Top 5 Things to Do in France with Kids

Paris is a must on any vacation to France, the capital coming alive at night, with the Eiffel Tower lit up and visible from far and wide, a fairytale-like setting for children of all ages.

Discover impressive architecture in the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the many bridges that saddle the Seine. Marvel at the pink roofs and walls of buildings in Toulouse and step back in time as you walk the streets of Old Lyon. Run through the fountains at Promenade des Paillon in Nice or stroll through the quaint streets of Annecy.

The cities in France are historically and aesthetically captivating, offering a little something for every member of your family.

Family-Friendly Highlights: Boat tour along the Seine River in Paris • Stroll the Promenade du Paillon in Nice • Explore Annecy • Discover Lyon’s Old Town • Embrace the ambiance of Toulouse

Enjoy vibe and excitement throughout the French Riviera as coastal towns, secluded beaches, and non-stop adventure take you from one end of the Cote d’Azur to another. Experience parasailing off the coast in Villefranche or take a boat ride in the afternoon in the popular city of Marseille, said to be the oldest in France.

A delightful rock pool invites children of all ages to play in Beaulieu-sur-Mer and take a walk along the breathtaking coastal hiking path of Le Sentier du Littoral in Antibes. Spend time in picture-postcard Menton, with its colorful architecture, and hop on the Little Train to take in the sites of Montpellier.

Family-Friendly Highlights: Villefranche • Menton • Montpellier • Le Sentier du Littoral, Cap d’Antibes • Marseilles

The Normandy region is steeped in battle history and beauty that sprouts on beaches, in valleys, and on breathtaking cliffs. Farming is abundant and kids revel in the great outdoors as they get the chance to experience French farm life.

Take the opportunity to explore seemingly never-ending cycling paths, stopping off at towns such as Giverny to rest a while and embrace local charm.

Hike trails that run from Vallee des Moulins to Mont St Michel, the latter a highlight as the picturesque abbey sets a fairytale scene, just one example of dramatic churches and cathedrals to be found in the area.

Family-Friendly Highlights: Mont St Michel • Caen Cathédrale • Bayeux • Rouen • Vallée des Moulins

France’s southwest is home to beautiful Bordeaux, a city steeped in history and known for its love of art and, of course, wine. It is also one of the country’s top family-friendly places to visit.

Let your little ones splash around the Miroir D’Eau water stage set in front of the Place de la Bourse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or enroll them in art classes.

Step a little further into the Dordogne River area and the town with the same name to discover some of Europe’s oldest cave paintings, medieval castles, gorgeous chateaux, valleys, and views that stretch for miles.

Family-Friendly Highlights: Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux • Miroir D’Eau, Bordeaux • Dordogne River • Lascaux Caves, Dordogne • Horse Riding in Dordogne

Traveling through the dramatic countryside is a peaceful way for a family to explore a landscape as beautiful as France and Provence stands out as one of the most tranquil regions to traverse. Fountains, waterfalls, rivers, and the Mediterranean Sea quench several towns and cities in the Provencal region.

Some, such as Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, with its antique toy and doll museum, or Avignon, with its old-fashioned carousel, exude charm. Visit Sault and marvel at the purple painting in front of you, created by miles of lavender fields. Stroll the Course Mirabeau or wander the gardens of Pavillon de Vendome in popular Aix-en-Provence.

Family-Friendly Highlights: Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue • Town of Avignon • Aix-en-Provence Mansions • Lavender Fields, Sault • Market in Gordes

France is a country bursting with beauty, knowledge, and charm, where children of all ages are captivated by cities and valleys, mountains and coastline. From the Eiffel Tower to skiing in Les Arcs, walking walled cities and playing on the beach, France can offer a wonderland of possibilities for families of all kinds.

Find the information you need to create the right trip for you with our France travel guide or by finding inspiration in our France family vacations.