10 Days in France - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Normandy & Brittany

This western France road trip makes for a great introduction to France for first-timers. It is best for families who want to experience Paris' highlights, kid-friendly activities at historic sites like Versailles and Normandy, and relax oceanside at Saint-Malo. 

Begin by situating yourself in Paris, the City of Lights. At night, you'll visit the statues and monuments of the Trocadero Esplanade and admire the city views from the Eiffel Tower on a walking tour. The following day, visit sites like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the iconic Shakespeare & Co. bookstore before seeing the amusing Wax Museum of Grevin. Spend the morning on a family treasure hunt through the Louvre and satisfy your sweet tooth on a pastry tour on Day 3. On Day 4, you'll wander through the gilded halls and manicured gardens of the Versaille estate. In the afternoon, visit one of Paris' museums or the aquarium. 

Days 5 and 6 bring you west to Caen, where you'll see the city's main historical sites like the River Orne and its two famous abbeys: L'Abbaye-aux-Hommes and L'Abbaye-aux-Dames on a fun segway tour. Spend a full day in Normandy discovering the powerful legacy of D-Day and infamous scenes of war. Explore the oceanside town of Saint-Malo, stopping at Mont-Saint-Michel, an abbey on an island, and taking a walking history tour of Saint-Malo on Day 7. Wander along the Emerald Coast, relax on the beaches of Dinard, and thrill to a sand yachting activity in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel before returning to Paris. Learn more

Itinerary #2: French Cities, Mountains & Food for Families: Paris, Annecy & Lyon

Foodie families will enjoy this city and mountain itinerary. With a focus on local gastronomy, families will see highlights of Paris and Lyon, taste local sweets, take a hands-on cooking class, and venture into the French Alps for cheese fondue.

On Day 1, take in the incredible views from the Eiffel Tower's summit and then cruise on the River Sein, where you and the kids will recognize landmarks like the Champs-Elysées, the Musée d'Orsay, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. On Day 2, step back in time with a medieval Paris tour centered around the Île de la Cité, passing sites like Notre-Dame, the royal Sainte-Chapelle, and the Conciergerie. Enjoy an exciting treasure hunt and a "Louvre for Kids" tour around the Louvre Museum. Kids will love tasting sweet French specialties around Saint-Germain-des-Pres on Day 3 before playing at one of the city's impressive parks or playgrounds.

The next three days bring adventures in Annecy in the French alps. You'll eat cheese fondue in the underground caves of Bauges Massif and ride the famous cogwheel Montenvers Railway for vistas of Grandes Jorasses mountain and Mer de Glace glacier. Cruise Lake Annecy, admiring castles and the cliffs of Roc de Chère. Explore the old town's hidden passageways before a hands-on cooking class in Lyon on Day 7. Day 8 is for hot air ballooning above the countryside of Beaujolais and wandering through Les Halles de Lyon market, while Day 9 is for a family cycling tour through Paris. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family Trip to France: Paris, Dijon & Lyon

This family trip to France is another excellent way to experience the country with the kids in tow for the first time. You'll explore Paris, Dijon, and Lyon highlighting culture and gastronomy. It's the perfect mix for families that want to tour the city and countryside, including medieval Burgundian villages, Beaujolais vineyards, and a special day at Disneyland. 

On Day 1, explore Paris' Le Jardin du Luxembourg, where the kids can sail a boat or ride a carousel. Afterward, take in the stunning views from the Effiel Tower. Cruise along the Seine River on Day 2 before an afternoon at the Museum of Magic or the science museum. A highlight for the kids is the magical shows, parades, and performances at Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park on Day 3. Visit Dijon on Day 4, where the parents will marvel at the medieval architecture and Notre Dame, while the kids will appreciate the fountains at the Place de la Libération and Le Jardin de l'Arquebus. 

Enjoy quaint villages and Burgundy's scenic countryside on Day 5. The following day, uncover the best of Lyon with an exciting cable car ride up the hill to the basilica, Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and wander through the Old Town's secret passages. On Day 7, tour a Beaujolais farm, where kids can meet the livestock and learn how to make cheese by hand. You'll taste the best local food in Old Town on Day 8, while on Day 9, you'll tour through the best cafés, eat baked goods in Paris, and explore Le Marais neighborhood's gems like Hôtel de Ville and its mansions and gardens. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Family-Friendly Tour of Provence

Skipping Paris, venture south with the family on this tour of Provence. You'll find the makings of a relaxed but active family trip, including cooking classes, ancient and medieval history, culture, and fun outdoor activities like biking and boating, all while covering charming Provençal locations.

On Day 1, wander around Marseille's medieval Fort Saint-Jean or on the playgrounds of Parc Borély. The following day, sail around the Frioul Islands archipelago and Château d'If on the Île d'If with its rocky coves and ancient castle. Afterward, you'll snap family vacation photos on a photography tour around Marseille. Days 3 and 4 bring adventures in olive groves and wine estates, from participating in a cooking class at a Provençal farmhouse to sampling wines at Estoublon Château, where kids can run among the vines, formal gardens and brilliant blue pools and explore village life around Saint-Rémy.

En route to Luberon, tour the medieval hilltop villages of Lourmarin, Gordes, Roussillon, and Bonnieux, passing romantic castles and vibrant flower fields on Day 5. Day 6 is for a horsedrawn carriage ride to the Ocher Conservatory and the ocher mines of Bruoux, while Day 7 is for cycling through Luberon Regional Nature Park and villages along quiet country roads. You'll take in historic Aix-en-Provence's rich heritage, art, and culture on a guided walking tour on Day 8. Kids will love getting their hands messy and discovering Provence's culture with a foodie tour and cooking class on Day 9. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Corsica Family Adventure: Calvi, Ajaccio & Bonifacio

Families who love outdoor adventures and being on the water will appreciate this Corsica family adventure itinerary. You'll discover canyoning and coasteering, island hopping in the North Sardinian Archipelago, and kayaking in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. 

On Day 1, walk through Calvi's medieval citadel, spotting the Salt Tower and Sampiero Barracks, Christopher Columbus' house, historic churches, and Revallata Lighthouse. Sail the stunning coastline of the Agriates Desert on Day 2, cruising past Lozari and Ostriconi beaches and swimming at Ghignu Cove before embarking on a 4WD adventure through the maquis, Corsica's distinctive shrubland. Try swimming, climbing, abseiling, and ziplining on a coasteering tour of the Revellata Peninsula on Day 3 and canyoning on L'Île-Rousse on Day 4. 

Take a coastal drive to Ajaccio through Scandola and Girolata on Day 5, stopping at the Fangu River to kayak and swim and then visit Scandola Reserve, a collapsed volcano. Learn about Napoleon Bonaparte on Day 6 through monuments and museums before taking a walking tour to Parata Point, with its impressive Genoese tower. Day 7 is for exploring the medieval citadel of Bonifacio and the steps of Escalier du Roy d'Aragon carved out of the cliffside. Enjoy adventures on the water on Days 8 and 9, including a relaxing catamaran cruise to Sardinia and a guided kayak trip in Porto Vecchio. Learn more 

More Great 10-Day France Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to France? Check out these other 10-day France itineraries, with luxury tours, cultural trips, and family-friendly adventures.