Special places to stay with kids in France

Last updated on June 2, 2026

At Bridges and Balloons, I’m always searching for places to stay that feel as magical as the trip itself. And over the years, I’ve found some brilliant family-friendly stays in France – places where design and comfort meet treehouses, farm animals, water slides and chateaux.

As always, this isn’t about soulless resorts or places designed only with children in mind, but about special stays that parents love as much as the kids. Think boutique hotels, stylish campsites, charming resorts, glamping spots and unique rentals.

So here’s our guide to the best special places to stay with kids in France, broken down by region so you can easily find inspiration for your next adventure. Most are places I’ve stayed and others are firmly on my bucket list.

We also have plenty of France itineraries and destination guides for planning a your perfect France trip.

Special places to stay in France with kids

The Loire

We fell in love with this region during our Loire Valley family vacation. While its wine and elegant chateaux may give the impression of a grown-up escape, there’s plenty for kids too.

Huttopia Lac de Rille

Set on a tranquil lake in the Loire Valley, Huttopia Lac de Rillé is one of Huttopia’s signature forest villages, and one of the best Huttopias we’ve been to. Entirely pedestrianised, it’s designed for carefree family time, with kids roaming free while adults unwind in the forest spa. Accommodation range from lakeside cabins with sweeping views to canvas lodges tucked among the trees. Water activities like rowing and paddleboarding are included. It’s a perfect mix of nature, comfort and adventure.

Check prices and availability.

Repère Sauvage

I adore this place! Tucked in the Loire Valley, Repère Sauvage is a soulful family escape where nature and style meet. Stay in a Family Wild House with two bedrooms, a forest terrace and space for kids to roam. Children can join the Montessori-inspired nature club while adults relax by the swimming pond or join workshops from canoeing to plant-based painting.

A Michelin-trained chef runs the onsite restaurant, Manoir de la Forêt, serving veg-forward dishes from local producers, or you can self-cater. With a mini farm, playground, pool and bikes, it’s both stylish and family-friendly.

Check prices and availability.

Other places to stay in the Loire Valley

La Borde en Sologne

A luxurious 4-star château hotel in Vernou-en-Sologne with 35 unique rooms and suites, sprawling over a landscaped park, woodlands, ponds, vegetable garden and private lake. Guests can unwind in two pools (one family-friendly, one adults-only), an organic spa in the old orangery, or the hammam, sauna, fitness room and tennis courts. The restaurant serves seasonal, locally sourced fare. With a kid’s club, gardens and quiet elegance, it’s a perfect luxury option for families in the Loire.

Check prices and availability.

Dordogne and Lot

The Dordogne is one of our favourite places for a family holiday in France. It’s like stepping into a fairytale and there’s plenty of accommodation to match that charm. Don’t miss our guide to things to do in the Dordogne with kids.

Chateaux Dans les Arbres

For me, this place is perfection. Châteaux dans les Arbres is a boutique treehouse resort in the Dordogne where families can live out their woodland dream. Just seven cabins are scattered across the forest, each with a private jacuzzi and terrace, and larger options sleep up to six.

A stylish pool with sweeping countryside views is the heart of the resort, while breakfasts arrive by basket pulleyed to your treehouse. With hiking trails, play areas, and nearby medieval villages, it’s magical, intimate and perfectly family-friendly. I could live there!

Other good treehouse options in the Dordogne are Nid 2 Reve, Lodges de Calviac, Moulin La Jarosse and Hêtre Sous Le Charme.

Check prices and availability.

Huttopia Beaulieu Sur Dordogne

Set on the banks of the Dordogne, Huttopia Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne has the perfect location with easy access to both the river and the charming village next door. Walk into town for pastries, then return to swim in the river, paddle or relax by the pool.

Accommodation ranges from classic mobile homes to wood-and-canvas lodges, with the best spots right on the water’s edge. It’s a busy site in peak season, but the riverside setting makes it a quintessential Huttopia escape for a summer family holiday.

