France Family Travel

Traveling with kids in tow? France is a wonderful destination for the whole family, provided that you plan ahead. Paris has plenty to keep young visitors occupied, from parks and gardens to chocolate shops and a treasure hunt at the Louvre, while hiking, biking, and boating opportunities—not to mention a real-life pirate’s cove—await in Western France. If you have enough time for it, a road trip is an excellent way to approach a family-oriented trip: you can travel at your own pace and pull over for snacks and fresh air along the way. Learn more about your options with these unique itineraries.

Plan your trip to France
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Planning your family trip to France

Views of the Eiffel Tower from the Seine
Map of 1 Week in France - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in France - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With one week in France, you can visit two or three destinations. First-timers with children of any age can combine culinary experiences in Paris with historic castles in Provence. Families with little ones will love the kid-friendly activities—including Disneyland Paris—on the Paris & Loire Valley itinerary, while those with older children will appreciate a balance of history, culture, and cuisine on a road trip in western France, and thrill-seeking families will enjoy the outdoor adventures at Vernon Gorge.

Have fun with the family in Bonifacio, Corsica
Map of 10 Days in France - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in France - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in France and family in tow, you can explore up to three cities. For those wanting to venture to the charming countryside of Burgundy or Provence, begin with three days in Paris and add on a region of your choice. Consider engaging in adventures for kids, such as spending a day in Disneyland, going on a treasure hunt in the Louvre, riding a hot air balloon over the countryside in Beaujolais, sailing around Marseille, or getting hands-on with a Provençal cooking class.

Discover the cultural wonders of Arles with the family
Map of 2 Weeks in France - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in France - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in France, you can fit in several destinations beyond a few nights in Paris at a comfortable pace. Families with young children will enjoy nature excursions and kid-friendly activities on the "France Family Vacation" itinerary, while those with budding historians and wildlife enthusiasts will love the history walks and aquarium visits on the "Family Fun & Culture" trip. The balance of culinary experiences, heritage sites, and active adventures on the "Family Adventure in Western France" itinerary suits children of all ages.

A family visiting Paris
Best Family Experiences in France

Because France is a large and diverse country, it's an ideal location for a family trip. From art-centric and foodie cities like Paris to outdoor playgrounds like the French Riviera and the beaches of northern France, there's always something to do with activities appealing to various ages and interests. Along the way, make unique family memories that you can only experience in France, such as riding horses through the surf at Mont-Saint-Michel, learning to bake macrons, or enjoying a treasure hunt at the Louvre.

France family-friendly itineraries

Spend a day in Cassis and Calanques National Park
Map of Paris & Provence Family Adventure - 7 Days
Paris & Provence Family Adventure - 7 Days

Perfect for first-timers, this weeklong itinerary kicks off in the French capital where you'll summit the Eiffel Tower, gain skip-the-line access at Le Louvre, and sample some of Paris's best bakeries and chocolatiers. Then, ride a high-speed train to Avignon—your base for exploring the Provence region with canoeing and biking tours as well as a trip to a national park along the Mediterranean to finish the adventure

Paddle through the spectacular Gorges du Verdon
Map of Active Family Adventure in Verdon Gorge - 9 Days
Active Family Adventure in Verdon Gorge - 9 Days

This family-friendly itinerary features heart-pumping fun and adventure in Southern France's Gorges du Verdon, the largest canyon in Europe and your playground for the next 9 days. You will raft the Verdon River, hike the edge of the canyon, paddle Lac de Sainte-Croix, and climb Via Cordata for an exceptional experience, ending your stay in Aix-en-Provence.

Spend a day castle-hopping in the Loire Valley
Map of France Family Adventure - 14 Days
France Family Adventure - 14 Days

This exciting, yet easy-going itinerary is the perfect introduction to France—especially for groups and families (ages 10 and up). Over the course of two weeks, you'll spend quality time in Paris, the Loire Valley, Provence, and the French Riviera with a fun mix of educational tours led by local guides and free time to explore on your own.

Avignon's Pont Saint-Bénézet in the Southern Rhône valley, gateway to Provence
Map of Rhône Valley Family Tour: Lyon to Marseille - 12 Days
Rhône Valley Family Tour: Lyon to Marseille - 12 Days

This self-drive 12-day itinerary highlights the best of the Rhône Valley, from north to south. Perfect for the whole family, you'll start in food forward Lyon, then work your way through the colorful countryside of Provence and down to Marseille on the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, you'll taste full-bodied wines, marvel at ancient Roman ingenuity, and enjoy the majestic beauty that is southern France.

Young child enjoying autumn in Paris
Map of Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 10 Days
Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 10 Days

From the big city lights and historical museums of Paris to the quiet beaches of Western France, there's something on this 10-day road trip to delight everyone in the family, regardless of age. Start your journey in the capital city to explore highlights like the Louvre and Versailles, then rent a car and head west. Sample fresh seafood, try sand yachting, and learn about D-Day history on the beaches of Normandy. 

