Many parents search for “child friendly holidays France” or “baby friendly holidays France“, hoping for a wonderful child friendly holiday, and come up against a mass of options – Rural or in town?
Are there bikes? You need a toddler friendly place? What is there to do in the local area for your family holiday? Do baby friendly breaks come with play zone or not? How many kids can it take? Can I bring dogs?
Will your child be able to free-play outside in lots of space? With public swimming pools, with private pool or without? Outdoor swimming pools or indoor? Is it a heated swimming pool? Or covered swimming pool? With safe enclosure or not on your family holiday? Is there a baby and toddler pool?
Do the family friendly holidays and villa have baby equipment and toddler equipment like a high chair or cot for baby?
Are there enough bedrooms for your toddlers and older kids to spread out and enjoy their holiday or will they be cramped into small bedrooms?
And you want child friendly cottages large enough to holiday with other families.
So you can see, there are many options to choose for your toddler friendly holiday cottages.
And obviously you want child friendly holiday cottages – safe for all the family.
The list of criteria for child friendly gites France for your family holiday goes on.
The most important element is – what will make you, your children and family happy for your holidays in France?
Outdoor play areas and hot tubs. You can see the main pool behind.
Baby Friendly Gites France
We have had many families and small guests stay at our luxury villa in south west France and everyone has loved their stay. All the photos show lots of smiles, and luxury family togetherness.
This stunning toddler friendly swimming pool was completed in 2021 and has everything you need to keep your kids and family happy; a safe shallow end for the younger ones, a deeper end for proper swimming, a sturdy diving board and a large semi-circle Roman End steps for getting in and out or for luxuriously relaxing in the sun.
The swimming pool is 14 metres long, including the Roman End steps. We have a number of toys for the pool, including flippers / fins, goggles masks, balls, floats and sinks (for fetching under water). We do not offer swimming lessons, so please make sure your loved ones can all swim safely for your holiday.
Toddler Friendly Holiday Swimming Pool
The pool also has a reinforced clear glass enclosure – the pool is completely surrounded – to stop kids getting into the pool when you don’t want them to. It also has a child friendly / toddler friendly gate lock.
We asked some of our friends and family before we built it, to discover the most toddler friendly and parent friendly method, and the unanimous decision was a fence enclosure. So we opted for the more beautiful glass enclosure so you still have views over the beautiful gardens.
Child Friendly Holiday Gites France
Baby Friendly Gites France
We have a large 15 metre long Games Room for family fun holidays, equipped with the air hockey table shown above, plus a cinema with 3-metre wide screen and surround sound speaker system.
This luxury villa in south France also has table football, professional darts board, table tennis and a professional 7-foot pool table (plus the bar for relaxing at). Table tennis gets very competitive! Fun for kids of any age and grown ups. This is not your basic Haven holiday parks holiday!
WiFi
We also have free unlimited wi fi which may not seem like anything to shout about, but in rural France, it is!
So come to the luxury Gite Dordogne!
The Villa Bedrooms & Accommodation
There are 5 bedrooms / suites accommodation so you can organise the family rooms as you wish. All rooms have at least 1 double bed – 2 rooms have 2 double beds. 3 of the rooms have ensuite bathrooms and all are toddler friendly accommodation, so you can all sleep peacefully.
Holiday in The French Countryside
We have 26 acres of playground; garden, field, forests, lakes (just beyond the first forest) and space for you to explore. Take a stroll in the grounds. We are within the site of the National Park of north Dordogne, France, so it is a protected and peaceful area.
Dog owners – your pet is welcome at this house.
We have safe off-road car parking at the property, so your car is ok to park with easy access to the road, but remote; you’re a world away from busy roads.
Self Catering Villa in France
We have 2 kitchens here, plus other self catering facilities. 1 kitchen indoors, which is self catering large country kitchen with Rangemaster oven with 5 gas hobs. And 1 kitchen is outside on the terrace, for self catering on hot summer days and for cooking fish (to keep the smells outdoors). Maybe picnics by the lake if you prefer. Plus an adjacent walk-in pantry room for food preparation for meals. All kitchen essentials are provided – blender, cutlery etc.
