If you are used to traveling with your children, you know that you need to plan fun activities so that no one gets bored. Wondering if France is a good place to visit with your kids? The answer is yes! There are so many things to do in France with your family that the hardest part is choosing. To help you out, here’s a list of the top 12 things to do when traveling in France with kids. To relax between all these visits, you will easily find beaches or mountains where you can recharge your batteries. Ready for your family trip?
The Eiffel Tower
In Paris, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see for the whole family. Kids will love taking the elevators up to the top. If you have teenagers, walking up will be a great way to let them off the hook! From the top of the tower, you will enjoy a 360° view on all Paris and its surroundings. This is the time to take a lot of pictures and admire the panorama while trying to recognize the different monuments. To save time and avoid long lines, get your tickets online. If you are traveling with a baby, bring a baby carrier or a folding stroller for the elevators.
The Palace of Versailles and the Trianon estate
Children will be amazed by a visit to the Palace of Versailles and its gardens. Discover the sumptuous Hall of Mirrors and the superb apartments of the king and queen. A visit as playful as it is instructive, which will fascinate the whole family. Continue through the gardens of Le Nôtre, where children will have fun discovering the incredible fountains. Finally, a visit to the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet promises you a moment of calm. Don’t hesitate to plan a good day of exploration. The visit of the castle and the domain of Trianon is free for children under 18 years old.
The Louvre
A visit to the Louvre is an essential cultural outing for the whole family. Especially since admission is free for children under 18! Stop by and say hello to the famous Mona Lisa. Go and admire the great paintings of Delacroix and Veronese. The ancient sculptures of the Venus de Milo and the Victory of Samothrace are impressive. Children will especially enjoy visiting the Egyptian antiquities and the foundations of the old fortress under the Louvre. To relax the youngest, you will find trampolines and playgrounds in the Tuileries garden.
The Great Gallery of Evolution at the Museum of Natural History, in Paris
In this beautiful XIXᵉ building, you will learn all about animal species and biodiversity. You are welcomed by two huge skeletons of marine mammals. You will then discover the animals that inhabit the oceans, such as the giant squid, the whale shark or the narwhal. On the second floor, an elephant leads the caravan of animals from the African savannah. A fascinating gallery with an impressive view from the top floor balcony. Entrance to the museum is free for young people under 25 years old. You can then finish your visit to the Jardin des Plantes by the Menagerie, the tropical greenhouses or the paleontology gallery.
The City of Science and Industry
Here is another Parisian museum ideal for families! This place is dedicated to scientific and playful learning. Two permanent exhibitions are entirely reserved for children. The Children’s City, from 2 to 7 years old and from 5 to 12 years old, offers two spaces where children learn and have fun, accompanied by their parents. Scientific experiments, water games, optical illusions, the children’s city has many surprises in store for you. The museum also has several temporary exhibitions, a planetarium, a cinema and even a visit to a submarine, next to the large Parc de la Villette.
Disneyland Paris
Probably one of the most visited theme parks in Europe, Disneyland Paris is the kingdom of Mickey and his friends. Today, the domain contains two parks: Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios. Featured attractions include Flight Force, Phantom Manor, Big Thunder Mountain, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. While some rides are not recommended for younger children, there is plenty of fun for the little ones in Fantasyland, following in the footsteps of Alice in Wonderland or Peter Pan. Don’t miss the parade and the new light show at dusk.
Boat trip on the Seine
If your kids are tired of visiting the capital, here’s an activity that will make everyone agree! A boat trip on the Seine is a must-do for the whole family in France. It is also the way to see the most beautiful monuments of Paris from the Seine. You will admire the Louvre, the Notre-Dame cathedral, the Eiffel tower, and the most beautiful bridges of the city. A guided tour will allow you to learn many anecdotes. On your child’s birthday, Vedettes de Paris offers a cruise and even a snack!
The cave of Lascaux in Montignac
Discover the paintings and engravings of the Paleolithic in the Lascaux cave. This cave, discovered by chance by four teenagers in 1940, is one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites in the world. As these paintings are very fragile, you will visit a very faithful reproduction of the cave, not far from there. But, the visit remains incredible. A guide will tell you everything from the discovery of the cave to the meaning of the paintings and engravings. This journey through history will impress the whole family.
The Machines de l’île in Nantes
The Machines de l’île project, in Nantes, is totally new. Meet these incredible mechanics and automatons at the crossroads of the invented worlds of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. From the imagination of François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice, these curious machines take you on a magical tour. The parents are not only accompanying the children, but also enjoy this playful and mysterious journey. You will live an incredible experience by attending the awakening of these machines, sometimes animals or monsters. A change of scenery guaranteed!
The Gard bridge
The Pont du Gard, near Nîmes, is the last ancient three-story aqueduct still standing today. This bridge, built by the Romans in the first century of our era, is in an impeccable state of conservation. It is one of the places to visit in France with your family. It’s an incredible experience that you won’t regret. By visiting the Pont du Gard, you have the opportunity to offer your children a cultural and also very playful outing.
The castles of the Loire Valley
Visiting the Loire castles is one of the best things to do in France with children. The whole family will marvel at the splendor of these Renaissance castles. The Chateau de Chambord, home of François Iᵉʳ, is all about excess. Chenonceaux, built over the Cher River, is one of the most popular, and also one of the most sumptuous. Next to the superb castle of Amboise, you can admire the machines invented by Leonardo da Vinci in the gardens of the Clos Lucé castle. It is advisable to have a car to get to the different sites.
The park of Puy-du-Fou in Vendée
Located in the Vendée, this park is considered one ofthe best amusement parks in the world. Historical reconstructions, immersive shows, you will make a trip out of time. Roman arenas, Viking longships, knights of the Round Table, cloak and dagger fights with musketeers, heroes of the XVIIIᵉ century, all the attractions are new. All opinions are unanimous, the Puy du Fou park is one of the best places to go with children in France.
You have all the keys to spend a pleasant family vacation in France. Which activity will you book first?
