Family holidays in France: where to go with kids, region by region

France is full of hidden treasures. Every region has its own character, its own charm and its own landscapes. You really don’t need to fly to the other side of the world to feel like you’re somewhere else and enjoy a brilliant family holiday. In France, you’ve got it all: mountains, forests, turquoise water, châteaux, centuries of history, theme parks and amusement parks… But how do you choose? Where should you go for a family holiday in France?

We’ve put together region-by-region guides to help you find your ideal corner of France for your next family trip, whatever your children’s ages.

Where to go in France with kids? Our ideas by region

Click on a region thumbnail to open a page listing all the articles we’ve written about it. For each region, you’ll find practical information plus one or more articles and family stories to help you plan your trip!

Seaside family holidays in France

If you’re dreaming of a seaside family holiday in France, you’re spoilt for choice. This list is far from exhaustive (France has endless options by the sea!), but here’s a quick tour of the best places we know!

Biarritz is famous for its waves and lively atmosphere, but it also has family attractions like its Aquarium. It’s ideal if you fancy trying surfing! In Arcachon, the Bassin d’Arcachon invites you to enjoy its beach and the famous Dune du Pilat. And in between, you can spend a wonderful holiday in the Landes, between the ocean and the pine forests.

La Tranche-sur-Mer in the Vendée is perfect for its long sandy beaches, outdoor activities and family-friendly vibe. Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, also in the Vendée, is known for its unspoilt beaches, salt marshes and charming pedestrian streets.

Deauville, with its elegant beaches and plenty of activities for kids, is a great pick for a stylish yet fun holiday. While you’re there, stop off in Cabourg with the kids!

The Côte d’Azur, especially Nice, Cannes and Antibes, offers gorgeous beaches and plenty to do. It’s the perfect destination for a sunny holiday.

Beyond the popular coastal spots, France is packed with lesser-known but equally beautiful places for a family holiday. Head to the Chausey Islands in Normandy for a moment where time stands still, far from the crowds!

In Brittany, Perros-Guirec has fine sandy beaches and spectacular scenery, with coastal paths that are perfect for family walks.

On the Côte d’Opale, Wimereux wins you over with its peaceful atmosphere, dunes and child-friendly beaches. These places are less famous, but they give you a lovely seaside experience, far from the packed beaches of the south!

Mountain family holidays in France

Winter or summer, a mountain holiday always recharges the batteries. And we’re lucky: there are loads of options for a family holiday in the French mountains.

The Alps with kids

The French Alps are an iconic mountain range known for their spectacular scenery and endless outdoor activities. Mont Blanc, at 4,809 metres, is the highest point in Western Europe and a top destination for climbers from all over the world. The Alps offer a huge variety of landscapes, from majestic glaciers and deep valleys to alpine lakes and dense forests.

In winter, there’s no shortage of family activities. In Chamonix, take the Aiguille du Midi cable car for breathtaking views over the snowy peaks, or visit the Mer de Glace glacier on the little Montenvers train. Les Gets has sledging runs for the kids and an enchanted Christmas village with entertainment and shows. In Courchevel, as well as skiing, you can enjoy the Olympic ice rink and dog-sled rides. We really loved our stay in the Val d’Arly in Savoie for our very first family ski holiday!

In summer, the Alps turn into a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers and paragliders. Places like the Vanoise National Park let you discover exceptional wildlife and plants, with trails for every level. The park also runs guided visits and children’s workshops to learn about nature and local animals such as ibex and marmots.

Go on a family hike around Lake Annecy for stunning views and idyllic picnic spots. Water activities on the lake, like paddleboarding, pedalos and swimming, are perfect on sunny days. Then relax in the town of Annecy, often called the “Venice of the Alps” for its picturesque canals, which add a touch of cultural charm with local markets, festivals and boating on the lake.

The Pyrenees with kids

The Pyrenees are another majestic mountain range, with loads of outdoor activities and varied scenery, from jagged peaks to lush green valleys.

The Vignemale, at 3,298 metres, is the highest peak on the French side and a favourite with hikers. The Pyrenees are also known for their spa towns and picturesque villages, which makes them an ideal choice for a family holiday in France.

In winter, the Pyrenees have plenty of kid-friendly ski resorts. Saint-Lary-Soulan is particularly popular for its friendly atmosphere and facilities for children. The snow garden and sledging runs mean guaranteed fun for the little ones, while parents can enjoy the slopes and the thermal baths. Font-Romeu, with its exceptional sunshine, has runs for every level and a beginners’ area designed especially for kids. Après-ski activities include an ice rink and dog-sled rides, perfect for the whole family.

