Dreaming of France with the family? We’ve rounded up 10 of the best family-friendly stays from boutique villas to Alpine ski lodges.
Considered one of the most geographically diverse countries in Europe, France’s art, culture, history and celebrated cuisine are spread generously across an extensive coastline, picturesque countryside and rugged mountains. For families, it’s a wonderland waiting to be explored, with a laid-back feel and plenty of fun for adults and kids.
While France is full of family-friendly stays, we’ve chosen ten that we think are a cut above the rest when it comes to activities, equipment and services for active children, adventurous teens and tired parents.
1 Chateau Les Carrasses, Languedoc
This picture-perfect chateau with a Mediterranean-style restaurant and dining terrace near the Canal du Midi is a 30-minute drive from the beach. Surrounded by vineyards, meadows and woods, Chateau Les Carrasses‘ self-catering suites and villas are found within turrets, outbuildings and former stables. Read all about it in Ben’s family holiday in Languedoc.
Family rooms: The 1-3-bed apartments and villas are best for families with well-equipped kitchens, private enclosed gardens, and some have private pools (bar the suites in the chateau itself). Nearly all have a twin bedroom for kids.
Best for: All ages
Family rating: 3/3 stars – a heated infinity pool, tennis court, pétanque, a mini-farm with animals to meet, masses of space for kids to run free, a kids club operational during Easter, May half-term and the summer holidays for 4-12yo, kids menu, bikes to borrow, volleyball court, and lots of baby and toddler gear to borrow
2 The Pyrenees Mountain Hideaway, French Pyrenees
This welcoming eco-farm with four well-priced gites has tremendous views across the peaks, even to the sea on a clear day. The lovely owners of The Pyrenees Mountain Hideaway are striving for self-sufficiency in food and energy, and are passionate about the land, so there’s a large organic vegetable garden, maps to explore the area, wood-fired hot tubs, massages in the yurt, even a sauna.
Family rooms: The 3-bed apartment sleeps up to 7 + a baby, the 2-bed apartment can host 5 + a baby; rooms can be twinned in both. The two 1-bed apartments can be taken together or can have a baby added to each. All have private terraces.
Best for: All ages
Family rating: 3/3 stars – a large infinity pool with a view, good-sized playground, walking and mountain biking, farm animals to meet and feed, collecting eggs from the chickens, donkey riding, kids kit to borrow and heaps of outdoorsy activities nearby
3 Domaine de Manville, Provence
In the beautiful Alpilles Regional Park, on a 100-acre estate surrounded by olive and cypress trees, is this chic country estate with an excellent restaurant, bistro, spa and golf course. Domaine de Manville showcases restrained luxury, with capacious rooms and suites surrounding a large tranquil shaded central courtyard, and works really well for families after some Provencal sunshine.
Family rooms: The Villas (slightly separated from the main section of the hotel) sleep up to 9, Family Suite Loft has two bedrooms, Suites and Junior Suites can take an extra bed, all rooms can fit a baby cot.
Best for: All ages
Family rating: 2/3 stars – vast heated outdoor pool (fenced), heated indoor pool, summer kids club in gypsy caravans, grounds to explore, cinema room with movie sessions weekly, games room, kids menu, farm visits
4 Country Kids, Languedoc
A former farm whose outbuildings are now 5 family-friendly apartments, a cottage and a villa, this is an all-inclusive mini-retreat designed to give parents and kids alike a truly relaxing week. Country Kids gives you pyjama parties, food on the house, Friday morning lie-ins, tractor rides, spa treatments, a babysitter twice a week, wine tastings – and much more! For more details read all about Ben’s family holiday in Languedoc.
Family rooms: All accommodation works for families, ranging from 2-3-5-bedroom options, each has twin beds and a private dining terrace
Best for: Babies, Toddlers, Children (4-12 years)
Family rating: 3/3 stars – dedicated kids pool, separate toddler pool, creche (from 3mo), kids club (up to 12), extensive baby and toddler gear to borrow, playground with ball pond, soft play, trampolines, organised activities, kids meals, petting farm, treehouse, bikes to borrow, mini-golf, boules and sandpit
5 Chateau de Saint Paterne, Pays de la Loire
This gorgeous chateau with sweeping gardens on the Normandy-Loire border is a great find for families, especially in the summer. Chateau de Saint Paterne has been beautifully restored in a boho-chic style, offers delicious homely food and the perfect base for exploring the Loire, Chartres, Le Mans and the Perche region.
