France Family Travel: 10 of the Best Adventures with Kids in France
France might be famous for its magical mix of cuisine, culture and charming cities, but beyond lies an outdoor playground that’s perfect for adventurous families. From wild swimming in turquoise rivers to sleeping in treehouses deep in the forest, France offers countless ways to get children exploring, discovering and embracing adventure. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers or teenagers, these family-friendly days out combine fresh air and freedom in the most beautiful corners of France.
1. Wild Swim in the Gorges du Verdon
Often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe”, the Gorges du Verdon is one of France’s most spectacular natural landscapes. The vivid turquoise waters are irresistible on a hot summer day, and there are plenty of safe spots for families to paddle, swim and picnic along the shoreline. Older children will love paddling kayaks or paddleboards to explore the dramatic limestone cliffs from the water, while younger adventurers can spend hours searching for fish and skipping stones on the shore
Plan your adventure: Head to the beaches around Lac de Sainte-Croix to seek out wild swimming spots in calm, clear water.
2. Sleep in a Treehouse
For a family holiday your little monkeys will never forget, swap a traditional campsite for a night in a treehouse. Across France, you’ll find woodland retreats with cabins perched high among the branches and accessed by rope bridges, ladders or winding staircases. Waking up to birdsong, eating breakfast among the leaves and spotting wildlife from your treetop hideaway is an adventure in itself.
Plan your adventure: Book a stay at Les Cabanes de Labrousse in the Ardèche, where treehouses are linked by rope bridges and surrounded by forest.
3. Camp on the Atlantic Coast
France’s wild west coast is home to some of Europe’s best family campsites. The long sandy beaches of the Landes region offer endless days of surfing, beach games and cycle rides through shady pine forests. Many campsites have direct beach access, making it easy to spend entire days barefoot, moving between tent, sea and sandcastle-building sessions.
Plan your adventure: Try Camping Le Vieux Port in Messanges, which combines beach access with family-friendly facilities and miles of coastal cycling routes.
4. Explore the Ardèche by Canoe
A canoe trip down the Ardèche River is a classic French family adventure. Gentle stretches of water make it suitable for beginners, while the towering cliffs and hidden beaches keep things exciting. Children will love drifting downstream, spotting wildlife and stopping for impromptu swims. The famous natural arch of Pont d’Arc is a particular highlight and feels like something from a storybook.
Plan your adventure: Paddle the family-friendly 6km route between Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Châmes for spectacular scenery and plenty of swimming stops.
5. Stay on a Farm in the Alps
The French Alps aren’t just a mecca for skiers. During summer, mountain farms open their doors to families looking for a slower pace of adventure. Children can help feed animals, learn about cheesemaking and explore flower-filled meadows. Many farms offer simple accommodation and access to walking trails straight from the doorstep, making it easy to combine outdoor exploration with authentic rural life.
Plan your adventure: Stay at La Ferme d’en Bas near Samoëns, where children can experience life on a traditional Alpine farm and set off on family-friendly mountain walks straight from the front door.
6, Escape to a magical hotel
Picture a sprawling chateau surrounded by fairytale gardens and with a huge turquoise pool to splash about in – if your little ones love myths and magic (and Disney!), Dream Castle Hotel is the perfect place to stay. Just outside Paris but a world away from city life, Dream Castle is perfect for little ones, with family rooms, hearty breakfasts and an indoor pool with a slide. And if you’ve promised the kids a trip to their favourite theme park, this hotel near Disneyland Paris with free shuttle is the perfect base for popping in and out of the most magical place on earth
Plan your adventure: Family rooms at Dream Castle Hotel from £90.
7. Cycle the Île de Ré
Just off France’s Atlantic coast, little island the Île de Ré is a cyclist’s dream. More than 100 kilometres of dedicated cycle paths connect beaches, salt marshes and charming villages, perfect for a family adventures on two wheels. The island is largely flat, making it manageable even for younger riders. Pack a picnic, stop for ice cream and spend the day exploring at a leisurely pace.
Plan your adventure: Hire bikes in Saint-Martin-de-Ré and follow the coastal paths to the lighthouse at Les Baleines.
8. Discover the Caves of Dordogne
Bringing budding geologists and explorers on holiday? Head underground in the Dordogne. The region is famous for its cave systems, many filled with remarkable rock formations and prehistoric artwork. Visiting a cave feels like stepping into another world, and it’s an excellent option for hot summer afternoons when everyone needs a break from the sun.
Plan your adventure: Visit Gouffre de Proumeyssac, known as the “Crystal Cathedral”, for one of France’s most impressive cave experiences.
9. Go Wildlife Watching in the Camargue
The Camargue, in southern France, is unlike anywhere else in the country. This vast wetland landscape is famous for its white horses, black bulls and thousands of flamingos. Families can spot critters on foot, by bike or even on horseback, and children will be enchanted by wild flamingos feeding in the lagoons and horses galloping across the marshes at sunset.
Plan your adventure: Explore the trails around Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau for some of the best flamingo-spotting in Europe.
10. Hike to a Mountain Lake in the Pyrenees
Not every family hike has to involve grumbling and blisters. The Pyrenees are packed with accessible trails leading to crystal-clear mountain lakes and gorgeous wild picnic spots. Keep an eye out for marmots and birds of prey along the way.
Plan your adventure: Walk to Lac de Gaube from Pont d’Espagne, a relatively easy 10km family hike with spectacular mountain views.
