France for Families in 14 Days: Castles, Coasts & a Trip through the Loire, Brittany, Normandy & Paris
This 14 day road trip to France for families highlights the stories of France through fairytale castles, coastal legends, historic sites of World War II and the artistic gardens of the Impressionists culminating in the city of Paris with its world-class museums, Eiffel Tower, elegant parks and many family-friendly activities and sights. Starting in the Loire Valley with its amazing collection of Renaissance chateaux and their gardens, as well as opportunities to become involved in local culture, the road trip then heads west to the region of Brittany where you can explore the historic ramparts of Saint-Malo, hear the pirate legends of the area and enjoy the stunning coastal views. After Brittany, continue along the coast to the stunning island of Mont Saint-Michel and the moving D-Day beaches of Normandy before finishing your road trip to France for families in the City of Light, Paris.
What's included
Itinerary
Your family holiday to France begins at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Once you are done with all the necessary formalities at the airport, your holiday in France starts. You then board a first class train to St Pierre des Corps, followed by a collection of your rental car to drive to the beautiful French city of Tours for your first night on your tailor-made France road trip holiday. In the evening you can enjoy a leisurely dinner in Tours and start to experience the Loire Valley with its numerous castles, gardens, stunning riverside towns and villages. This is the perfect holiday destination for a family vacation in France!
Spend the day discovering the Loire Valley at your own rhythm, with the freedom to follow the interests of your family. This gentle region is ideal for children and adults alike, with elegant river towns, historic streets and a royal past that feels wonderfully accessible. Explore towns such as Tours, Amboise, Blois, Orleans or nearby cathedral cities like Chartres and Bourges, where half-timbered houses, medieval lanes and impressive churches invite relaxed wandering. The Loire River, once central to French trade and royal life, remains the thread that connects the region’s castles, gardens and charming town centers.
Today is dedicated to the famous chateaux of the Loire Valley, a landscape that seems made for family storytelling. With hundreds of castles across the region, you can shape the day around architectural drama, gardens, legends or simply the places that most spark your children’s imagination. Admire Chenonceau as it stretches gracefully across the River Cher, discover Chambord’s grand scale and extraordinary roofline or visit Azay-le-Rideau, which appears to float above the water. Amboise brings Leonardo da Vinci connections, Villandry is ideal for garden lovers and Chaumont-sur-Loire offers both heritage and creativity. Each stop adds a new layer to the Loire’s royal and artistic story.
As opposed to traditional castle visits, why not opt for a more family-friendly interactive tour? For a theater of illusions in Blois, there is the Maison de la Magie. Or the ZooParc de Beauval, where, in addition to its four giant pandas, there are over 10,000 animals from around the world. And the Chateau du Clos Luce, where there is a collection of models of the machines of the Renaissance genius of the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci, spread out across the gardens of the Chateau. As well as these places, there are also historical characters in period costume, artisans at work in traditional crafts, a Tintin at the Chateau de Cheverny... There are many ways to experience history that children will find fun and engaging.
Leave the Loire Valley behind and begin your scenic drive toward Brittany, where the mood shifts from river castles to sea air, granite streets and Celtic character. On the way, pause in Rennes, Brittany’s lively capital, known for its medieval quarter, student energy and handsome historic center. Continue onward to Saint-Malo, your coastal base for the next two nights. This walled port city has a strong sense of adventure, making it a wonderful stop for families who enjoy stories of sailors, explorers and life by the sea. After arrival, settle in and enjoy an evening stroll or relaxed dinner near the coast.
Meet your local guide for a private introduction to Saint-Malo, a city shaped by tides, trade, explorers and corsairs. As you walk along its ramparts and through its stone streets, the maritime history of Brittany comes vividly into focus. Children will enjoy the sense of drama in this fortified town, while adults can appreciate its architecture, harbor views and independent spirit. Saint-Malo has long been proud of its singular identity and your guide will bring its stories to life with context, anecdotes, and local insight. The rest of the day is free to continue exploring, enjoy the beach or simply soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable coastal city.
