Best family hotels in France: discover the best French resorts for families

If you’re searching for your next family holiday abroad, look no further than France. Hotels here understand how to keep everyone happy on any budget, helping you to enjoy an unforgettable holiday with the kids.

Your days could be spent nibbling on Macarons in your châteaux, or horse-riding through France’s most picturesque countryside and mountains. Or soak-up French history through cooking courses and guided tours through Europe’s most famous castles. Depending on your location, you’ll find hotels - by the sea, by rivers, up mountains, and within vineyards - that offer a huge choice of concierge activities for every family member to enjoy. Cooking courses, extreme watersports, and even grape-picking can be enjoyed together. The list is endless.

Then, at the end of each day, return to your family-friendly hotel for some shut-eye. Family hotels in France offer everything from suites with extra space, bunk rooms, and spacious apartments with facilities you may need during your trip.

Châteauxs, apartments, resorts and hotels - here’s our guide to the best family hotels in France to suit your style and budget.

What are the best family hotels in France?

• Best adventure family hotel: Les Villages Nature® Paris at Disneyland® Paris

• Best luxury hotel: Grand Hotel Thalasso & Spa, Basque Country

• Best family campsite: Camping Le Domaine Des Naiades, Bay of St. Tropez

• Best for young children: Imagine Roussillon in Languedoc-Roussillon, South of France

• Best hotel with a waterpark: Les Mouettes in Carantec, Brittany

Read next: The best family villas in France

1. Best adventure family hotel: Les Villages Nature® Paris at Disneyland® Paris

4* Les Villages Nature® Paris at Disneyland® Paris | Check availability

"It's right next to Disney's Davy Crockett Ranch, which is where we stayed when we went to Disneyland last year. It's about 6.4km from the park and takes 6 minutes to get there. Literally one road in and signposted. You can't miss it. Parking at Disney is expensive, €20+ per day. We got parking passes as we stayed at a Disney hotel so didn't have to worry about that extra cost." Recommended by ProustianMadeleine.

This incredible eco-resort is just what you need if your family is filled with energy and looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy city. The resort is action-packed, with over 100 family-friendly experiences including Europe’s largest indoor waterpark equipped with a lazy river, wave pool and waters that are heated to 30°c year-round. Guests will also find an outdoor assault course, a rock climbing wall, and an incredible lake.

Best of all, it’s part of Center Parcs, which means that the quality and standards across all properties are upheld. All apartments and cottages within the resort sleep 1-12 and are equipped with full kitchens, large living areas and balconies.

The adventure doesn’t end there. Located just a few minutes from Disney® Parks, your family can enjoy the thrill of Disney - there are paid shuttles, or if you’re travelling by car, simply park it free of charge.

Getting to Les Villages Nature® Paris is easy too - you can drive using the Eurotunnel or Ferry to get to France - and then it’s just a three-hour journey along the motorway. There are options to take the train from London’s St. Pancras or fly into Charles de Gaulle.

2. Best luxury hotel: Grand Hotel Thalasso & Spa, Basque Country

5* Grand Hotel Thalasso & Spa | Check availability

Basque Country is one of the mysteries of France (and Spain!). The Basque are proud about their unique heritage and language, which they protect at all costs, and which also makes the area extremely alluring for travellers. This region is known for its luxury resorts, fabulous beaches and incredible hiking trails.

Experience the ultimate Basque Country luxury at the Grand Hotel Thalasso & Spa. This wonderful resort has all the bells and whistles for a fantastic luxury stay with the kids. Seasonal kids’ club (additional fee), kids’ menus and kids’ spa treatments are all available. The resort offers babysitting and other family friendly services. Nearby beach clubs are also available for kids in the summer.

3. Best family campsite: Camping Le Domaine Des Naiades, Bay of St. Tropez

4* Le Domaine Des Naiades | Check availability

“We stayed at this campsite www.lesnaiades.co.uk by St Tropez in a premium mobile home a few years back and it was very nice. Big flat screen TV and very modern and clean. Giant swimming pool with water slides and entertainment programme. Would recommend it." Recommended by Lily2007.

