Top 5 Destinations for Family Holidays in France

1. The Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a fairytale-like region known for its stunning châteaux, picturesque countryside and choice of outdoor activities.

Top Things to do with Kids:

• Château de Chambord – A magnificent castle with vast gardens perfect for family picnics and bike rides.

• ZooParc de Beauval – One of the best zoos in the world, home to giant pandas, elephants and big cats.

• Château d’Ussé – Said to have inspired Sleeping Beauty’s castle, this magical château is very popular with younger visitors.

• Loire River Canoeing – A fun and scenic way to explore the region’s natural beauty.

• Les Machines de l’Île (Nantes) – A bit of a drive, but worth it to take a ride on a giant mechanical elephant and discover the other weird and wonderful machines.

2. Brittany (Saint-Malo & Dinard)

Brittany’s rugged coastline, sandy beaches and rich maritime history make it an excellent destination for a family holiday.

Top Things to do with Kids:

• Grand Aquarium (Saint-Malo) – A fantastic aquarium with 10,000 fish and interactive experiences, including a submarine ride.

• Mont Saint-Michel – A magical medieval island abbey that looks like something out of a fairy tale.

• Les Rochers Sculptés – A fascinating group of stone carvings along the coast between Saint-Malo et Cancale.

• Plage du Prieuré (Dinard) – A beautiful beach with calm waters and a playground.

• Cobac Parc – An amusement park with water slides, roller coasters and a treetop adventure course.

3. The French Riviera (Nice & Antibes)

The Côte d’Azur is known for sun-soaked beaches, charming towns and beautiful coastlines, making it an ideal seaside getaway.

Top Things to do with Kids:

• Promenade des Anglais (Nice) – An iconic promenade perfect for biking or rollerblading.

• Fenocchio (Nice) – A famous ice cream shop in the old town with over 90 different flavours.

• Parc Phoenix (Nice) – A botanical and zoological park with exotic animals and tropical gardens.

• Plage de la Gravette (Antibes) – A sheltered sandy beach with calm waters, ideal for young children.

• Le Bois des Lutins – An adventure park with treehouses, trampolines and slides set in a magical forest.

4. Paris

The French capital is a dream destination for families, combining iconic landmarks, world-class museums and magical attractions that cater to children and adults alike.

Top Things to do with Kids:

• Disneyland Paris – The ultimate family attraction with thrilling rides, parades and character meet-and-greets.

• Eiffel Tower – A must-see landmark with stunning city views from the top.

• Jardin d’Acclimatation – A small amusement park within Paris with rides, a petting zoo and water play areas.

• Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie – A fascinating science museum with interactive exhibits for children.

• Seine River Cruise – A relaxing way to see the city’s famous landmarks from the water.

5. The French Alps (Annecy & Chamonix)

The French Alps provide year-round outdoor adventure, from skiing in winter to hiking and lake activities in summer.

Top Things to do with Kids:

• Lake Annecy – A stunning alpine lake with swimming, paddleboarding and pedal boats.

• Parc de Merlet (Chamonix) – A wildlife park with breathtaking mountain views and free-roaming animals.

• Aiguille du Midi Cable Car (Chamonix) – A thrilling ride up to one of Europe’s highest peaks, not for the faint-hearted.

• Gorges du Fier (Annecy) – A spectacular canyon walk along suspended bridges.

• Grand Parc d'Andilly – Amusement park with different themed worlds,  plenty of activities, animals and shows for children.