France tops so many bucket lists, and with good reason. Paris may be the headliner, but France family travel is about so much more than the Eiffel Tower. Hiking, mountaintop playgrounds, and adventure sports in the Alps; castles in the Loire, glitz and glam along the Riviera, slow life and fine dining in Provence, and even surfing on the southwest coast — whatever your family’s interests, France delivers.
France with kids sometimes gets flagged as tricky, especially around dining. But in practice, it’s remarkably doable. Nearly every restaurant has a menu d’enfant — often steak frites or chicken nuggets with fries — and what child doesn’t love crepes, baguettes, and croissants? Sure, it’s carb-heavy, but it’s their vacation too. Between leisurely family meals, picnics are a breeze: baguettes, cheese, fruit, pastries, done.
France that really lends itself to slower travel with kids. Even in Paris, it’s the carousels that steal the show. Beyond the big city, though, cobblestone streets, cozy cafĂ©s, and walkable towns across the country bring the same charm with far fewer crowds, and we can’t wait to show you and your family the softer sides of France.Â
As a French speaker who studied abroad in Montpellier, I couldn’t wait to spend some real time in France with kids. During a six-week scouting trip, the carousels became our kids’ obsession — and honestly, ours too. In Paris, Provence, and even small coastal towns, we seemed to stumble upon one every afternoon. Every evening in St Remy, after a leisurely family dinner, the kids begged for “just one more ride.” Watching them spin against the backdrop of Provence , we realized: sometimes the simplest traditions are what kids remember most.
– Lee, Founder of Mango Tree TravelÂ
 It goes without saying that France is known for all the landmarks in Paris, world-class food and wine, castles in the Loire, lavender fields in Provence, and glamorous beaches along the Mediterranean.
French is the official language, and French people really appreciate the effort. Saying “bonjour” when you enter a store or restaurant will set the right tone, even if you don’t otherwise speak French.
Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, but smaller cafés and markets still appreciate cash.
France is large and varied. Paris is busy and cultural; the countryside is slower, with cobblestones, markets, and cafés that kids can explore more freely. Each region has its own character, from surf towns to wine valleys.
High-speed trains connect most regions quickly and comfortably. But driving is ideal in countryside locations like Provence, the Loire, or the southwest coast if you want flexibility. In Paris with kids, the metro will be your best friend.
No more than 3 days in a city for your first trip to France with kids, then get yourself out to the countryside. Choose boutique hotels in town centers, castles and manor houses in the country, and chalet-style hotels in the mountains.Â
Peak Season: June to August — hot, lively, with festivals and lots of visitors. Paris empties out in late August when Parisians flee to the beach. Mid-December to Mid-March is the peak season for Alpine skiing.Â
Shoulder Season: April–May and September–October — mild weather, fewer crowds. Â
No Go: Our take: Avoid Paris in the peak of summer if you can; a heatwave plus crowds could ruin your fun. Be prepared for grey weather November – February outside of ski regions (Though Paris sparkles with holiday spirit that time of year)
Direct flights to Paris (CDG and ORY) run daily from most major U.S. cities. Â Geneva is also a great entry point for the Alps, and direct international flights to Nice are also on the rise (including a seasonal flight from Washington, DC).
France with kids offers a mix of iconic culture and simple pleasures. We can’t generalize the country as a whole, but the reasons to choose each region differ:Â
And this is just the beginning! With so much variety, France family travel can be as fast-paced or as slow as you want it to be — and always unforgettable.
Hossegor (Soorts-Hossegor), Southwest France, France
Paris, France
Lake Geneva Region, France
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France
Zoe Petit's neighborhood tours for families Paris are a hit among Mango Tree clients, carefully designed to entertain the whole family.
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A Seine river cruise is an absolutely must-do in Paris with kids. But if crowds aren't your vibe, splurge on a private cruise with champagne that gets rave reviews.
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Switzerland may be known as the land for paragliding, but they dot the skies in the French alps and kids as young as 5 can do tandem beginner flights!
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Surfing is such a fun thing to try together as a family, and France's southwest coast is known for beginner waves. After hitting the water, delight in the cuisine and culture of French Basque country for an amazing experience.
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Paris may be famous for the Eiffel Tower, but kids are often more excited hunting for “Space Invaders” — little mosaics hidden on street corners by a French artist who never imagined his work would become the ultimate family scavenger hunt.
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Table of Contents Trade the summer crowds for alpine air — the French Alps in summer are where family adventures truly begin. When the rest of Europe swelters, the French Alps stay blissfully cool. The outdoor activities for kids are endless—and every view is delightful. We believe the Alps are Europe’s best-kept secret for families, […]
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Table of Contents For many parents, the idea of a family trip to Europe feels overwhelming. With our help, it won’t. We get it: The long flight, the jet lag, different languages, and unfamiliar cities and transportation systems seems like too much to handle with kids. But here’s the thing – millions of families travel […]
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Table of Contents You’ve heard it before: Ski trips to Europe are the best kept secret in family travel. We’re here to tell you – it’s true. Skiing in the Alps has always been a dream of mine. But even as a professional travel planner, it somehow felt overwhelming. Surely, it would be an expensive, […]
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You don’t need to go all the way to France to practice your French. For something a little closer to home, visit one of the French speaking countries in the Caribbean. Your French practice can come with a relaxing side of sand and sea.  What pairs better with a tropical beach getaway than a laissez-faire attitude, […]
Learn More“Hi Lee, we had a fantastic trip. My boys can’t wait to go back! Both hotels were top-notch, with wonderful accommodations and super-nice staff. The tour to Chenonceau was the highlight of my wife’s week in France. We had her favorite and my second favorite tour guide. Just awesome. When we visit France again – and we definitely will – we will want to spend more time in the Loire Valley. Gorgeous. I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank you for all your assistance in putting this trip together. I (obviously) could not have done it without you. I’ll sing your praises to all who will listen!”
Patrick, family of 4, Spring Break 2025
Portugal is one of the easiest first European trips with kids—close, welcoming, and stress-free to navigate. Explore the winding streets of Lisbon, let your kids run along the surf beaches of the Algarve, or wander the vineyards of the Douro Valley. The climate is mild year-round, and the lifestyle is laid-back. Wherever you go, kids are greeted with open arms.
Switzerland is an outdoor playground for families—starting younger than you might expect with incredible family hotels. In summer, hike between mountain huts with teens or ride gondolas to sky-high playgrounds with toddlers. Winter brings world-class ski schools, cozy chalets, and car-free villages. With everything running on time, you can focus on adventure, not logistics.
FrenchSaint Martin The French side of Saint Martin is a great option for families who love food, beachside cafes, and Mediterranean vibes. We have a handful of boutique hotels, but it’s also a fabulous island for villa rentals. It’s perfect for independent families who like a bit of luxury with the option to explore.
