Wondering where to stay in France with kids? France welcomes around 90 million tourists annually – making it the most visited country in the world. And let me tell you, there’s a good reason for that! As someone who’s spent countless family vacations exploring every corner of this beautiful country, I’ve learned firsthand that France offers an incredible variety of experiences for families with children of all ages.
In this guide, I’ll share my personal experiences and recommendations for the best places to stay in France with kids. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, so I hope my hard-earned wisdom helps make your family trip magical.
Where to Take a Family Vacation in France
Paris: Family-Friendly Adventures in the City of Light
When I first considered taking my kids to Paris, I worried it might be too sophisticated or overwhelming for them. But Paris actually turned out to be one of our favorite family destinations, with so many kid-friendly attractions that we couldn’t fit them all into one trip.
Our home base was an apartment in the 5th district (5eme arrondissiment), which I found perfect for families. The neighborhood has a relaxed vibe with plenty of small parks where the kids could burn off energy.
Plus, there are tons of casual eateries where no one bats an eye when children get a bit noisy. The apartment gave us space to spread out and saved us money on eating out for every meal – though my kids would’ve happily lived on croissants and pain chocolat from the bakery downstairs!
The neighborhood Jardin des Plantes became our go-to spot after busy mornings of sightseeing. At the small zoo (menagerie) in the park the kids would try to spot the sleeping firefox, (or do you call them red pandas? Les panda roux, en francais) and poke sticks through the fence at the wallabies while I enjoyed a much-needed coffee.
The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie in the Parc de la Villette was a lifesaver on a rainy day. My science-obsessed 8-year-old could have spent the entire vacation in the hands-on exhibits! Meanwhile, my tweenager actually put down her phone during our visit to the Eiffel Tower – a miracle I attribute entirely to the spectacular view.
I no longer make the rookie mistake of trying to cram too much “culture” into our visits. Even without in our post-nap era, the kids will still have a melt downs halfway through the Louvre, reminding me to think about pacing.
I recommend to use the Paris Museum Pass and split up visits into shorter chunks, which works much better. I also discovered the treasure hunt worksheets on the Louvre’s website, which transformed the experience from boring museum to exciting adventure.
Hotel Recommendations in Paris
For accommodation, I recommend the 5th, 6th, or 7th arrondissements for first-time visitors with children. These central districts put you within walking distance of major attractions while still offering plenty of green spaces. If you’re on a budget, look at the 11th or 12th arrondissements, which offer more affordable accommodations while still providing good transit connections.
Family-friendly hotel options include the Novotel Paris Les Halles, which offers family rooms and is centrally located, or the apartments at Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés if you prefer having kitchen facilities. For a special splurge, the Le Bristol Paris has an amazing kids’ program and even resident cats that my children adored meeting in the lobby!
French Riviera: Beach Bliss for the Whole Family
The French Riviera might have a reputation for glitz and glamour, but it’s actually one of the most kid-friendly regions I’ve visited in France. After that disastrous vacation where I booked us into an adults-oriented resort (complete with judgmental glares whenever my youngest got excited), I’ve learned that choosing the right location makes all the difference.
Antibes has become our family’s happy place on the Riviera. The shallow, gentle beaches are perfect for younger children, and the Old Town is compact enough that little legs don’t get too tired exploring. Marineland was a big hit with my kids, though prepare yourself for the inevitable gift shop negotiations! I usually let each child pick one small souvenir, which prevents the “I want everything” meltdown.
In Nice, we discovered the promenade is perfect for family strolls, with plenty of playgrounds along the way. The pebbly beaches were actually a bonus – no sand in everything! Just remember to pack water shoes for tender feet. We found the area around the Port neighborhood slightly less crowded and more family-oriented than the central parts of Nice.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat offers some of the most postcard-worthy beaches and coastal walking paths. My kids still talk about the day we hiked around the peninsula, stopping at little beaches along the way for swimming breaks. The path is manageable even for younger children, with plenty of spots to rest and enjoy the incredible views.
Hotel Recommendations in the French Riviera
We stayed at the Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel one year as a special treat, and while it was definitely splurgy, the staff treated my children like royalty. More frequently, we’ve rented apartments near Plage de la Gravette, which has calm waters and is within walking distance to ice cream shops (a critical consideration according to my kids).
Look for places with air conditioning if you’re visiting in summer – something I learned the hard way during a particularly sweltering July vacation. The Holiday Inn Nice is surprisingly family-friendly with a rooftop pool, while the Apartments on the Bay of Villefranche offer kitchen facilities and stunning views at a more reasonable price point than many hotels.
