Discover France

Discover the Best Regions in France for Families

Looking for the perfect family holiday in France? Whether you’re planning a beach escape, a countryside retreat or a sunshine filled villa break, choosing the right region is the first step. Next step is balancing comfort, space and location, with plenty to keep everyone happy, from toddlers to grandparents.
France offers an incredible variety of family-friendly destinations; from the sandy Atlantic coast and Mediterranean beaches to castle-filled valleys and peaceful rural villages. At France for Families, we specialise in handpicked villas, gîtes and holiday homes designed specifically for family life.

→ All ready made up your mind? Check out our family friendly Properties Or explore the regions below to find the one that suits your family best.

Sunshine & Mediterranean Holidays

Warm weather, relaxed villages and long beach days make southern France a favourite for multi-generational holidays.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 

Book a family holiday in the south of France and you’ll travel through scented lavender fields, ancient villages, chic seaside resorts and spectacular Alpine scenery.  Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (referred to as ‘PACA’) is one of the most diverse regions of France, with an attractive climate all year round.   Whatever your family enjoy doing, you’ll find it here.

→ See Family Friendly Holiday Accommodation in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 

Occitanie

Wide sandy beaches, family friendly resorts and quieter countryside retreats. A wonderful mix of coast and character.

→ Explore Family Friendly Holiday Accommodation in Occitanie

Atlantic & Coastal Adventures

Safe beaches, cycling routes and wide open coastlines perfect for active families.

Vendée 

For a fantastic family break in France, the Vendée is a top choice. Situated on the Atlantic coast just south of Brittany and west of the Loire Valley, the Vendée offers an ideal mix of sunshine, sandy beaches, and gentle countryside – all easily accessible by car or ferry. If you’re looking for family-friendly France holidays, the Vendée is a great option.

Known for its relaxed pace of life, long summer days, and warm welcome, the Vendée is a long-time favourite among families looking for a fun and stress-free holiday in France. It’s a perfect spot for kid-friendly Northern France holidays, offering both adventure and relaxation.

→ Discover Family Friendly Holiday Accommodation in Vendée

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

From the sun-drenched Atlantic coast to the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux and the prehistoric caves of the Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a region that truly has it all. Whether you’re looking for high-octane surf, gentle cycling through salt marshes, or a deep dive into medieval history, this corner of France offers a slower pace of life that is perfect for multi-generational holidays.

→ Explore Family Friendly Holiday Accommodation in Nouvelle-Aquitaine 

Brittany

For a wonderful break to France, look no further than a family holiday in Brittany. A stone’s throw from Calais and with a similar landscape to the UK’s West Country, Brittany has long been a favourite destination with British visitors.

Located in the north-west of France and easy to reach by ferry, Brittany is a popular holiday choice with first-time visitors to France.

Many fall so deeply in love with its fabulous coastline and pretty countryside that they come back year after year.

→ See Family Friendly Holiday Accommodation in Brittany

Normandy

Family holidays to Normandy remain popular with the Brits, due to it’s easy-to-reach location and it’s authentic French charm.  This is a region brimming with history and culture, combined with some beautiful coastlines, perfect for relaxing with the family.

There’s plenty to keep you occupied on your holiday in Normandy, from tasting the famous ‘Calvados’ and the local cheeses and breads, to exploring the ancient history.  The famous Mont St Michel is to be found here, a great day out for the family – you’ll love the tiny winding cobbled streets filled with scents of fresh food and battlements just waiting to be explored.

→ Explore Family Friendly Holiday Accommodation in Normandy 

Castles & Countryside Escapes

History, rivers and open space combine for slower paced, memory making holidays.

Dordogne

Family holidays in the Dordogne have a lot to offer! It’s not your typical bucket and spade holiday, but the area has plenty to keep all ages happily entertained and some of the sights to see are pretty spectacular!

The Dordogne region is located in the central area of France and for an inland holiday destination, it’s one of the most popular. You get a real feeling of stepping back in time, with beautiful medieval towns, prehistoric caves and the  wonderful rivers for canoeing and swimming.

To holiday in the Dordogne is to love the dramatic scenery, interspersed with pretty towns and villages, both in the hinterland and along the Dordogne and Vezère rivers, plus innumerable châteaux, caves, museums, picnic spots and viewpoints.