The american flag in Provence
Map of Visit Provence Like the Obama Family - 7 Days
Visit Provence Like the Obama Family - 7 Days

Barack Obama and his family recently visited Provence, choosing a village near Avignon as their base for exploring the region. Follow in their footsteps with this 7-day trip inspired by their itinerary—you'll dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant where the presidential family enjoyed a celebratory meal, shop in the same off-the-beaten-path village known as the "Provençal Venice" for its charming canals, visit the region's best vineyards, and more.

Dancing in the Paris Sunlight
Map of Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Normandy, & Brittany - 8 Days
Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Normandy, & Brittany - 8 Days

Pack the family and hit the road for a self-drive trip through western France. Spend eight days seeing art in Paris, learning about history in Normandy, and vacationing on the seaside like the French. See Paris from the eyes of your kids with a treasure hunt at the Louvre, tour D-Day sites, and get an adrenaline rush when you try sand yachting 

Boats on the Gorges du Verdon
Active Family Adventure in the Verdon Gorge - 7 Days

Winding its way through scenic Provençal countryside, the spectacular Verdon Gorge is Europe's largest canyon and a paradise for outdoor adventurers. On this family-oriented itinerary, you'll base yourself in the fairy tale village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for a week of hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and canyoneering. In between high-adrenaline activities, visit the blooming lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau and explore the charming city of Aix-en-Provence.

Enjoying the views
Map of Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Normandy, & Brittany - 9 Days
Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Normandy, & Brittany - 9 Days

See the Eiffel Tower in Paris, explore tidal pools on the beaches of Normandy, and learn about pirates and seafaring history in the walled city on this packed 9-day family road trip. From delicious French pastries in the capital city to fresh-caught seafood in the neighborhood brasserie, there's no shortage of culinary delights. For young travelers, treasure hunts, sand yachting, and more up the adventure. 

Aerial view of Saint-Malo
Map of Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Normandy, Basque Country, & More - 21 Days
Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Normandy, Basque Country, & More - 21 Days

From art museums in Paris and WWII history in Normandy to the pirate's haunt of Saint-Malo and the beaches of Southern Brittany, there's plenty for kids and young adults alike to do on this three-week adventure through France. And if your family likes to drink wine together, you'll especially look forward to the days in Bordeaux—one of the world's leading winemaking regions.

Explore Paris with your family
Map of Family Trip to France: Paris & Provence - 7 Days
Family Trip to France: Paris & Provence - 7 Days

Kids will love France: everything from the pastries and palaces to the iconic landmarks they've only seen in storybooks will delight them and keep them interested. This week-long trip covering Paris and Aix-en-Provence utilizes the convenient TGV fast train, which minimizes overland travel time as you experience baking classes, biking excursions through the countryside, fairy-tale castles, and more.

Baby enjoying the beach in Saint-Malo
Map of Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo & Bordeaux - 14 Days
Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo & Bordeaux - 14 Days

Two weeks is the perfect time to dive deeper into some of France's western regions with the family. Start in Paris to see the highlights like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, then head off the beaten path in the west. Older kids will enjoy learning about history at the D-Day site and canoeing in Dordogne before traveling back in time to explore the prehistoric Lascaux cave.

Lavender fields in Provence
Map of France Family Vacation: Paris, Loire Valley, Provence & the French Riviera - 14 Days
France Family Vacation: Paris, Loire Valley, Provence & the French Riviera - 14 Days

This 14-day family tour of France starts in Paris, where you'll walk the city's historic streets, enjoy a tasting of delectable pastries and chocolates, and visit the delightful Monmarte neighborhood. Then, it's off to Amboise for castles, canoeing, and a visit to a working cheese farm! Explore the hidden coves of Calanques National Park, rent a bike at Château de Berne, and walk the promenade in Nice. End with a visit to the vibrant city of Marseille, with its open-air markets and historical sights.

Take a family trip to Corsica
Map of Corsica Family Adventure: Calvi, Ajaccio & Bonifacio - 10 Days
Corsica Family Adventure: Calvi, Ajaccio & Bonifacio - 10 Days

Your family loves outdoor adventures and being on the water? A trip to Corsica would make the ideal vacation. Explore the French island's dramatic coastlines and bathe in pristine waters as you travel south from Calvi to Ajaccio and Bonifacio, three beautiful cities brimming over with history and culture. Whether on land or at sea, you'll be awed by the beauty of the rugged scenery surrounding you.

Explore Lyon with the family
Map of  Family Trip to France: Paris, Dijon & Lyon-10 Days
Family Trip to France: Paris, Dijon & Lyon-10 Days

Take your family on a tour of French culture and gastronomy with this 10-day itinerary. See—and taste—the highlights of some of France's liveliest and best-loved cities, with private tours of Paris, Dijon, and Lyon. Relax in the rustic charm of medieval Burgundian villages, Beaujolais vineyards, and traditional farm life. With a day at Disneyland planned as well, this trip will be one to remember for the whole family!

