Luxury Family Holidays in France

Pair family-first activities with the gastronomic escape you’ve been craving on a luxury family holiday to France with Scott Dunn.

Hand-selected family-friendly hotels, resorts & chalets
Our iconic ski holidays and enriching Explorers ski clubs
Holidays brimming with history & culture, from Provençal countryside to Alpine villages
Tailor-made escapes with award-winning service from our travel experts

From the sun-baked beaches of the Cote d’Azur to the cobbled streets of Paris, France holds a special place in the hearts of British people. Unspoilt countryside, the glitzy Riviera, long, languid lunches, market trawling and skiing in the Alps – a family holiday in France promises glamour and excitement but also the chance to reconnect with your children and partner amid the unhurried rhythm of French life.

France rewards those who roam. Spend a few days exploring Monaco's storied harbourside before returning along the coast to Nice, or base yourselves in Paris and steal a few afternoons in the sun-dappled villages of Normandy. Getting between it all is refreshingly simple: high-speed rail links mean cities are closer than they appear on the map, motorways are well-kept and easy to navigate with children, and short internal flights connect the far corners of the country with very little fuss. France is one of the few European destinations where combining two or three distinct regions in a single family trip feels natural rather than rushed.

Every family comes to France differently, with different ages, different appetites, different ideas of what makes a holiday feel like a holiday. Scott Dunn's travel designers take the time to understand yours, weaving together the moments that matter most into an itinerary that is entirely your own. From choosing the right base to timing each journey between regions, every detail is considered so that you arrive, settle in, and simply enjoy.

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Meet our France Experts

Our team of specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure. Contact us today to start planning your tailor-made trip.

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Top Family Activities in France

Outdoor Adventures
Cultural and Educational Experiences
On The Water

Outdoor Adventures

In Provence, there’s cycling through tunnels of cypress trees looking for a shady picnic spot or taking in the sights and smells of lavender-filled Grasse. The village is famous for its purple fields and perfumeries, and you can make your own fragrance with your teens as a lovely keepsake from your holiday. For the higher octane interests, there is white water rafting and kayaking in Gorges du Verdon or horseback riding in the Camargue with a Provencal cowboy.

Further north, the Loire Valley offers a gentler but no less rewarding kind of adventure. The valley's dedicated cycling trails wind past medieval châteaux and riverbanks, making it one of the most enjoyable ways to explore France's countryside as a family.

For mountain getaways, one of the best resorts in the Alps for families in the summer is Chamonix. Rather than shut down when the snow disappears, it comes to life and is a haven for adrenaline junkies young and old. There are treetop zip lines to whiz down, canoe rides along a gentle river, canyoning in mountain creeks, and special adventure camps for kids to head off to on their own.

Cultural and Educational Experiences

Bring sightseeing in Paris to life for your kids by watching the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower at night, joining a treasure hunt through Le Louvre, cruising down the Seine by boat, or climbing up the Arc du Triomphe. Younger children will be delighted by Jardin du Luxembourg with its huge playground, vintage fairground rides and remote-control boats. While a rummage through vintage markets for treasures to take home will put a smile on the face of your teens. And of course, there’s always Disneyland Paris to bribe them with! Make it extra special with our VIP Disney Dream Day experience.

While on a family holiday in France, you can also join a historian onboard a WWII military vehicle in Normandy, complete with vintage radio and actual equipment that would have been used. Learn about the D-Day landings and taste the same kind of food that was eaten in 1944, which is still produced by the same companies today.

On The Water

Sailors and water babies will love exploring the protected islands of Porquerolles or Port Cros on a beach holiday in France for families. Discover white sandy coves by bike, 4x4 or e-car, before a lobster lunch aboard your private boat. If you'd prefer to stay on the water, cruise around Les Calanques National Park by sailing boat and swim, kayak and snorkel the clear waters, surrounded by limestone peaks. Then feast on a delicious meal prepared by a private chef.

For families in search of something quieter, France has no shortage of gentler shores. In Normandy, Deauville and Trouville sit side by side along what is known as the Riviera of Normandy — wide, sandy beaches backed by Belle Époque villas and promenades, with a timeless charm that makes them a perennial favourite for families. For a more sun-soaked escape, Corsica's Palombaggia is regularly named among the world's finest beaches, its azure waters and pine-backed sands offering a pace and beauty that feels a world away from the mainland.

Where to Go in France for a Family Holiday?

