Family Friendly Holidays in Northern France

Northern France is one of the easiest and most rewarding destinations for a family holiday from the UK. Just a short journey across the Channel, this region offers a relaxed mix of sandy beaches, charming towns, countryside adventures, and rich history—all without long travel times.

• Where it is: Northern France stretches from Normandy across to Hauts-de-France, just south of the English Channel.

• What type of holiday: A blend of beach breaks, countryside escapes, cultural sightseeing, and activity-filled family adventures.

• Why families love it: Short travel time, wide open spaces, child-friendly attractions, and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.

• Who it suits: Perfect for families with toddlers through to teens—there’s something for every age group.

Why Northern France Is Great for Families

• Safety: Clean, well-maintained towns and beaches with a strong focus on family-friendly environments.

• Outdoor space: Expansive coastlines, forests, and countryside give kids room to explore and burn energy.

• Beaches, lakes, and rivers: Long sandy beaches, calm bays, and scenic rivers ideal for paddling, picnics, and water sports.

• Activities: From cycling trails and zoos to theme parks and historical sites, there’s no shortage of things to do.

• Food: Simple, delicious cuisine—think crêpes, pastries, fresh bread, and moules-frites—easy wins with kids.

• Pace: Slower and more relaxed than southern France, making it ideal for stress-free family time.

Best Areas to Stay

Best for Toddlers

Coastal resorts with calm beaches and easy access to amenities work best. Look for places with playgrounds, family-friendly accommodation, and gentle seaside environments.

• Le Touquet-Paris-Plage: Safe, clean, organised beach resort with playgrounds and family facilities.

• Deauville & Trouville: Gentle beaches and easy promenades for pushchairs

Best for Teens

Livelier towns with water sports, cycling routes, and interactive attractions will keep older kids engaged. Areas with surf schools or activity centres are ideal.

• Boulogne-sur-Mer: Great mix of beach plus attractions like Nausicaá aquarium.

• Dieppe: Popular for water sports, cycling routes, and a livelier feel.

Best for Beach

Northern France boasts some of the widest sandy beaches in Europe. These are perfect for sandcastle building, kite flying, and long family walks.

• Berck-sur-Mer: Huge sandy beach, famous for kite festivals and space to run.

• Wissant: Beautiful natural beach ideal for paddling and picnics.

Best for Countryside

Inland areas offer peaceful villages, farms, and nature parks—great for cycling, wildlife spotting, and slower-paced holidays.

• Normandy villages (like Beuvron-en-Auge): Traditional half-timbered houses and peaceful rural charm.

• Saint-Valery-sur-Somme: A lovely base to explore the Baie de Somme and spot seals.

Beaches and Outdoor Fun for Families

Northern France’s coastline is a huge draw for families. Expect vast stretches of sand where children can run freely, explore rock pools, and enjoy safe paddling in shallow waters.

Top family beaches to visit:

• Le Touquet Beach: Wide, clean, and packed with family-friendly facilities

• Berck Beach: Ideal for younger kids thanks to shallow water and huge sandy areas

• Deauville Beach: Iconic striped parasols and calm, safe bathing

• Wimereux Beach: Smaller, charming, and great for rock pooling

• Hardelot-Plage: Backed by dunes and pine forest—great for combining beach and nature

• Many beaches are Blue Flag rated, meaning clean water and good facilities—ideal for families with young children.

Outdoor fun goes beyond the coast:

• Cycling along the Vélomaritime coastal route

• Forest adventures in Normandy parks

• Boat trips in the Baie de Somme

• Sand yachting (a big hit with older kids!)
• Pony riding and farm visits
• Coastal walking trails with stunning views

Best Towns & Family Attractions in Northern France

Northern France is packed with characterful towns that are easy to explore with kids:

• Le Touquet-Paris-Plage: A classic family seaside resort with markets, bike hire, and endless beach space

• Saint-Valery-sur-Somme: A charming harbour town where families can take a steam train ride around the bay

• Honfleur: Picture-perfect harbour, great for wandering and ice cream stops

• Boulogne-sur-Mer: Home to one of Europe’s largest aquariums (Nausicaá), a huge hit with children

• Montreuil-sur-Mer: A small walled town full of history and easy walking routes

• Dieppe: Lively seaside town with a fun Saturday market and family-friendly beach

These towns combine manageable size, walkability, and plenty to keep children entertained without feeling overwhelming.

Local Culture & Food Kids Will Love

Northern France has a distinct food culture that’s hearty, comforting, and surprisingly kid-friendly.

Must-try local specialities:

• Moules-frites: Mussels with chips—often served in big sharing pots (kids usually go straight for the chips!)

• Galettes & crêpes: Savoury buckwheat pancakes (ham, cheese, egg) and sweet crêpes with chocolate or sugar

• Carbonade flamande: A rich beef stew cooked in local beer—great for parents, with bread to dip for kids

• Flamiche: A soft tart filled with leek and cheese—mild and easy for younger eaters

• Camembert & Pont-l’Évêque cheeses: Mild, creamy cheeses that are perfect with baguette

• Fresh seafood: Fish, prawns, and calamari often simply cooked and approachable

Sweet treats kids love:

• Madeleines: Soft sponge cakes, perfect for snacks

• Gaufres (waffles): Often sold at markets and seaside stalls

• Tarte aux pommes: Classic French apple tart

Local bakeries are everywhere, making it easy to grab picnic supplies for beach days—fresh bread, cheese, fruit, and pastries.

Family Events & Seasonal Highlights

Depending on when you visit, you’ll find plenty of family-focused events:

• Spring & Summer: Beach festivals, Kite festivals (especially in Berck), beach activities, outdoor concerts, and local fairs

• Autumn: Harvest markets and Food festivals celebrating apples, cheese, and seafood

• Winter: Christmas markets and festive activities, in towns like Arras and Amiens

Many towns host weekly markets and seasonal entertainment, creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere.

Practical Tips for Families in Northern France

• Travel: Easy access via ferry or Eurotunnel makes it ideal for short breaks or longer stays.

• Getting around: Having a car is helpful for exploring beaches and countryside.

• Language: Basic French helps, but many places are used to English-speaking visitors.

• Packing: Bring layers—the weather can change quickly, even in summer.

• Dining: Restaurants are generally very welcoming to children, often with simple menu options.

FAQs

1. How far is Northern France from the UK?
Very close—some areas are under 2 hours from Calais, making it perfect for a quick getaway.

2. Is Northern France good for a first family holiday abroad?
Yes, it’s ideal thanks to the short travel time, familiar culture, and excellent facilities.

3. Are the beaches safe for young children?
Many beaches are sandy with gentle slopes and lifeguards during peak season.

4. What’s the best time to visit with kids?
Late spring to early autumn offers the best weather, though summer is busiest.

5. Are there plenty of activities for teenagers?
Yes—water sports, cycling, adventure parks, and cultural attractions keep teens entertained.

6. Do we need to speak French?
Not necessarily, but learning a few basic phrases is always appreciated.

7. Is it expensive compared to the UK?
Costs are similar, but good value can be found, especially in self-catering accommodation and local markets.

Northern France is a fantastic all-rounder for family holidays—easy to reach, packed with things to do, and relaxed enough to truly unwind together. Whether you’re building sandcastles, cycling through the countryside, or enjoying fresh pastries by the sea, it’s a destination that makes family travel simple and memorable.