One mistake I made was underestimating how hot it gets in July and August. If possible, plan your Riviera vacation for May, June, or September when temperatures are milder and beaches less crowded. And don’t try to move locations too frequently – we’ve found that choosing one or two bases works much better than trying to sample every coastal town.
Loire Valley: Castles and Countryside Perfect for Kids
I’ll never forget the look on my 8-year-old’s face when she first spotted Château de Chenonceau spanning across the river – it was exactly the “real-life princess castle” she’d been dreaming about! The Loire Valley has become our go-to destination when we want to combine history, outdoor activities, and charming small towns in one family-friendly package.
We’ve found that basing ourselves in Tours provides the perfect balance of accessibility and amenities. The city itself is manageable in size with a beautiful old quarter, and it makes an ideal starting point for castle day trips. The pedestrianized Rue Colbert is lined with restaurants where you’ll see local families dining together, always a good sign!
Amboise is another fantastic option for families, especially if you’re traveling with younger children. The town is smaller and quieter than Tours, with the added bonus of having its own impressive royal château right in the center. We stayed at a lovely guesthouse called Le Manoir de la Maison Blanche just outside town, which had a garden where the kids could run around after days of castle-exploring.
Speaking of castles, not all châteaux are created equal when it comes to keeping kids entertained! Chambord is spectacular, but I learned it can be overwhelming for little ones. Chenonceau, on the other hand, has pretty gardens for running around and a fascinating history that even captured my teenager’s interest. Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise was the absolute favorite – Leonardo da Vinci’s final home has been transformed into an interactive museum with working models of his inventions in the gardens.
I highly recommend renting bikes for at least one day of your Loire Valley stay. The cycling paths along the Loire River are well-maintained and mostly flat, perfect for families. We packed a picnic (another money-saving trick with hungry kids!) and spent a delightful day pedaling between villages, stopping whenever something caught our interest.
One word of advice: don’t try to cram too many château visits into each day. We made that mistake on our first trip and ended up with some cranky children (and adults!). Now we limit ourselves to one main château daily, supplemented with outdoor activities or visits to the fascinating troglodyte caves that dot the region.
Hotel Recommendations in Loire Valley
For accommodations, we’ve had good experiences with the Loire Valley châteaux that have been converted to hotels, many of which are surprisingly family-friendly. Domaine de la Tortinière offers family suites and beautiful grounds for children to explore. For a more budget-conscious option, the Ibis Styles Tours Centre provides family rooms and breakfast included in the rate.
Dordogne: A Nature and History Paradise for Families
The Dordogne region feels like stepping into a storybook, with its rolling hills, medieval villages, and prehistoric caves. It’s become our family’s favorite destination when we want to combine outdoor adventures with fascinating history lessons that don’t feel like school!
Sarlat-la-Canéda makes an excellent base for exploring the region. This beautifully preserved medieval town comes alive on market days (Wednesday and Saturday). My kids love wandering through the stalls, sampling local specialties like walnut cake and strawberries in season. We typically rent a stone cottage just outside town, giving us the space to spread out after busy days of exploring.
The Dordogne River itself provides endless entertainment for children. Canoeing down the gentle river past castles perched on limestone cliffs became an instant family favorite activity. Even my initially hesitant 7-year-old was paddling confidently by the end of our first trip! Companies like Canoe Dordogne offer family-friendly routes with pick-up services, making the logistics simple.
The prehistoric caves in the region absolutely captivated my history-loving kids. While the original Lascaux cave is closed to visitors, Lascaux IV (the incredible replica) offers an immersive experience that had my children wide-eyed with wonder. The less-crowded Grotte de Rouffignac, where you ride a small train into the cave, was another highlight. Pro tip: book these experiences well in advance, especially during summer months.
We discovered that many of the region’s castles are incredibly kid-friendly. Château de Castelnaud houses a fascinating medieval warfare museum with regular demonstrations of trebuchets and other siege weapons that had my son completely enthralled. Château des Milandes, once home to Josephine Baker, has beautiful gardens and a birds of prey show that mesmerized even my normally restless youngest.
One mistake I initially made was underestimating the winding roads and driving times in the region. Now I know to plan no more than one or two major activities per day, allowing for leisurely picnic lunches and unexpected discoveries along the way.
