20-Day Ultimate Family-Friendly Epic Journey Through France
France is much more than just a destination for romance; it is a sprawling playground for families and travelers seeking a deep dive into European culture at a relaxed pace. This 20-day epic journey takes you from the bustling carousels of Paris through the fairytale castles of the Loire Valley, all the way to the sun-drenched shores of the French Riviera. Designed with family travel in mind, this route prioritizes comfort, accessibility, and engaging activities that will captivate both toddlers and adults.
By focusing on slower travel and intercity trains, we eliminate the stress of long car rides, allowing you to enjoy the changing landscapes of the French countryside. Whether you are exploring world-class museums with specialized kids' tours or enjoying a picnic in a historic royal garden, this itinerary ensures a balanced mix of education, relaxation, and pure French 'joie de vivre'.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Paris, France - Arrival and Garden Relaxation
Arrival at Charles de Gaulle
Touch down in the City of Light and take a pre-booked shuttle to your hotel in the 5th or 6th Arrondissement for easy access to parks.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Let the kids burn off jet lag energy at one of Paris's most famous parks, featuring a legendary puppet theater and a vintage carousel.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Stroll
Walk through these historic streets, stopping at a local boulangerie for your first authentic French baguette.
Early Family Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed meal at a local bistro that offers outdoor seating, perfect for families with strollers.
Day 2: Paris, France - Iconic Landmarks and River Views
Eiffel Tower Exploration
Visit the Iron Lady early to beat the crowds. The Champ de Mars park at the base is perfect for kids to run around while you take photos.
Trocadéro Picnic
Grab supplies from a nearby market and enjoy lunch with a panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower.
Bateaux Parisiens Cruise
Hop on a glass-topped boat for a 1-hour cruise along the Seine, seeing Notre Dame and the Louvre from the water.
Carousel at Trocadéro
End the day with a ride on the beautifully illuminated carousel overlooking the river.
Day 3: Paris, France - Art and Royal Gardens
Louvre Museum Kids' Tour
Focus on the 'Greatest Hits' like the Mona Lisa with a family-oriented guide who keeps the history engaging for children.
Jardin des Tuileries
Right outside the Louvre, these gardens offer trampolines and a large playground for a mid-day break.
Angelina Paris Hot Chocolate
Treat the family to the world's most famous thick hot chocolate and the signature Mont-Blanc pastry.
Rue de Rivoli Shopping
Browse the arcades for high-quality French toys and souvenirs before a quiet evening.
Day 4: Paris, France - Magic at Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Park Arrival
Take the RER A train from central Paris directly to the gates of Disneyland for a day of Disney magic with a French twist.
Adventureland Lunch
Eat at the Captain Jack’s restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride for an immersive experience.
Disney Stars on Parade
Find a spot on Main Street U.S.A. early to see all your favorite characters pass by.
Disney Illuminations
Watch the spectacular fireworks and light show over Sleeping Beauty Castle before heading back to the city.
Day 5: Paris, France - Science and Canals
Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie
Visit the largest science museum in Europe, specifically the 'Cité des Enfants' area designed for kids ages 2-12.
Parc de la Villette
Explore this futuristic park with its themed gardens and the giant metallic 'Géode' sphere.
Canal Saint-Martin Walk
Enjoy a stroller-friendly walk along the trendy canal, watching the locks in action as boats pass through.
Pizza at Pink Mamma
A vibrant, multi-story Italian spot in Pigalle that is very welcoming to families and serves incredible food.
Day 6: Paris to Amboise - Journey to the Loire Valley
TGV Train to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps
Board the high-speed train for a quick 1-hour journey south. It's much faster and more comfortable than driving with kids.
Transfer to Amboise
A short local train or taxi ride brings you to the heart of the Loire Valley, the town of Amboise.
Château d'Amboise
Explore the royal residence and the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, offering great views over the Loire River.
Amboise Riverside Walk
Enjoy a sunset stroll along the riverbanks while the kids play in the local riverside squares.
Day 7: Amboise, France - Leonardo's Legacy
Château du Clos Lucé
Visit the final home of Leonardo da Vinci. The park is filled with full-scale interactive models of his inventions.
