Madagascar with kids

France might have a reputation for sophistication, but it’s surprisingly easy to explore with kids. From hidden gems to family-friendly spots, there’s more than meets the eye. This guide digs into the practical side of traveling to France with kids, spotlighting regional perks and offering simple tips to make your trip smoother—without the usual stress. 

France with kids: what to expect

France is easy to explore with kids. Many places work well for families without needing to plan every minute. At Versailles, kids can run through huge gardens and check out the Hall of Mirrors. In Paris, the Cité des Sciences has hands-on exhibits that are fun and low-pressure. Brittany’s beaches are great for sandcastles and calmer swimming. In winter, family-friendly ski towns like Avoriaz have gentle slopes and sledding areas. France doesn’t require over-the-top planning—it just helps to know where things are set up for kids. This guide walks you through what to expect so the trip stays manageable and fun.

10 tips for traveling to France with kids

Traveling to France with kids can be a great experience if you plan it with a bit of flexibility. There’s a lot to see, but it doesn’t have to feel hectic. With parks, museums, beaches, and easy ways to get around, it’s a place where you can keep kids entertained without running yourself into the ground. Here are a few things that help when in France with kids.

1. Pack your itinerary with plenty of breaks

It helps to break up busy sightseeing days with downtime. If you’re heading to the Eiffel Tower or a big museum like the Louvre, try to pair it with something more relaxed—maybe a playground, a garden, or just time to hang out with a snack. Luxembourg Gardens in Paris is great for this, with things like pony rides and a big play area. In Lyon, Parc de la Tête d'Or has a zoo and boats you can rent. It’s also worth slowing the pace—spending a few days in each spot instead of rushing between cities makes things easier on everyone.

2. Use France’s public transportation

Getting around France is pretty straightforward. Trains are usually the easiest way to get between cities. The TGV is fast and comfortable, and you can reserve seats in family areas on some routes. Kids get discounts, and you can bring snacks and spread out a bit. Within cities like Paris, the Metro gets you just about anywhere, though it’s not always the easiest with a stroller—lots of stairs and not many elevators. For countryside trips or smaller towns, renting a car can make things easier, especially if you’ve got young kids who need more frequent stops. 

3. Pick accommodations wisely

Apartments or apart-hotels can be helpful—having a kitchen and separate sleeping spaces makes mornings and bedtimes less stressful. Some hotels have family rooms or connecting rooms, but not always, so it’s good to check the setup before you book. If you're in the countryside, a farm stay (called a gîte rural) can be a fun way for kids to get outside, see animals, and try something different. In Paris, areas like the Marais or the 5th arrondissement are fairly central. For more tips for your trip, our guide to how to plan a trip to France might be useful. 

4. Visit during the shoulder season

Late spring or early fall tends to work well—it’s usually warm enough to be outside, and places aren’t as crowded as they are in peak summer. July and August can be good for beach days, but they’re also the busiest months, and prices usually go up. In Paris especially, a lot of locals go on vacation in August, so some smaller shops and restaurants close. Winter can still be nice, especially around the holidays in cities like Strasbourg or Colmar, though the weather can limit how much time you spend outside. More on that in our guide to the best time to visit France. 

5. Navigate French dining with young eaters

Mealtimes in France tend to run late—lunch around 12:30 PM, dinner not before 7:30 PM. If your kids are used to eating earlier, it’s a good idea to keep some snacks on hand for in between. When you're out and about, look for places with a service continu sign. That means the kitchen’s open outside of standard hours, which can be a lifesaver. Most spots will have a menu enfant or will do smaller portions if you ask. And if sitting through a long restaurant meal feels like too much, grabbing fresh bread, fruit, and cheese from a market and having a picnic in a park is an easy option.

6. Don’t skip kid-friendly museums and cultural sites

Plenty of museums in France actually do a great job with kids. In Paris, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is super interactive and hands-on, while the Centre Pompidou runs creative workshops specifically for younger visitors. Even the Louvre can work with kids—as long as you keep it short and use their family map to focus the visit. Outside Paris, Vulcania in Auvergne teaches kids about volcanoes through simulations and play, and Carcassonne is a fortified town that feels like a real-life storybook. Many museums run special family programs on Wednesdays and weekends, so it’s worth checking their websites when you’re planning your days.

