6 Ways To Make Memories with Your Kids in France
Travelling with your kids can sometimes be a challenge, but it can also be a source of joy. This is especially true when you choose activities that the whole family can enjoy together. If you need some inspiration, here are 6 ways to make memories with your kids in France.
Heroes of the Past
Your kids may have heard about the Second World War, but a military history tour brings the heroes’ bravery to life like no movie or book can. Your older children will appreciate the experience even more, with a Band of Brothers Tour.
They’ll hear about the battles, see historical monuments and see authentic WW2 military vehicles. There are several all-inclusive tours to choose from, but the signature Beaches of Normandy tour is the most popular.
It features guided excursions to the D-day landing beaches and other WW2 sites. and is the perfect fusion of military history and cultural tour.
Camping Adventure
Most kids don’t enjoy being cooped up in hotel rooms, even the high-end ones. While you might enjoy the lavish furnishings, fine cuisine, or spa facilities these do little to impress children. If you want them to see the vacation as an adventure, make it an adventure!
France is a camper’s paradise, with camping sites throughout the countryside. Some are full-service sites with pools and even restaurants. The Le Mouline de Paulhiac Campsite in Dordogne is a family-friendly site along the River Céou, with a water slide and splash park for young children.
Tweens and teens who love the outdoors may prefer the more rustic sites found throughout France. But don’t worry, even these will have clean toilets and shower facilities.
Magnificent Castles
Do your children love movies featuring ancient kingdoms and castles? Then they’ll love the magnificent castles found all over France. Many of these ancient landmarks offer guided tours and children’s activities, making them ideal for a cultural day out with the family.
The Castle of Carcassonne in the south of France will meet all their expectations of a castle with its pointy towers and moat. Medieval performances for kids are often hosted here. Then there’s the Château de Cheverny, where kids can take part in games, view special children’s exhibitions, or feed the puppies.
If they want a more interactive experience, head to the Renaissance marvel known as Chateau du Rivau in the Loire Valley. Here, they can dress up in costumes (costume rentals on-site) and take part in garden treasure hunts. Tours of the castle interiors are available, and the playground is open year-round.
Hidden Artistic Talents
Kids are naturally curious and love to learn how to do new things. Help them learn more about the world and themselves, as they discover new talents at an art museum. That’s right, some of the art museums in Paris offer artistic activities just for children.
Although most museums appeal to kids, young children typically get bored very quickly. But the Musée en Herbe, in Paris’s 1st arrondissement, has the solution. It offers kids’ art workshops to keep little hands (and minds) busy and creative.
There are baby workshops (from 2.5 years to 4 years) and maxi-workshops (over 4 years). You might have a future artist in the family, and not know it yet. Aside from the kids’ art classes, the art museum’s guided tours and participatory exhibitions appeal to all age groups.
Scenic Family Picnic
A family picnic is a fun activity that you can enjoy almost anywhere, anytime. But it’s a lot more memorable with the right scenery. France has no shortage of that, particularly in the southern regions. Indeed, the wide open spaces and beautiful scenery in the south of France are ideal for picnic lunches.
The French love to picnic, so do as the locals do and get a food hamper packed. Stock up on baguettes, croissants, and tasty cheeses, and head for the hills. Or the meadows. Or even the ancient Roman aqueducts. Yes, you read that right.
There are many wonderful picnic spots in France, but few are as impressive as the ones situated near the historic Pont du Gard. Choose between setting up your al fresco lunch next to the nearby river, or under a shady tree in the Mediterranean garden. Don’t forget the sunhats.
Sightseeing on a Steam Train
Sightseeing doesn’t have to be on foot, in a rented car, or on a tour bus. See the sights in a whole new way, by train. And not just any train. Your kids will love to take a journey on a real steam locomotive train. There are several steam train tours in France, but the Forest Train of Abreschviller is one of the most child-friendly.
Catch the train in Moselle, from where you’ll embark on a memorable ride deep into the forest and the Sarre Rouge Valley. There are activities for the whole family onboard, making this an activity that’s all about the journey. However, the destination is pretty spectacular, too.