Check prices and availability.

Other places to stay in the Dordogne region

Camping Mathevies

A small, family-run site near Sarlat with spectacular views over the valley. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with a pool, playground and evening food trucks serving everything from pizza to local dishes. Simple, friendly and ideal for families who want children to mix easily.

Check prices and availability.

Domaine St Amand

Set in the Périgord countryside, this boutique resort pairs space and comfort with an easygoing feel. Stylish wooden homes sit among gardens, with a pool and a light programme of nature-focused activities. We didn’t stay ourselves, but it looks like a gorgeous choice for a relaxed family escape.

Check prices and availability.

Château de Gurat

On the border of the Dordogne, this 15th-century château has six gîtes designed especially for families. Children can feed goats and chickens, collect eggs, bounce on trampolines and swim in the heated, gated pool, while parents join pizza nights, wine tastings or book a massage. With toys, play zones and babysitting available, it’s a place designed for stress-free family holidays.

Check prices and availability.

Camping Paradis

A large, sociable campsite with pools, kids’ clubs and organised entertainment. Facilities are plentiful, making it easy for children to stay busy and make friends. It’s a good-value option if you’re after the classic campsite experience with a family-friendly atmosphere and a touch of nature. Plus, it’s more stylish than classic French campsites.

Check prices and availability.

The Southwest Coast

The French Atlantic coast is the place I recommend most often for a family trip in France. The miles of wide sandy beaches mean it’s easy to find peace amid the busier (but still charming) tourist towns.

Maison Hubert

Maison Hubert is a chic boutique hotel in Bordeaux created with families in mind. Its beautifully designed suites each have multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and a spacious living area, with toys, books and stylishly sourced baby gear on hand.

Breakfast is included and can be delivered to your door or enjoyed in the communal kitchen. With a concierge for tailored recommendations, a cool neighbourhood setting near Bordeaux’s central park, and interiors that feel both plush and playful, it’s family city living at its most stylish.

Check prices and availability.

Ujusansa

Ujusansa is one of my favourite family holidays in the world – so much so, we’ve been twice and will certainly return again. It’s a family surf camp set in a pine forest on France’s Atlantic coast, part of the wider Pine Beach Paradise. Stays include full board catering with inventive, healthy meals, childcare during surf lessons, yoga, and a laid-back community vibe. Families sleep in spacious bell tents, and kids can play freely while parents relax or connect with fellow guests. It’s simple, sociable and soulful – a unique blend of nature, surf culture and family togetherness.

Read my full Ujusansa review.

Hotel Indarra

Hotel Indarra is a surf-chic, family-friendly retreat set in a village just outside Biarritz, between the mountains and the sea. Designed with a California-meets-Basque aesthetic, it blends style with a welcoming, laid-back vibe. Families are well catered for with child-friendly touches like mini bathrobes and play corners, while adults can enjoy the heated pool, yoga studio and curated wine list. A standout breakfast buffet, on-site restaurant and shelves of Taschen books make it feel like a stylish, wellness-minded hideaway.

Check prices and availability.

Huttopia Arcachon

Set in a pine forest just a short walk from Arcachon’s Winter Town and beach, this Huttopia site was the first that made me fall in love with the brand. It perfectly combines nature with comfort.

Families can stay in cabins, safari tents or pitches, and enjoy the pool, playgrounds, bike hire and a pizzeria. Activities are designed with children in mind, yet the atmosphere stays calm and nature-forward. It’s also an easy cycling distance from Dune du Pilat, making it a relaxed base for exploring the coast.

Check prices and availability.

More places to stay in West Coast France

La Baignoire, Lacanau

I haven’t stayed at La Baignoire yet, but I adore its style. The retro-chic boutique hotel sits on a golf course just minutes from Lacanau-Océan beach and lake. The pool area and interiors are stunning.

Check prices and availability.