Don’t miss the chance to visit some of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” that dot the region. Beynac, La Roque-Gageac, and Domme were all hits with my kids, each offering something unique. In Domme, the caves beneath the bastide town were an unexpected adventure, while La Roque-Gageac offered flatboat rides that gave our legs a welcome rest from climbing village streets.
Hotel Recommendations in Dordogne
We’ve found that gîtes (holiday cottages) offer the best value and experience for families in this region. Many come with swimming pools – an essential feature for cooling off after summer explorations. Le Domaine de la Bessade near Sarlat offers family-friendly cottages with a shared pool and playground. For a special treat, Château de la Treyne provides luxurious family rooms in a genuine castle setting.
Normandy: Beaches, History, and Countryside
Our family trip to Normandy started as a history lesson about D-Day for my older children but quickly turned into one of our most diverse and enjoyable French adventures. This region offers an incredible mix of historical sites, rugged coastline, and rural charm that appeals to all ages.
We chose to base ourselves in Bayeux, which turned out to be perfect for families. The town itself is charming and walkable, with the magnificent cathedral and famous tapestry right in the center. I was surprised by how interested my kids were in the tapestry – the medieval comic-strip style of storytelling really appealed to them! Bayeux also puts you within easy reach of the D-Day beaches and other coastal attractions.
The D-Day landing beaches provided a moving history lesson for my older children. Utah Beach Museum and Omaha Beach Memorial were particularly well done, with exhibits that helped explain this complex history in an age-appropriate way. I was initially concerned the sites might be too somber for children, but they were respectfully curious, and the wide open beaches gave them space to process and also just be kids.
Mont Saint-Michel was absolutely magical for the whole family. Yes, it’s touristy, but for good reason! The children couldn’t believe this fortress-island was real. We made the mistake of visiting in August one year – lesson learned! Now we go in shoulder season and stay overnight on the mainland nearby, visiting early in the morning before the tour buses arrive.
The Normandy countryside offers photo-worthy landscapes perfect for family exploration. We spent several days in the Pays d’Auge area, visiting traditional villages like Beuvron-en-Auge. The apple orchards and cheese farms in this region offer delicious tasting opportunities. My kids still talk about watching Camembert being made at Ferme de la Héritière!
Giverny, Monet’s garden, was surprisingly kid-friendly. I prepared my children by reading about Monet beforehand, and they enjoyed hunting for the scenes they recognized from his paintings. The water lily pond was everyone’s favorite, though my youngest was disappointed not to find any frogs!
For rainy days (which do happen in Normandy!), the Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg was an unexpected hit. Housed in a former transatlantic terminal, it features a genuine submarine you can tour and excellent aquariums.
Hotel Recommendations in Normandy
For accommodations, we stayed at Hotel Churchill, which offers family rooms in a central location. For longer stays, we’ve rented cottages near Arromanches, which gives you more space and the option to self-cater – always handy with picky eaters!
One accommodation tip: if visiting in summer, check whether your lodging has fans or air conditioning. Many traditional Norman buildings retain their charm but can get warm on summer nights. Our rental in Honfleur was lovely but became quite stuffy, teaching us to ask about ventilation for future trips!
Alsace: Fairytale Villages and Cross-Border Adventures
Alsace feels like stepping into a fairytale, with its half-timbered houses, storybook villages, and blend of French and German influences. When I first brought my kids here, I worried it might be too focused on wine tourism to be kid-friendly, but I couldn’t have been more wrong!
We chose Colmar as our home base, renting an apartment in the impossibly charming Little Venice neighborhood. The children were enchanted by the colorful houses lining the canals, and the flat, pedestrianized old town was perfect for exploring with kids of all ages. Taking a small boat tour along the canals was a highlight – much less crowded than the more famous Venice and perfectly sized for little ones with short attention spans.
Strasbourg makes another excellent base for families, especially with its excellent tram system that makes getting around with tired little legs much easier. The cathedral impressed even my architecture-indifferent teenagers, especially when they challenged themselves to climb to the top of the spire. The astronomical clock’s daily “performance” at 12:30 pm had the younger ones mesmerized.
The villages along the Route des Vins might seem like adult territory, but many are surprisingly kid-friendly. Riquewihr, which looks like it inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, captivated my Disney-loving daughter. Kaysersberg offers a fantastic riverside playground and ruins of a castle that my son declared “way better than the boring vineyards” (though I might disagree!). We found that visiting these villages early in the morning let us enjoy their charm before the tour buses arrived.
