Exploring France: Top 5 Family-Friendly Destinations for a Memorable Holiday

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When you first decide to plan a holiday in France with the family you need to decide what type of holiday you're looking for. France has so much to offer and we are really keen to explore as much as we can. France is such as beautiful country and it can offer a variety of family-friendly holidays that cater to all ages. Whether your children are thrill-seekers and would enjoy a trip to Disneyland Paris, a holiday at La Pointe du Médoc campsite : A relaxing break in the Médoc region, a historical visit to Bordeaux, a city break to Nice or even a skiing adventure in the French Alps, France has you covered. Here are our top five different destinations in France that promise an unforgettable adventure for you and your kids.

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A Thrilling Trip To Disneyland Paris





Sleeping Beauty castle at Disneyland Paris. A family friendly destination in France


A Thrilling Trip to Disneyland Paris

You know we love our trips to Disneyland Paris. We have been so many times over the years and it never gets old in fact it just keeps getting better. Disneyland Paris is a magical experience for children and adults whether you like rides or not.

Why Disneyland Paris?
Disneyland Paris has something for everyone. Honestly whether you are 0-99 you cannot dislike Disneyland Paris. You have the choice of 2 parks, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Both parks have no shortage of rides, shows, and attractions to keep everyone entertained. 

Must See / Do Attractions
For us everything in Disneyland Paris is a must see as you really don't want to miss anything out but if you are short on time or want to just skip to the highlights then here's what we would recommend. 

Sleeping Beauty Castle - There is nothing better than walking down Main Street for the first time on your holiday and seeing Sleeping Beauty's castle. It makes me cry everytime. It's such an iconic fairytale landmark and the centre of Disneyland Paris. It's just perfect. 

Peter Pan's Flight - This classic ride takes your family on an adventure through the sky in a magic pirate ship. Fly over a starlit London and straight on to Neverland. This ride get's very busy but it really is a must do. If you are staying onsite make the use of magic hours to head straight to Fantasyland to hop on board. 

Ratatouille - The Adventure - I remember this being built and being able to see it in the distance whilst on some of the higher rides. Located in Walt Disney Studios Park, the ride shrinks you down to the size of a rat as you join Remy on a chase through Gusteau’s restaurant. It’s a perfect blend of humour, excitement, and innovation. Unfortunately the ride is no longer 3D which is such a shame but we've rode it since it changed and it's still just as good!

a waterwall in Nice, france


City Break to Nice

Although we have only visited Nice as a couple I remember thinking when we were there that it would be a fantastic choice for a family-friendly holiday. Located on the French Riviera, Nice offers stunning Mediterranean views, beautiful architecture, and a variety of activities that will be fun and exciting for the whole family.

Why Nice?
Nice is an ideal city for families who want to experience the charm of the French Riviera while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. The city is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot, and offers a wide range of activities, from beach days to cultural excursions.

Must See / Do Attractions
We absolutely loved Nice and tried to cram in as much as we possibly could including spending a day in Monaco. Again if you are short on time or just want to experience the highlights then this is what we would choose. 

Promenade des Anglais - The seafront promenade is famous for it's wide boulevard that's lined with palm trees overlooking the Mediterranean. As well as the beach being open to the public there are areas that are privately owned and you can hire sun loungers, parasols and enjoy waiter service too. 

Castle Hill (Colline du Château) - I always look for an attraction that offers views from a height and Castle Hill offers just that. The views of Nice and the coastline are stunning. You can take the family up to Castle Hill as in addition to steps there is a lift so perfect for pushchairs. The park on top of the hill offers playgrounds, gardens, and ruins to explore, making it a great spot for a picnic.