Looking for something different to do in France this summer? Explore luxury mobile home options at Le Domaine Des Naiades. This 4-star campsite is located in the Bay of St.Tropez, just 900m from the sea.

Experience top-notch facilities and services in a unique setting. There is so much to keep the kids occupied, from an Olympic sized swimming pool, to two water slides and even a toddlers’ paddling pool, you’re spoilt for choice. And when the sun sets, you can choose to settle in for a night at the movies with the open-air cinema, or enjoy dancing, take in a cabaret show and so much more.

When it comes to accommodation, Le Domaine Des Naiades has three types of mobile home options: The Premium, The Comfort and The Classic range, which all sleep up to 7/8 and vary according to your budget and requirements.

4. Best for young children: Imagine Roussillon in Languedoc-Roussillon, South of France

Imagine Roussillon | Check availability

This Micro-Resort located in the South of France was created with kids in mind, and especially families with young children. This exclusive enclave is for those who want their own space, but with all the services and amenities on hand when it comes to travelling with children and toddlers in France.

Located on the Mediterranean, just an 8 minute drive from the beach, Imagine Roussillon can accomodate families in 2/3 bedroom apartments and villas. There’s a kids’ play room, babysitting, heated swimming pools, as well as a gym and massage room.

5. Best hotel with a waterpark: Les Mouettes in Carantec, Brittany

5* Les Mouettes | Check availability

"Les Mouettes in Carantec - if you take the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry it's a 10 minute drive to the other side. It's got a lovely pool area including an indoor heated pool, next to the beach, and evening entertainment. The town it's in is lovely too." Recommended by EnglishGirlApproximately

Located in the heart of the Bay of Morlaix, Brittany, Les Mouettes, is a campsite that offers an incredible family adventure. It offers a wide range of leisure facilities, including Brittany’s largest water park and whirlpool, as well as services, shops and its area dedicated to catering and the pleasures of dining.

6. Best all-inclusive hotel: Club Med, Opio En Provence

4* Club Med | Check availability

Club Med is well known as an all-round, all-inclusive family friendly resort. Located on the famous French Riviera, this 4-star experience offers everything from kids’ activities to sports for adults. Enjoy gourmet food, kids’ club, watersports, golf and a spa and wellness centre in the 46-hectare resort.

7. Best hotel for nature: Domaine de Chalain in Jura, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

4* Domaine de Chalain | Check Availability

“Domaine de Chalain in the Jura has a lake and high ropes course, and is sort of on the way - as in not a massive detour. www.chalain.com/en/ Eurocamp and Canvas I think have mobile homes there. Nice pool there too.” Recommended by MissAmbrosia.

 A unique camping experience that allows you and the family to get back to nature. Nestled in the lush greenery at the foot of the Jura mountains, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Chalain and hike Jura’s nature trails.

The resort offers 4-star accommodation to suit every taste and budget - from wooden chalets, mobile homes, wooden bungalows and camping pitches, this resort has everything to ensure a memorable family holiday. Free kids’ activities include a kids’ club, archery, aqua gym, and there is evening entertainment for the whole family.

8. Best for history: Le Castel Guesthouse, Normandy

Le Castel | Check Availability

Le Castel is a guesthouse located in the centre of the mediaeval city of Bayeux between the station, the Cathedral and the Tapestry Museum. Now, you may not think that chateaus and small kids go very well together, but that is not the case with this property. Specialising in all-inclusive holidays for families with children aged 0-8 years, this incredible location will leave you bewildered. It’s also very popular amongst couples according to Booking.com.

9. Best for winter holidays: Samoens Alpine Holiday, ​​Samoëns

Samoens Alpine Holiday | Check availability

“Samoens - proper old attractive village with market, supermarket etc., not just a ski resort. But it also has all the touristy things you'd want, like ski lifts, white water rafting, paragliding, cafés, and a weekly tourist welcome evening in the village square.” Loved by JustAnotherManicUsername,

Samoëns is an idyllic summer and winter resort that has been awarded the Famille Plus label by the French Ministry of Tourism. This family-friendly mountain resort in France has everything you need for an incredible holiday.

