Activities for children, museums, water sports … some French cities are perfectly suited to accommodate families on vacation! Find out in 10.
The Coronavirus epidemic has disrupted the French summer vacation. If many like to go abroad to uproot themselves for a few weeks, this seems compromised for the summer of 2020. No reason to be disappointed! France offers magnificent landscapes just as capable of changing your scenery. In fact, many destinations in France are completely suitable for families. Activities for children, museums, beaches … Aufeminin invites you to discover 10 "kids friendly" cities to travel with your brats!
Nîmes (Occitanie)
It is the most family-friendly city according to the holidu vacation rental search engine, with a score of 7.4 / 10. And for good reason, Nîmes (and its surroundings) is full of cultural and physical activities for children: kayak trip to the Pont du Gard, safari in the Camargue, visit to the Arènes de Nîmes and the Maison Carrée, etc. Its landscapes steeped in history will surprise you!
Antibes (Provence-Alpes-Côte-d´Azur)
The small town of Antibes Juan-les-Pins has something for families. Ideally located, it offers on one side magnificent beaches and on the other, narrow streets full of charm and history in the old town. There are many activities for children between water sports and museums. But what you really shouldn't miss during a family holiday: the famous Marineland theme park and its Aquasplash.
Bordeaux (New Aquitaine)
This city is pleasant to discover with the family, especially by renting bikes. Bordeaux has several museums, one of which is likely to appeal to children, that of the sea and the navy. You can also visit Darwin, a former military barracks converted into an alternative location offering many spaces and activities (skate-park, urban farm, etc.). Most ? Just 1 hour from the city, you will have access to breathtaking landscapes (Pilat dune, Archachon basin, the village of Saint-Emilion, etc.). Ideal for getting away for a day.
Toulouse (Occitanie)
Children are not likely to get bored in Toulouse! Between the Cité de l'Espace, the natural history museum and even the "Quai des petits" (for children aged 2 to 7), there is plenty to do. Also enjoy family bike rides. A few kilometers from the city, discover the African Safari Zoo and the Merville Labyrinth, ideal for entertaining the little ones.
Perpignan (Occitanie)
The pretty town of Perpignan has many kindergartens, ideal for family afternoons. Do not hesitate to spend the end of the day at the Jokibar: the city's game bar with more than 300 board games! As well as dining at Rocher des Pirates, a restaurant totally offbeat about the world of pirates. In terms of cultural activities, the Prehistory Museum of Tautavel, a few kilometers from the city, will be of interest to the youngest. Just like the fortress of Salses. Not to be missed: the great Collioure treasure hunt.
Biarritz (New Aquitaine)
This is an ideal destination for parents and children alike, who can enjoy the Atlantic Ocean (and surf!). If there are many aquatic sports activities, the city is not to be outdone in terms of culture with the Museum of the Sea, the City of the Ocean, the Chocolate Museum (for gourmets). Also take a bike ride along the coast for a fun family outing.
Annecy (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
An ideal destination to discover magnificent landscapes. Annecy is often nicknamed the Venice of the Alps, thanks to the Vassé canal and the Thiou (the smallest river in France) which cross it. The walks near Lake Annecy will take your breath away, young and old, as will the architecture of the city.
Lacanau (New Aquitaine)
The rich nature of Lacanau will seduce more than one! Favor this destination if you want to get into water sports with your family. Children can take surfing lessons as well as swimming lessons. Take a bike tour of the lake and discover all kinds of landscapes: dunes, forest, unusual houses, etc. Most ? Lacanau is located less than 50km from Bordeaux. As well as less than an hour and a half by car from Arcachon.
Saint-Malo (Brittany)
You are not likely to get bored in Saint-Malo, with its beaches, entertainment, history and museums. The nautical activities offered will appeal to children, as will the amusement parks. Nearby, also discover the theme park "Les p’tits pirates" for children from 18 months to 12 years old, as well as the large Aquarium.
Montpellier (Occitanie)
Another city in the south where life is good. Montpellier offers many fun and cultural activities for children. A Zoological Park, an Amazonian Greenhouse, a vivarium, an aquarium, a plant garden, an indoor mini golf course (ideal for rainy days), a treasure hunt in the historic district… You will have plenty to keep your cherubim busy. There is also no doubt that they will love boarding the little Montpellier train.
Also read:
Train, boat, cave, cabin … The craziest places for family vacations (photos)
Everything you should not forget in your children's suitcase to go on vacation