France With Kids – A Guide

See Also

• Top Hotels in Paris
• Accommodation Recommendations in Paris
• Family hotels in Paris

France is a featured destination for many family trips across Europe. It has wonderful beaches, magnificent rural areas, one-of-a-kind river and waterway journeys on boats, and truly remarkable cities.

I receive many inquiries about planning a trip to France. Where to visit, how much time to spend in Paris, what are the top beaches.

Here are some reflections on traveling through France with children.

• Traveling within France and extending trips to neighboring European nations is very workable. Visiting the capitals of London,Amsterdam,Barcelona,Rome, and other significant cities on the continent is made simple due to excellent train connectivity with Paris. For maximum options and to cut out the need to retrace paths, take into account purchasing an open-jaw airline ticket. These permit flying into one location like Amsterdam and departing from another such as Barcelona, letting you use rail services between stops wherever you prefer.
• Paris is a fantastic city and has more than enough attractions to retain a family busy for 3 or 4 really active days (not including Disneyland Paris). Don’t reject it as a big city that isn’t appropriate for a family holiday – kids will adore Paris.
• Don’t be afraid of the Paris Metro or feel that it’s too much to coordinate with kids. The subway and buses are a wonderful way to travel around the city – even if it can be difficult to get a stroller up and down the stairs.
• The beaches in southern France see more people and warmer temperatures in the spring and fall seasons, taking on more of a Mediterranean feel (of course). The beaches along the Atlantic coast generally cater more to families and are less expensive than those farther south.
• France attracts many visitors resulting in places feeling crowded at times. Make an effort to eat and lodge where locals do to escape the throngs. Opting for a hotel outside major tourist centers can facilitate incorporating this daily for less cost on lodging and cuisine while gaining a truer sense of French culture and people.
• When entering a shop remember that – for the French – this is almost like welcoming someone into their home. It’s important to say “Bon jour”, make eye contact, and look around their store as if touring a house.

Highlights – The 5 Best Things to Do in France with Kids

1. Paris

One of the best cities globally for traveling with children. Fantastic parks, wonderful museums, and great kid-friendly attractions are abundant.

• The best activities in Paris to enjoy with kids
• 10 Enjoyable Outdoor Activities in Paris
• Exploring the Interior of the Louvre Museum in Paris with Young Visitors
• A photographic account of a family in Paris
• The Best Ice Cream and Gelato in Paris
• The Finest Trails Near Paris
• Visiting Versailles with Children

2. Western France and the Atlantic Coast

Attractive beaches, charming towns and villages, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

• A D-Day Excursion to Normandy with Children
• Visiting Calais with Children
• Guidance for families visiting the Brittany region of France
• Rationales for touring the Normandy region of France

3. Central France

Castles, canals, and history galore.

• Traveling by boat on a French waterway: A family adventure
• Exploring the Loire Valley region with children
• Family Winter Vacations in France

4. South France

It is warm, inviting, colorful, and fun. Though often very busy in July and August, the South of France offers many attractions and charms that will impress most visitors.

New York`s Botanical Gardens is open Tuesday through Sunday and most holiday Mondays from 10am to 6pm.
• Saint Tropez with Kids
• Exploring the Provence Region with Children
• Le Pont d’Avignon with Youngsters
• Swimming and canoeing at Pont du Gard, France
• Scenic Towns Along the French Riviera

5. Camping

France offers excellent opportunities for camping with kids. Campsites are widely spread across the country, often affordable and great for travel budgets.

• Recommendations and details about 10 excellent family campsites in France
• The 10 Best Campsites in France
• Guidance for a Family Bicycle Trip Through France