7. Take a day to see a natural wonder

If you’re looking to spend time outdoors, there’s plenty that works well with kids. The beaches near La Rochelle and Île de Ré are good for younger swimmers, with calm water and wide sandy stretches. In the Alps, you can ride a cable car up to family-friendly hiking trails once the snow melts. The Camargue region has wild horses, flamingos, and local ranches that kids tend to find exciting. And in the Dordogne Valley, you can visit places like Lascaux IV—a full-scale replica of ancient caves—set up in a way that’s easier for kids to understand and enjoy.

8. Practice the art of slow travel

It’s tempting to try to see everything, but slowing down can make the trip better for everyone. Kids often remember the smaller moments more than the big sights—feeding ducks along a canal, watching croissants being made, or chatting with someone at a market. Try staying in one area, like Normandy or Burgundy, and doing short trips instead of changing locations constantly. Small towns like Eguisheim in Alsace or Collioure down south feel manageable and still give you a strong sense of place. Letting your kids pick out fruit at the market or order something in French can help some feel more involved.
 

9. Don’t miss local markets

Markets are a fun way for kids to learn a few words of French and try out new foods. Most towns have one weekly, and it’s a good way to get them talking and trying things. In Paris, Bonpoint and Du Pareil au Même are nice for kids’ clothes, and La Grande Récré is great for toys. Galeries Lafayette also has a full kids’ section with play areas and events during school breaks—handy if the weather turns. Giving older kids a small amount of euros to manage on their own can also be a nice way to spend a day.

10. Prioritize health and safety

France has solid healthcare, but it’s still smart to be prepared. Bring any medication your kids might need, plus basics like child-safe pain relievers, band-aids, and sunscreen—especially if you’re visiting in summer. If you're coming from an EU country, carry your European Health Insurance Card. If not, make sure your travel insurance covers everything you need. It also helps to teach kids a few basic phrases in French and make sure they know how to call 112 in an emergency. In busy areas like the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame, agree on a meeting spot just in case you get separated. Writing your phone number on a card and putting it in their pocket or backpack is never a bad idea either.

Things to do in France with kids

France is great for families—it’s got a bit of everything, and most places are used to kids being around. Beyond the Eiffel Tower, you’ll find castles to climb, beaches to dig around in, science museums where kids can actually touch stuff, and theme parks that aren’t just for little ones. 

Paris

Paris might sound like a grown-up city, but there’s a lot for kids too. The Luxembourg Gardens are a nice spot for a break—there’s a playground, pony rides, a vintage carousel, and space to run around. Over at Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, kids can mess around with interactive exhibits, check out a real submarine, and try hands-on experiments grouped by age. If you're looking for something a little slower paced, the Boulangerie Museum is fun—kids can watch how traditional bread is made and get a sense of what goes into those baguettes you see everywhere. For staying in the city, it's worth looking at places in central neighborhoods or quieter areas like Montparnasse. More on that in our guide to the best area to stay in Paris. 

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is full of castles that feel like they’re straight out of a fairy tale. At Château de Chenonceau, kids can wander through gardens, cross a bridge built right over the river, and play in the open spaces. Chambord is another fun one, with a spiral staircase (some say Leonardo da Vinci helped design it) and rooftop paths that are fun to explore. The area is mostly flat, so it’s easy to get around by bike. 

There are family-friendly cycling routes that connect small towns, picnic spots, and castles. If you’re looking for something different, Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine is a zoo built into old stone quarries — the spaces are open and feel more like natural habitats. You’ll find plenty of farmhouse B&Bs, called gîtes, where kids might get to help feed animals or collect eggs. 

Dordogne

The Dordogne region is great for a trip to France with kids, and is one of the best places to visit in France. Lascaux IV is a detailed recreation of the famous cave paintings, and the museum has interactive exhibits that walk you through how people lived and created art thousands of years ago. The Vézère Valley has several sites where kids can try things like throwing ancient-style spears or learning how to make fire. 

On sunny days, rent a canoe and float down the Dordogne River — it’s calm, safe, and full of sandy spots to pull over for lunch or a swim. Castelnaud is a classic medieval castle that puts on live siege engine demos and knight tournaments, which kids love. 
 

French Riviera

The Riviera works well for families who want a mix of beach time and easy day trips. In Nice, the beach has shallow water and smooth pebbles, and the Promenade des Anglais is great for walking or scootering. If you’re near Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum is set right on the cliff — kids usually enjoy the touch pools and interactive exhibits. Up in Grasse, the Perfume Museum has short workshops where kids can create their own scents. For places to stay, towns like Antibes and Villefranche-sur-Mer tend to be a bit quieter and more spacious than the big-name resort spots. 