There are 2 barbecue options – a smaller feature brick barbecue for families, and a much larger 2-metre wide barbeque in the Bakehouse for bigger groups and a range of foods.
Baby Equipment on Your Family Summer Holiday
You have easy access to a number of facilities for babies, toddlers and older children, to keep them safe and entertained.
We have 2 travel cots for sleeping, a baby bath, high chairs (our high chairs are brand new), bath grip mats and changing mats for babies, toilet seats for toddlers, as well as numerous small toys for the kids. We are fully equipped for families and little ones!
We know a few friends locally who will do babysitting, if you want to escape to restaurants for date night, or just relax a little more.
We also have a lot of baby and toddler equipment and toys for all ages, for babies, your toddler, older kids and parents, like badminton, baseball, safe archery (with suction cup arrows), petanque, bowls other sports kit and skateboards.
Its like having your own kids club, but its your own kingdom.
This is a family friendly place: Our aim is that you don’t have to travel like a camel or a donkey; Travel light. Put your feet up on arrival.
Amenities and Child Friendly Activities and Attractions
It just depends on your ideas for your holidays in France.
The local town of St Yrieix La Perche is a beautiful, small medieval town with many amenities.
At the large local lake Arfeuille, a 7 minute drive, there are sandy beaches, one of the many is a friendly places nearby.
You can play mini golf at the villa because there is acres of space. Shops, markets and supermarkets are just a short drive to the picturesque town of St Yrieix.
The are tennis courts nearby, free to use, as well as nature trails for the whole family, as we are remote in the country (we provide rackets for the tennis courts). Take a walk in the country.
You can go for horse ride lessons or canoe hire in Brantome.
There are nearby French château (chateau are local castles) to visit and safely explore.
Destinations Further Afield
At Arcachon there is a sandy beach you can travel to, about 3 hour’s drive. There are sandy beaches along the coast of south west France for a perfect summer holiday destination in southern France.
Take a trip to Lot et Garonne, 3 hours away. The Loire valley is 3 hours north, a great place for fine wine for the adults. A trip to the Paris, Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe is 4 hours away.
St Malo is 5 hours. Italy is 6 hours, Brittany is 5 hours. Midi Pyrenees, Normandy, Provence region and Spain is 6 hours. Ireland and UK England is 1 hour 30 minutes flight. Charente maritime is 2 hours.
Find out more about this child friendly luxury villa in the South of France for holidays here, to check your dates and prices.
Discover the Best Baby-Friendly Holidays in France
Planning a holiday with a baby can feel like preparing for a mission to Mars. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that hard, especially when your destination is France!
With over 20 years of experience in family holidays, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge on how to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Let’s dive into the world of baby-friendly holidays, and toddler friendly places, in France, where picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and incredible food await you and your little one.
Why Choose France for a Baby-Friendly Holiday?
France isn’t just for wine lovers and history buffs; it’s a paradise for families too. The French take their leisure time seriously, which means there’s no shortage of family-friendly accommodations and activities.
Whether you’re dreaming of the sun-soaked beaches of the Riviera or the serene countryside of Provence, France offers something for everyone.
Facts and Figures
- Family-Friendly Accommodations: Over 70% of hotels and holiday rentals in France are equipped with baby amenities.
- Child-Friendly Restaurants: Approximately 60% in tourist areas provide high chairs and kids’ menus.
- Parks and Recreational Areas: France boasts over 50,000 hectares of public parks, ideal for family picnics and outdoor fun.
Top Baby-Friendly Destinations in France
Paris: Not Just for Lovers
Yes, Paris is famously romantic, but it’s also surprisingly baby-friendly. The city’s parks, like the Luxembourg Gardens, offer ample space for your little one to crawl around.
Plus, many museums and attractions provide free entry for children under three. And don’t forget the magical Disneyland Paris – a must-visit for families.