You take a scenic drive along the Emerald Coast today and head for one of France’s most incredible sights, the outstanding island of Mont Saint-Michel. En route you pass the renowned oyster fishing village of Cancale and after your tour of the spectacular abbey and quaint fishing village of Mont Saint-Michel, you proceed to Bayeux where you will be based for the remainder of our Normandy adventure. The approach to the island is simply stunning and kids are usually awe inspired. After walking the ramparts and exploring the tiny streets of the village your children can study all the various layers of buildings of this impressive monastery.
This day is devoted to the history of Normandy and the events of June 6, 1944, when Allied forces landed along this coastline in one of the most significant operations of the Second World War. With expert guidance, the stories behind the beaches, villages and military strategy become clear and meaningful for the whole family. Travel along the coast between areas such as Caen and Sainte-Mere-Eglise, learning about the courage of soldiers, the scale of the landings and the liberation of Europe. For families with older children, this can be one of the most memorable and moving days of the itinerary, offering a powerful connection between place, history and human experience.
Leave Bayeux and drive toward Versailles, pausing in Giverny for a gentler, more colorful chapter of French culture. With skip-the-line access to Claude Monet’s home and gardens, your family can explore the setting that inspired some of the most beloved works of Impressionism. Walk beside the water lily pond, cross the Japanese bridge and wander through flower-filled paths that change with the seasons. Monet lived here from 1883 until 1926 and the house and gardens still feel deeply personal. After your visit, continue to Versailles and settle in for the night.
Begin the day with a guided family tour of the Chateau de Versailles, one of the grandest royal residences in Europe. With skip-the-line access and a specialist guide, explore the palace in a way that balances impressive history with engaging storytelling. Admire gilded rooms, painted ceilings, the Hall of Mirrors and the gardens that express the power and ambition of the French court. After the visit, return your rental car and continue into Paris, where the final chapter of your family-friendly France itinerary begins. The evening is free to relax after a full and memorable day.
Explore two of the symbols of Paris in just one day. First you will go up the Eiffel Tower, an unmissable experience for kids and adults alike. Seeing it from below is as exciting as the history that comes with it. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, today the Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous monuments in the world. In the evening you’ll explore the Louvre Museum in a small group with a guide (art expert and certified guide). It’s a unique experience to discover the Louvre, to go beyond the most famous works in the typical overcrowded rooms and to discover many other masterpieces and curiosities.
Spend the morning at the Musee d’Orsay, one of Paris’s most beautiful museums and an excellent choice for families interested in art, color and modern city life. With skip-the-line access and a private guided tour, the visit is focused, engaging and easy to enjoy. Your guide will introduce works by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Manet, Pissarro and others, placing them within the lively world of 19th-century Paris. Additionally, cafes, dance halls, train stations, gardens and everyday scenes all come alive through the artists’ eyes, making this a rich but approachable cultural experience.
Your final full day in Paris is intentionally flexible, allowing your family to shape the pace. You may choose to shop, revisit favorite neighborhoods, explore another museum or simply enjoy the pleasure of walking through Paris with no fixed schedule. For children, the Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Tuileries offer playgrounds, fountains and space to unwind. Other family-friendly options include Disneyland Paris, the Jardin d’Acclimatation, the Grevin Wax Museum, the Science and Industry Museum or the Natural History Museum at the Jardin des Plantes. This is a day to follow your family’s energy and end the trip in your own style.
After breakfast, enjoy a final quiet moment in Paris before your private transfer to the airport. Depending on your flight time, there may be time for a last walk around the neighborhood, a pastry stop or a few final photos before saying goodbye. Your journey comes to an end with family memories shaped by castles, coastlines, wartime history, Impressionist gardens and the classic beauty of Paris - a tailor-made France family road trip filled with stories to bring home.
