France family holidays

Our small group holidays are perfect for families looking to keep active outdoors. You’ll join other families with children aged from seven to 15; depending on the activity they’ll need to be old enough to wear safety equipment and follow instructions. Group sizes are usually a maximum of 12 to 16 people. Small group activity holidays tend to take place from May to the end of August, coinciding with spring and summer school holidays as well as warmer temperatures for wild swimming, kayaking and white water rafting.

Professional and passionate instructors will help everyone learn the ropes – sometimes literally – and a group leader or host will be on hand to welcome you and ensure everyone knows what’s going on. Our small group family holidays in France are centre based, perhaps in a luxury eco lodge or a five bedroom chalet in the Alpine village of Samoëns. Activity sites are just a short transfer away. All meals are included and there’s loads of indoor and outdoor space. It’s all very communal and everyone gets plenty of time to socialise with new pals and spend time together, as a family.

You can also book your own accommodation in the Ardèche and join other families, just for activities. Although there’s a set week’s itinerary you can pick and choose what you want to do. This is a great idea for families looking to make new friends as well as exploring on their own and enjoying their own space.

Our tailor made family holidays in France are for families looking to take things at their own pace. You can choose when you want to go, depending on school holidays, and decide on the type of activities that you’d like to do – perhaps with a guide, or on your own with detailed notes. We find walking holidays are a firm favourite for families looking to explore rural France. Your luggage will be transferred between accommodations each day, and detailed route information and emergency assistance add peace of mind. Mercantour National Park and the Rhône Valley, in the Alps, offer exceptional scenery as well as the opportunity to walk with a VIP, well a VID – a Very Important Donkey!

Alternativley, why not opt for two wheels instead of four legs? Cycling as a family between the lakes of Geneva, Bourget and Annecy takes you along the flat towpaths and shaded cycle routes beside the Rhône and Isère Rivers. Each night you’ll stay in a different, family owned hotel where a warm welcome, and your luggage, will be awaiting your arrival.

Alternatively, if you’re the type of family who love to really get to know the local patisseries or want to disappear into the Dordogne for a week then self catering or B&B accommodation in France is ideal. Cabins in the woods, chalets in the mountains, B&Bs with balconies in Provence, or a baby-friendly cottage in the Loire Valley; our accommodation only holidays are just right for families looking for la belle vie.