Family rooms: The three largest Suites can host a family of four (one of these is ensconced in woodland with a private terrace and Jacuzzi), the Junior Suite has a child’s bed in a boudoir.
Best for: All ages
Family rating: 2/3 stars – 15m heated swimming pool with floats, play areas, extensive garden, bikes to borrow, badminton and tennis courts, trampoline, goats and chickens to feed, kids high tea on request
6 The Ardeche Eco-Hideaway, Ardeche
In the mountains of southern Ardeche, tucked away within rambling gardens, this great value 4-bedroom modern eco-villa is ideal for those looking to reconnect to nature. The Ardeche Eco-Hideaway is surrounded by chestnut, fig and apple groves, and has an organic vegetable and herb garden you can help yourself to.
Family rooms: Two of the four bedrooms can be twins, a baby cot can also be added.
Best for: All ages
Family rating: 2/3 stars – a freshwater pool, glorious gardens, play area, kids books and toys, baby and toddler gear to borrow, sheep and hens to meet; canoeing, wild swimming and canyoning, plus prehistoric caves nearby
7 Chalet Cannelle, French Alps
Tucked away in the Abondance Valley in the Portes du Soleil, Chalet Cannelle has some of the best skiiing in Europe. This 200-year-old farmhouse turned chic 6-bedroomed chalet has a hot tub, garden and terrace, and really helpful owners who cook like a dream. Whole chalet rates in the ski season include two meals a day plus all drinks, and there’s plenty to do in summer too.
Family rooms: Owl room can host a family of four, Feather a family of three, 3 other doubles can be set up as twins if you’re coming with teens who want their own bedroom. Book the whole chalet for extended families and gatherings.
Best for: All ages
Family rating: 2/3 stars – playroom with toys and games, gardens, Xbox, kids meals; Chatel multi-pass gives access to swimming pools, bathing lakes, tennis courts, bobsleigh runs and zip wires; snowsports in winter
8 Le Mas des Oules, Provence
An affordable country hideaway of 8 chic self-catering apartments and houses set in fragrant gardens, Le Mas des Oules is a place for everyone. This popular home from home is in an authentic rural setting in rolling Cevennes hills, near Uzes and close to the famous Pont du Gard; Nimes and Avignon are within an hour’s drive.
Family rooms: All accommodations suit families and come with good kitchens and private outdoor dining terrace; Magnolia sleeps up to 11 and has a private pool, Amaryllis and Belle de Nuit sleep six, 4 others sleep four – all these have twin rooms.
Best for: Babies, Children (4-12 years)
Family rating: 2/3 stars – fenced swimming pool, table tennis, boules, sandpit, extensive gardens, pottery and jewellery making classes
9 Corsica Boutique Villas, Corsica
A collection of four super-smart beach villas on the island’s east coast (just 30 minutes from the airport) fashioned from former fisherman’s store shops, with direct access to a sandy beach. Corsica Boutique Villas all have sea views, a lush Mediterranean garden, and a flowing contemporary inside-outside design which maximises space.
Family rooms: The largest villa has 5 bedrooms and a garden spilling onto the beach while the other three come with 3 bedrooms; all bedrooms are ensuite. All are well-set up for self-catering.
Best for: All ages
Family rating: 2/3 stars – each villa has a small private pool, and their own table tennis table, the beach, baby cots and high chair supplied; watersports and boat trips are close by
10 Hotel Saint Andre des Arts, Paris
Looking for something in the heart of Paris’ artistic hub? Hotel Saint Andre des Arts has cool 1960s and 1970s inspired decor across 30 pristine bedrooms, an elegant breakfast room and bar, and an underground spa.
Family rooms: The Family Room consists of two connecting Superior Rooms and can sleep 5; a Prestige Room can connect with a Classic for a family of 6; take two Deluxe Rooms on the top floor (accessed by a private door) if you’re with older kids.
Best for: All ages
Family rating: 1/3 stars – baby cots, bedding and baby bath are available, kids books and toys; Paris’ finest museums, galleries and attractions are all easily reached on foot (Notre-Dame is 5 minutes away)