Slow Village Île de Ré

This is the campsite that’s recommended to me most often in Île de Ré. Located in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the fully pedestrian village is dotted with cabins inspired by local oyster-huts. There’s a large aquatic area, bike paths, local food options, and a slow-life rhythm ideal for families wanting gentle ocean breezes and nature. I also recommend this villa on the Ile de Re if you’re with a big extended family group like we were.

Check prices and availability.

Hotel des Dunes, Cap Ferret

A charming boutique wooden beach hotel just steps from “Les Dunes” beach and the local lighthouse. It has a minimalist, surf-chic design with a relaxed, airy feel. Bikes and surfboards are available, and the whole place has a laid-back coastal energy.

Check prices and availability.

70 Hectares

Part of Les Domaines de Fontenille, this elegant resort has 32 rooms and suites overlooking pine and cork oak forest, just 10 minutes from the cool surf town of Hossegor. With a boutique restaurant (Landes-Asia fusion), outdoor pool, nature-blended decor and a vibe that balances elegance with ease, 70 hectares is great for families who want a forest meets ocean experience.

Check prices and availability.

Provence and the French Riviera

Our Provence road trip is an iconic French vacation, and there are some gorgeous family stays in the region.

Huttopia Gorges du Verdon

This is one of Huttopia’s most loved campsites. Perfectly placed on the river at the edge of Europe’s largest canyon, you can choose from chalets, mobile homes and wood-and-canvas tents. The views are the star of the show, but people also love the heated pools, private river beach, playgrounds and children’s activities. As with all Huttopias, it’s nature-rich without sacrificing comfort.

Check prices and availability.

Riviera Villages (Prairies de la Mer, Kon Tiki and Toison d’Or)

I love the look of Riviera Villages, which is made up of three campsites around St Tropez. The 5-star beachside holiday villages have Polynesian-inspired lodges and stylish facilities. There’s direct access to the sea, private beach space, heated outdoor pools, multiple restaurants and bars, and a full entertainment programme including kids’ clubs in high season. I love the tropical vibe, but I haven’t stayed here yet, so I can’t vouch for them fully. Make sure to read the most recent reviews! Salines de Giens is another attractive campsite on the Riviera, but I’m a bit wary of the Collection Rivages brand.

Check prices and availability.

Orion Treehouses, St Paul de Vence

A family-run ecolodge with four treehouses set around a natural swimming pool, overlooking medieval St Paul de Vence. Each cabin has cosy interiors and private terraces, with breakfast baskets delivered to your treehouse. It’s a simple, magical escape close to the Riviera but rooted in nature.

Check prices and availability.

Other places to stay in Provence and the French Riviera

Château de Montcaud

A 19th-century mansion turned boutique hotel, hidden in five hectares of landscaped parkland. There are spacious suites, an outdoor pool, parkland walks and fine dining in two restaurants. It’s elegant and tranquil, yet welcoming, with plenty of space for children to explore.

Check prices and availability.

Lou Calen

A historic wine estate reimagined as a boutique retreat in one of Provence’s prettiest villages. The 3-hectare estate has rooms and villas, a natural pool, restaurant and gardens. With creative workshops, cultural events and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a unique Provençal escape.

Check prices and availability.

Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel, Antibes

For pure luxury, choose this five-star boutique hotel on a private sandy beach between Antibes and Juan-les-Pins. It looks like a slice of California on the French Riviera. Another family-friendly 5-star option in Provence is Le Vallon de Valrugues in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and Domaine de Manville in Les Baux.

Check prices and availability.

Mas Clos des Souris

This restored Provençal farmhouse would look at home in an Architectural Digest magazine. It’s minimalist and beautifully designed – perfect if you want a grown-up countryside escape that also welcomes kids. The pool will keep kids happy.

Check prices and availability.

Pyrenees and Languedoc-Roussillon

Head west from the Riviera and you get to France’s quieter Languedoc and the Pyrenees. This is home of some of the most special stays we’ve ever experienced in France.

