Family Friendly Holidays in Eastern France

Eastern France offers a completely different feel to the coast—think storybook villages, rolling vineyards, lakes, mountains, and outdoor adventure. Bordering Switzerland and Germany, this region includes Alsace, Lorraine, and the Jura, making it perfect for families who love nature, culture, and exploring at a relaxed pace.

• Where it is: Eastern France runs along the borders with Germany and Switzerland, including regions such as Alsace, Lorraine, and the Jura Mountains.

• What type of holiday: A mix of countryside escape, mountain adventure, lake holidays, and cultural exploration.

• Why families love it: Safe, scenic, uncrowded, and full of unique experiences—from castle visits to lakeside swimming.

• Who it suits: Ideal for families with school-age children and teens, though there are plenty of gentle options for younger kids too.

Why Eastern France Is Great for Families

• Safety: Quiet towns and villages with a strong family-friendly atmosphere.

• Outdoor space: Forests, mountains, vineyards, and lakes provide endless space for exploration.

• Lakes and rivers: Warm, clean lakes perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and picnics.

• Activities: Hiking, cycling, boat trips, animal parks, and winter sports in colder months.

• Food: Hearty, comforting dishes with German influence—plus plenty of sweet treats.

• Pace: Calm and uncrowded, ideal for families wanting to slow down and reconnect

Best Areas to Stay

Best for Toddlers

• Colmar area (Alsace): Flat, walkable towns with colourful houses and gentle sightseeing.

• Lake Gérardmer (Vosges): Easy lakeside access, playgrounds, and calm surroundings.

Best for Teens

• Jura Mountains: Outdoor adventure, hiking, mountain biking, and water sports.

• Mulhouse: Museums (including transport and train museums) that appeal to older kids.

Best for Lakes

• Lac de Gérardmer: One of the warmest lakes in the region with beaches and activities.

• Lac de Chalain (Jura): Turquoise waters and shallow swimming areas perfect for families.

Best for Countryside

• Alsace Wine Route villages: Rolling vineyards, castles, and picturesque scenery.

• Vosges Mountains: Forest-covered hills, wildlife, and peaceful retreats.

Beaches and Outdoor Fun for Families

While Eastern France doesn’t have a coastline, its lakes more than make up for it.

Top family-friendly lakes and outdoor spots:

• Lac de Gérardmer: Sandy areas, pedalos, and safe swimming zones

• Lac de Longemer: Quieter and more natural, great for picnics

• Lac de Chalain: Shallow turquoise water—ideal for younger children

• Ballon des Vosges: Gentle mountain hikes with incredible views

• Cascade du Hérisson: A series of waterfalls that make for a fun family walk

Outdoor activities include:

• Cycling along vineyard trails

• Tree-top adventure parks

• Canoeing and paddleboarding

• Skiing and sledging in winter

Best Towns & Family Attractions in Eastern France

Eastern France is full of charming, easy-to-explore towns that feel like they’ve come straight out of a fairy tale:

• Colmar: Colourful canals, half-timbered houses, and boat rides—very magical for kids

• Strasbourg: A lively city with a beautiful old town, boat tours, and parks

• Riquewihr: A small medieval village that feels like stepping into a storybook

• Eguisheim: Circular village layout that’s fun for kids to wander

• Gérardmer: A relaxed lakeside town perfect for outdoor family activities

• Metz: A greener city with parks, gardens, and family-friendly museums

Attractions families enjoy:

• Animal parks in the Vosges

• Interactive museums in Mulhouse

• Castle ruins to explore throughout the region

Local Culture & Food Kids Will Love

Eastern France has a unique food culture influenced by both French and German traditions—rich, comforting, and full of flavour.

Must-try local specialities:

• Tarte flambée (Flammekueche): Thin, crispy flatbread with cream, cheese, and bacon—like a French pizza

• Choucroute garnie: Sauerkraut with sausages and potatoes (kids often enjoy the sausages and potatoes)

• Quiche Lorraine: A simple savoury tart with bacon and egg—great for picky eaters

• Baeckeoffe: A slow-cooked casserole of meat and potatoes

• Munster cheese: A soft, strong cheese (for more adventurous eaters!)

Sweet treats kids will love:

• Kougelhopf: A soft, brioche-style cake often with raisins

• Bredele biscuits: Traditional small biscuits, especially around Christmas

• Pain d’épices: Spiced gingerbread, popular in winter

• Fruit tarts: Especially plum and apple varieties

Local bakeries and markets are fantastic for easy family meals and snacks while out exploring.

Family Events & Seasonal Highlights

• Spring & Summer: Flower festivals, outdoor markets, and vineyard events

• Autumn: Harvest festivals and grape picking along the wine route

• Winter: Famous Christmas markets in Strasbourg and Colmar—magical for families

Seasonal changes are very noticeable here, making it a great destination year-round.

Practical Tips for Families in Eastern France

• Travel: Best reached by car or train via Paris or direct routes to Strasbourg.

• Getting around: A car is recommended for exploring villages and countryside.

• Language: French is widely spoken, though some German is also used in Alsace.

• Packing: Bring layers and good walking shoes—outdoor activities are a big part of the experience.

• Dining: Family-friendly, with plenty of simple, hearty dishes children will enjoy.

FAQs

1. Is Eastern France good for families who prefer nature over beaches?
Yes, it’s perfect—lakes, mountains, and forests offer endless outdoor fun.

2. Are the lakes safe for children?
Many lakes have shallow, supervised swimming areas ideal for kids.

3. What’s the best time to visit?
Summer for lakes and outdoor fun, winter for Christmas markets and snow activities.

4. Are there activities for teenagers?
Yes—mountain biking, water sports, hiking, and adventure parks are all popular.

5. Is it suitable for younger children?
Yes, especially around lakes and in walkable towns like Colmar.

6. Do we need a car?
Highly recommended for exploring smaller villages and natural attractions.

7. Is the food suitable for picky eaters?
Yes—there are plenty of simple dishes like bread, pastries, quiche, and potatoes.

Eastern France is a hidden gem for family holidays—peaceful, picturesque, and packed with outdoor adventure. Whether you’re exploring fairytale villages, swimming in warm lakes, or enjoying fresh pastries in a sunny square, it’s a region that offers a slower, more memorable kind of family escape.