France has something for everyone, whether that's coastal glamour in the south, culture in the north or whizzing down the mountains on a fun-fuelled week in the Alps. And, of course, there's Paris. The romantic capital of the world might not be the first place you think of visiting with kids, until, that is, you hear about what's on offer for little ones in the city's top hotels. What makes France particularly special for families is how naturally it lends itself to combining destinations — a few days in Paris before heading south to the Riviera, or the Alps paired with a slower week in Provence. Here are the best places for a family holiday in France, handpicked by Scott Dunn.

South of France Family Holidays

Family holidays in the South of France are about disconnecting from reality, sharing great meals, playing on the beach until the sun goes down and colourful espadrilles in charming villages.This postcard-perfect part of France, filled with hilltop towns, lavender fields, vineyards, and farmhouses, embraces the slower pace of life. Maybe it’s the combination of sea and mountains or the warm Mediterranean sun, either way, you can’t help but leave feeling relaxed. Move between the hotel pool, delicious lunch spots, cycling and a touch of exploring, before heading back to the hotel for Michelin star dinners (with a babysitter).

Those who can’t resist the call of the ocean should head down to the Cote d’Azur’s best beaches like Paloma or Juan les Pins. Explore Marseille, then hop on a boat to feel miles from it all on Porquerolles or Port-Cros. The two sandy islands are 20 minutes from the Cote d’Azur, giving you a glimpse of how St Tropez might have been 20 years ago – remote and unspoilt beaches, lapped by turquoise waters. Perfect if you’re looking for a beach holiday in France for your family.
Family Ski Holidays in the Alps

For four decades, Scott Dunn has hand-crafted ski holidays to France, specialising in the pinnacle of Alpine luxury. Paired with our Explorers children's ski club at Portetta in Courchevel 1650, we’ve set the standard for luxury family ski holidays.

The French Alps are one of the best places in the world to take to the slopes, with out-of-this-world scenery, incredible chalets and restaurants, and some of the most renowned skiing. The resorts here are exceptionally well set up for families, with ski schools across the Three Valleys and beyond employing English-speaking instructors as standard, meaning children progress quickly and confidently from their very first lesson. Dedicated beginner areas and gentle nursery slopes give younger children the space to find their feet, while older kids and teens can push themselves across vast, interconnected terrain that keeps even the most restless skier engaged all week.

And while winter might steal the limelight in these resorts, the summer in the mountains is just the tonic for a busy life. Walks through wildflower meadows, swinging through rope courses, white water rafting, and paragliding all under bright blue skies and crisp fresh air will leave you and your family feeling lively and happy.
Paris Family Holidays

Perhaps not the first place you think of taking a toddler, but with the help of some incredible kids’ club offerings, the capital of France is shaking off its reputation for being adult only. The most stylish of the bunch is Le Bristol, a favourite with the international elite and yet with interconnecting rooms, special gifts, mini bathrobes, hotel cats and a dedicated kids’ area it couldn’t be more welcoming to children. There’s plenty to do in Paris with families, from scavenger hunts around the city to cooking classes and private sightseeing tours. And just forty minutes from the city centre, Disneyland Paris makes an easy and magical addition to any Paris itinerary — a day or two among the rides and shows before returning to the capital or heading to the country for a quieter pace.
Family Holidays to Northern France

Since WWII, France’s dramatic northern coast has been a place to pay homage to D-Day. But near these sombre, windswept beaches, you’ll find beautiful towns steeped in classic Gallic charm, and ancient castles to explore. There is such varied culture in Normandy, from Giverny, Monet’s famous home and garden, to Rouen, with its own version of Notre Dame and 500-year-old astronomical clock. There are also amazing restaurants in Honfleur, a charming port town which has inspired impressionist artists for years, and of course, the Bayeux Tapestry. Sitting alongside these big-ticket attractions is a thriving artisan industry, where lacemakers, potters, cheese makers and cider farms work to supply the rest of France with their wares. This is where to come with kids who are curious, love history or art and want to see it all come alive.

South of France Family Holidays
Family Ski Holidays in the Alps
Paris Family Holidays
Family Holidays to Northern France

France Ski Holidays with Childcare

Our unique Scott Dunn Explorers kids club programme and Explorers Private Nanny service offer flexible, trusted childcare, giving parents the freedom to relax. With half-day or full-day options available, find our services at premium resorts in Courchevel 1650, Val d’Isère and Méribel.

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Luxury Family Resorts and Hotels in France

Our travel specialists know these properties personally and will match your family to the one that fits your family’s travel style, and how you want to spend your days. France's finest family hotels go well beyond a connecting room: think dedicated kids' clubs that genuinely engage younger guests, babysitting services that give parents a romantic evening to themselves, and spas where adults can properly unwind while the children are looked after. Here are our tried and true best hotels in France for families.

