Holiday in france with children

Child-friendly regions, parks and tips for an unforgettable family holiday

A holiday in France with children is an experience full of sun, adventure and relaxation. As soon as you cross the border, the rhythm changes: life slows down, the air smells of lavender and fresh baguettes, and every day feels like a new adventure. It is not for nothing that France has been one of the most popular holiday destinations for families for many years. The country is easily accessible by car, the roads are excellent and everywhere you will find child-friendly holiday parks and accommodations where you can enjoy carefree time together. From the green hills of the Dordogne to the sun-drenched Provence – France has something special to offer for every family.

Domaine de Lanzac 18 3SS Frankrijk Dordogne vakantiepark luxe vakantiehuis privézwembad restaurant.j

Why France is so suitable for families

France combines charm, comfort and child-friendliness in a way that you won't find anywhere else. You will notice it immediately: friendly people, charming villages, markets with fresh local products and countless places where children can play and discover.
French culture is warm and relaxed. You can sit on a terrace with an espresso while your children play by a fountain, or have a picnic by a river with a view of castles. It's that feeling of freedom that makes a family holiday in France so unique.
Moreover, there are countless holiday homes and holiday parks in France where families feel completely at home. Think of swimming pools, playgrounds, entertainment and comfortable villas with a terrace in the sun.

The most beautiful regions for your holidays in France with children

France is extremely diverse. Each region has its own charm and activities for families. Whether you love nature, beach or culture: there is always a place where you will feel at home.

A guest once said:

"We arrived at the park in the Dordogne and it immediately felt like coming home. The children ran to the pool, we grabbed a glass of wine and looked out over the hills. That moment – for me, that's a holiday in France with children."

Lanzac zwembad 21ak vakantiepark Frankrijk Dordogne luxe villa gezinnen restaurant animatie.jpg

Dordogne & Lot – nature, adventure and tranquility

The Dordogne-Lot is an ideal region for families who love space and nature. In the Dordogne valley, you will find castles, caves and rivers where you can canoe or swim with your children. The area is green, varied and exudes tranquillity.
We highly recommend FranceComfort Domaine de Lanzac. This holiday park is located on a hill with panoramic views over the valley. There are three swimming pools, a restaurant and spacious villas with lots of privacy. Your children will enjoy themselves with entertainment, sports and games, while you enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the terrace.
Located nearby is FranceComfort Village des Cigales – a small-scale charming park with a typical French atmosphere. Think stone houses, cozy squares and endless play possibilities. Playing tennis or going swimming during the day, eating pizza in the evening or barbecuing together barbecuing at the holiday villa.
Be sure to visit Rocamadour, the castle of Beynac, Sarlat or the impressive caves of Padirac – adventures your children will never forget.
Tip: Read more in 10 tips for a holiday with children in the Dordogne

Jardin du Golf f1S kids club Provence vakantiepark middellandse zee zwembad Frankrijk luxe villa.jpg

Provence – scents, villages and sun

Provence is a feast for the senses. Lavender fields, sunflowers, vineyards and charming villages make this region perfect for families who love peace and culture.
At FranceComfort Résidence Vallée Ste. Baume, you will be surrounded by nature, think pine forests and hills. Ideal for walks and trips to the Mediterranean.
FranceComfort Jardin du Golf is conveniently located near Aix-en-Provence and offers everything you need: a swimming pool, playground and a relaxed atmosphere. Here, families combine relaxation with trips to markets, waterfalls and picturesque villages.
In Résidence de Salernes and Domaine de Castellane, you can experience the authentic Provence atmosphere. White stone houses, olive trees and the sound of crickets in the background.

A mother wrote in the guestbook: "After a day of visiting lavender fields, we were sitting on the terrace of our villa in Salernes. The sky turned pink and our children were laughing, for a moment the world seemed perfect."

Fantasticable 6a Chatel Portes du Soleil Alpen Frankrijk vakantie Abondance wellness.jpg

Alps – fresh air and adventure

The French Alps are a surprisingly nice destination for the summer holidays. In the mountains, it is cooler, the air is pure and the nature impressive. You can hike, cycle, swim in mountain lakes or take cable cars to breathtaking views. The Multi Pass gives free or discounted access to many facilities in the Abondance valley.
In winter, the Portes du Soleil is an ideal region for winter sports. There are over 600 kilometres of slopes where you can ski, snowboard or cross-country ski.
At FranceComfort AlpChalets Portes du Soleil and FranceComfort AlpResorts Portes du Soleil you will stay in modern apartments with a lot of comfort. The view over the mountains is spectacular, and after an active day you can relax in the wellness or on the balcony. The recreational lakes in the valley or Lake Geneva are also an ideal place to relax.
The Alps are ideal for families with teenagers: lots of sporting activities, but also peace and quiet and space for quality time.

Velorail 14a Chauvigny Frankrijk Vienne vakantie animatie gezin fietsen.jpg

Poitou-Charentes – authentic France without crowds

Those looking for peace and quiet and the real French life, will find what they are looking for in Poitou-Charentes. This region on the west coast is friendly, sunny and surprisingly versatile. Along the Atlantic coast are seaside resorts, and inland are picturesque villages. Discover the nature reserves in the region where you can go hiking during your family vacation.
The three FranceComfort parks in this region are Aveneau-Vieille Vigne, Domaine les Forges and Bourg Est-Vigelière. These parks offer a lot that families appreciate: spacious homes, several with private pools, park pools, entertainment and fun play areas. The region is home to beautiful cities such as Poitiers and Niort. For real swimming fun, you can visit one of the recreational lakes in the area or to the water parks Aquascope or O'Gliss.
We recommend a day trip to La Rochelle or La Palmyre Zoo. You will make memories that will last a lifetime. Most families also spend a day of their holiday visiting Puy du Fou or Futuroscope.

