5 reasons to plan a family holiday to France

Sharing is caring!

France is a destination I introduced my girls to as pre-schoolers and, at that point it was my most-visited country. The first time when I was not much older than my two during their first French adventure. But what is it that keeps drawing me back? I’ve strolled the streets of Paris, kayaked down the Ardeche, driven across the highest bridge in the world, the Millau Viaduct, and relaxed on the never ending beaches of the Atlantic coast. But the more I read about France the more I realise I’ve only scratched the surface. Here’s some reasons why I would like to revisit. And why you should consider a holiday in France with kids.

*Advertisement feature*

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy something, I may earn some commission. This is at no extra cost to you but helps me cover the costs of running this website. See my privacy policy and disclosure policy for more information.*

5 reasons to plan a family holiday to France

Great family accommodation options

From camping to all-inclusive resorts and luxury homes in France, there’s so much choice for families looking for accommodation to suit their budget and holiday plans.

If you’re the type of family that enjoys holidays under canvas then you’ll find plenty of options for pitching your own tent or glamping. I enjoyed a hassle free mobile home holiday in the Vendee Region when travelling solo with the girls in May.

I also love the sound of this 4-star campsite in Brittany found by Travel Loving Family who took a multi-generational motorhome trip around Brittany and then another family holiday staying at another Brittany campsite at May Half Term.

If you have some cash to splash I can recommend booking a hotel on the Champs-Élysées and soaking up the romance of the City of Lights. Something that wasn’t an option when we last stayed in Paris was AirBnB. However, it’s definitely something I’d consider after reading about the lovely Parisian apartment discovered by KellyAnn Schiavo.

Something France isn’t short of is characterful guest houses. The My Travel Monkey family stayed in the lovingly restored La Maison Jeanne d’Arc in Burgundy, which was once home to the Saint herself.

Or if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous why not hire a river boat and sail your way though France?

Brilliant family attractions

One of our favourite days out during our last French holiday was Le Grand Defi where children as young as two can enjoy tree top adventures. There’s also a zip wire over a lake, pony rides and paint balling for older kids.

Disneyland Paris is a must for all Minnie, Frozen and Toy Story fans. We are yet to visit with our girls but I think they are rapidly coming into zone for getting the most out of a magical day in the shadow of Cinderella’s Castle. Zena’s Suitcase visited for the 25th anniversary celebrations of Disneyland (I know, when did that milestone creep up on us all??) and had a wonderful day.

Puy du Fou is France’s second most popular theme park. Yet it is somewhere I hadn’t heard of until our visit to the Vendee region. I’ve since had the chance to visit and WOW! The spectacle of the recreated viking settlements, alongside live historical reenactments are incredible.

If your kids are studying the First World War, a visit to Utah Beach and the D Day Museum is a must. Mini Travellers went on their way to catch a ferry back to England and found it suitable for primary school aged kids as well as older children.

A sight that has to be seen to be believed is The Machines de l’île in Nantes. These enormous robots and rides have been inspired by the works of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. You can see them for free on the site of the city’s former ship yard. Travel Loving Family were wowed by these mechanical marvels this summer.

Al fresco fun

France has a brilliant climate for all-year-round outdoor family activities. Right through to the autumn you’ll find the south of France ideal for water sports, while the mountain resorts of Reberty, Puy St Vincent, Val Thorens and Morzine are ideal for family skiing in the winter.

The Dordogne is perfect for a spring family cycling holiday in France, with a mild climate and interesting scenery.

Or why not try paddling down Les Gorges de l’Ardeche in a kayak? This was one of my favourite French excursions before having kids and something I can’t wait to do with them when they get a bit older.

Stunning beaches and island hopping

Something I didn’t appreciate until recently was how positively tropical some of France’s beaches are. And you don’t have to travel to the far south to find powdery white sand and azure seas.

We spent a couple of days enjoying the atlantic coast during our holiday in western France. Somewhere we visited twice as Olonne-sur-Mer, which had 8km of deserted sandy beach.

And Travel Loving Family discovered some beautiful beaches on The Glénan Islands during their holiday in Brittany.

Getting there is easy

As one of the UK’s closest neighbours, France isn’t at all far away. In fact, for us in the South West of England, it is quicker to fly to Bergerac or Paris than to drive to London. You’ll find flights to France with Air Corsica, British Airways and Jet2.

Then there’s the super easy option of hopping on the EuroStar or EuroTunnel – great choices for giving you the freedom of travelling by car or train when you arrive on the continent.

Finally, and one of my favourite ways to travel with kids, there’s numerous ferry routes from the UK to France. Start your holiday as soon a you board the ship in Plymouth, Portsmouth or Dover. Daisy at the Dais Like These family travel blog has lots of experience of driving to France, so check out her posts for travel inspiration.

Are you planning family holiday to France? I’d love to hear about it. Share your recommended activities and destinations in the comments below.

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post with Luxury Retreats. 

SaveSave

SaveSave

Sharing is caring!