1 Week in France - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family Trip to France: Paris & Provence

This itinerary is an excellent option for your first family trip to France. You'll have time to explore two popular destinations, Paris and Aix-en-Provence, and enjoy a mix of city sites, historic castles, and culinary experiences—without needing a rental car. The nice pace and variety of activities make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Take a stroll to stretch your legs after the flight and get acquainted with the city. Or, if the kids are out of steam, ease into your France adventure with a scenic ride on the River Seine. On Day 2, foodie families can nibble their way around Paris on a culinary tour, or if walking in the steps of kings and queens is more your speed, catch a train to the Versailles Estate, where you can explore the palace. Learn the secrets of crafting the perfect French pastries during a baking lesson on Day 3, then embark on a tour—designed specifically for families—of the Montmartre neighborhood.

Kids will love zipping across the country on a high-speed train to Provence on Day 4. Create a bingo board of regional sites and treats, such as calissons (iced fruit candies), then check them off on your walking tour of Aix-en-Provence. Spend Day 5 frolicking around the fairy tale landscapes of Avignon and Luberon, where you'll find castles, cathedrals, and medieval bridges to inspire your imagination and family photos. On Day 6, cruise along the Cézanne Route with the help of e-bikes and view the lavender fields (in June and July) before sitting down to a farm-to-table feast on your final night. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Family Fun in Paris & the Loire Valley

The abundance of child-friendly activities—including Disneyland Paris, storybook castles, and the petit train in Amboise—will thoroughly entertain the little ones on this family itinerary. The Paris and Loire Valley pairing offers a balance of culture, history, and cuisine (including a cooking lesson and a chocolate tour!), without requiring a car so parents can enjoy the journey.

After being cooped up in the plane, take the little ones to play at Jardin du Luxembourg before seeing the City of Lights on an Eiffel Tower evening tour. Step into the magical world of Disneyland Paris on Day 2, and choose from over 50 attractions. Get the whole family engaged in a cooking lesson on Day 3, starting with a trip to the market and ending with a tasty three-course meal. Then, dive into an interactive experience at the digital art center, l'Atelier des Lumières. Sample sweets on a Saint-Germain-des-Prés tour before catching a high-speed train to Amboise, where you can ride the petit train (a small tourist train).

Play king and queen on Day 5 while wandering around Château d'Amboise, a castle that was home to French royalty, then meet some friendly goats and sample cheese from a local producer. Explore Chambord Castle on Day 6 and picnic on the lawn (don't forget to snap a family photo in front of the castle!) before continuing to Château de Chenonceau, where kids will be thrilled to discover the medieval dungeon. Celebrate your final night with a dinner showcasing the fresh produce, fish, and cheese the Loire Valley is famous for. Return to Paris for your departure flight on Day 7. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Caen & Saint-Malo

This road trip itinerary that includes a patisserie tour in Paris and two nights in Normandy is ideal for families interested in France's history and cuisine. While it can be adjusted for families with younger children, the World War II sites and some activities, such as the Segway tour, are perhaps better suited to older children.  

Kick off your trip with a guided tour of Trocadero Esplanade and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. On Day 2, challenge the kids to a scavenger hunt at Le Louvre, the world's largest art museum, before finding each family member's favorite treat on a patisserie tour through Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Hit the road on Day 3 and head for Normandy, where you'll spend a couple of days learning about the world-changing events that happened here. A Segway tour through the old town balances some of the heavy histories, and the guide will ensure age-appropriate information.

Drive to Saint-Malo on Day 5, stopping at Mont-Saint-Michel for a family photo and a visit to the abbey perched atop the tidal island en route. Continue to Saint-Malo and follow in the footsteps of pirates as you tour the walled city before sitting down for a seafood dinner. Break up the return drive to Paris on Day 6 with a sand yachting experience in Mont-Saint Michel (double-seaters are available for travelers with younger children). Soak up more of Paris on your final day with a visit to family-friendly museums, such as the Magic Museum, a cruise on the Seine, or a hop-on-hop-off tour of the sites. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Active Family Adventure in the Verdon Gorge

Packed with outdoor experiences, including abseiling and windsurfing, around Verdon Gorge, this active itinerary is best for energetic and adventurous families looking to spend the week immersed in nature. Families with younger children or those hesitant about heights can skip the challenging excursions and stick to more leisurely activities such as shorter hikes, scenic drives, swimming, and horseback riding.

On arrival in Marseille, head for Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a historic village between two cliffs and considered one of the most beautiful villages in the country. Intrepid families will love the challenge and adrenaline rush of the via cordata—an adventure course that involves climbing, hiking, and abseiling—on Day 2. Fuel up on local foods, such as trout, crayfish, country bread, and lavender honey in La Palud village, then take a leisurely scenic drive along the Route des Crêtes for views of the gorge. Start Day 3 with a horseback ride before taking a canoe excursion to hidden lakes and caves.

Drive to the Valensole Plateau (Plateau de Valensole) to view the lavender fields (in June and July) and create your own botanical blend at an essential oil distillery on Day 4, then spend the afternoon swimming and windsurfing at Lake Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. Embark on a canyoneering adventure in Clue du Haut-Jabron on Day 5, or if you have younger children, opt to float in the river and walk along the banks on an aquatic hike. Capture the perfect family portrait on a guided sunset hike on Day 6, then indulge in some Aix-en-Provence treats, such as macaroons, en route back to the airport. Learn more

More Great 1-Week France Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to France? Check out these other one-week France itineraries, with outdoor adventures, family-friendly trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.