The 20 best family holidays in France
This popular destination for family vacations offers a variety of activities for all ages, from gentle rivers for paddling to over 5,500km of coastline waiting to be explored.
France is having a busy year with a quick vote, the Olympics, and the news of Mbappé's broken nose grabbing attention. But beyond all the hustle and bustle, France remains a popular choice for family vacations. Surprisingly, prices for trips to the country don't seem to have been impacted by all the recent events.
This country has something to offer for everyone: calm rivers ideal for canoeing, vacation rental homes that can accommodate the entire family, and 5,500km of coastline split into different regions with unique vibes – from the peaceful beaches with dunes in the west of Bordeaux to the glamour of the Riviera. If you delay your trip until later in the year, you can enjoy other attractions such as the snowy slopes of the Alps or the country's enchanting theme parks.
If you want to have a more environmentally friendly vacation, France is also a great option. We offer trips by ferry and train for those who prefer not to fly. And if you have young children, bringing your car allows you to bring all the stuff you need for them.
Here, we have chosen the top French family vacations for all ages - from infants to teenagers. Prices do not include airfare unless specified.
Babies And Toddlers: A Guide
Ideal For Peaceful Getaways
Created from a family farm in the Dordogne region, Hôtel de la Ferme Lamy is tucked away in the tranquil countryside of the Périgord. Surrounding the hotel are rivers and lakes with beaches perfect for paddling, including the Blue Flag beach at Etang de Tamniès nearby. The relaxed atmosphere continues at the hotel, where guests can swim in the pool or explore the expansive grounds. The rooms are basic but can accommodate cribs upon request.
A one-week stay in a self-catering accommodation for two adults and a baby in September starts from £580. You can book directly by contacting 00 33 5 53 29 62 46 or visiting sarlat-dordogne-lamy.com. The nearest airport is Bergerac.
Smooth Travels Ahead
Traveling with all the necessary baby items can be a hassle, so it's easier to go by car instead of taking everything on a plane. Pierre et Vacances' Residence Le Green Beach is located an hour and a half from Le Havre's ferry port and four hours from Calais, close to the beautiful Omaha Beach in Normandy, known for the historic D-Day landings. This family-friendly destination has a playground, indoor and outdoor pools, and apartments for a comfortable stay. They even offer meal delivery service to your door, making it a convenient option for a French family vacation.
For a week in September, you can rent a self-catering accommodation for two adults and a baby starting at £549 with Pierre et Vacances. You can also take a ferry from Dover to Calais for as little as £79 each way for a car and up to nine travelers with Irish Ferries. Contact Pierre et Vacances at 0033 1 73 01 85 66 or visit pierreetvacances.com, and check out irishferries.com for more information.
Great For Large Families
At La Ferme Bretonne, a large country house located a 30-minute drive from the coast of Brittany, there is ample room for grandparents to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The house is surrounded by land where rabbits and deer run freely, and owls can be heard at night. The house has three floors, with stair gates for safety, although parents should keep an eye on toddlers on the open-tread steps. The bedrooms are cozy and comfortable, with beautiful views of the fields. There are paths mown into the high grass that are perfect for little ones to explore. For those who love fairytales, there are two castles nearby. La Ferme Bretonne can accommodate up to 10 people.
Starting at £1,644 for room only, you can book with Olivers Travels for a stay during September. Contact them at 0333 888 0205 or visit their website, oliverstravels.com. The property is located 90km away from the ferry port at St Malo.
If you enjoy running in flower fields during the summer or sledding in the winter, the Four Seasons Megève is a great option for families looking to relax. Children receive special bathrobes and stuffed animals, and adults can take turns relaxing at the spa.
Even though the Kids Club is only for children who are three years old and older, there is a small farm where young children can give food to chickens and play with Shetland ponies. There is also a warm outdoor pool that is open all year for everyone to enjoy.
Starting at £632 per night, including breakfast, when booked directly through the hotel at 00 33 4 50 78 62 78 or on the website fourseasons.com.
"Activities For Kids Ages 5-8"
Top Pick For Water Activities
Embark on a six-night adventure with Locaboat's Cruise in Camargue trip and navigate through Western Europe's largest river delta on a self-drive boat. No prior experience is needed to steer one of their canal boats, making it an easy and enchanting journey to spot various wildlife like bee-eaters, pike, and flamingos. The waterways are often just a short distance from the sea, with some being only separated by sand spits, ensuring you're always close to a beach. Don't forget to take in the sights of the renowned wild horses that roam the region as well.
Starting at just £1,414 per boat for a self-catering stay with Locaboat, you can enjoy a relaxing vacation on the water. For travel convenience, Montpellier is the closest airport to the departure point. Contact Locaboat at 020 3966 4318 or visit locaboat.com for more information.
Top Choice For Stylish Children
A stay at the affordable and trendy Mama Shelter chain in France will definitely appeal to the most stylish kids. In addition, children under 12 can stay and have breakfast for free during the summer holidays thanks to the MAMA LOVES FAMILIES promotion (excluding the hotels in Nice, Rennes, and Lille; limited to two adults and two children in two Mama Medium double rooms).