The French Alps

The Alps have something going on no matter the season. In winter, places like Avoriaz and Les Gets are geared toward families, with ski schools, zones just for kids, and car-free centers that are easier to navigate. In summer, hiking trails open up and gondolas take you up to easy routes with lake views and picnic areas. In Chamonix, the Adventure Parc has zip lines and treetop courses that vary by age and height. If the weather turns, you can head indoors to La Casemate in Grenoble — it’s a hands-on science center with tech and nature exhibits. 

Alsace

Alsace, in northeastern France, is one of those places that feels like it’s been pulled from a picture book. Villages like Colmar and Riquewihr have crooked timber-framed houses, bright shutters, and balconies spilling with flowers. It’s the kind of place where kids naturally start pointing things out—carved doorways, funny little roof shapes, and the occasional stork’s nest on a chimney. 

Just outside Mulhouse, the Ecomusée d’Alsace recreates village life from a century ago, with blacksmiths, bakers, and farmers doing things the old-fashioned way. Kids can get involved in some of the activities rather than just watching from the sidelines. If you're looking to get outside, Natura Parc has zip lines and treetop courses in a forest setting, with routes for a range of ages. Another spot that tends to stick with people is Monkey Mountain, where Barbary macaques roam freely in the woods and visitors walk among them.

Brittany

Brittany is perfect for a trip to France with kids. The Pink Granite Coast has huge, weirdly shaped rocks that are fun to climb.  Saint-Malo is a walled port town with ramparts you can walk and long, flat beaches that completely change with the tide. When the water’s out, shallow pools appear in the sand, which are great for wading and safe splashing. Over in Brest, Océanopolis breaks the ocean down into zones—polar, tropical, and so on—and includes touch pools and feeding demos that make it easier for kids to stay engaged. 

France itinerary with kids

This week-long France itinerary blends iconic sights with activities the whole family can enjoy. It combines popular attractions with plenty of time to relax, so it’s manageable for younger travelers. Each day mixes planned activities with some flexibility, making sure everyone has a chance to experience the best of Paris at a comfortable pace.  

Day 1

Start your trip with something iconic. Head to the Eiffel Tower early—before 9 AM is best if you want to avoid the worst of the lines. The elevator ride is part of the fun, especially for kids.

Once you're back down, walk over to Café du Trocadéro for lunch. It’s nearby, and you’ll still have the tower in view while you eat. In the afternoon, give your legs a break with a one-hour Seine River cruise. It’s a laid-back way to see the city—Notre-Dame, the Musée d'Orsay, the Grand Palais—all without walking. Boats run every 30 minutes and include audio commentary if you want a little context as you go.

After the cruise, head back to the hotel for a rest. For dinner, Le Petit Prince near Montparnasse is a solid choice. It’s casual, with classic French dishes for adults and a kid-friendly menu that isn’t an afterthought.
 

Day 2

Start the day at the Louvre. It’s huge, but a 90-minute family tour makes it easier to manage. They turn it into a kind of scavenger hunt, which keeps kids moving and curious. You’ll see highlights like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo without dragging anyone through too many endless halls.
When you’re ready to eat, Café Marly is right next to the pyramid and works well for a lunch stop. Afterward, take Metro Line 4 to Luxembourg Gardens. It’s a classic

Paris park—plenty of space to play, sail little wooden boats on the pond, ride the vintage carousel, or catch a puppet show if it’s a Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday (those start at 4 PM)0

For dinner, Crêperie de Cluny is a good bet. The savory buckwheat galettes are filling and delicious.
 

Day 3

Begin with Notre-Dame. You can’t go inside right now due to the restoration work, but walking around the outside is still worth it. The gargoyles, the towers, the flying buttresses—it’s all pretty striking in person.

For lunch, Au P’tit Grec makes giant, made-to-order crêpes that are easy to eat on the go. You can bring them to Square René Viviani nearby, a small park with lots of shade and a tree that’s been there since 1601.

In the afternoon, head up to the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie on Metro Line 7. The kids’ area—Cité des Enfants—is split into zones by age and filled with interactive stuff to mess around with: water tables, light experiments, sound games, and more. It's not too overwhelming and lets them explore at their own pace.

Right outside is Parc de la Villette, a big open space with walking paths, playgrounds, and a few odd red structures that make the park feel a little surreal. For dinner, Le Bistrot des Oies keeps things simple with hearty food and a relaxed setting that works well if you’re coming in with kids after a full day.
 