Ecomusée d’Alsace, an open-air museum near Mulhouse, provides an immersive experience of traditional Alsatian life. My kids enjoyed the hands-on activities like bread-making and feeding farm animals – experiences that taught them about the region’s culture without feeling educational.
One mistake I made on our first visit was underestimating how cold Alsace can get, even in spring and fall. The region’s microclimate means you should always pack layers, especially if you’re planning to explore the hiking trails in the nearby Vosges Mountains. Those mountains, by the way, offer beautiful family-friendly hiking in summer and skiing opportunities in winter – making Alsace a year-round destination.
The region’s position on the German border offers fantastic cross-border opportunities. We spent a day at Europa-Park, Germany’s largest theme park, just 45 minutes from Strasbourg. With areas themed around different European countries and rides for all ages, it was a huge hit with everyone in the family. Just remember your passports for the border crossing!
Hotel Recommendations in Alsace
For accommodations, we’ve stayed at both Hotel Le Colombier in Colmar, which offers spacious family rooms, and Hôtel Cour du Corbeau in Strasbourg, where the historic building itself feels like an adventure. For longer stays, gîtes in the countryside provide more space and often include access to swimming pools or play areas.
Brittany: Coastal Adventures and Celtic Heritage
The rugged coastline, mysterious standing stones, and Celtic legends of Brittany make it a magical destination for families seeking outdoor adventures mixed with fascinating history. Plus, those famous Breton crêpes were an instant hit with my perpetually hungry children!
On our first family trip to Brittany, we split our time between the charming walled city of Saint-Malo and the wild coastline of Finistère. Saint-Malo proved perfect for families, with its massive beaches that emerge at low tide and the walkable ramparts offering spectacular views. The kids loved racing the incoming tide back to shore – though I recommend checking tide tables carefully, as the waters rise remarkably quickly!
The prehistoric standing stones at Carnac absolutely captivated my history-loving son. Over 3,000 megalithic stones stand in perfect alignment, inspiring countless theories about their purpose. The visitor center does an excellent job explaining the significance in kid-friendly terms, and the wide-open fields around the stones give children space to run around after listening to historical information.
Brittany’s coastline offers endless opportunities for adventure. We took a boat trip to the Sept-Îles bird sanctuary, where thousands of puffins and gannets nest. Even my teenager, initially reluctant to join this “boring bird thing,” was impressed by the dramatic rock formations and abundant wildlife. The Côte de Granit Rose (Pink Granite Coast) near Perros-Guirec became a favorite spot for rock scrambling and picnics amid the uniquely colored boulders.
For rainy days (which aren’t uncommon in Brittany!), Océanopolis in Brest saved us with its impressive aquariums showcasing marine environments from around the world. The polar pavilion, complete with penguins, was everyone’s favorite section.
We discovered that many coastal towns offer sailing schools with courses specifically designed for children. My initially hesitant daughter tried a three-day beginner’s course in Bénodet and finished the week begging to return next summer for more! Most schools offer instruction in English as well as French.
The legends and folklore of Brittany provided perfect bedtime stories during our trip. The mysterious forest of Brocéliande (now called Paimpont Forest), allegedly home to Merlin the wizard, inspired days of imaginative play. The visitor center offers family-friendly walking maps that highlight spots connected to Arthurian legends.
Don’t underestimate travel times in Brittany – the peninsular geography and small coastal roads mean journeys often take longer than expected. We now plan no more than one major activity per day, allowing time for unexpected discoveries like the roadside crêperie that became our favorite lunch spot or the hidden cove where we spent hours tide-pooling.
Hotel Recommendations in Brittany
We stayed at Hotel Océania Saint-Malo, which offers family rooms overlooking the sea and is just steps from both the beach and the historic center. For our Finistère portion, we rented a cottage near Crozon Peninsula, giving us easy access to some of Brittany’s most spectacular landscapes.
One accommodation tip: If visiting during high season (July-August), book well in advance, as the most family-friendly options fill quickly. The Résidence Nemea Le Domaine de Bertheaume in Plougonvelin offers well-equipped apartments with swimming pools and easy beach access, while rural gîtes often provide more authenticity and space for active children.
French Alps: Mountain Adventures for All Ages
“Mom, this is WAY better than Disney!” declared my 9-year-old as she gazed at the spectacular mountain panorama from the Aiguille du Midi cable car near Chamonix. That moment confirmed what I’d suspected: the French Alps offer natural wonders that captivate children just as much as (if not more than) manufactured entertainment.
