Visiting France with Kids

On a sunny May day in Nîmes, a gladiator in the arena of Les Arènes gives my children a playful wink.

Excitedly, they wave their handkerchiefs and chant a prayer to Jupiter, the sky god. Around us, 12,000 spectators are gathered, but we’re not here for rugby or football. We’re cheering for chariots at the annual Grands Jeux Romains (Great Roman Games), an exhilarating reenactment that fully immerses my kids in the spirit of Ancient Rome.

Over the years, our travels in France have not only thrilled my daughters but also provided an engaging history lesson. We’ve marveled at prehistoric cave art at Lascaux IV, launched water balloons from medieval catapults, enjoyed a falconry display in Provins, donned Renaissance costumes in Loire Valley châteaux, and explored WWII bunkers — and that’s just the beginning.

We’ve also enjoyed beach getaways, mountain hikes, and urban adventures. Throughout it all, I’ve discovered that family journeys in France have added a sense of excitement, exploration, and wonder to my own travel experiences. Here are the top activities to enjoy with kids in France.

Is France a good destination for kids?

Blending popular attractions with quirky adventures, France is a fantastic choice for family travel. From massive puppet parades to the Fête de la Musique, this country that embodies joie de vivre welcomes children with open arms. Consider the cherished tradition of goûter; this afternoon snack isn’t just for kids returning from school; it’s woven into the culture, celebrated even by gourmet chefs in stylish restaurant offerings.

The tourism infrastructure is superb. Even small rural towns boast tourist offices featuring activities for children, like themed jeux de piste (treasure hunts). Additionally, French museums excel in providing kid-friendly games and workshops. Many offer free entry for children or a forfait tribu (special family package) for two adults and two kids.

Playgrounds are as common as pâtisseries. When exploring cities, umbrella strollers are handy for navigating sidewalks (and catching naps) — but a baby carrier is advisable to tackle cobblestone streets and the many stairs found in the Paris metro.

Kids are welcomed at restaurants. From an early age, children enjoy multi-course meals alongside their parents (fromage included). However, we suggest bringing your enfants sages (well-behaved kids) to Michelin-starred venues only if they can be considerate to other diners. For family-friendly options, all-day brasseries and casual crêperies are excellent choices, often featuring reasonably priced kids’ menus that include drinks and desserts.

If you've booked a self-catering holiday home and need to stock up on food and diapers, remember that countryside supermarkets frequently close on Sundays and may also have a post-lunch break.

Where are the best places in France for kids?

From the tidal wonders of the Baie de Somme to the surf of the Basque Country, the French coastline is packed with delights. For a beach getaway, the expansive sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast attract many, alongside the hidden coves of Brittany. Although the Côte d'Azur is famous for its opulence and vibrant party scene (think bronzed sunbathers at Plage de Pampelonne in St-Tropez), you can also discover family-friendly spots, with my kids favoring the port town of Menton.

Culture-rich Paris is a delight for all ages. Where else can you start your day with Monet, scale a medieval tower by afternoon, and cap it off with a Seine river cruise and a scoop of chocolate mousse from Chocolat Chapon?

And what’s the cherry on top? Bouncing on a trampoline surrounded by palm trees in the Jardin des Tuileries. Another favorite for kids is the Dordogne Valley, where river canoeing meets prehistoric cave art, grand châteaux, and fortified towns. The Loire Valley also offers a chance to step back into the opulent history of the French monarchy at its magnificent châteaux.

For outdoor adventures, head to the French Alps. Summer activities include wildlife watching, hiking, and rafting, while winter attracts families to the slopes. Ski resorts have dedicated jardins de neige (snow gardens) for children as young as three.

Top activities in France for babies and toddlers

Stay on a car-free island

Is there anything more delightful than playing on a beautiful French beach? Imagine enjoying that fun on a car-free island, where you don’t have to worry about keeping your toddler away from traffic. Some top picks include Île de Batz and the pink-granite Île-de-Bréhat in Brittany, Île de Porquerolles in the Hyères archipelago of the Riviera, and – our favorite – Île d'Aix, a quaint 129-hectare island where you can glimpse Fort Boyard off the west coast.

Explore a museum in depth

France offers a museum for every interest, and most major venues provide new parents with priority access, allowing you to skip the lines when you're with a baby. For older children, many museums host ateliers (workshops) on Wednesday afternoons and weekends. In addition to audio guides, certain landmarks like the Conciergerie in Paris feature ‘HistoPads,’ digital tablets with headphones that let kids explore history through 3D and virtual reality experiences.