→ Find Family Friendly Holiday Accommodation in Dordogne 

Charente-Maritime 

Charente-Maritime is one of France’s most welcoming coastal regions — a place where soft sandy beaches meet salt-kissed islands, historic towns charm every generation, and family adventures are on every corner. Whether you’re travelling with babies, toddlers, tweens and teens, grown-up kids, grandparents or the family dog, this slice of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine coast has something for everyone.

→ Explore Family Friendly Holiday Accommodation in Charente-Maritime 

Loire Valley 

Fairytale castles, storybook towns and gentle riverside landscapes make the Loire Valley one of France’s most rewarding destinations for a relaxed family holiday. Famous for its châteaux and gardens, this UNESCO World Heritage region stretches for over 280km along France’s longest river — yet it remains wonderfully green, uncrowded and easy to explore with children of all ages.

From traffic-free cycling and kayaking to animal parks, theme parks and hands-on history, the Loire Valley offers a rare mix of culture, nature and fun, all wrapped up in a family-friendly atmosphere

→ Explore Family Friendly Holiday Accommodation in Loire Valley 

Lot et Garonne 

The Lot meanders for 500 picturesque kilometres from the slopes of Mont Lozère to the mighty Garonne river at Aiguillon, south-east of Bordeaux.  Enjoy castles and canoeing, forest adventure and fun festivals in an unspoilt landscape that’s packed with variety.

→ Explore Family Friendly Holiday Accommodation in Lot et Garonne 

Mountains, Lakes & Outdoor Adventure

Fresh air, alpine lakes and year-round activities.

Auvergne-Rhône 

Ancient volcanoes, vast green landscapes, thermal spa towns, and authentic rural traditions in the heart of France. 

→ Discover Family Friendly Holiday Accommodation in Auvergne-Rhone 

The Alpes 

Mountain scenery, lake swimming and outdoor adventures for active families. 

World-class skiing, breath-taking mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and charming alpine villages in South Eastern France 

→ Start your ski holiday or summer fun here in The Alps 

Island Fun

Turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant coastal towns create a perfect Mediterranean escape. fresh air, alpine lakes and year-round activities 

→ Discover Family Friendly Holiday Accommodation Corsica 

→ Find out more about Ile de Re and Ile de Oleron 

Family Holiday Accommodation – Designed for Real Family Life

Many families choose family holiday rentals in France because they offer the freedom of a home combined with the facilities you need for a relaxed break. 

Our collection includes: 

• Villas in France with private pools 
• Traditional gîtes with family-friendly layouts 
• Large multi-generational holiday homes such as Chateaux and Manoirs 
• Selected family holiday parks with on-site facilities 
• Family friendly campsites throughout France 
• Bed and Breakfast / Chambre d’Hotes that are truly family friendly 

Why Choose France for Your Families?

France remains one of Europe’s most versatile destinations for families: 

• Safe sandy beaches 
• Beautiful countryside and rivers 
• Cultural experiences without long travel distances 
• Excellent food markets and relaxed dining 
• Accommodation suited to every stage of family life 

Whether you’re searching for a large family villa in the South of France, a countryside retreat in the Dordogne, or a coastal escape in Vendée, our regional guides and curated properties make planning simple.

Family Holidays in France – FAQs

1. Which region of France is best for a family holiday?

The best region depends on your family’s interests. Vendée and Brittany are ideal for safe beaches, Provence and Occitanie offer sunshine and Mediterranean charm, while the Dordogne and Loire Valley are perfect for castles and countryside adventures. 

2. Are Villas in France suitable for young children?

Many family villas in France include secure gardens, fenced pools and spacious layouts. Always check property details for safety features suitable for toddlers or younger children. 

3. Do I need a car for a family holiday in France?

In most rural and coastal regions, having a car provides flexibility for beaches, markets and sightseeing. In some resort areas, local amenities may be within walking distance. 

4. Which French regions are best for multi-generational holidays?

Provence, Dordogne and Nouvelle-Aquitaine are particularly popular for multi-generational stays due to large villas, outdoor dining spaces and varied activities.

5. When is the best time to visit France with children?

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) offer warm weather with fewer crowds. July and August are popular for school holidays and guaranteed sunshine. 

Start Exploring

Browse our family holiday accommodation across France and discover the region that fits your family best.

→ Explore Family Holidays in France