Country Kids

Country Kids Resort is one of a kind. Set on a private estate in the French countryside, this intimate retreat has just seven apartments spread across landscaped gardens with pools, a spa, tennis and play areas. Everything is included: three daily meals, unlimited snacks, a well-stocked wine cellar and even spa treatments for every guest.

Days flow with childcare, kids’ clubs and activities from treasure hunts to boat trips, while evenings bring communal barbecues and raclette nights. With exceptional hospitality from owners Sylvain and Laure, it’s family luxury at its finest. This is probably the most special family stay in all of France.

Read my full Country Kids Resort review.

Chateau Les Carrasses

Château Les Carrasses is a 19th-century wine estate reimagined as a luxurious family retreat in the Languedoc. Suites and villas sit amid vineyards, with a pool, spa and stylish grounds.

Families are spoiled with a kids’ club, playground, mini farm, bikes, babysitting and baby gear, while adults can enjoy vineyard picnics, pétanque and massages among the vines. With barbecues, fine dining and plenty of space to roam, it’s a stylish French château escape for all ages.

Read my full Chateau Les Carrasses review.

More family hotels in Languedoc and Pyrenees

Château St. Pierre de Serjac

A sister property to Les Carrasses, Château St. Pierre de Serjac is another beautifully restored 19th-century château surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside, and perfectly family-friendly.

Check prices and availability.

The Pyrenees Mountain Hideaway

The Pyrenees Mountain Hideaway is a rustic eco-farm high in the French Pyrenees, converted from a 16th-century farmhouse. There are four gîtes sleeping between 2-7 people, organic gardens, animals, wide mountain views and plenty of outdoor trails.

Check prices and availability.

Village Castigno

While this sustainable wine resort has much to entice adults, it also welcomes kids. The accommodation at Village Castigno is scattered across the village, in rooms and villas, and there are two pools.

Check prices and availability.

French Alps and the Auvergne

Mountains aren’t only for skiers. In summer, the French Alps and Auvergne open up for hiking, lake swims and alpine adventures. Choose from cosy chalets, modern apartments or family-run lodges, perfect for both snow-filled winters and sun-drenched summers.

Auvergne Naturelle

In the wild heart of central France, Auvergne Naturelle is an idyllic off-grid yurt retreat. Run by a British family, it has just four handcrafted yurts and a cosy cottage, each with private facilities, hammocks and wooden terraces with valley views.

Families can explore woodland, paddle in the river, play in the fairy garden or swim in the pond, before gathering for campfires under starry skies. With bushcraft workshops and communal home-cooked meals, it’s simple, soulful and sustainable living.

Check prices and availability.

Other places to stay in the French Alps and Auvergne

RockyPop Hotel

Quirky, colourful and fun, RockyPop mixes pop culture energy with mountain charm. It’s a big, lively hotel with over 140 rooms, vibrant décor, food court-style dining, play areas and relaxed communal spaces. Perfect for families who want a lively, affordable base near Chamonix.

Check prices and availability.

Moontain Hostel

This hybrid hostel-hotel is a great budget option, close to the ski lifts. There’s ski-to-door access in winter, gorgeous mountain views, and a vibe that’s welcoming to solo travellers, couples or families alike. It’s clean, designed simply, and sociable without being loud.

Check prices and availability.

CosyCamp

CosyCamp is a car-free eco-camping retreat in the Auvergne, set in a gorgeous garden beside the river. Families can choose from safari lodges, treehouses and quirky cabins. Enjoy the heated pools, river swimming, play areas and wellness sessions. It’s an award-winning, nature-first retreat near Auvergne’s volcanoes.

Check prices and availability.

Alsace and Eastern France

Bordering Germany and Switzerland, Alsace is a storybook region of half-timbered houses, vineyards and forest trails. Families can stay in charming guesthouses or quirky rentals that feel lifted straight from a fairytale, with plenty of outdoor space for kids.