South of France – sun, sea and fun

The South of France remains a classic destination for families. The climate, atmosphere and nature make this area a dream location.
At FranceComfort Le Lac Bleu, the water is literally at your feet. Children play by the lake while you read a book in the shade and watch them play.
FranceComfort L'Espinet, near Carcassonne, is ideal for families who
love both nature and culture. You can swim, walk or spend a day in the
medieval city.
And then there is FranceComfort Château de Salles, near Bordeaux. This luxury park combines comfort with charm. Spacious villas, a large swimming pool and a relaxed atmosphere – everything that makes a family holiday in the South of France special.

What to do during your holiday in France with children

France offers a wealth of family activities. Whether you are traveling with young children or teenagers, you will never be bored.

Fun tips:

Swimming and water fun in rivers, lakes or parks such as Aqualand.
Canoeing or climbing in the woods.
Visit castles and medieval villages.
Zoos such as Zoo de La Palmyre or Parc Animalier des Pyrénées.
For the real magic: Disneyland Paris.
Take children to a local market. Beforehand, read the information about markets in the Dordogne, markets in Provence, and markets in Poitou-Charentes.

From Domaine de Lanzac you can easily reach the most beautiful places of the Dordogne, and from Vallée Ste. Baume you can easily reach the sea.

Travelling during school holidays and black Saturdays

When travelling to France during the school holidays, it is good to take into account the so-called Black Saturdays – the days on which the whole of France goes on holiday at the same time. The motorways can be particularly busy in July and early August, especially the A7 southbound and the A10 towards Bordeaux.
Do you want to avoid long traffic jams? Plan your trip on a Friday or Sunday, or leave early in the morning. In many regions, it gets quieter as soon as you pass Paris.
The Black Saturdays are announced annually by the French traffic service Bison Futé; useful to check in advance before you leave.
The French motorways are also busier during the May, summer and autumn holidays, but the atmosphere along the way is often pleasant. Take your time, plan plenty of stops and enjoy the varied landscapes and charming villages along the way – the holiday actually starts as soon as you get in the car.

🔗 Read also: Route du Soleil and school holidays

Road Rules in France

If you are traveling to France by car, it is wise to be aware of the local traffic rules. Some points that are often overlooked:

Speed limit: 130 km/h on motorways (110 in case of rain), 80 km/h on country roads and 50 km/h in villages.
Safety vests and warning triangle: mandatory in the car.
Mobile use: prohibited while driving, even with earphones or headsets.

🔗 See also: Laws and regulations in France

Lanzac speeltuin 1SS Frankrijk vakantiepark Nederlands Dordogne Lot luxe vakantiehuis animatie kinde

Child-friendly accommodations at FranceComfort

A holiday park in France with a swimming pool is often the key to a successful holiday with children. At FranceComfort, you will find accommodations where calm, comfort and fun come together.
The villas are spacious and modern, with a private terrace or garden. Most parks have a swimming pool and often a separate children's pool. In high season, there is entertainment at most holiday parks.
The managers and park staff speak French, English and Dutch. They know the area and are happy to give you advice on what is fun for children. You will notice the difference: personal attention, clean accommodations and an atmosphere in which you immediately feel at ease.

Practical travel tips for families

A holiday with children starts in the car. Thanks to the good French roads, the journey is comfortable and clear. It is important to plan your trip well and make sure you have everything with you.

Useful tips:

Leave early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid traffic jams.
Use the 'flux libre' toll road system – ideal for a smooth journey.
Bring snacks, water, and games for the road.
Plan regular stops at picnic areas with a view.
Buy the environmental sticker and toll badge well in advance of your holiday
In winter, remember to use winter tires and snow chains
Start making your packing list well in advance so that you have everything you need

Order an Environmental sticker Order a Toll badge

Once at your destination, you will find that French supermarkets are excellently equipped to meet the needs of families. From baby food to fresh baguettes, you'll find everything you need.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Holidays in France with children

1. What is the best region for a holiday in France with children?
The Dordogne and Provence are the most popular because of their nature, culture and child-friendly parks.

2. Are FranceComfort parks suitable for young children?
Yes, almost all parks have children's pools, playgrounds and entertainment.

3. How long does it take to drive to the South of France with children?
On average between 10 and 13 hours, depending on your starting point. Many families plan an overnight stay on the road.

4. What are fun activities to do in France with children?
Canoeing, visiting castles, swimming in lakes and exploring local markets are highly recommended.

5. Are there public holidays in France during the school holidays?
Yes, France's national public holiday on July the 14th is fun for kids. Some other holidays are also fun or impressive. Here you can see an overview of the holidays.

Making memories with your children in France

A holiday in France with children is more than just a week away with the family. It's laughing together, discovering and enjoying small moments. The smell of lavender, a dip in the pool, croissants at the breakfast table – these are memories that last.

Whether you choose the hills of the Dordogne, the sun of Provence, the fresh air of the Alps or the coast of the South of France, at FranceComfort you will always find a park that suits your family.