Three tips for an incredible family holiday to France

France is one of the most appealing global destinations for families seeking all different kinds of holiday experiences. From the golden beaches of the French Atlantic coast in the west to the breathtaking Jura Mountains in the east, there are plenty of diverse landscapes to discover here. But one of the most captivating regions of France is Sarthe – featuring woodlands, rivers, 5,000 km of hiking trails and a rich heritage.

If you’re planning to visit this beautiful country, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the most out of your time away. Here are our top tips for an incredible family holiday to western France.

Immerse yourselves in the culture

While culture might not be the first thing on the minds of travelling tots, encouraging them to broaden their horizons and truly embrace different ways of life can help them to become more well-rounded, worldly individuals as they grow up. Research even suggests that discovering new cultures can help children to become better problem solvers as they’re introduced to different perspectives.

In the western regions of France, there are plenty of opportunities to embrace the culture in an educational and engaging way. For example, cooking classes are a fantastic way to delve into French culinary traditions while enjoying a fun activity as a family. France also boasts a plethora of museums that cater to young visitors through interactive exhibits and workshops. There are more than 70 museums in Sarthe, including The Earthenware and Ceramics Museum, where you can enjoy a child-focused tour before joining a fun pottery workshop.

Design a child-friendly itinerary

Up and down the country, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions that are guaranteed to keep the kids entertained. The well-trodden tourist track often takes visitors to Disneyland Paris or the Eiffel Tower – but if you’re envisioning a more unconventional family escape, there are plenty of lesser-known spots to add to your itinerary.

Often overshadowed in the theme park states by Disney, the artistic and fun-filled area of Pays de la Loire and Nantes has everything you need for a fun-filled day trip. Developed by the theatre company La Machine, Les Machines de l’Ile is a series of amusing and interactive sculptures, carousels and walkways which demonstrate the creative heritage of this region.

Or, if you prefer to get your thrills out in nature, spend your time exploring some of the many wildlife parks and protected natural parks in the Sarthe region – teeming with wetlands, woodlands, meadows, hills and lakes.

Book tickets in advance where possible

With almost 90 million annual arrivals, France is the most popular tourist destination on the planet. As such, you can expect plenty of footfall, especially when visiting the more popular attractions. As any parent knows, children can soon become restless when asked to stand around in a queue for any length of time – especially when the weather decides to make things even more difficult.

If you’re visiting during the peak summer season, it becomes all the more important to try and book attraction tickets in advance. Not only can this grant you speedier access, but paying for activities ahead of your trip can help you to more easily organise your budget for the holiday. Get your kids involved in the planning process and ask them to find some things they’d really like to do, and see if you can buy advance tickets for a more stress-free experience once you arrive in France.

Article by Aaron William