Hotel 48° Nord

Set in protected countryside in the Alsace hills, 48° Nord is a nature-immersive boutique hotel made up of sleek, Scandinavian-inspired “hyttes.” Built with sustainability in mind, the cabins have a striking architectural design, blending comfort and simplicity. Guests can enjoy a spa, outdoor baths, and a garden-to-table restaurant with a focus on organic, local produce. The views are spectacular.

Check prices and availability.

Le Nid des Vosges

A collection of 10 beautiful treehouse cabins hidden in the forest near Gérardmer. Cosy to deluxe options sleep 2–8, some with kitchenettes. Select cabins feature Nordic baths or saunas. It’s open year-round and is a magical, family-friendly base for lakes, hiking and winter snow.

Check prices and availability.

Normandy and Brittany

With sandy beaches and dramatic coastline, Normandy and Brittany are popular family holiday spots, especially if you’re travelling from the UK.

La Belle Folie

This is my number one favourite place to stay in Brittany. La Belle Folie is a creative retreat in France and a showcase of student imagination, where architecture graduates design the unique accommodations. Options range from stacked safari tents to tiny houses, with new creations added over time.

Guests also enjoy free time in the Nordic spa bath, while children can join forest-school workshops. A highlight is the greenhouse restaurant serving seasonal, market-fresh cuisine – one of the best meals of our trip. With concerts, events and playful design at every turn, it’s an inspiring family escape.

Check prices and availability.

Sauvage Quiberon

To be honest, I don’t fully recommend this place as my experience wasn’t the best, but it is a popular family option. Sauvage Quiberon, part of Collection Rivages, delivers the brand’s signature look with chic cabanes, beach houses and a 70s surf-style clubhouse set amid landscaped grounds and wooden paths. But not all accommodation shares this aesthetic – the budget mobile homes are much more basic and part of a separate shared campsite – so it’s worth booking carefully (don’t make the same mistake as me!).

Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, a playground, and family activities, though pools can feel crowded in peak season. The rocky on-site beach is best for rockpooling, with sandy swimming beaches a short cycle or drive away.

Read my full Sauvage Quiberon review.

More places to stay with kids in Brittany and Normandy

Manoir de Surville

A 16th-century manor turned boutique hotel with just 11 rooms and suites. Families can unwind in the gardens, seasonal pool and spa, or enjoy refined dining in the restaurant.

Check prices and availability.

Hôtel Le Nessay

Perched on its own peninsula in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, this château-style boutique hotel has sweeping sea views, chic rooms and a laid-back beach-house vibe.

Check prices and availability.

Youza Ecolodge

Set in 32 hectares of forest, Youza features striking eco-lodges, some with Nordic baths or kitchenettes. Families come for the peaceful woodland setting, big windows framing nature, and communal “living spaces” for gathering.

Check prices and availability.

Paris and Île-de-France

Paris might not be the first place you think of for a family getaway, but the city and its surrounding countryside are great for a family break. You could even tag on a trip to Disneyland Paris. Personally, I tend to do Home Exchanges in Paris as there are so many on offer, and it’s a perfect way to experience local life.

Le Barn

A countryside refuge about 45 minutes from Paris, set in the heart of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse. Rustic yet refined, it features rooms and suites, a restaurant, spa (hammam, sauna, Nordic baths), free bikes, garden, and strong ties to equestrian life. Ideal for families or couples craving both nature and comfort – this is definitely on my France bucket list!

Check prices and availability.

Les Étangs de Corot

A 4-star Relais & Châteaux hotel overlooking ponds and gardens just minutes from Versailles. The hotel has individually-decorated rooms and three suites, elegant restaurant, spa with sauna and whirlpool, and strong art-inspired ambience. It’s a serene, luxurious stay.

Check prices and availability.

Hôtel Saint-André des Arts

A bohemian, pop-artist-inspired hotel in the Latin Quarter, reimagined in 2021 with vintage touches and designer flair. Excellent location near Luxembourg Gardens, Odéon and Notre-Dame.

Check prices and availability.

Map of places to stay in France with kids