Top activities in France for families

Be amazed by Les Machines

A street theater group in Nantes has brought this whimsical, steampunk-inspired project to life, reminiscent of a Jules Verne tale. Crafted from sycamore wood and steel, a colossal mechanical elephant transports 49 passengers while spraying water from its trunk. The island base for Les Machines is a magical realm for children, featuring a multi-level carousel with rides on imaginative sea creatures. Les Machines has also expanded to Toulouse—beware the lifelike Minotaur that growls and emits steam from its nostrils. Additionally, there's a massive fire-breathing dragon in Calais.

Hunt for Invaders

The anonymous French street artist Invader has garnered a global following for his mosaic pieces inspired by 1980s video games. He has ‘invaded’ cities worldwide, but the majority of his mosaics are in his native Paris. Download the Flash Invaders app to earn points by photographing each authentic piece with your smartphone—it’s a delightful way to encourage kids to explore new cities, from Lyon to Lille.

Visit the theme parks

France is home not only to Disneyland Paris but also a plethora of exciting theme parks. Futuroscope turns education into entertainment with its cutting-edge cinematic experiences and futuristic rides. Parc Astérix brings to life beloved characters from popular comic books, while Vulcania dives into the mysteries of Auvergne's extinct volcanoes. In Vendée, the renowned Puy du Fou revives history through captivating shows featuring costumed actors. Attractions like Cité de l’Espace in Toulouse, Aquarium La Rochelle, and Nausicaá in Boulogne-sur-Mer are also very popular.

Sleep among the trees (or in a lighthouse)

Elevate your stay by exploring unique accommodations. Spend the night in a lighthouse keeper's residence on L'île Vierge. Try a treehouse at the Loire Valley Lodges, or experience regal living at the nearby Chateau de Rivau. For something different, bunk down in a snow groomer (ask for ‘Over the Moon’) on the slopes of La Plagne with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. Or, choose to rest among wildlife at the Safari Lodge of the Zoo de La Flèche.

Top activities in France for teens and tweens

Follow your passion

Why not involve your teenager in planning the trip by selecting activities that resonate with their interests? Is your child passionate about food? Join a cooking class or a food tour in cities like Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, and Paris. Are they music enthusiasts? Grab tickets to summer festivals like We Love Green, Rock en Seine, or Jazz à Juan. If they're movie buffs, explore film festivals beyond the glitz of Cannes. Love dance? Experience performances at the Palais Garnier, Philharmonie de Paris, or Centquatre.

Our family adventures often turn into bird-watching excursions; we've encountered flamingos in the Camargue and spoonbills at Parc du Marquenterre.

Local flavors on two wheels

Whether you have the endurance of a Tour de France cyclist or prefer a relaxed ride, biking in France offers a delightful way to explore while taking in the views. The country boasts numerous cycling routes, allowing you to tailor your journey, from a day trip through vineyards to an extended week-long adventure. Notable routes include the 600km Vélo Francette, linking Ouistreham in Normandy to the Atlantic Coast, and the ViaRhôna, which traces the Rhône River from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. If that sounds daunting, consider renting e-bikes for the whole family to cover more distance with less effort.

Seek out outdoor excitement and adventures

Even if your teenager complains about putting away their devices, they'll likely find themselves captivated by the beauty of nature. Why not give it a shot? Observe a lively group of marmots while hiking in the Parc National de la Vanoise. Spend some time with monkeys at the Vallée des Singes located south of Poitiers. Or take a boat trip to Île Sainte-Marguerite, the island off Cannes that housed the mysterious man in the iron mask, and see if you can spot dolphins along the way.

Consider renting an electric boat on the Bassin de la Villette in Paris—no captain's license needed. Alternatively, pump up the excitement with a rafting adventure on the Giffre River, nestled between Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and Samoëns in the Alps.

Helpful planning tips

• Avoid the tolls on the autoroute and the frustrating bouchons (traffic jams) by opting for the train instead. Kids under four ride for free on France's efficient rail network. If you're a frequent traveler aged between 27 and 59, look into the Carte Avantage Adulte for a 30% discount on all train trips within France and Europe, and 60% off for up to three accompanying children aged 4 to 11.

• In Paris, children under four can use the RATP public transport system for free, and half-price fares apply until they turn 10.

• To avoid any disappointment, always verify the opening hours of restaurants and museums ahead of time, and make reservations when possible.

• Start a treasure hunt across the French capital using the free Paris Region Adventures app. Pick a themed adventure, locate the mystery items, and recognize the historical figures for a chance to win a prize.