Discover all the kid-friendly ski resorts in the Pyrenees.

In summer, the Pyrenees become a huge playground for nature lovers. Hiking trails give you breathtaking views of the mountains and alpine lakes. The Cirque de Gavarnie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see. It’s easy to reach, with family-friendly walks and spectacular views. Lourdes, known for its sanctuaries and famous grotto, also has family activities like little tourist train rides and sound-and-light shows.

Pyrenean towns and villages such as Cauterets offer plenty of culture and variety. The Pont d’Espagne near Cauterets is a magical spot for families, with easy walking trails, impressive waterfalls and picnic areas. The Cauterets thermal baths also offer treatments suitable for children, so the whole family can unwind after a day of adventure.

The Vosges with kids

The Vosges, in north-eastern France, are a mountain range that’s ideal for family holidays, yet they’re often overlooked in favour of the Alps or the Pyrenees. Rounded summits, dense forests and glacial lakes make a perfect setting for family adventures in every season.

In winter, the Vosges are a real paradise for snow sports fans. Ski resorts like La Bresse and Gérardmer are particularly well suited to families. La Bresse has the largest ski area in the Vosges, with runs for every level and a fun zone for kids with sledging runs and magic carpets. Gérardmer, nicknamed the “Pearl of the Vosges”, also has ski schools specialising in children, plus après-ski activities like ice skating and snowshoe walks.

Summer in the Vosges is just as appealing, with hiking trails, mountain bike routes and lakes that are great for swimming and water sports. Lake Gérardmer is a family favourite, with lifeguarded beaches, pedalos and picnic areas. The walks around the lake are accessible to everyone and a lovely way to discover the local wildlife and plants.

The Ballon d’Alsace offers great views and family-friendly hiking trails. The Sentier des Roches is especially popular, with breathtaking views and a rewarding experience for kids. For a fun day out, the Parc des Miniatures in Plombières-les-Bains lets children discover the region’s landmarks in miniature while having a great time.

The Vosges aren’t just about sport. Picturesque villages like Kaysersberg and Riquewihr immerse you in Alsatian culture with their half-timbered houses and local markets. The Castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg is a must-visit, where kids can dress up as knights and discover medieval life.

The regional nature parks of the Vosges, such as the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, run educational activities for children, like nature discovery workshops and guided visits. The Plombières-les-Bains thermal baths also offer family-friendly treatments, so everyone can relax after a day of exploring.

The Jura with kids

The Jura, in eastern France, is the perfect place for families looking for peace and nature. In winter, ski resorts like Les Rousses and Métabief have runs for every level, fun areas for kids, and après-ski activities such as ice skating and snowshoe walks.

In summer, Lac de Chalain is great for swimming, pedalos and picnics, while the Haut-Jura offers family hikes, like the Hérisson waterfalls trail, and visits to the Parc Polaire to meet Nordic animals.

Picturesque villages like Baume-les-Messieurs and Château-Chalon give you a taste of local culture, and the Castle of Joux takes you right back into medieval history. The Grottes des Moidons (caves) are a fun way for kids to explore geological formations.

The Massif Central with kids

The Massif Central, right in the heart of France, is an ideal destination for family holidays thanks to its varied landscapes and plenty of activities for all ages.

In winter, resorts like Le Mont-Dore and Super-Besse offer downhill and cross-country skiing, along with areas dedicated to children, such as snow gardens and sledging runs.

In summer, the Massif Central becomes a natural playground, with hikes around the volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys and activities at Lake Pavin, where you can go swimming, take out a pedalo or enjoy a picnic. The Volcans d’Auvergne Regional Nature Park has family-friendly hiking trails, like the ones leading up to the Puy de Dôme, with stunning panoramic views.

Picturesque villages such as Salers and Bort-les-Orgues are a chance to discover local culture, with traditional markets and historic sites. For accommodation, the Massif Central has a wide range of options, from hotels and gîtes to lakeside campsites, as well as holiday villages with kids’ clubs and family activities. All in all, the Massif Central combines outdoor activities and cultural discoveries for a memorable family holiday.

Countryside family holidays in France

The French countryside is full of lovely places to discover on a family holiday in France. It’s peaceful and, more often than not, far from the tourist crowds!

