Family Holidays in France: Exploring France with Kids

From the sun-baked beaches of the Cote d’Azur to the cobbled streets of Paris, France holds a special place in the hearts of British people. Unspoilt countryside, the glitzy Riviera, long, languid lunches, market trawling and skiing in the Alps – a family holiday in France promises glamour and excitement but also the chance to reconnect with your children and partner amid the unhurried rhythm of French life.

Where Is Best for a Family Holiday in France?

France has something for everyone, whether that’s sleepy village life in the south, culture and coastlines in the north or whizzing down the mountains on a fun-fuelled week in the Alps. And, of course, there’s Paris. The romantic capital of the world might not be the first place you think of visiting with kids, until, that is, you hear about what’s on offer for little ones in the city’s top hotels. Here are the best places for a family holiday in France, handpicked by Scott Dunn.

South of France Family Holidays

Family holidays in the South of France are about disconnecting from reality, sharing great meals, playing on the beach until the sun goes down and colourful espadrilles in charming villages. And there is no shortage of charming villages in Provence. This postcard-perfect part of France filled with hilltop towns, lavender fields, vineyards, and farmhouses embraces the slower pace of life. Maybe it’s the combination of sea and mountains or the warm Mediterranean sun, either way, you can’t help but leave feeling relaxed. Move between the hotel pool, delicious lunch spots, cycling and a touch of exploring, before heading back to the hotel for Michelin-star dinners (with a babysitter).

Those who can’t resist the call of the ocean should head down to the Cote d’Azur’s best beaches like Paloma or Juan les Pins. Explore Marseille, then hop on a boat to feel miles from it all on Porquerolles or Port-Cros. The two sandy islands are 20 minutes from the Cote d’Azur, giving you a glimpse of how St Tropez might have been 20 years ago – remote and unspoilt beaches, lapped by turquoise waters. Perfect if you’re looking for a beach holiday in France for your family.

Paris Family Holidays

Perhaps not the first place you think of taking a toddler, but with the help of some incredible kids’ club offerings, the capital of France is shaking off its reputation for being adult only. The most stylish of the bunch is Le Bristol, a favourite with the international elite and yet with interconnecting rooms, special gifts, mini bathrobes, hotel cats and a dedicated kids’ area it couldn’t be more welcoming to children. There’s plenty to do in Paris with families, from scavenger hunts around the city to cooking classes and private sightseeing tours. It’s not just for couples.

Adventure Family Holidays

Family holidays in France are ideal for those looking for adventure. Top of the list must be the Alps, in both winter and summer. When it comes to an adrenaline-fuelled holiday, it’s hard to beat a family ski holiday. The French Alps are one of the best places in the world to take to the slopes. You’ve got out-of-this-world scenery, incredible hotels and restaurants, and, in Courchevel, there's a Scott Dunn Explorers Kids Club. Although the winter might steal the limelight in these resorts, the summer in the mountains is just the tonic for a busy life. Walks through wildflower meadows, swinging through rope courses, white water rafting, and paragliding all under bright blue skies and crisp fresh air will leave you and your family feeling lively and happy.

Family Holidays Northern France

Since WWII, France’s dramatic northern coast has been a place to pay homage to D-Day. But near these sombre, windswept beaches, you’ll find beautiful towns steeped in classic Gallic charm, and ancient castles to explore. There is such varied culture in Normandy, from Giverny, Monet’s famous home and garden, to Rouen, with its own version of Notre Dame and 500-year-old astronomical clock. There are also amazing restaurants in Honfleur, a charming port town which has inspired impressionist artists for years, and of course, the Bayeux Tapestry. Sitting alongside these big-ticket attractions is a thriving artisan industry, where lacemakers, potters, cheese makers and cider farms work to supply the rest of France with their wares. This is where to come with kids who are curious, love history or art and want to see it all come alive.

Things to Do in France with Kid

You’ll find new experiences and crowd-pleasing activities on a family holiday in France.

In Provence, there’s cycling through tunnels of cypress trees looking for a shady picnic spot or taking in the sights and smells of lavender-filled Grasse. The village is famous for its purple fields and perfumeries, and you can make your own fragrance with your teens as a lovely keepsake from your holiday. Younger kids will squeal with delight when you suggest a tour of the Confiserie Florian sweet factory. While, for the more active interests, there is white water rafting and kayaking in Gorges du Verdon or horseback riding in the Camargue with a Provencal cowboy.

Sailors and water babies will love exploring the protected islands of Porquerolles or Port Cros on a beach holiday in France for families. Discover white sandy coves by bike, 4x4 or e-car, before a lobster lunch aboard your private boat. If you'd prefer to stay on the water, cruise around Les Calanques National Park by sailing boat and swim, kayak and snorkel the clear waters, surrounded by limestone peaks. Then feast on a delicious meal prepared by a private chef.

Bring sightseeing in Paris to life for your kids by watching the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower at night, joining a treasure hunt through Le Louvre, cruising down the Seine by boat, or climbing up the Arc du Triomphe. Younger children will be delighted by Jardin du Luxembourg with its huge playground, vintage fairground rides and remote-control boats. While a rummage through vintage markets for treasures to take home will put a smile on the face of your teens. And of course, there’s always Disneyland Paris to bribe them with! Make it extra special with our VIP Disney Dream Day experience.

While on a family holiday in France, you can also join a historian onboard a WWII military vehicle in Normandy, complete with vintage radio and actual equipment that would have been used. Learn about the D-Day landings and taste the same kind of food that was eaten in 1944, which is still produced by the same companies today.

For mountain getaways, one of the best resorts in the Alps for families in the summer is Chamonix. Rather than shut down when the snow disappears, it comes to life and is a haven for adrenaline junkies young and old. There are treetop zip lines to whiz down, canoe rides along a gentle river, canyoning in mountain creeks, and special adventure camps for kids to head off to on their own.