Best Family Activities in France

It’s a hot May day in Nîmes, and a gladiator in the ring of Les Arènes winks at my kids.

Giddy, they wave their handkerchiefs and parrot a prayer to the sky god Jupiter. Sat around us are some 12,000 spectators. But we’re not here to watch a rugby or football match. Instead, we’re cheering for chariots under the watchful eye of a toga-clad Emperor at the annual Grands Jeux Romains (Great Roman Games), a rip-roaring reenactment that completely immerses my kids in the ambiance of Antiquity.

Over the years, travel in France hasn’t just delighted my daughters; it’s also served as a crash course in history. We’ve admired prehistoric cave paintings at Lascaux IV and hurled water balloons from medieval catapults. We’ve watched a falconry show at Provins, dressed up in Renaissance garb in Loire Valley châteaux, crawled through WWII bunkers — and that’s just the start.

There have been beach breaks, alpine hikes, and urban escapades. Through it all, I’ve found that family adventures in France have enriched my own travels with a sense of novelty, discovery, and awe. Here are the best things to do with kids in France.

Is France Good for Kids?

Combining crowd-pleasing favorites and offbeat thrills, France is an easy sell for family travel. From giant marionette parades to the Fête de la Musique, the country that exudes joie de vivre is all-inclusive for children. Just look at the culinary ritual of the goûter. The afternoon snack isn’t just enjoyed by kids when they get out of school; it’s part of the cultural fabric, a moment even channeled by pastry chefs on chic restaurant menus.

The tourism infrastructure is excellent. Even small rural villages have dedicated tourist offices with children’s activities such as themed jeux de piste (treasure hunts). Likewise, French museums set the standard for kid-centric games and workshops. Many museums offer free admission for kids or a forfait tribu (special family rate) for two adults and two children.

Playgrounds are as prolific as pâtisseries. When it comes to navigating cities, umbrella strollers are practical for sidewalks but it’s best to bring a baby carrier to avoid the headaches of cobblestone streets, not to mention the ubiquitous stairs in the Paris metro.

Children are not frowned upon at restaurants. From a young age, kids eat multi-course meals with their parents (fromage included). That being said, we’d only recommend bringing your enfants sages (well-behaved children) to a Michelin-starred establishment if they won’t disturb other diners. Searching for a family-friendly spot? All-day brasseries and casual crêperies are good options with often a good-value kids’ menu, inclusive of drinks and desserts.

If you’ve rented a self-catering holiday home and need to stock up on food and nappies, keep in mind that supermarkets in the countryside often close on Sundays, and sometimes for a post-lunch period.

Where is Best in France for Kids?

From the tidal marvels of the Baie de Somme to the big-wave surf of Basque Country, the French coast offers a dizzying array of delights. For a beach break, the wide sandy shores of the Atlantic coast are a draw, as are Brittany’s secluded coves. The Côte d’Azur may be known for unabashed luxury, but you can find your own slice of family-friendly paradise.

Culture-packed Paris is a feast for all ages. Where else can you make a date with Monet in the morning, climb a medieval tower in the afternoon, followed by a Seine river cruise and a cone of chocolate mousse?

And la cerise sur le gâteau (the icing on the cake)? Jumping on a trampoline surrounded by palm trees in the jardin des Tuileries. Another kid-approved playground: the Dordogne Valley, where you can combine river canoeing with prehistoric cave art, châteaux, and fortified villages. Then there’s the Loire Valley, where you can relive the glory days of the French monarchy in extravagant châteaux.

For outdoor adventure, make a break for the French Alps. Summer thrills include wildlife spotting, hiking, and rafting, while the winter season lures families to the pistes. Kids are welcomed in ski resorts’ dedicated jardins de neige (snow gardens) starting at age three.

Best Things to Do in France with Babies and Toddlers

Stay on a Car-Free Island

Is there anything better than frolicking on an idyllic French beach? Enjoying those frolics on a car-free island, where you don’t have to worry about chasing a toddler away from traffic, is ideal. Consider destinations like Île de Batz and Île-de-Bréhat in Brittany, Île de Porquerolles in the Riviera’s Hyères archipelago, and Île d’Aix, a small island off the west coast.

Take a Deep Dive at a Museum

France has a museum for every hobby and taste, and most major institutions give new parents priority access that allows you to cut the queue if you’ve got a baby in tow. For older kids, museums organize ateliers (workshops) on Wednesday afternoons and weekends, providing engaging ways to learn.

The Best Things to Do in France with Kids

Marvel at Les Machines

A street-theater troupe in Nantes launched this whimsical, steampunk-style project that feels as if it’s straight out of a Jules Verne novel. With a giant mechanical elephant carrying 49 passengers, this attraction became a wonderland for kids, complete with a multi-tiered carousel featuring fantastical sea creatures.

Search for Invaders

The anonymous French street artist known as Invader has a global following for his mosaic artwork inspired by 1980s video games. He’s ‘invaded’ cities, primarily Paris. Engage your kids in a fun treasure hunt by capturing photos of his mosaics using an app.

Hit the Theme Parks

France boasts not only Disneyland Paris but also numerous theme parks. Futuroscope makes learning fun with cinematic experiences, while Parc Astérix celebrates beloved comic characters. For history buffs, Puy du Fou brings the past to life with dramatic spectacles.

Nest in the Trees (or in a Lighthouse)

Enhance your trip by checking into unique accommodations. Sleep in a lighthouse keeper’s house, or consider a treehouse in the Loire Valley. Adventurous families can even opt to slumber among wild animals at the Safari Lodge of the Zoo de La Flèche.

Best Things to Do in France with Teenagers and Tweens

Pursue a Passion

Encourage your teen to choose activities based on their interests. Consider cooking classes, food tours in cities, or attending music festivals. Engage them in local culture through artistic performances and more.

Terroir on Two Wheels

Biking in France offers thrilling adventures while appreciating the scenery. The country is filled with routes, whether for a single-day outing or a week-long journey. Families can also consider e-bike hires for efficient travel.

Look for Outdoor Thrills and Spills

Nature offers countless opportunities for outdoor fun. From spotting marmots in the mountains to communing with monkeys, nature adventures captivate teens. Engage in exciting sports like rafting to keep their interests alive.

Planning Tips

This guide provides essential information conducive to promoting enjoyable family trips across France, highlighting activities suitable for various age groups and interests.