineering. Visit Musée du Louvre that boasts of thousands of works of art. You can explore the outdoor gallery of Tuileries Garden with hundreds of statues and sculptures. Explore the streets for street art filled with stencils, stickers, and collages. Enjoy French food while enjoying the panoramic view across the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower in the backdrop. If you fancied moving to Paris, you could even get a job teaching English with BabyLangues.

D and I looking at the camera, a field of sunflowers behind us

A youthful trip to Montpellier

Montpellier is well famous as the Student City and should not be ignored by families holidaying in France. There is a youthful vibe in the air of the city with plenty of universities. A major attraction is the large central square in the town, La Place de la Comedie, which is surrounded by cafes and restaurants. Visit the impressive art museum, Musee Fabre that is loved by families. Take a leisurely walk along Promenade Royale du Peyrou and enjoy looking at the statue of Louis XIV on horseback and a Roman aqueduct. Take your family to the free local zoo, Montpellier Parc Zoologique and look at hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles, and birds.

A mix of French and German cultures in Strasbourg

If you want to experience both French and German cultures, then head straight for Strasbourg. Located along the Rhine River, the picture-perfect French city carries a German flair. It is indeed one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in Europe that will force you never to put your camera down. The best part about Stasbourg is that it is a very walkable city and one can stroll around to visit the local attractions. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg is undoubtedly an architectural highlight, and it is the second-tallest cathedral tower in the country. Try local delicacies at popular restaurants and brasseries. You can simply wander around and let your children play in an outdoor patio or courtyard.

 

Lucas and I sat with coffee and cream buns at patisserie outside

Sunshine and beaches in Nice

Located on the beautiful Côte d’Azur, Nice is famous as the Queen of the French Riviera. It’s a great idea to spend time here with your family, and you can even make it a base to explore other attractions within France. Nice boasts of miles and miles of Mediterranean beach and a beautiful Belle Époque architecture. You can soak the beachfront atmosphere and sunshine and walk around the Promenade Anglais. Promenade du Paillon is one of the best playgrounds in the world for families. Do not forget to taste the famous ice-cream Fenocchio’s before you leave.

Beach fun in Corsica

Corsica is well famous as a gorgeous Mediterranean city that boasts of the loveliest beaches in not just France but the whole of Europe. Your children would love to explore the beautiful countryside and majestic mountains. Moreover, the Corsica region offers the most affordable holidays in France for a family at any time of the year. There are endless options for lodging and accommodations, and families can pick from apartments, cottages, farmhouses, village houses, and country homes. Moreover, as there are direct flights to Corsica island, the island is very easy to reach. Explore the peaceful countryside with traditional farmhouses, and it is a perfect playground for the children as there is plenty of space and greenery. It is no wonder to see families rushing to book a holiday in Corsica every year.

 

Top things to do in France with your Family #france #vacation

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Filed Under: France, Travel & Days Out

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Comments

  1. Kara says

    August 27, 2019 at 11:04 am

    I really want to explore the south of france next, we have just finished watching Riviera and the scenery is breathtaking

  2. Lorna @ Gin & Lemonade says

    August 28, 2019 at 10:05 am

    I’d love to explore parts of France that aren’t Paris.

  3. Rebecca Smith says

    August 31, 2019 at 9:05 pm

    This is so helpful – we are actually planning on heading to France in the next few months but weren’t sure what to do.

  4. michelle twin mum says

    August 31, 2019 at 10:09 pm

    We really haven’t experienced much of France as a family but I love the sound of the Dordogne Valley, so much fun to be had. Mich x

  5. Rhian westbury says

    September 1, 2019 at 11:27 am

    I’d love to explore more of France as I’ve only ever done Paris and I know there’s a lot more to the country than the city x

  6. Anosa says

    September 1, 2019 at 6:57 pm

    We love France and our favourite town/city after Paris is Toulouse, it is gorgeous.

  7. laura dove says

    September 1, 2019 at 10:27 pm

    I love France and spent a lot of time there in my teens. I am so jealous that you get to live there soon, take me with you!

  8. Karen Langridge says

    September 2, 2019 at 9:20 am

    It’s not somewhere we have been with the kids yet, but your pictures make it look well worth a trip!

  9. katie says

    September 2, 2019 at 10:54 am

    Wow, that looks beautiful. I haven’t been to France since I was a teenager, I’d love to go back.

    Katie xoxo

  10. Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too says

    September 2, 2019 at 12:34 pm

    My daughter is heading off on her first ski trip with the school in February, I’m envious – France is so beautiful for skiing

  11. Lisette @traveltipsfrance says

    September 5, 2019 at 1:56 pm

    I personally love visiting the Dordogne region with it’s castles, pretty villages and prehistoric museums and caves. It’s green and not too hot in summer. it’s perfect!

  12. Carolyne says

    September 6, 2019 at 1:51 pm

    Thanks for the great list of ideas for family travel in France. My sister is planning a visit with her kids next year, so I will pass this along. #AllAboutFrance

  13. Phoebe | Lou Messugo says

    September 7, 2019 at 11:25 am

    Some great ideas here, so good to see places outside of Paris on your list. Thanks for joining in with #AllAboutFrance

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Hello

Hi, I’m Jenni, Mummy to Lucas who was born in 2015 and Morgana, born in 2021. I’m a virtual assistant living in the Dordogne, France since moving from Lancashire, UK in September 2019 Read more about us

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