In Provence, lavender fields, olive groves and charming villages like Gordes and Roussillon make a beautiful setting for family walks and picnics. The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence offer mountain scenery, lavender fields and hilltop villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie!

The Dordogne wins you over with medieval villages like Sarlat and its landscape of hills and rivers, perfect for outdoor activities and cultural discoveries. The Périgord, with its castles, prehistoric caves and charming villages like Beynac-et-Cazenac, takes you back in time while you enjoy the great outdoors.

Normandy, with its coastline and green countryside, is famous for its D-Day landing beaches and dairy produce, offering lots of history and food experiences. Auvergne, with its volcanic mountains, lakes and picturesque villages like Salers, is ideal for nature and hiking lovers.

Brittany, with its rugged coastline, typical Breton villages and seascapes, offers a unique countryside with a rich Celtic culture, ideal for family exploring. Don’t miss the Brocéliande forest with the kids!

The Lot, with its green valleys, medieval villages like Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and its rivers, is an ideal destination for quiet breaks surrounded by nature.

Unusual family stays in France

Often, you don’t need to go far to feel like you’re somewhere completely different! Unusual stays are now really popular, offering an immersive and playful experience for kids. Sleeping in a treehouse, in a yurt or staying on a farm: these are travel experiences your children will love! We’ve got a full article with a few ideas for unusual family stays in France.

The best theme parks to visit in France with kids

France is packed with theme parks for every taste and age. Thrill-ride parks, wildlife parks, immersive worlds or educational parks: every region has its star attraction. Some are worth planning your whole trip around. Others slot easily into a family road trip.

Our tip: book your tickets online in advance, arrive early in the morning and plan a full day per park so you can enjoy it without rushing. Some parks, like Disneyland Paris or Puy du Fou, are much easier over two days. It’s a great way to break up your holiday with a mini-stay. In general, the parks’ on-site hotels let you extend the magic and stay in the park’s world throughout your stay. Kids especially love that kind of immersion!

What are the best theme parks in France for kids?

We’ve written a dedicated article with a selection of the best theme parks in France. Unsurprisingly, Disneyland Paris stands out, with its different worlds that transport kids and grown-ups alike into a fairytale universe. The balance of magic, rides, shows and meeting the Disney Characters means you can enjoy both Parks, whatever your age and your children’s ages. It’s a safe bet to keep everyone happy! Another big plus of Disneyland Paris: it’s open every day of the year.

Among our other favourite parks is Puy du Fou, which offers a completely different experience, with shows only and no rides. It’s a celebration of live performance that moves every generation.

If you love wildlife parks, I can’t recommend the ZooParc de Beauval enough; we found it really beautiful and pleasant to visit.

In short, there are lots of very different options in France, for every taste and every age. The table below shows a few of them, and we’ve picked out more in our dedicated article. There’s bound to be one near you or near your holiday spot!

Park	Region	Type	Opening period	Ideal age	Official website
Disneyland Paris	Île-de-France	Theme park	Every day, all year round	All ages	disneylandparis.com
Parc Astérix	Hauts-de-France	Amusement park	Every day in summer, weekends in spring and autumn, and during the Christmas holidays	From age 6–7	parcasterix.fr
Puy du Fou	Pays de la Loire	Historical shows	Early April to late October, and during the Christmas holidays	From age 5–6, 8 for the Cinéscénie	puydufou.com
Futuroscope	Nouvelle-Aquitaine	Futuristic park	Every day from February to August and during all French school holidays; Thursday to Sunday in September/October; weekends in November/December	From age 5	futuroscope.com
Walibi Rhône-Alpes	Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes	Amusement park	Every day from April to August, weekends in September/October, then every day during French school holidays	From age 5	walibi.fr
ZooParc de Beauval	Centre-Val de Loire	Wildlife park	Every day, all year round	From age 2	zoobeauval.com
Le PAL	Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes	Amusement park and wildlife park	Early April to late September	From age 3	lepal.com
Nigloland	Grand Est	Amusement park	Early April to mid-November	From age 3	nigloland.fr

Every family will find something they love, from thrill-seekers and animal lovers to little science and history buffs. The best approach? Take the time to really explore one park rather than rushing through several. Our detailed articles walk you through each visit step by step so you can plan it stress-free.

Happy reading, and have wonderful family holidays in France.

♥♥♥ Emilie & Flo ♥♥♥

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