A beach to suit everyone

The French coastline is a whopping 3,400 miles long, and the beauty of a holiday here is that no two stretches feel quite the same. From wild Atlantic waves and charming fishing villages of the North to glamorous Riviera resorts and endless sandy beaches of the South, there’s a seaside escape to suit every family

Starting in the north, the beautiful, windswept beaches of Normandy are among the easiest parts of France to reach from the UK, with ferry crossings taking as little as 90 minutes on some routes. Home to the famous D-Day landing beaches that offer plenty to explore as well as historical interest, this is a area that’s packed sights to see, such as the magical island abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, one of the country’s top historic landmarks

Turn the corner, so to speak, and head towards Brittany for the much more dramatic Atlantic coastline. Known as the Emerald Coast (Côte d’Émeraude) in the north of the region, this is home to some of France’s most breathtaking scenery, with rugged outcrops, dramatic cliffs and spectacular coastal views. Picture-perfect fishing villages such as Camaret-sur-Mer, the quintessential Breton harbour town, make excellent bases from which to hop between sandy beaches, feast on fresh seafood and discover a coastline dotted with lighthouses and hidden coves. It’s easy to see why this region is a favourite with in the know French families

Further south, the Atlantic coast turns into a beach-lover’s dream. Around La Rochelle, Bordeaux and Biarritz you’ll find mile after mile of golden sand and some of the best surfing conditions in Europe. Even if you’re not planning to tackle the waves yourself, the surfer vibe brings a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere that’s super-welcoming of kids. Cute little towns, cycle paths and nature reserves all add to the reasons to visit this area. Arcachon Bay is a standout, with calm waters, scenic walking trails and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures

Europe’s biggest family-friendly ski area

No ifs, no buts: France is the best place in Europe for a family ski trip. We don’t say this lightly – Austria and Switzerland are right up there vying for the top spot – but when you consider all the things that make skiing with kids straightforward and actually enjoyable – the French Alps have the edge

In fact, the biggest challenge isn’t finding somewhere child-friendly to ski – it’s narrowing down the options. France is home to hundreds of resorts, from charming traditional villages to purpose-built mountain playgrounds and loads of them are perfect for little ones right through to teens and everyone in between. For first-time family ski trips, resorts such as Morzine, Les Gets and La Clusaz are hard to beat. These pretty Alpine towns have a cosy, chocolate-box feel, with pedestrianised centres, jolly, relaxed restaurants and plenty of beginner-friendly slopes. Ski schools are excellent (the French take teaching little ones very seriously), and you’ll find dedicated nursery slopes, magic carpets and gentle runs ideal for building the confidence of wobbly legs

Travelling with older kids or teens who want to rack up the miles? Head for the giant ski areas of Les Trois Vallées, home to resorts such as Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens. This is the largest linked ski area in the world, which basically means you could ski somewhere different every day and still not see it all. The snow record is excellent too, which is always handy when you’ve promised the children a winter wonderland

Magical rural adventures

While France’s beaches and ski slopes tend to steal the spotlight, some of the country’s best family adventures happen far from the coast. Venture inland and you’ll discover a whole different side of France – one filled with lavender fields, quaint villages, medieval castles and mountain adventures

Let’s start with Provence. This is the France of postcards and daydreams. Think endless vineyards, lavender fields, bustling markets and honey-coloured villages perched on hilltops. Parents can happily spend their days browsing local markets and sipping rosé, while little ones will love exploring cobbled streets, hunting for fountains and tucking into giant scoops of ice cream in shady village squares. Be sure to check out the spectacular Gorges du Verdon, often called Europe’s Grand Canyon, where you can hire kayaks, paddle boats or simply enjoy the incredible view

For families who like a little more action, the French Alps are every bit as exciting in summer as they are in winter. Once the snow melts, the mountains transform and resorts such as Morzine, Les Gets and Chamonix become hubs for hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, white-water rafting and adventure parks. Many ski lifts stay open during the summer, whisking families up the mountains for picnics with jaw-dropping views and walking trails suitable for all ages. Natures answer to a theme park

Speaking of theme parks, France has plenty beyond just Disneyland Paris. Puy du Fou, in the west, regularly tops lists of Europe’s best family attractions thanks to its incredible historical shows featuring Vikings, knights, gladiators and spectacular special effects. Well worth plotting as a stop on a French roadtrip

City breaks made easy

As if beaches, ski resorts and mountain adventures weren’t enough to entice you to France as a family  – lets chuck outstanding cities into the mix too. Whether you’re planning a dedicated city break or looking to add a few days of culture to a beach, ski or countryside holiday, France’s cities are packed with family-friendly attractions, beautiful architecture and enough croissants to keep everyone happy

Paris is the obviously place to start. It’s one of the world’s most magical cities and it’s definitely not just for honeymooners. Few cities manage to be both iconic and family-friendly, but Paris definitely pulls it off. From the wonder of taking in the view from the Eiffel Tower to child-friendly guided tours or riding a vintage carousel beneath the shadow of Sacré-Cœur – kids will adore the charming French capital as it’s easy to navigate and everything is fairly close by. Spend days exploring the city’s legendary landmarks, hopping on and off river cruises along the Seine or marvelling at the treasures inside the Louvre

But Paris is definitely not the only option. Head south to Lyon and you’ll discover one of France’s most underrated family destinations. Often considered the country’s foodie capital, Lyon offers beautiful riverside walks, colourful old streets and plenty of open spaces for children to burn off energy. The city’s fascinating Mini World attraction, featuring giant miniature landscapes and moving trains, is always a hit with younger visitors, while the cable car ride up to Fourvière Hill offers spectacular views across the city