Younger kids

Kids’ clubs and babysitting, family room options and warm, welcoming staff. These are the hotels and properties to stay in with younger children while on luxury family holidays in France.

Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort, Provence

Terre Blanche in Provence is an ideal destination for young children and families due to its extensive range of family-friendly activities, including a dedicated kids' club, outdoor playgrounds, and a variety of sports facilities. Additionally, the resort offers spacious family-friendly accommodation options, all set amongst the beautiful Provencal countryside.

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Le Bristol, Paris

Le Bristol Paris is an enchanting haven for young children. With its timeless elegance and a graceful blend of luxury and child-friendly amenities, the hotel embraces little ones with open arms, ensuring their comfort and delight, while indulging parents with the highest standards of service and sophistication

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Outdoor seating area at the Kimpton Hotel St Honore

Kimpton Hotel St Honore, Paris

The Kimpton Hotel Paris offers a delightful array of child-friendly facilities including a dedicated playroom filled with toys, games, and colourful books. Meanwhile, parents are taken care of with an inviting spa, and stylish interiors, including a rooftop overlooking the city.

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Older Kids

With everything your teens or tweens need on a family holiday, these hotels will keep your kids busy and you happy.

View of infinity pool overlooking sea at Le Roche Blanche Cassis

Les Roches Blanches, Cassis

Welcoming children of all ages and set in a stunning, coastal location, Les Roches Blanches has a stellar lineup of kids' activities, from sailing and climbing to water sports and tennis. While your kids are occupied, take advantage of the private beach access, Sisley spa or a leisurely vineyard tour.

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Chateau La Cheneviere, Normandy

Chateau La Chenevière presents a world of enchantment for children, where they can embark on whimsical adventures exploring the lush gardens with beehives, engage in creative workshops, splash in the heated swimming pool, and indulge in delightful picnics amidst the captivating Normandy countryside. Nearby, there are jeeps, buggies and quad bikes to hire, horse riding, hiking, sailing and golf.

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For Skiing

These hotels and chalets in the French Alps have the best kids’ clubs, games rooms, family accommodations and food to please even the pickiest eaters.

La Portetta, Courchevel

Ski in, ski out and with Scott Dunn’s Explorer Club, La Portetta takes all the stress out of a family ski holiday. From the people behind Limewood and The Pig, you know you’re in good hands. The interiors are charming, the food delicious and the service sparkling.

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Mountain view room at Les Barmes de l'Ours

Barmes de l’Ours, Val d’Isere

This stylish bear-themed hotel seamlessly balances the utmost luxury with wholesome family fun. Barmes de l’Ours is a place where little adventurers can embark on exhilarating ski lessons and enjoy a plethora of kid-friendly indoor activities, while adults are treated to a top-notch spa and pool, and Michelin-star food.

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Chalet La Grange, La Mourra, Val d’Isere

Stay at this hotel on your family holiday in France for a blend of excellent hotel facilities with the peace and privacy that comes with a chalet. La Grange is part of La Mourra village, which includes five homely, Savoyard-style houses. Each comes with a butler and chauffeur, private cinema, their own wellness area, and a small pool, as well as access to the hotel spa and 17-metre pool. Meals are served either in the chalet or in the hotel restaurant, which specialises in Asian and French fusion.

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For the Beach

Either right on the coast or a stone’s throw away, these hotels are ideal for beach holidays in France for families.

Regent Carlton Cannes, Cote d’Azur

With a captivating blend of timeless glamour and modern sophistication, Regent Carlton Cannes creates an atmosphere of the utmost luxury. But rather than being unapproachable for families, the hotel is very welcoming, with rooms large enough for extra beds for children, and adjoining options too. The Carlton Beach Club (the first private beach in Cannes) across the street is not only a huge draw for parents but equally for paddling toddlers and sun-worshipping teens.

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Sun loungers by the pool at the Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat

Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, Nice

Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat stands out as an exquisite destination for family beach holidays in France, offering an idyllic seaside setting, a private beach with crystal-clear waters, and an array of family-friendly activities. There's a dedicated kids' club, water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, and the opportunity to explore the surrounding area’s natural beauty through guided hikes and bike rides.

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Hotel Lou Pinet, St Tropez

Epitomising the laid-back St Tropez spirit, this boutique hotel exudes Provencal style while also catering to families. As cool as the hotel interiors, the kids’ club runs creative workshops, such as jewellery making or painting. There’s a pétanque corner, shuttles to the beach, in and outdoor pools and a Tata Harper spa. This is about as chic as a family-friendly hotel gets.

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