Nice Old Town (Vieux Nice) - Wander through the narrow streets of Nice’s Old Town, and you will feel like you've left France and wandered in to Italy. The colourful buildings, bustling markets, and charming squares are so charming and there are so many chances to enjoy a gelato from one of the many ice cream parlours.

birds eye view of France's family friendly campsite La Pointe du Médoc


A Relaxing Holiday at La Pointe du Médoc Campsite

If your family is just like ours and enjoys the great outdoors, you could consider spending your holiday at La Pointe du Médoc campsite. Located in the southwestern part of France, near Bordeaux, this family-friendly campsite offers a relaxing environment with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

Why La Pointe du Médoc?
La Pointe du Médoc is the perfect destination for families who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature. There is no better way to enjoy quality family time than on a campsite surrounded by pine forests and sandy beaches. As there are 3 boys in our family camping is always top of the list! 

Must See / Do Attractions
The Beach - The campsite is located near some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. We love the water so spending a day swimming, sunbathing and building sandcastles is a perfect day for us. The  gentle waves have made this a popular choice for those with children as we all know they love to paddle in the sea.

The Pine Forest - If you choose to go for a walk when you want to relax then the surrounding pine forests offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and nature walks. You can explore the trails together as a family just make sure you don't get lost! Something we always tend to do but it usually adds to the fun!

Swimming Pool Complex - The campsite has a fantastic swimming pool complex with water slides, a paddling pool, and a heated outdoor pool. It’s a great place for the kids to splash around while parents relax by the poolside.

two people skiing in the franch alps, a family friendly activity in France


An Adventurous Skiing Holiday in the French Alps

For families who love adventure, a skiing holiday in the French Alps is an exhilarating option. The French Alps are home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, offering a range of slopes suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Big J went skiing when he was in primary school and I will be forever jealous that he had such a life changing experience without us.

Why the French Alps?
The French Alps offer a perfect blend of excitement, natural beauty, and family-friendly amenities. Skiing is a fantastic way to keep active during the winter months, and the Alps’ stunning scenery provides a breathtaking backdrop for your holiday.

Must Visit Resorts
Les Gets - Les Gets is a charming, family-friendly resort that’s part of the Portes du Soleil ski area. The resort offers a variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels, as well as ski schools that cater specifically to children.

La Plagne - La Plagne is another excellent choice for families, with its wide, gentle slopes and extensive beginner areas. The resort also has a range of activities beyond skiing, including sledging, ice skating, and snowshoeing.

Val d’Isère - For families with older children or more experienced skiers, Val d’Isère offers more challenging slopes and off-piste opportunities. The resort has a lively atmosphere and plenty of après-ski activities for families to enjoy.

Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror) in Bordeaux, a family friendly holiday destination in France


A Historical Visit to Bordeaux

For a holiday that combines history, culture, and family-friendly activities, Bordeaux is an excellent choice. This UNESCO World Heritage city in southwestern France is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and world-class vineyards.

Why Bordeaux?
Bordeaux is next on our city break list. I assumed that it would not be family friendly however it's quite the opposite. Bordeaux is a city that effortlessly blends old-world charm with modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for a family holiday. The city is pedestrian-friendly, with wide boulevards, parks, and plenty of attractions to keep both adults and children engaged.

Must See / Do Attractions
Place de la Bourse - One of Bordeaux’s most famous landmarks, Place de la Bourse, is a stunning example of classical French architecture. The nearby Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror) is a huge hit with kids, who will love playing in the shallow water or watching the mist rise.

Cité du Vin - While wine tasting may not be on your kids’ agenda, the Cité du Vin offers an immersive experience that’s fun for the whole family. This wine museum features interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and even a boat ride that takes you through the history of wine.

Les Bassins des Lumières - This digital art centre, housed in a former submarine base, offers an inspiring experience with its large-scale, immersive exhibitions. The combination of art, music, and technology is sure to captivate children and adults alike.

As you can see France is a fantastic destination for a family holiday. We have been lucky to visit parts of France however we have so much more to explore. If you've been putting off that trip I hope our post has convinced you that not only is France a beautiful country , it offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, gather the family, and embark on an unforgettable adventure in France with the kids!


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