While many think of the French Alps primarily for winter skiing, we’ve found summer visits equally magical for families. Chamonix makes an excellent base, with its pedestrian-friendly town center and numerous activities for all ages. The Chamonix Unlimited Pass, while not cheap, proved to be great value, covering cable cars, mountain railways, and various attractions.
The Montenvers Railway journey to the Mer de Glace glacier fascinated even my “I’m bored by everything” teenager. The ice cave carved into the glacier changes location each year as the ice moves, creating a time-capsule experience that demonstrates climate change in a tangible way. My kids were sobered by the markers showing how far the glacier extended in previous decades.
For younger children, the Parc de Merlet wildlife park above Les Houches offers close encounters with native Alpine animals in a stunning mountain setting. My animal-obsessed youngest spent hours observing ibex, chamois, and marmots in naturalistic habitats. The relatively flat walking trails within the park are manageable even for little legs.
Annecy, with its pristine lake and medieval old town, makes another excellent family base in the Alps. We spent several idyllic days cycling around Lake Annecy on the dedicated bike paths, stopping for swims and picnics along the way. The Annecy beaches have shallow, warmer water perfect for younger children – a pleasant surprise in an Alpine setting!
Adventure parks are plentiful throughout the Alps and provide thrilling experiences for different age groups. We discovered that many, like the ones in Les Gets and Avoriaz, offer courses specifically designed for children as young as three. Watching my cautious daughter gain confidence as she progressed through increasingly challenging ziplines and rope bridges was a highlight of our trip.
One mistake I made on our first Alpine visit was underestimating the summer crowds. The most popular sites, like the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix, now require advance booking during peak season. We’ve learned to reserve these experiences online before arrival and to visit major attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heaviest crowds.
Hotel Recommendations in the French Alps
For accommodations, we’ve stayed at both Hôtel Le Morgane, which offers family rooms and a swimming pool right in town, and an apartment in the quieter Les Houches area, which gave us more space and kitchen facilities. Both worked well for different reasons – the hotel was more convenient for shorter stays, while the apartment suited our longer summer vacation.
In Annecy, we enjoyed Les Loges Annecy Vieille Ville, which offers apartment-style accommodations in the historic center. For a special splurge, the Impérial Palace has family rooms with lake views and extensive gardens where children can play.
Provence: Lavender Fields and Roman Ruins
“Can we please stay here forever?” My daughter’s question as we picnicked amid blooming lavender fields perfectly captured the magic of Provence. This sun-drenched region offers a sensory feast for families – vibrant colors, intoxicating scents, fascinating history, and of course, delicious food!
We chose to base ourselves in the charming small city of Aix-en-Provence, which provides a perfect balance of culture and convenience. The pedestrian-friendly old town, with its bubbling fountains and plane tree-shaded cafés, became our favorite place for evening strolls and people-watching. Cours Mirabeau, the city’s main boulevard, offered endless entertainment for the kids, from street performers to elaborate fountains perfect for cooling hot hands on summer days.
Lavender fields are Provence’s iconic image, and visiting during the June-July blooming season was absolutely worth planning our trip around. The Valensole Plateau offers the most spectacular displays. I learned that early morning visits not only provide better lighting for photos but also mean fewer crowds and cooler temperatures – crucial considerations when traveling with children! The lavender museum in Coustellet offered interesting context and fun scent-identification activities that the kids enjoyed.
The Provençal markets became morning rituals during our stay. My initially picky eaters gradually grew more adventurous, sampling olives, cheeses, and even tapenade. The market in Lourmarin was particularly child-friendly, with many vendors offering samples and engaging warmly with the kids. I discovered that giving each child a small budget to spend at the market prevented the “I want everything” syndrome while teaching some math and decision-making skills.
The ancient Roman sites scattered throughout Provence captured my history-buff son’s imagination. The amphitheater in Arles, where we watched a (family-friendly) gladiator reenactment, brought history vividly to life. The Pont du Gard aqueduct impressed with its scale and engineering, and the clear river below provided a perfect swimming spot afterward – a refreshing reward after absorbing historical information in the summer heat!
The Camargue region, with its white horses, pink flamingos, and vast wetlands, made for an unforgettable day trip. We took a guided tour in a 4×4 vehicle through the regional park, spotting abundant wildlife and learning about this unique ecosystem. The beach at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer afterward provided a perfect place for the kids to burn off energy after sitting in the vehicle.
