Deciding just where to holiday in France comes with a huge range of choices, and that can make it very difficult when it comes to a final decision. France is, after all, twice the size of the UK, and is even bigger than Spain and Greece combined! That makes it fantastic when it comes to having options, and if you’re travelling with children, then you are literally spoiled for choice. However, for family breaks, it’s always best to head south. It’s not a surprise that the south of France is one of the most popular destinations for families in Europe, and with the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees Mountains acting as borders to the region, it’s clear that even the most demanding of family members will find something to love. From the best in European beaches to the food and drink that France is famous for, here’s how to explore the best that the south of France has to offer you and your family.
Deciding where to stay
You have a number of accommodation options when it comes to the south of France, but the more experienced travellers will always opt for a villa over a hotel. Whether you’re facing the Mediterranean or the mountains, having a villa means that you have much greater control over your comings and goings, as well as your food options. Why visit the gastronomic wonderland of France and then eat hotel meals for the duration of your stay? Look for the most luxurious in accommodations, and you might be surprised by some of the optional extras. Finding a South France Villa is not only easy, but it also allows you the opportunity to further tailor your family holiday to suit your family requirements. Very often, finding the best villa in southern France is the first step to falling in love with the country.
For those that like heights
There’s no disputing the majesty and splendour of the Pyrenees. The range spreads across the entire southwestern region of Southern France, and it’s small wonder that it’s the destination of choice for those families hoping to hit the slopes. However, if you have smaller children, it can be challenging to juggle your skiing time and theirs, and the costs can very quickly spiral out of control. However, that doesn’t mean that you should dismiss the mountains, as there are still some fantastic opportunities for family fun, even without the skis on your feet. For a little dose of history and culture, visit some of the small villages in the region or head to Fort Liberia for some added value. For both kids and adults, there’s something very appealing about the Museum of Modern Art, and if the rain interrupts your plans, there’s even a hands-on art playroom for the little ones.
Getting wet and wild
Kids love splashing about in water, and there’s plenty of it in the south of France. Not only is the Mediterranean available, but there’s also the Loup River, which winds along over 30 miles of wild and diverse terrain before pouring out into the Med. This is not only a great place for a bit of wild swimming, but it’s also a wonderful area for your kids to explore. For the more demanding of children (or adults), there’s even the option of a bit of white-water rafting. Obviously, the beach is very likely going to be a high priority, and even there you have a wide range of options. Don’t just choose the one closest to your villa. Take the time to explore some of the different beaches, andyou’ll find that each has their own personality and activities. Just don’t forget the suntan lotion, because the south of France is known for catching the unwary holidaymakers off-guard.
With ancient battle sites and fortresses to explore, beaches to lounge on, mountains to ski down, and all of the museums and art galleries that you’d expect from one of the most influential countries in history, the south of France has something for every member of your family.
