France is roughly the same size as Texas and has a population of 67 million inhabitants in 2020. It is probably most famous for its cuisine but the country itself is very diverse and is a great destination for a city break (Paris), relaxing in the country (Provence) or sunning yourself at the beach (Côte d’Azur) or a combination of all of the above
Why is France a great destination for families with kids?
After Italy, France is probably the next most popular European destination that families want to visit with kids. Many families are drawn to Paris and a small number will then extend their vacation to spend some time in another location such as Provence, the Côte d’Azur, the Alps or to explore one of the many wine regions. There is such a diversity of landscape, history, food and activities that it makes it a great destination to vacation with kids.
Must see places in France
In no particular order we believe that you should visit the following at least once:
a, Paris – Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Sacre-Coeur
b. Provence – Lavender fields (Gordes), Pope’s Palace and Roman Aqueduct (Avignon), Ancient Ruins (Arles)
c. Côte d’Azur – Promenade des Anglais (Nice), beaches of St Tropez and Cannes, Palais des Princes (Monaco)
d. Loire Valley – Châteaux (Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise), Markets (Tours), Terra Botanica (Angers)
e. French Alps – Lake Annecy in summer, Chamonix in winter
And if you are into wine then Burgundy, Beaujolais, Champagne and Bordeaux.
How long would you vacation in France?
If you have 10 days vacation then we often recommend a quick city break to Paris for 3 days and then to travel south and explore the beautiful villages and countryside of Provence for 4 to 5 days. Afterwards enjoy the vineyards of Bordeaux or Beaujolais or spend some time at the beaches of the Côte d’Azur.
Some clients are specific about wanting to visit the D-Day beaches in Normandy or Mont St Michel; or to visit the chateaux in the Loire Valley; hob nob with the rich in Monaco (although not strictly France!); relax on Lake Annecy or ski in the French Alps.
Looking at Paris itself there is a lot to do and if you don’t fancy visiting the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre or the Arc de Triomphe then we suggest cycling the city, visiting the many parks having a picnic and enjoying a culinary experience making croissants, baguettes or macarons. Or just sit of one of Paris’s many bistros and watch the beautiful people walk by! Oops! ….did we mention the shopping?
France has some incredible coastlines, beaches and as you venture inland the valleys, forests and vineyards will keep you mesmerized for days on end.
Our top 10 reasons to visit France
- Food (or cuisine as they call it!)
- Fashion
- Champagne
- Wine
- Style
- Shopping
- Art
- History
- Culture
- Picture perfect villages
Top 10 things to do in France with kids
Out top 10 things to do in France with kids are in no particular order and presume that you are visiting the whole of France. These activities are the ones that we have received fantastic feedback from our clients and friends and some that we have really enjoyed ourselves
- Spend the morning with a Parisian touring the city (including the Eiffel Tower)
- Visit Versailles Palace and Gardens
- Canoe past and through Chateau Chenonceau
- Bake croissants or macarons in Paris
- Take a Hot Air Balloon ride over the Loire Valley
- Take a bike ride through the streets and parks of Paris
- Enjoy a wine tasting experience in any of the wine regions
- Take a boat cruise along the French Riviera or the River Seine
- Spend the day shopping in Monaco
- Visit the Normandy Beach Landing sites
We had add a 10.1 Enjoy a Treasure Hunt in the Louvre!
How can we help?
While we live in Europe and have visited France very many times we believe we are in the best position to speak about it, to advise you and help you to plan a memorable vacation. Let us help you by taking advantage of our vacation consulting or itinerary development services. Working to your budget we’ll discuss the best locations, present you with the best family accommodations, family focused tours/excursion/activities and work out the logistics for you.
So if you are planning a vacation to France and you need some help then just drop us a line and we’ll set up a time to call you and let you know how we might help. Alternatively if you are unsure of what is the best location in France to start with then click on one of the great cities below and explore!
Here are some articles that will help you decide where you should start….
Best Things to do in Paris for families
Having lived in the south of England for many years and working in London it became very easy to head across for Paris for the day either for a romantic trip for a couple of days or a long weekend with the family. By taking so many trips we were able to compile a list …