Which part of France?

[Imaleh]

We're going for a week to Paris in June with two teens and a five year old.
We then have a week in France that we're trying to decide what to do with. We're thinking of hiring a car and renting a gite.
We're definitely not looking for a beach holiday but want a good mix of outdoorsy stuff (rafting, exciting hikes etc) and historical (castles, interesting museums).
Which region would be the best to locate ourselves? Open to any recommendations other than Provence or Riviera?
Thanks!!

Dordogne or Ardeche would tick your boxes - still a bit of a drive from Paris. Or the Alps/Jura if you fancy the mountains?

Loire Valley might be good if you are in Paris as it's an easy journey. There are beautiful chateaux, interesting towns and villages, a huge zoo (Zooparc de Beauval). There is canoeing along the various rivers in the region and lots of "parc de loisirs" which offer water sports.

I was going to suggest the Loire valley too. We stayed near Saumur and went to the stunning Chateau d'Usse which was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle. Futuroscope is amazing and Parc Terra Botanica isn't far either which is well worth a day out.

Another view for the loire. If you can go a bit further though, head for the auvergne. It's just stunning there - natural volcanic landscape yet green and lush.

We went to lac de serre Ponçon a couple of years ago. There are sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing schools on the lake. Hiking and other activities in the mountains. Very french tourist area (i don't remember seeing any brits). We were camping but My sister met us there- they stayed in a chateau on the lake.

Thanks for the suggestions. Looks Loire valley it is!