Traveling to France with kids | Everything You Need to Know

France holds the title of the world’s most visited tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why. Paris, with its cultural richness and romantic allure, draws millions, while the rest of the country captivates visitors with stunning landscapes, layers of history, and activities ranging from skiing in the Alps to basking in the sun on the French Riviera.

Although France often conjures images of couples in love or backpackers roaming through Europe, it’s also a treasure trove of family-friendly adventures. With an abundance of activities, sports, and attractions tailored for children, little ones are sure to tire themselves out in no time. To truly enjoy your trip, resist the temptation to cram in every must-see spot—France is best approached like a fine meal: savored slowly and shared, offering an enriching and memorable experience for the entire family.

For families with younger children, the long sandy beaches and countryside villas provide the ideal mix of fun and relaxation, with poolside afternoons and leisurely strolls through picturesque villages. Meanwhile, families with older kids can opt for urban explorations, cycling or canoeing through the scenic countryside, or heading to the mountains, which promise excitement in every season, whether winter or summer.

Is France good for kids?

France truly shines as a family destination, offering an incredible mix of entertainment, education, and outdoor fun for kids of all ages. From the magic of Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix to the storybook charm of Loire Valley castles, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. Outdoor adventures like hiking in the Alps, canoeing along the Dordogne, or relaxing on the calm, child-friendly beaches of the Arcachon Basin and Riviera add even more variety. Museums like Paris’ Cité des Sciences captivate children with interactive exhibits, while hands-on food workshops, such as cheese-making, create shared family memories.

Traveling around is also stress-free, thanks to family discounts on trains and convenient rest stops. Many restaurants offer kid-friendly menus, and family-focused ski resorts in winter or camping adventures in summer make the seasons equally exciting. On top of it all, France’s warm and welcoming culture ensures children are embraced wherever they go.

Where is best in France for kids?

Traveling with babies and toddlers in France can be both enjoyable and hassle-free, thanks to the many family-friendly activities and services available across the country. Here are some top suggestions to make your trip memorable:

Visit Parks and Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens (Paris): This charming garden offers playgrounds, puppet shows, and pony rides, ideal for young children.
Jardin des Plantes (Paris): A large botanical garden with a zoo and various child-friendly activities.
Parc Bordelais (Bordeaux): A spacious park with a serene lake, perfect for toddlers to explore.

Explore Zoos and Aquariums

Parc Zoologique de Paris: A modern zoo that showcases a wide variety of animals, perfect for little ones to discover.
Aquarium de Paris: Located in Trocadéro, this aquarium has an impressive collection of marine life that will captivate toddlers.
La Palmyre Zoo (Charente-Maritime): A well-kept zoo with animals from around the globe, ideal for family visits.

Family-Friendly Museums

Cité des Sciences (Paris): While the main exhibits are geared towards older kids, the “Cité des Enfants” area offers sensory play and interactive activities for toddlers.
Musée d’Orsay (Paris): A stroller-friendly museum filled with fascinating art that even toddlers can enjoy in small bursts.

Take a River Cruise

Seine River Cruise (Paris): A calm, baby-friendly boat tour of Paris, allowing you to enjoy the sights without too much walking.
Boat trips on the Loire: In the Loire Valley, opt for peaceful boat rides along tranquil rivers or lakes.

Beaches and Nature

Arcachon Basin (Nouvelle-Aquitaine): Gentle sandy beaches with shallow waters, perfect for toddlers to play safely.
Île de Ré (Atlantic Coast): Calm, sandy beaches where young children can paddle and explore.

Amusement Parks (For Toddlers)

Futuroscope (Poitiers): Known for its futuristic attractions, Futuroscope offers gentle rides and interactive play areas for toddlers.
Parc Astérix (Paris): While there are rides for older kids, this park also has toddler-friendly attractions featuring characters from the famous comic books.

Visit Farms or Petting Zoos

La Ferme de Gally (Versailles): A delightful farm where toddlers can interact with animals in a safe and fun environment.
Le Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix (Lorraine): An animal park with a variety of species and interactive experiences for young children.