Garden Picnic
The grounds of Clos Lucé are perfect for a relaxed family picnic among the 'inventions'.
Mini-Châteaux Park
A few minutes away, this park features 41 of the Loire's finest castles reproduced in miniature scale.
Pâtisserie Bigot
Stop by this historic tea house for handmade chocolates and traditional French cakes.
Day 8: Chenonceaux, France - The Ladies' Castle
Château de Chenonceau
Visit this stunning castle built across the River Cher. It's stroller-accessible and features a lovely maze for kids.
Orangerie Lunch
Dine at the castle’s onsite restaurant which overlooks the green gardens of Diane de Poitiers.
Rowing on the Cher
Rent a small boat and row under the arches of the castle for a unique and peaceful family perspective.
Chenonceaux Village Stroll
A very quiet, safe village perfect for a late afternoon walk with the family.
Day 9: Amboise to Bordeaux - Heading Southwest
TGV Journey to Bordeaux
Relax on the high-speed train as you move toward the world's wine capital. The journey takes roughly 2 hours.
Hotel Check-in
Choose a hotel near the Place de la Bourse for easy access to the riverfront and trams.
Miroir d'eau
Let the kids splash in the world's largest reflecting pool, which creates a magical mist every few minutes.
Quayside Walk
The wide, paved Garonne riverfront is perfect for strollers and evening family strolls.
Day 10: Bordeaux, France - Gardens and Wine Culture
Jardin Public
Visit this beautiful English-style park which houses a botanical garden, a playground, and a puppet theater.
Marché des Quais
Visit the open-air market for fresh oysters (for parents) and local crepes (for the kids).
Cité du Vin
While known for wine, this museum is ultra-modern and interactive, with plenty of sensory exhibits that fascinate children.
Darwin Ecosystem
Head to this former military base turned cool urban space with organic food, street art, and an indoor skate park.
Day 11: Bordeaux, France - Atlantic Day Trip
Dune du Pilat
Drive or take a bus to the tallest sand dune in Europe. Kids will love climbing up and sliding down the sand.
Arcachon Bay Lunch
Enjoy fresh seafood in the seaside town of Arcachon, known for its shallow, family-friendly beaches.
Ville d'Hiver (Winter Town)
Explore the whimsical 19th-century villas of Arcachon, which look like something out of a storybook.
Return to Bordeaux
A quiet evening in the city to prepare for tomorrow's travel.
Day 12: Bordeaux to Avignon - Entering Provence
Intercity Train to Avignon
Enjoy a scenic cross-country train ride through the Languedoc region into the heart of Provence.
Palais des Papes
Visit the massive Gothic palace. Use the 'Histopad' tablet (included with entry) for a fun AR treasure hunt for kids.
Pont d'Avignon
Dance on the famous half-bridge as the traditional song goes. Great for photos and fresh air.
Place de l'Horloge
Have dinner in this bustling square with a beautiful old-fashioned carousel right in the center.
Day 13: Avignon, France - Market Flavors and Roman History
Les Halles d'Avignon
Visit the covered market with its famous 'vertical garden' wall. Pick up local olives, cheeses, and lavender honey.
Pont du Gard
Drive to this ancient Roman aqueduct. There is an excellent kid’s museum (Ludo) on-site explaining Roman life.
River Swimming
In the summer months, the river below the Pont du Gard is safe for a family dip in the shadow of history.
Return to Avignon
Explore the narrow cobblestone streets within the city walls before dinner.
Day 14: Provence, France - Lavender and Sunflowers
Sénanque Abbey
View the iconic lavender fields surrounding this 12th-century Cistercian abbey (best in late June/July).
Gordes Village
Visit one of France's most beautiful perched villages. The view from the lookout point is easily accessible.
Roussillon Ochre Trail
Walk the 'Sentier des Ocres', a kid-friendly trail through bright orange and red sand cliffs (be careful with white clothes!).
Evening in Saint-Rémy
Stroll through the town where Van Gogh once lived, full of art galleries and gelato shops.