One challenge in Provence is the summer heat, which can be intense from July through August. We quickly learned to adopt the local rhythm: early morning activities, long leisurely lunches in shaded locations, afternoon rest or pool time, and then more exploration in the cooler evening hours. Many accommodations don’t have air conditioning, so checking this feature became essential for our summer visits.
Hotel Recommendations in Provence
For accommodations, we stayed at Hôtel des Augustins, housed in a former 12th-century convent right in the historic center. The thick stone walls kept rooms naturally cool, and the location meant we could easily pop back for afternoon rests when the summer heat peaked. For longer stays, we’ve rented apartments in the Mazarin quarter, which offers more space while remaining within walking distance of markets and restaurants.
Disneyland Paris: Magic with a French Twist
I’ll admit it – I was initially reluctant to “waste” precious vacation days at Disneyland when we had all of France to explore. But combining a few days at Disneyland Paris with our longer French vacation turned out to be a brilliant compromise that satisfied everyone in the family. And surprising even myself, this Disney skeptic actually enjoyed the experience!
I discovered that Disneyland Paris has some unique attractions you won’t find at other Disney parks. Sleeping Beauty Castle features an animatronic dragon in its dungeon that fascinated my son, while the Ratatouille ride in the Walt Disney Studios Park captures Parisian charm perfectly. The attention to European storytelling traditions throughout the park adds a special dimension that distinguishes it from its American counterparts.
Planning is essential for making the most of your Disneyland Paris experience. Purchase your tickets in advance. The official app became our best friend, allowing us to check wait times and plan our route accordingly. I found that having a rough schedule while remaining flexible worked best – aiming to hit popular attractions first thing in the morning or during parade times when lines often decrease.
Dining reservations proved more important than I initially realized. Character dining experiences like breakfast at Plaza Gardens Restaurant need to be booked well in advance. For quicker meals, we found the table-service restaurants generally offered better value and experience than counter-service options, especially Bistrot Chez Rémy, themed around Ratatouille, which delighted both children and adults with its creative design and relatively authentic French cuisine.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Disney Village in the evening after park closing. The shopping and entertainment district stays open later than the parks and offers a more relaxed atmosphere. My teenagers particularly enjoyed the free evening concerts during summer months, while the younger ones were captivated by the impressive Disney Store – window shopping only, I quickly established!
A word about timing: if possible, visit mid-week and avoid French school holidays, which can significantly impact crowd levels. We found late September to be ideal, with shorter lines, pleasant weather, and Halloween decorations starting to appear. If summer is your only option, the extended park hours (sometimes until 11 pm) allow you to experience attractions during cooler evening hours when many families with younger children have departed.
Hotel Recommendations in Disneyland Paris
Staying on-site at one of the Disney hotels definitely enhanced our experience, particularly with younger children. We chose Disney’s Newport Bay Club, which offers a complimentary shuttle to the parks and – crucially – Extra Magic Hours, allowing us to enter the parks before the general public. Those early morning hours let us experience popular attractions with minimal waiting, which made a huge difference with impatient little ones.
For families on a tighter budget, the partner hotels located in Disney Village (like the Radisson Blu) offer good value while still providing easy park access. We’ve also stayed at Adagio Marne-la-Vallée Val d’Europe, an apartment-hotel a short free shuttle ride away, which gave us kitchen facilities and more space to decompress after busy park days.
Where to Stay in France With Kids: Top Tips
After years of exploring France with my children through various ages and stages, I’ve come to appreciate how wonderfully diverse and family-friendly this country truly is. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Riviera to the snowy peaks of the Alps, from fairytale castles to world-class museums, France offers experiences that create lasting family memories.
I’ve learned that the key to successful family travel in France is balance – mixing cultural experiences with outdoor adventures, scheduling some activities while leaving room for spontaneity, and acknowledging that sometimes the most memorable moments come from unexpected discoveries rather than carefully planned itineraries.
Remember that French culture genuinely values family time. Don’t be surprised to see multi-generational families enjoying long meals together or children welcomed warmly in settings that might seem sophisticated. Embrace the slower pace, especially around mealtimes, and you’ll find yourself adapting to the rhythm that makes French family life so enviable.
Whatever region you choose to explore with your children, approach your French adventure with an open mind and willingness to step slightly outside your comfort zone. Try new foods, attempt a few French phrases, and follow local family customs when you observe them. Your children will take their cues from you – if you embrace new experiences with enthusiasm, they’re likely to do the same.
Bon voyage and happy memory-making!
