Family Trip to France: Paris & Provence - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Paris 

Welcome to Paris, the City of Light! This elegant capital boasts centuries of history, art, fashion, and, of course, romance. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up from the airport and transferred by a private car to your hotel.

After settling into your accommodation, head out for your first look at the city. Depending on the time of day and your family's level of energy, spend some time walking around and enjoying the sights. Paris is alive with activity, day and night. Colorful boulevards and historic monuments invite visitors to stroll through the downtown, while narrow alleys and cozy cafés create a romantic atmosphere. If you're tired after the journey, a gentle cruise down the River Seine is an ideal activity for families.

Day 2: Le Marais Pastry & Chocolate Tour or Versailles Tour

If your kids are into kings and queens, they might love a day tour to the resplendent Versailles Estate, just outside the city. Take the train there, then head directly inside with your skip-the-line tickets, spending a few hours exploring the palace and grounds. Discover what life was like in the luxurious court of the kings and queens of France. Your historian guide will walk you from hall to gilded hall, pointing out ornately painted ceilings, the Hall of Mirrors, and the private royal quarters.

Day 3: French Baking Class, Guided Tour of Montmartre

Youngsters will love getting their hands dirty today (with food!) during a lesson at a French bakery. Step behind the counter of a French bakery to learn how to bake your own traditional bread and viennoiseries (baked pastries). The bakery owner will instruct you on the methods used to make baguettes, puff pastries such as croissants and pains au chocolat, and sourdough loaves. Show off your newfound skills by bringing home your own baguette.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Paris' bohemian Montmartre neighborhood. Follow an interactive itinerary specially designed for children. Follow your guide through Montmartre and hear incredible anecdotes about this unique area. Visit the distinctive Basilica de Sacré-Coeur, admire masterpieces by famous painters and writers, be charmed by a picturesque carousel, and observe the last windmills in Paris. Montmartre will enchant the whole family. 

Day 4: Train to Aix-en-Provence Train Station, Walking Tour

Save time today by traveling almost the length of France on a high-speed train (TGV) from Paris to Provence, a journey of 3.5 hours. The capital of the region, Aix-en-Provence, is rich in heritage, art, culture, and education. Aix-en-Provence is in an exceptional geographical location, and you'll soon understand why this landscape so inspired painters such as Cézanne, Picasso, and Kandinsky.

Explore Aix-en-Provence on a two-hour guided walking tour. Stroll through a labyrinth of narrow streets, passing historic churches and squares as your guide points out famous and hidden gems. Visit the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, a Romanesque/Gothic church built on the site of an ancient Greek temple to Apollo. Then, stop and see the 14th-century Town Hall (known locally as the Hotel de Ville) and a walk along the Cours Mirabeau, a busy thoroughfare lined with leafy trees, markets, and cafés. Encourage your kids to keep their eyes peeled for the Roman-era ruins.

If your kids are older and enjoy dining out, indulge in a gastronomic dinner with wine pairing (for the adults!) prepared by a top chef. Younger ages will enjoy an early evening stroll through the city to sample some of the local specialties such as macarons, calissons (iced fruit candies), goat cheese, olive oil, and honey.

Day 6: E-Bike Along Cezanne's Route, Free Time in Aix-en-Provence

Spend the morning exploring the countryside on a three-hour e-bike tour. You'll follow the Cézanne Route from Aix-en-Provence to Sainte-Victoire via Le Tholonet, recreating the journey of the great artist and experiencing the landscapes that inspired him. With an average speed of about 9 mph (15 km/h), you'll be able to cruise effortlessly, and even little legs won't get tired. Along the way, stop at ancient chapels, visit small villages, and (in June and July) see the famed lavender fields.

Return to Aix-en-Provence for a free afternoon to spend as you wish, according to your family's interests. Some options include the Pavillon Vendôme, with its French-style gardens; the Cours Mirabeau, with its archway of sycamores shading sidewalk cafés and terraces; Cézanne's Studio and garden, where he painted some of his greatest masterpieces; or the Archbishops' Palace, adjoining the Saint-Sauveur cathedral. In the evening, celebrate your final night in France with dinner at one of the city's farm-to-table restaurants.

Day 7: Train to Paris, Depart

This morning, return to Paris on the TGV train, admiring the views of the French countryside whizz past your window before arriving at Charles-de-Gaulle Paris Airport for your onward flight. Bon voyage!