Instead of typical kids' entertainment, the hotels offer family movie nights and a welcome pack with temporary tattoos. They also offer a free ice cream badge in the restaurant and a Wheel of Fortune that children can play for prizes at check-in. Even the most stubborn kids will be excited by this unique approach.
Starting at £190 per night, room only, during the summer season when booking directly through mamashelter.com.
Top Spot For Meeting Mickey
While not as flashy as American theme parks, Disneyland Paris still provides a sensory overload. To balance out the excitement, consider staying at Center Parcs' Villages Nature, a peaceful retreat just a bus ride away. This resort offers a tranquil setting with a lakeside beach, island playground, farm, and cozy cabins and apartments. For those seeking more excitement, there is also a waterpark on-site.
Magic Breaks is providing a fantastic deal for families looking to enjoy a magical holiday during October half-term. The offer includes a four-night stay in a premium apartment at Les Villages Nature, along with Eurostar travel and two days of Disneyland Paris passes. All of this is available for just £3,217 for a family of four. Contact Magic Breaks today to book this amazing opportunity.
France doesn't have big resorts like Spain or Greece, but Country Kids in the Hérault region offers a great all-inclusive experience. In the summer, staying in one of their apartments means you get pre-cooked homemade meals, tractor rides, kids' club activities like pizza-making, and even wine from the cellar and spa treatments for parents. It's a lovely way to experience French hospitality.
For a family of four, booking a week-long stay at Country Kids costs starting at £8,823. Contact them directly at 00 33 6 77 54 56 00 or visit their website country-kids.fr to make a reservation. The closest airport to Montpellier is recommended for travel.
Top Choice For A Spooky Halloween Vacation
Halloween at Parc Astérix near Paris is a unique experience. From October 5 to November 11, visitors can enjoy Peur Sur le Parc, a special event filled with pumpkins and a lively monster parade. The attractions are categorized into different levels of scariness, from slightly scary to absolutely terrifying. In addition to spooky activities, there are also fun options like a dance show and meet-and-greets with characters like zombies and witches. But be aware, even these milder options may be too intense for younger children.
Stay for two nights at the La Cité Suspendue Hotel, room only, for a family of four, costs starting from £740 during October half-term. This rate includes breakfast and two days' admission. Make your reservations directly by calling 0033 9 86 86 86 87 or visiting parcasterix.fr.
Top Choice For Animal Enthusiasts
Do you want to meet a cute, furry friend while on vacation? The Mercantour Family Walking Holiday offered by Responsible Travel includes five nights of easy hiking in a national park near Nice airport. During the trek, a donkey will accompany you to carry your bags and provide some extra motivation, especially for kids who may not be very excited about walking.
Travel along the traditional route of the mail carrier from St Martin to Val Pelens and be on the lookout for chamois, marmots, and eagles. Take breaks to relax and soak your tired feet in the refreshing mountain streams. Stay overnight in eco-friendly lodges and cozy mountain accommodations while your trusty donkey rests and recharges as well.
A seven-day stay with all meals included starts at £590 per person when booking with Responsible Travel. You can contact them at 01273 823700 or visit their website responsibletravel.com for more information.
Top Choice For Hesitant Glampers
Bringing a touch of elegant style to the countryside getaway, Prairies de la Mer is located by the ocean in Grimaud, near St Tropez. The resort is designed to resemble a beautiful paradise in the South Pacific, complete with tall palm trees, a beach club, and huts inspired by Polynesian culture (the Faré côté jardin style, nestled among the lush greenery, are highly recommended). It is sure to please parents with its stunning aesthetics. Children, on the other hand, can enjoy a wide range of activities such as a football academy, pony club, a swimming pool that resembles a lagoon, and a petting zoo – or engage in a fun family activity like archery or tennis.
Starting at £2,118 for a week of self-catering accommodation for a group of four during the summer months. To book directly, contact +33 4 94 79 09 09 or visit riviera-villages.com.
Top Choice For An Adventure
The treehouses at Les Cabanes de Chanteclair are truly authentic. They are located in a secluded forest where you can spot wild boar and deer. These treehouses are high up in the trees, so only older children are allowed to stay during certain times of the year. The most exciting treehouse, L'aventure, is open to kids aged eight and above. Each morning, guests wake up to a delicious breakfast delivered in a basket that needs to be pulled up to their treehouse.
Starting at £380, you can book a three-night stay for four people including breakfast at Les Cabanes de Chanteclair during the summer season. Contact them at 00 33 2 54 37 63 82 or visit their website for more information.
Ideal For Socializing With French Pals
It may appear that Le Barn is isolated in the countryside, but it is actually only a 45-minute drive from Paris. This makes it a great option for a city break, or as a standalone vacation destination. Affluent Parisians often visit Le Barn to enjoy activities like croquet, gathering around the campfire, and cycling through the Rambouillet Forest. The connecting rooms offer guests plenty of privacy. The stylish decor, featuring blond wood, lush plants, and black and white photographs, is sure to be a hit with the social-media savvy younger guests as well.
