If you’re looking for variety then France is a great place to consider for your family holiday.
From beaches to mountains to the historic and romantic sites of Paris there’s something to suit every taste.
At a glance
- From beaches to mountains to the historic and romantic sites of Paris there’s something to suit every taste
- Brittany and the coast of the South of Bordeaux are perfect for beach holidays
- France is also perfect for Skiing holidays
Take the kids on a short break to the likes of Paris, Nice or Bordeaux while the French Riviera, sandy beaches of Languedoc, Brittany and the coast of the South of Bordeaux are perfect for those beach holidays.
For camping the country doesn’t disappoint with a range of sites scattered across popular regions including: Auvergne, Cévennes, Ardèche, Burgundy, Côte d'Azur, Dordogne, Loire, Normandy, Picardy, Paris, Royan, Gascony, Vendée.
And let’s also not forget that winter skiing holiday and Disneyland Paris too…
Flight time
London Airports to Paris: 45 minutes
London airports to the south of France: 1.50 hours
Ferry from the UK (Dover) to Calais: 1.30 hours
Eurotunnel Folkestone to Calais: 35 minutes
Eurostar to Paris: 2 hours
Passports and Visas
Whether you’re planning to fly, take the ferry, Eurotunnel or Eurostar to France you’ll need a passport for each member of the family. However, you won’t need a visa.
Health and safety
You don’t need any special vaccines when visiting this country but make sure you’re immunisations are up to date before you go. Keep an eye out at main tourist attractions, where you may fall victim to pickpockets, especially at Charles de Gaulle airport and in train stations such as Gare du Nord in Paris.
When to go
With its wide variety of activities there’s never a bad time to visit France. June to September are the country’s hottest times of the year, while December to March is a perfect time to don those skis. If you want to enjoy the country without those baking hot days, and packed beaches and roads opt for spring before the schools shut up shop.
Things to do
If budget isn’t an issue take yourself to the South of France where you can rub shoulders with the odd celeb in St Tropez and Monaco. Winter skiing is a must on the Alps – especially Meribel – while the region of Loire Valley is a fairytale land of medieval and Renaissance castles and châteaus. If you want to reign in the spending then go for a camping holiday in one of France’s many sites, which give you a great base to begin exploring.
Essential Information
Many families opt for France because they can jump on a ferry – or the Eurotunnel – with their car and then drive when they are there. However, at peak times (7.30 – 9.00am and 5.30 – 7.30pm generally during the week), large towns and town centres can be very busy, while you’ll also have to factor the cost of motorway tolls into your budget if you’re planning a road trip.
On the plus point most motorway service stations have 'baby corners' with changing facilities and high chairs. Make sure you keep your license and insurance documents with you at all times and inform your insurance company before you go that you’ll be driving outside of the UK.