Offering a kids’ club for a fun-packed supervised experienced for kids aged 6-12, as well as an adventure park for children aged 4 and up, pony rides, rock climbing and rafting amongst other experiences. There is even an option for Hiking with donkeys (so the donkeys do all the heavy lifting while you focus on the kids and the hike).

Apartments here are well-equipped and can sleep up to 6 people.

10. Best family theme park: La Cité Nocturne at Puy du Fou

Attractions at Puy du Fou | Buy Tickets

“We've been a couple of times, 1 day each. They publish the timetable the night before so you can make a plan. Queuing and getting out/around takes longer than you think, so if I had 3 days I would try to plan around seeing a zone. It's a big park and can be dusty, so don't bother dressing up and wear the most comfortable shoes/trainers you own. I am pretty sure you can refill drinks, they also had little cold steam showers to freshen up. There are 2 different night shows, the light and the big cinescene. It's absolutely worth getting tickets for the latter but you need to book early.” Visited by Lidolemon.

Experience the best of French History at Puy du Fou - this little-known French theme park has no rides but is big on thrills as it allows you to journey through the ages of French history. Most of the shows are suitable for all ages, toddlers included, but the ideal age for Puy du Fou is 6 and older.

When it comes to accommodation, all on-site hotels are grouped in one area known as La Cité Nocturne in Puy Du Fou - the night city. There are six historically themed hotels, each focusing on a period in history, from Ancient Rome to the 18th Century. Best of all, the entrance to the park is just a few steps away.

The accommodations are fun too. You can choose to star at the 4* Le Grand Siècle, which is styled on the world of Louis XIV, the Sun King.

If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, then Les Îles de Clovis is for you. This is a village of 50 Middle Ages style huts on stilts in a purpose built lake. The accommodations comfortably sleep 4-6.

The park offers glamping to the max at Le Camp du Drap D’Or. 100 vibrant tents styled on those used by Francis I of France and King Henry VIII of England during their campaigns on the continent make up your home.

Is France family-friendly?

France is a great destination for families with young children. It is safe, has great food and there is something for almost everyone to enjoy.

Many of the hotels in France cater to families with young children offering services like babysitting, and amenities such as a kids’ club, special children’s menus in restaurants and so much more.

Best of all, France is a year-round destination for a family holiday offering everything from a sun-soaked beach adventure, adventure packed nature experiences and skiing in the winter.

When is the best time to go to France?

A French family holiday can mean so many different things with options to keep you entertained year round. As the country enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year, it’s never too hot or too cold to enjoy everything that La France has to offer.

Spring is pleasant across the country, and as tourists, you’ll see fewer crowds. Summertime averages around 29°C, and is not too hot for any activity including hiking in the mountains, exploring the cities or frolicking in the sea, while autumn remains relatively warm, offering incredible changes in landscape and colour, especially in the countryside and mountainous regions. Winter is best for skiing, and for exploring the big cities with almost no crowds.

Do I need to hire a car in France?

France is very well connected when it comes to public transport, and you can get almost anywhere by bus or by train. However, with one or more young kids in tow, renting a car seems like the simple option.

There are just a few things to keep in mind. Renting a car in a big city like Paris is not recommended, parking is hard to come by and very expensive. If you’re spending a few days in Paris, you’ll want to reserve your rental at any of the six main train stations, and drive it from there to other destinations in France.

So while you do not need to hire a car, it is an easier option with travelling with small children.

How we chose our recommendations

Because we know there’s nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to discover which family hotels in France were being recommended by real parents.

We then did some research, looking at what family hotels in France had won accolades or had been featured in ‘best choice’ lists across websites, and what customer reviews were saying about them. After collating all of that information, we then narrowed our list down to find this list of the best family hotels in France at the moment. We feel there’s something here for everyone.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.