Starting at £355 per night, including breakfast, for two connected rooms accommodating four guests. Contact us directly to make a reservation at 00 33 1 86 38 00 00 or visit our website lebarnhotel.com.
Ideal For Big Families
At Villa des Pins, located on the outskirts of Lacanau on the Atlantic coast of France, every night feels like a sleepover. The house has four bedrooms, including a fun bunk room where kids can chat and snack late into the night. This area is perfect for active teenagers: Lacanau has a 14km stretch of windy beach that is popular for surfing, and there is also a scenic cycling path that leads to the upscale town of Cap Ferret. It only takes a 10-minute bike ride to reach the local cafes and shops in the village. And of course, there is a lovely pool at the house for relaxing. The property can accommodate up to 10 guests.
Starting at £6,548, you can book a self-catering accommodation with SJ Villas. Flights are not included in the price. Contact them at 020 7351 6384 or visit sjvillas.co.uk.
Looking to promote cooperation among your group? The eight-day Canoeing on the Dordogne excursion offered by Headwater might be just what you need. Once you receive some basic training, you and your family will embark on a journey down one of France's calmest rivers, guiding two or three-person canoes past charming villages nestled beneath limestone cliffs and historic chateaux perched along the shore.
Explore the land by stopping at local markets for picnics or visiting the Grottes de Lacave to see the stalactites. Stay in charming hotels overnight during this trip. This adventure is recommended for those over the age of 12.
Starting at £2,059 per person, this package with Headwater includes bed and breakfast, flights, select meals, activities, and transfers. To book, call 01606 720199 or visit headwater.com.
Ideal For Covert Assignments
If you have upcoming exams and some money to spare, consider taking a trip with Black Tomato to inspire a passion for learning in students who may not be as enthusiastic. Biologists can embark on a journey from the south of France's Cap Ferrat to the Pelagos Sanctuary, accompanied by a knowledgeable crew, in search of various marine mammals in the protected waters off the coast of France, Italy, and Sardinia. This excursion can be added to Black Tomato's Bordeaux, Provence & Cote d'Azur: A Luxury Vacation to the South of France itinerary for a memorable experience.
Starting at just under £10,000 per person for a nine-night stay, this package includes a few meals and activities. However, please note that flights are not included in the price. To book, contact Black Tomato at 020 7426 9888 or visit their website at blacktomato.com.
Several Alpine ski resorts are famous for their vibrant après-ski offerings, however, lovely La Clusaz stands out with its Famille Plus accreditation, ensuring excellent family-friendly amenities. Families with young children can rent all-terrain strollers, and there are numerous options for non-skiers or those who may have left ski school early.
One of the highlights of this place is the event lineup that is suitable for all ages. Visit during the holiday season for Le Pestacles du Père Noël, a grand street theatre festival featuring live music, puppets, magicians, and the iconic Santa Claus.
Inghams is providing a week-long self-catering holiday at the Residence Mende Aldi apartments over Christmas starting from £1,109 per person. This price includes flights. To book, you can call 01483 944 821 or visit inghams.co.uk.
Top Choice For Stress Relief
It can be a challenge to make sure everyone has a good time on a vacation that includes people of different ages, but Île de Ré is a great choice. Teenagers can ride bikes on special paths between the island's villages, young children have many sandy beaches to explore, and adults can enjoy browsing the markets and antique stores. The luxurious surf shack Villa de la Boumediene, while lacking a pool, is conveniently close to the beach and has a beautiful sandy garden. It can accommodate up to eight people.
Prices start at £4,240 for a self-catering stay at Olivers Travels during the summer. To book, contact them at 0333 888 0205 or visit their website, oliverstravels.com. The nearest airport is in La Rochelle.
Some parts of the French coast can get very hot in summer, so if you want a more comfortable vacation, it's helpful to think outside the box. The beaches around Lake Annecy offer shaded lawns, clear water, and plenty of activities for children, such as boules, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and kayak rentals. The area is generally a few degrees cooler than the Riviera during the summer months. Consider staying at Chalet Lomatika: located near the sandy beach in Doussard, it boasts a large garden with a petanque area, swings, and a hot tub. This accommodation can sleep up to eight people.
Starting from £4,044, you can book a self-catering accommodation for the summer with Ovo Network. Geneva Airport is the closest airport to the property. For more information, visit ovonetwork.com.
Ideal For Children Of All Ages
Located in a beautifully renovated Languedoc vineyard overlooking the Bages lagoon, where flamingos can be seen in the water, Chateau Capitoul is a great option for families with kids of all ages. The self-catering villas make mealtime simple, but there are also two restaurants on-site if you prefer not to cook. Guests can use the complimentary bikes to explore the trails through the countryside and along the coast to Gruissan. The hotel can also help arrange kite-surfing lessons for teenagers and paddleboarding activities. Younger children can enjoy searching for bee-eaters, lizards, and bats on the grounds, as well as participating in the Little Winegrower's Club to learn about wine-making.
A family of four can book a week in October half term at Chateau Capitoul for a starting price of £2,550 by contacting them directly at 00 33 4 48 22 07 24 or visiting their website chateaucapitoul.com.