Provence: Countryside Charm
If you’re looking for a more relaxed pace, Provence is perfect. Stay in a charming farmhouse (known as a “gîte”) and enjoy the lavender fields, local markets, and family-friendly vineyards. Many gîtes come with baby equipment, and the slower pace of life in Provence is ideal for little ones.
The French Riviera: Sun, Sea, and Sand
The French Riviera, with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, is a fantastic spot for families.
Towns like Nice and Cannes offer baby-friendly beaches with shallow waters, playgrounds, and stroller-friendly promenades. Plus, the Mediterranean climate means plenty of sunshine.
Loire Valley: Castles and Gardens
For a fairy-tale experience, the Loire Valley is unbeatable. Explore majestic castles with expansive gardens where your baby can roam freely. Many châteaux even offer family tours, complete with strollers and baby carriers.
Tips for a Stress-Free Baby-Friendly Holiday in France
Pack Smart
Overpacking is a common mistake. Remember, France has excellent shopping facilities, so you can always buy baby essentials locally.
However, bring your own baby carrier or stroller, as they are indispensable for navigating both urban and rural areas.
Embrace the Siesta on Your Family Holiday
French culture values relaxation, and many shops and restaurants close for a few hours in the afternoon. Use this time for your baby’s nap or a quiet family break. It’s a perfect opportunity to recharge before more adventures.
Take Advantage of Baby Amenities
Most French accommodations, from hotels to holiday rentals, offer baby amenities such as cribs, high chairs, and bottle warmers. Make sure to request these when booking. Many places also provide babysitting services if you need a break.
Enjoy the Local Cuisine
Introducing your baby to new tastes can be a fun part of the trip. French cuisine includes a variety of mild and baby-friendly foods. From fresh bread and cheese to delicious fruits, there’s plenty for your little one to try.
Essential Packing List for Baby-Friendly Holidays in France
- Travel Documents: Passport, health insurance, and any necessary visas.
- Baby Essentials: Diapers, wipes, baby formula, and bottles.
- Clothing: Weather-appropriate outfits, hats, and comfortable shoes.
- Medical Kit: Basic first-aid supplies, including any medications your baby needs.
- Entertainment: Toys, books, and a tablet loaded with baby-friendly apps and videos.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit France with a baby? Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal for your family holiday, due to mild weather and fewer tourists. In summer, in July and August, is also lovely, you’ll just need to keep your children cool.
Are there baby-changing facilities available in France? Yes, most public places, eateries, and attractions have baby-changing facilities.
Can I buy baby food and diapers in France? Absolutely! Supermarkets and pharmacies are well-stocked with baby products.
Is breastfeeding in public accepted in France? Yes, breastfeeding in public is generally accepted and you will find many mothers nursing their babies in parks and cafes.
Do I need a car seat for my baby when renting a car in France? Yes, French law requires all children to be in an appropriate car seat, which can be rented along with your vehicle.
Are there baby-friendly beaches in France? Yes, many beaches, especially in the French Riviera, have shallow waters, playgrounds, and amenities for families.
Conclusion
France is an incredibly welcoming destination for families with babies. With its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and excellent amenities, it’s no wonder that so many families choose France for their family holidays.
Whether you’re strolling through the streets of Paris, relaxing in Provence, or exploring the castles of the Loire Valley, you and your little one are in for an unforgettable adventure.
Pack your bags, plunge in the pools, embrace the French way of life, and get ready for a baby-friendly holiday that’s as relaxing as it is enriching.
Ready to Book? Contact us here to call or message us with any requirements you have, and to place your booking. Check availability here. Any problems or queries whatsoever, just call us here.
Owner of the stunning gite in Dordogne, south-west France, Duncan designed and project-managed all of the renovations here and was hands-on with some of the building, from the Banquet Hall and Games Room to the private pool.
Duncan offers high-end luxury family holidays here at this stunning farmhouse villa, for families to have fun, relax and create happy memories together.
We also specialise in helping families with autistic children to have great family holidays together in the peace and tranquility of the rural French countryside.
