How to Have a Great Family Trip to France

How to Have a Great Family Trip to France

La Belle France

It is debatably the single most popular tourist destination worldwide, and boasts nearly everything a traveler could hope for. Fascinating history; gorgeous natural diversity; passionate people; unparalleled food; peerless wines . . . .

The list goes on and on. Although it is often seen as the ideal romantic getaway, France does offer so much more than candlelit dinners, sparkling champagne, and starlit evening strolls along the Mediterranean. As a worldwide center of culture and art and stunning natural beauty, this is an ideal destination for not only moonstruck lovers but entire families.

There is really no end to the magic. It is a place of endless diversity. Some claim it to be the perfect mingling between the North of Europe and the South, the measured sophistication of Scandinavia and the carefree festivity of the Mediterranean.

In the end, therefore, it’s really impossible to say exactly where as a family you should go, and what exactly you should do. Do some research and choose according to your family’s preferences.

Check out these places for your family vacation to France!

Add Paris to your family trip to France!

It may be recognized as one of the most romantic destinations possible, but la Ville Lumiere has so much to offer just about anyone. Historical landmarks and museums such as the Louvre and the Museum d’Orsay offer the perfect blend of magnificence and culture to spark your children’s historical curiosity. Soaring masterpieces such as Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower are as astounding and monumental to children as to parents, and the joy of seeing them together will surely never be forgotten.

Or you can spend the day in nearby Versailles, immersed in the history of Monarchic France. Return to the city as evening falls and take an evening stroll along the Seine, indulging in the musicians, dancers, and other street performers which throng the city streets.

Other notable Parisian attractions include:

• The quaint and narrow-streeted Jewish Quarter
• The Luxembourg gardens (and a host of other parks)
• The Champs-Élysées (more to enjoy the atmosphere created by swarming tourists than anything else)
• Napoleon’s Arc de Triomphe
• Bois de Boulogne
• The Louvre

Be sure to get the kids involved and interested in your trip to have the best possible family vacation to France! Be sure to take the Louvre activity guide with you for the kids!

CLICK HERE – Kid’s Travel Activity Guide for the Louvre Museum in Paris

Include the Alps in your Family Trip to France

Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria. . . . all across the Alps, each country loves to claim they have the finest. Undeniably however, the French mountains are among the most iconic in the world, and any trip to the country would be incomplete without a visit. The Savoie region is particularly beautiful, panoramic soaring peaks and quiet pastoral valleys and rich with the culture of some of France’s most unchanging traditional life. Sports such as paragliding, skiing, trekking, and mountaineering are unparalleled in this region. The highlight of the entire area of course is Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe west of the Russian Caucasus.

The mountain town Annecy sits alongside one of the most idyllic lakes in all of Europe, nestled among the mighty peaks. Nearby is smaller, quieter Albertville, the site of the 1992 Winter Olympics and trailhead to countless stunning routes for Alpine trekking.

CLICK HERE – Top Things to See in Paris

Include the Mediterranean coast in your Family Trip to France

France’s Mediterranean coastline is one of the most iconic in Europe, a perfect place to take the family for a seaside holiday. Some of the most interesting cities include:

• Marseilles: A port city made vibrant and colorful by medieval architecture and a long history of cross-cultural trade
• Cannes: Resort town boasting flawless beaches and idyllic weather, site of a famed international film festival held every year.
• Nice: The gem of the French Riviera, Nice is known for luxurious resorts, serene pebble beaches, and evocative French architecture and art.
• Perpignan: This is where French begins to mingle with Spain, and more specifically Catalonia. Perpignan has a long history of being attacked and defended by various ruling powers, all of which have contributed to a modern French-Catalan culture of distinctive vibrance.

Read before you go! Learning about the trip gets the kids interested and lets everyone have a more interesting trip!

CLICK HERE – Kids’ Books Set in Paris

Strasbourg belongs on any itinerary for a Family Trip to France

Settled along the Rhine River and boasting an impressive array of gothic architecture, Strasbourg is a place both deeply cultural and politically significant, woven with both echoings of tradition and with possibilities of the future. It is located in the historical region of Alsace and the official seat of the European Parliament. Close to the border of Germany, this city offers an interesting mix of German and French culture (and a touch of pan-European consciousness as well, given the political significance).

Taking the kids? Bring along this kids travel activity guide to keep them happy and engaged!

CLICK HERE – Kids’ Travel Activity Guide for France

The French Pyrenees belongs on your Family Vacation to France itinerary!

The second largest range of mountains in Europe (following the Alps), the Pyrenees trace the border between Spain and France, isolating the Iberian Peninsula from the remainder of Europe. Pleasantly near to the Mediterranean cities, these mountains offer a plethora of attractions such as trekking, extreme sports, and a plethora of historical legends, wars, and politics.

Be sure to get the kids involved and interested in your trip to have the best possible family vacation to France!

CLICK HERE – What to See in Paris with the Kids

About The Author: Cal Bailey runs www.MountainLeon.com – a travel blog he started after two years on backpacking around the world.