SD › France with Kids
Updated: April 6, 2022
By Santorini Dave
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France is a highlight of many family trips to Europe. It has great beaches, fantastic countryside, unique river and canal boat tours, and some truly remarkable cities.
I get many questions about planning a trip to France. Where to go, how much time to spend in Paris, what are the best beaches.
Here are some of my thoughts on traveling through France with kids.
- France works really well with a trip to neighboring countries. London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, and most major European cities have great train connections with Paris. For maximum flexibility, and to save yourself the time and expense of retracing your steps, consider buying an open-jaw ticket. These allow you to fly into, say, Amsterdam, and fly out of Barcelona. You can take the train for the distance in between stopping where ever you want.
- Paris is a fantastic city and has more than enough attractions to keep a family busy for 3 or 4 very busy days (not including Disneyland Paris). Don’t dismiss it as a big city that isn’t suitable for a family holiday – kids will love Paris.
- Don’t be afraid of the Paris Metro or feel that it’s too much to negotiate with kids. The subway and buses are a wonderful way to get around the city – even if it can be difficult to get a stroller up and down the stairs.
- The beaches of South France are busier, warmer in the Spring and Fall, and have a more Mediterranean feel (of course). The beaches of the Atlantic coast are generally more family friendly and are less expensive than those in the south.
- France gets a lot of tourists and can feel very touristy sometimes. Make an effort to get away from the crowds and eat and shop where locals do. Choosing a hotel outside of the most popular tourist areas can make this an easier addition to your daily routine. You’ll save money on your accommodations and food, and get a better idea and feel for what France – and the French – are really like.
- When entering a shop remember that – for the French – this is almost like entering their home. It’s not just what they do, it’s who they are. Say “Bon jour”, make eye contact, and look around their store as if you were touring someone’s house.
Highlights – The 5 Best Things to Do in France with Kids
1. Paris
One of the best cities in the world to travel with kids. Fantastic parks, wonderful museums, and great kid-friendly attractions.
- The best things to do in Paris with kids
- 10 Fun Outdoor Activities in Paris
- The Louvre Tour with Kids – how it works
- Paris with Kids – a photo essay
- The Best Ice Cream and Gelato in Paris
- The Best Hikes Near Paris
- Visiting Versailles with Kids
2. Western France and the Atlantic Coast
Great beaches, quaint towns and villages, and fantastic outdoor activities.
- A D-Day Tour of Normandy with Kids
- Calais with Kids
- A Guide to Brittany for Families
- 5 Reasons to Visit Normandy
3. Central France
Castles, canals, and history galore.
- Barging in Burgundy: A family adventure on a French Canal
- Exploring the Loire Valley with Kids
- Ski Holidays in France
4. South France
Warm, inviting, colorful, and fun. Though often very busy in July and August the South of France has charms and attractions that will impress almost any visitor.
- The Best Things to Do with Kids in South France
- Saint Tropez with Kids
- Exploring Provence with Kids
- Le Pont d’Avignon with Kids
- Swimming and Canoeing at Pont du Gard, France
- 14 Seaside Towns on the French Riviera
5. Camping
France is a fantastic country for camping. Kids love it. There are campsites all over the country. And it’s often cheap and great for the travel budget.
I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on 
Visit The “Musee d’Art Classique” in the Old Village of Mougins on the French Riviera.
A magical family outing after a day at the beach…
Travel through time with your children through the many treasures displayed over 400 m2 at the Musee d’Art Classique de Mougins in the old village.
Like Tintin, discover the Pharaohs and Egyptian princesses!
The largest collection of helmets and armour takes you back to the days of Gladiators.
Watch the Greek an Roman combats on the touch screens.
Free entrance for the under 10s and Family tickets.
Open every day from 9.30am – 8.30pm and summer late night openings until 10pm every Thursday.
Address : 32, rue Commandeur – Vieux Village – 06250 Mougins
Tel. : 04 93 75 18 65
http://www.mouginsmusee.com
Hello,
The newborn Avignon publisher “Les Éditions du Pasquin” is launching a collection of guidebooks on the towns of Provence. The “Guides de Kerdojel” are designed like treasure hunts. They give children and young teenagers the opportunity to go on a sightseeing tour while having fun.
Available in three languages — French, English and Italian —, the young investigators’ “kit” includes:
An “Inquiry Notebook” with quiz, charades, puzzles and drawings (24 pages);
A “Clues Pocketbook” with documents and information (32 pages);
A City Map in a waterproof wallet;
A pencil and a bamboo lanyard (secure for children).
The “Guides de Kerdojel” are environmentally-friendly and 100% recyclable.
The first issue of the “Guides de Kerdojel” collection deals with Avignon. The medieval city becomes a fantastic playground where young investigators will track “dragons by the Rhone”…
Along an approximately 4-hour sightseeing tour including 5 stops:
le pont Saint-Bénezet;
la place du Palais des Papes;
le musée Lapidaire;
la médiathèque Ceccano;
la rue des Teinturiers.
For more information, please contact me.
Regards
Emmanuelle Ehrmann
Directrice de collection
Editions du Pasquin
3, chemin du Golf
Ile de la Barthelasse
84000 Avignon
06 81 08 04 22
http://www.kerdojel.fr/?lang=en
I’ve been to paris! I think you guys should go ;)
the plan everyday was
Go to the bakery and eat breakfast
Then head on to the tram to a new place everyday
The lakes of France are amazing. Typically very few tourists – only locals and long-termers. Lots of fun and a great way to meet French families.