Take Scenic Walks

Montmartre (Paris): Explore the charming streets of Montmartre with your toddler in a stroller, taking in the sights, cafés, and small parks.
Dune du Pilat (Nouvelle-Aquitaine): The world’s tallest sand dune, offering stunning views and a gentle walk that’s great for toddlers.

Indoor Play Centers

Les Grands Gamins (Paris): An indoor play center designed for toddlers with safe and engaging activities.
Baby-Club (Bordeaux): A play area with soft play zones and interactive activities for young children.

Relaxing in Cafés and Restaurants

Many French cafés and restaurants are family-friendly, offering high chairs, kids’ menus, and sometimes even play areas. Relax and enjoy local cuisine while your toddler enjoys the attention.

These activities combine outdoor fun, indoor exploration, and cultural experiences in ways that are easy to manage with young children, ensuring your trip to France is enjoyable for the whole family.

Best things to do in France with teenagers and tweens

France offers a range of exciting activities for teens and tweens, blending culture, adventure, and fun. Here are some of the best things to do:

French Riviera Exploration

Cannes & Nice: Teens can enjoy the beach, shopping, and the Promenade des Anglais. There are outdoor activities like water sports and exploring old towns.
Antibes: This vibrant town offers hiking, culture, and the Picasso Museum.

Amusement and Adventure Parks

Parc Astérix (Paris): A theme park with thrilling roller coasters and fun attractions based on comic books.
Futuroscope (Poitiers): A futuristic park with interactive exhibits, virtual reality rides, and science-based attractions.
Puy du Fou (Les Epesses): A historical park with live shows, such as medieval jousting and Viking battles.

Outdoor Adventures

Rock Climbing in Fontainebleau: Challenge yourself with rock climbing in this beautiful forest.
Hiking in the Alps or Pyrenees: Scenic hikes with varying difficulty levels, offering stunning views of nature.
Canoeing or Kayaking in Dordogne: Paddle through rivers and explore caves, castles, and landscapes.

Historical Sites and Castles

Loire Valley Castles: Explore iconic castles like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau.
Mont Saint-Michel (Normandy): A medieval abbey perched on an island, with steep streets and a fascinating history.
Roman Arena in Nîmes: A well-preserved Roman amphitheater where you can imagine ancient gladiator battles.

Surfing and Water Sports

Biarritz & Hossegor: Perfect surf spots for teens, with surf schools for beginners.

Paris Street Culture

Street Art Tours: Explore Paris’ street art scene, including murals and graffiti in neighborhoods like Belleville and Le Marais.
Catacombs of Paris: An underground labyrinth offering a slightly spooky adventure.
Montmartre: Climb the hill to explore the artistic neighborhood and visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Natural Wonders

Verdon Gorge (Provence): Enjoy breathtaking views, hiking, and kayaking in this stunning canyon.
Château de Carcassonne (Languedoc): A medieval fortified city with walls, towers, and winding streets to explore.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Chamonix or Val Thorens: Ideal for teens who love skiing, snowboarding, or other winter activities.
Les Deux Alpes: Another great resort with slopes and terrain parks for snowboarding.

Unique Museums

Musée du Louvre (Paris): Discover famous art, including the Mona Lisa and ancient Egyptian artifacts.
Musée d’Orsay (Paris): Explore beautiful impressionist art by artists like Van Gogh and Monet.
Cité des Sciences (Paris): A science museum with hands-on exhibits and fun activities for curious teens.

Shopping and Fashion

Le Marais (Paris): A trendy neighborhood full of boutiques for fashion-forward teens.
La Vallée Village: A shopping outlet near Paris, perfect for teens who love fashion and want to grab designer pieces at a discount.

Planning tips

The French rail network is an efficient alternative to autoroute tolls and traffic jams, offering free travel for children under four. For those aged 27-59 who frequently travel, the Carte Avantage Adulte provides a 30% discount on train journeys in France and Europe, as well as a 60% discount for up to three accompanying children aged 4-11.

In Paris, children under four also travel for free on the RATP public transportation system, with half-price fares for children up to the age of 10.

To ensure a smooth experience, always verify the opening hours of restaurants and museums, and make reservations ahead of time to avoid any inconvenience.