France with Kids
Beyond Disneyland - discovering France as a family
France is the UK's closest major holiday destination, and there is far more to explore than Mickey Mouse (though Disneyland Paris is brilliant). From the beaches of Brittany to the lavender fields of Provence, France offers incredible variety for families. The food, the culture, and the sheer beauty of the countryside make it a rewarding destination for all ages.
Best Regions for Families
- Brittany & Normandy - Closest to UK, beautiful beaches, Celtic culture, amazing seafood. Great for first French trip.
- Loire Valley - Fairy-tale chateaux, gentle cycling, not too hot in summer. Educational and magical.
- Dordogne - Prehistoric caves, castles, canoeing, traditional French villages. Perfect for adventurous families.
- Atlantic Coast - Long sandy beaches, surfing, pine forests, Arcachon oysters. La Rochelle is family-friendly.
- Provence & Languedoc - Hot summers, lavender, Roman ruins, Mediterranean beaches. More driving required.
- French Alps - Summer hiking, lakes, cable cars, adventure parks. Cooler temperatures.
Getting There
Consider the ferry or Eurotunnel for flexibility. You can pack more, bring bikes, and have a car immediately. The journey becomes part of the adventure.
Disneyland Paris - Is It Worth It?
Yes, if your kids are the right age. Magic happens for ages 3-10 especially. A few tips:
- Two parks, two days minimum - do not rush it
- Stay on-site for Extra Magic Time (early entry)
- Book character dining in advance - it sells out
- Download the app for queue times and FastPass
- Budget 100+ EUR per day for food and extras
Money-Saving Tip
Off-peak visits (mid-January to mid-March, excluding half-term) are significantly cheaper and less crowded.
Alternative French Adventures
Brittany: The Underrated Gem
Just a short ferry from Portsmouth or Plymouth, Brittany feels like Cornwall with better weather. Highlights for families:
- Saint-Malo - walled city, beaches, pirates, adventure playground
- Carnac - mysterious standing stones older than Stonehenge
- Dinan - medieval town with half-timbered houses
- Oceanopolis Brest - brilliant aquarium with three pavilions
- Pink Granite Coast - otherworldly rock formations
Dordogne: Cave Adventures
The Dordogne valley is like stepping back in time. Perfect for curious kids:
- Lascaux IV - replica prehistoric cave paintings, genuinely impressive
- Gouffre de Padirac - underground river boat trip 100m below ground
- Canoe the Dordogne - gentle family float past castles
- Beynac & Castelnaud - rival castles with trebuchets and armour
- Sarlat market - Saturday morning food heaven
Practical Tips for France
- Driving - Autoroutes are excellent but expensive. Budget 50-100 EUR for tolls on long journeys.
- Lunch is sacred - Restaurants serve 12-2pm only outside cities. Plan around this.
- Boulangeries - Bakeries are your breakfast solution. Croissants, pain au chocolat, fresh bread.
- Supermarkets - Closed Sunday afternoon and often Monday morning. Stock up Saturday.
- Beach warning flags - Red means no swimming. French lifeguards are strict.
- Pharmacies - Green cross signs. Pharmacists can advise on minor ailments.
Tip
French children are expected in restaurants, but also expected to behave. A colouring book and crayons work wonders during long French meals.
Best Time to Visit
France works year-round depending on region:
- Easter - Loire Valley chateaux, Normandy (can be wet)
- May-June - Perfect weather everywhere, before French school holidays
- July-August - Beach season, very busy, everything open, very hot in south
- September - Harvest season, warm, fewer crowds, great for Dordogne
- Christmas - Alsace Christmas markets are magical
Create your France family packing list.
Build My Packing ListGetting Around
Car is king for French family holidays. Trains work for city breaks (Paris, Lyon) but rural France needs wheels.
Eurotunnel
Pros
- Quick crossing (35 mins)
- Stay in car
- Flexible timings
- No seasickness
Cons
- Starts in Folkestone only
- Can be pricey peak times
- Less of an adventure
Best for: Quick getaways, nervous sailors, those near M20
Ferry
Pros
- Part of the holiday
- Multiple route options
- Often cheaper
- Duty free shopping
Cons
- Takes longer
- Weather dependent
- Can feel rushed boarding
Best for: Families wanting the experience, those going to Brittany/Normandy
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