Canoeing on the Dordogne River
Map of Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, & More - 15 Days
Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, & More - 15 Days

Your fifteen-year-olds might smell like Cro Magnon man, but they've never seen anything like the prehistoric Lascaux cave—a perfect recreation of the original. See this and more on this fifteen-day tour, including ascending to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, viewing a D-Day documentary film in Normandy, and learning to make Bordeaux caneles (the sweet cakes) as a family.

Visit Lyon, France's capital of gastronomy, with the whole gang
Map of French Cities, Mountains & Food for Families: Paris, Annecy & Lyon - 10 Days
French Cities, Mountains & Food for Families: Paris, Annecy & Lyon - 10 Days

There's no need to choose between French cities, mountains, or culinary attractions—this 10-day family-focused itinerary covers everything. Starting in Paris, you'll enjoy a jaunt up the Eiffel Tower and a treasure hunt in the world-famous Louvre. Continue to Annecy to climb the Alps by cogwheel train and sample fondue in an underground cave. Learn the secrets to Lyon's famous gastronomy with a family cooking class, then take to the skies to see the vineyards of Beaujolais by hot air balloon.

Enjoying the lavender fields of Provence
Map of Family-Friendly Tour of Provence - 10 Days
Family-Friendly Tour of Provence - 10 Days

The southern French region of Provence is an ideal destination for an active-yet-relaxed family trip. All ages will enjoy the combination of good food (including cooking classes), ancient and medieval history and culture, and fun outdoor activities like biking and boating. Starting in the millennia-old city of Marseilles and ending in gorgeous Aix-en-Provence, you'll visit many picturesque villages and natural areas en route for a taster (quite literally) of the south of France.

Beach in Deauville
Map of Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, Basque, & More - 19 Days
Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, Basque, & More - 19 Days

Spend nineteen days exploring Paris and western France with the family on this comprehensive itinerary. Start in Paris where a Louvre scavenger hunt will entertain kids of all ages, then head west along the coast. Follow your nose to the paella booths at small-town farmer's markets, visit the 1,000-year-old Mont-Saint-Michel, then end your trip near Bordeaux to see prehistoric caves and medieval villages.

Caen city skyline
Map of Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, & More - 13 Days
Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, & More - 13 Days

If you've got thirteen days off and a family that wants to head to France, consider yourself lucky. Start in Paris, where art museum scavenger hunts and delicious treats keep youngsters entertained, then head west to the windswept beaches of Normandy to see the D-Day landing site and tour the 1,000-year-old Mont-Saint-Michel, among other ancient castles.

Snap a fun photo with views of the Eiffel Tower from the Seine
Map of Family Fun in Paris & the Loire Valley -7 Days
Family Fun in Paris & the Loire Valley -7 Days

This fun itinerary will take you through many of the most iconic highlights of French culture, from the beauty of Paris to the stately elegance of the Loire Valley châteaux. Sample some of the country's finest produce and cuisine along the way. If your family loves history, culture, and fine foods—with a bit of plain old fun at Disneyland thrown into the mix—then this is the trip for you.

Take the kids to explore Saint-Malo
Map of Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Caen & Saint-Malo - 7 Days
Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Caen & Saint-Malo - 7 Days

For a family road trip that leads you through the diversity of French culture and history, look no further than this week-long itinerary. Start in Paris to savor its highlights and cuisine before driving to Normandy to encounter the moving legacy of the D-Day landings. See architectural and religious history on display in the abbeys of Caen and Mont-Saint-Michel, and learn about rogues of the past in Saint-Malo, all while you enjoy the fun of touring by segway and learning to "sand yacht" together.

Eiffel Tower and carousel
Map of Family Fun & Culture in France:  Paris, Provence & the French Riviera - 14 Days
Family Fun & Culture in France: Paris, Provence & the French Riviera - 14 Days

Take your family on a fun-filled and educational tour of France with this 14-day adventure. Start in Paris, the City of Lights, where you'll climb the Eiffel Tower and explore the history of the French Revolution. Then, it's off to Aix-en-Provence for walks through markets and a private boat tour into Calanques National Park. Learn about ancient Roman times in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, play on the beaches of Saint-Tropez, and rent roller skates on the lively avenue of Nice's Promenade des Anglais.

Dock at Concarneau
Map of Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, Basque, & More - 20 Days
Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, Basque, & More - 20 Days

Dive into history, culture, and nature on this comprehensive 20-day family itinerary of western France. Start in Paris for city highlights, like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, then head west to see the site of D-Day and tour medieval castles. Round your trip out with canoeing on the Dordogne, traveling back to the time of Cro Magnon in the Lascaux Caves, and sampling seafood on the Brittany coast.