Top 5 Things to Do in France with Family
Paris, France
France has many wonderful types of experiences for kids to enjoy as the country offers a variety of destinations. From urban and country escapes to coastal gems and historic highlights there is much to explore during your family trip.
Cities such as Paris and Nice captivate visitors of all ages through culture and cuisine, while the charm of historical Mont St Michel will have kids feeling like they have stepped into a fairytale. Culture and history can come alive with the right immersive experiences.
Choosing your France adventure for your family can be fun and below we share some ideas on how you can taste the good life on your journey to France.
1. Wander the Fascinating City Sights
Annecy, France
Paris is a must on any vacation to France, the capital coming alive at night, with the Eiffel Tower lit up and visible from far and wide, a fairytale-like setting for children of all ages.
Discover impressive architecture in the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the many bridges that saddle the Seine. Marvel at the pink roofs and walls of buildings in Toulouse and step back in time as you walk the streets of Old Lyon. Run through the fountains at Promenade des Paillon in Nice or stroll through the quaint streets of Annecy.
The cities in France are historically and aesthetically captivating, and offer a little something for every member of your family.
Highlights: Boat Tour along the Seine River in Paris | Stroll the Promenade du Paillon in Nice | Explore Annecy | Discover Lyon’s Old Town | Embrace the ambiance of Toulouse
2. Enjoy France’s Coastal Playground
Villefranche-sur-Mere, France
Enjoy vibe and excitement throughout the French Riviera as coastal towns, secluded beaches and non-stop adventure take you from one end of the Cote d’Azur to another. Experience parasailing off the coast in Villefranche or take a boat ride in the afternoon in the popular city of Marseille, said to be the oldest in France.
A delightful rock pool invites children of all ages to come and play in Beaulieu-sur-Mer and take a walk along the breathtaking coastal hiking path of Le Sentier du Littoral in Antibes. Spend time in picture-postcard Menton, with its colorful architecture, and hop on the Little Train to take in the sites of Montpellier.
Highlights: Villefranche | Menton | Montpellier | Le Sentier du Littoral, Cap d’Antibes | Marseilles
3. Discover Historic Normandy
Mont St Michel in Normandy, France
The Normandy region is steeped in battle history and beauty that sprouts on beaches, in valleys and on breathtaking cliffs. Farming is abundant and kids revel in the great outdoors as they get the chance to experience French farm life.
Take the opportunity to explore seemingly never-ending cycling paths, stopping off at towns such as Giverny to rest a while and embrace local charm.
Hike trails that run from Vallee des Moulins to Mont St Michel, the latter an absolute highlight as the picturesque abbey sets the scene straight out of a fairytale, just one example of dramatic churches and cathedrals to be found in the area.
Highlights: Mont St Michel | Caen Cathédrale | Bayeux | Rouen | Vallée des Moulins
4. Uncover the Secrets of the Southwest
Miroir D’Eau in front of Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux
France’s southwest region is home to beautiful Bordeaux, a city steeped in history and known for its love of art and, of course, wine. It is also one of the country’s top family-friendly places to visit.
Let your little ones splash around the Miroir D’Eau water stage set in front of the Place de la Bourse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or enroll them in captivating art classes.
Step a little further into the Dordogne River area and the town with the same name to discover some of Europe’s oldest cave paintings, medieval castles, gorgeous chateaux, valleys, and views that stretch for miles.
Highlights: Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux | Miroir D’Eau, Bordeaux | Dordogne River | Lascaux Caves, Dordogne | Horse Riding in Dordogne
5. Indulge in Picturesque Provence
Provence, France
Traveling through the dramatic countryside is a peaceful way for a family to explore a landscape as beautiful as France and Provence definitely stands out as one of the most tranquil regions to traverse. Fountains, waterfalls, rivers, and the Mediterranean Sea quench several towns and cities in the Provencal region.
Some, such as Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, with its antique toy and doll museum, or Avignon, with its old-fashioned carousel, simply exude charm. Visit Sault and marvel at the purple painting in front of you, created by miles of lavender fields. Stroll the Course Mirabeau or wander the gardens of Pavillon de Vendome in popular Aix-en-Provence.
Highlights: Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue | Town of Avignon | Aix-en-Provence Mansions | Lavender Fields, Sault | Market in Gordes
Ready to Plan Your Trip to France?
Carousel in Avignon, France
France is a country bursting with beauty, knowledge and charm, where children of all ages are captivated by cities and valleys, mountains and coastline.
From the Eiffel Tower to skiing in Les Arcs, walking walled cities and playing on the beach, France can offer a wonderland of possibilities for families of all kinds.
Find the information you need to create the right trip for your family with our France Travel Guide, fill out a Trip Request or call our team at 1-888-265-9707 to speak with a Zicasso travel specialist.