Day 15: Provence, France - The Markets of Saint-Rémy
Saint-Rémy Wednesday Market
Experience one of Provence's best markets. It's a sensory delight of colors, smells, and local crafts.
Lunch in the Square
Enjoy a long, lazy lunch under the plane trees in one of the many village squares.
Carrieres de Lumieres
Visit the nearby limestone quarry for an immersive light and sound art show that kids find mesmerizing.
Glanum Ruins
Visit the Greco-Roman ruins just outside the town, featuring very well-preserved monuments.
Day 16: Avignon to Nice - The French Riviera
TER Train to Nice
Take the regional train along the coast. The views of the Mediterranean as you approach Nice are world-class.
Hotel Check-in near Promenade
Drop your bags at a hotel near the Promenade des Anglais for immediate beach access.
Promenade des Anglais
Rent a family bike or just stroll along the wide, paved seaside walkway. It's perfectly stroller-friendly.
Dinner in Vieux Nice
Enter the Old Town for a slice of 'Socca' (chickpea pancake), a local favorite for all ages.
Day 17: Nice, France - Views and Culture
Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
Take the elevator (free and stroller-friendly) to the top for the best views of the city and the waterfall.
Cours Saleya Flower Market
Walk through the vibrant stalls of flowers and local produce in the heart of the Old Town.
Marc Chagall National Museum
This museum is smaller and more manageable for families, featuring bright, whimsical stained glass and paintings.
Place Masséna
Let the kids run around the wide pedestrian square and admire the modern art statues.
Day 18: Monaco - A Royal Day Trip
Train to Monaco
A quick 20-minute train ride takes you to the glitzy principality of Monaco.
Prince's Palace Changing of the Guard
Watch the traditional ceremony at 11:55 AM sharp. It's short enough to keep children interested.
Oceanographic Museum
A world-class aquarium built into a cliffside. The shark lagoon and touch tanks are massive hits with kids.
Monaco-Ville Stroll
Explore the 'Rock', the oldest part of Monaco, with its charming streets and toy shops.
Day 19: Cannes & Antibes - Beaches and Yachts
Antibes Market & Picasso Museum
Antibes offers a more relaxed vibe. The Picasso museum is housed in a castle and is very kid-friendly.
Plage de la Salis
Enjoy one of the few sandy beaches on the Riviera (most are pebbles), perfect for young children to play.
Cannes Promenade de la Croisette
Walk past the famous Palais des Festivals and admire the mega-yachts in the harbor.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your final night with a seafood feast overlooking the water in Cannes.
Day 20: Nice, France - Souvenirs and Departure
Last Minute Souvenirs
Pick up some Provence soaps and bags of lavender at the Nice market before heading out.
Le Negresco Visit
Even if you aren't staying there, peek into the lobby of this historic palace hotel for a final dose of French grandeur.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport
Take a quick tram from the city center directly to the terminal for your flight home.
Departure
End of your 20-day French family odyssey.
Best Time to Visit France
The best time for a family trip to France is during the late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September and October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm but not scorching, which is ideal for children and lots of walking. You will also avoid the heavy crowds and peak prices of July and August, when many locals go on holiday and some smaller shops might close. If you want to see the lavender in Provence, aim for the last two weeks of June or the first week of July.
Currency & Money
France uses the Euro (€). While credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere (even for small purchases like a single croissant), it is always handy to carry a small amount of cash for local markets and some smaller village boutiques. Tipping is not mandatory in France as a service charge is usually included in the bill, but it is common to leave a few small coins (1-2 Euros) if the service was exceptional. Be sure to use a card with no foreign transaction fees to keep costs down.
Getting Around France
The most efficient and comfortable way to travel between French cities with a family is via the TGV (high-speed train) network. The trains are clean, fast, and often have family areas with extra space. For exploring regional areas like the Loire Valley or Provence, renting a car is highly recommended as it provides the flexibility to visit remote castles and lavender fields at your own pace. Within cities like Paris and Bordeaux, the metro and tram systems are excellent, though in Paris, be prepared for many stairs; using buses or the RER can sometimes be easier for stroller users.