Day 4

Today’s slower pace is a nice change. Montmartre’s one of those neighborhoods that’s fun to wander around without too much of a plan. Start with an easy breakfast nearby, then make your way up to Sacré-Cœur. The steps can be a bit of a workout, but the view from the top is great. If you’d rather skip the climb, the funicular is a good alternative and kind of fun on its own.

For lunch, head to Le Refuge des Fondus. This restaurant is quirky, they do cheese and meat fondue, and some wines are served in baby bottles—yeah, really. The walls are open for anyone to draw on, so it can be fun to bring a marker with you.
In the afternoon, spend some time at Place du Tertre. It’s touristy but still worth a visit. Artists set up all around the square, doing live portraits and quick caricatures. 

Take a break back at your hotel before dinner. Pink Flamingo Pizza is a casual spot where you can put together your own pizza with toppings you wouldn’t usually expect—things like smoked salmon or potatoes. The space is decked out in retro American decor, and it keeps things relaxed
 

Day 5

Plan for an earlier start and catch the RER C train—it’s about 45 minutes to Versailles. The palace is massive, so it’s worth booking a timed entry ahead of time to avoid waiting around. The Hall of Mirrors is probably the most well-known part, and it’s easy to see why once you're there.

After walking through the royal apartments, stop for lunch at La Flottille by the Grand Canal. It’s a convenient spot with a decent view and enough space to sit and regroup. The grounds at Versailles are huge, and if you want to see more than just the areas around the palace, renting bikes or one of the small electric carts can help cover more ground without getting worn out.

If you’re there on the right day, the fountains are timed to music—pretty theatrical but fun if you happen to catch it. Don’t miss the Queen’s Hamlet. It’s a fake country village Marie Antoinette used as a getaway.
Once you're back in Paris, you might just want something familiar and easy. Chez Clément usually works well—simple dishes, kid-friendly, and nothing too complicated after a long day.
 

Day 6

Set aside your sixth day for Disneyland Paris out in Marne-la-Vallée. It’s easy to get there—just hop on the RER A train and you’ll be dropped off right at the park entrance in about 45 minutes. While you’ll see some of the same rides as other Disney parks, there are a few things here you won’t find anywhere else. The Sleeping Beauty Castle stands out with its stained glass windows and an actual dragon in the cave below (seriously—worth checking out).

For lunch, head to Plaza Gardens Restaurant. It’s a buffet that works well if you're with a group. Around 5:30 PM, the parade rolls through, and it’s a great excuse to sit down for a bit.   Before heading back to Paris, grab an early dinner at Annette’s Diner in Disney Village.
 

Day 7

End your trip on a local note with a visit to one of Paris’s open-air markets. On Sundays, Marché Bastille is your best bet. On other days, Marché d'Aligre is a great option—less polished, but packed with character. Both are where locals go to buy seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, and bread, and they’ve been doing it for centuries.

Grab picnic supplies as you wander—fresh fruit, a crusty baguette, some good cheese—and head over to Place des Vosges. It’s the oldest planned square in Paris, dating back to 1612, and a pretty ideal spot for a laid-back lunch.

In the afternoon, sign up for a cooking class with Cook’n With Class Paris. You’ll use ingredients from the market to prep a full family meal. Kids get involved with simple, hands-on dishes, while adults handle the more technical parts. It’s fun, useful, and you end up with a delicious dinner. Afterward, take a slow evening stroll along the Seine. The light around sunset makes the buildings glow—it’s the kind of scene that sticks with you. And if you’re in the mood for one last treat, stop by Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis. Their ice cream has been made by hand since 1954 and absolutely lives up to the hype.
 

Flexible alternatives for rainy days

If the weather turns, there’s still plenty to do indoors. Musée Grévin has more than 200 wax figures, from historical icons to modern celebrities, and some of the exhibits are surprisingly interactive. Over at Centre Pompidou, the building alone is worth seeing—it’s all pipes and color-coded tubes on the outside—and inside, the modern art collection is massive. There’s also a dedicated space for kids with hands-on art activities.

If you’re near the Eiffel Tower, the Aquarium de Paris is a solid option, especially for families. It’s home to 13,000 fish, including 38 sharks, plus touch pools and feeding sessions throughout the day.

If you want to skip the hassle of planning and just be able to enjoy your family trip, we can help. Our tailor-made trips are made by local travel experts who know the ins and outs of the area. Each trip is customized to what you want to see and do and comes with support 24/7 while you are traveling.