By Nicole Noel
Family travels are incredible experiences. You can bond with your family members and have fun spending time exploring the magnificent France. There are plenty of itineraries online about France and where is best to travel, but these are the most family-friendly spots around.
Étretat
Étretat is located in Upper Normandy, and it’s nothing short of delicious. A hot favorite among tourists, Étretat is a delectable town with bed and breakfast hotels and markets. The key attractions here are the violently romantic cliffs and their natural arches – a signature feature. The best way to enjoy this splendid place is to wake up early and hike your way to the Notre Dame de la Garde church, and watch the gorgeous sunrise. Bring your flashiest camera, or best available iPhone.
Gordes
Gordes is a snug little village, located on the top of a cliff in the Calavon valley. If you’ve ever wanted to visit Provence in your life, this small gem is the perfect excuse to go see it. The village’s history is long – it began in the Roman times! It’s perfectly relaxed, too. Villagers you see will never be in a hurry, and days there tend to be an ideal blend of calm and smooth. The Mediterranean climate is an added bonus: the picturesque companion weather for an early morning, sunrise drenched, cup of quality coffee.
This is the place you go to, to refresh, renew, and recharge. There’s not much to do except watch the clouds, play, read, and perhaps write. There’s a fantastic castle in Gordes, and once you climb it you’ll see the orange blend of roofs. They fit harmoniously with the lush scenery of the countryside. The sunsets over lavender fields are breathtaking. You can stretch hours while laboring over a hearty plate of delicious food. And still feel fantastic.
Eguisheim
Eguisheim is a spiffy town, located on the Alsatian Wine Route. The defining feature of this colorful town? The streets here follow a circle layout which is quite fun, especially when you want to see and feel the village. There’s a brilliant fantasy feel to this town. A certain longing and ennui embedded in its streets, which resembles the same emotional threads that puncture Lana Del Rey’s most vehemently love-torn songs.
Avignon
Don’t miss this historic gem in Provence! Avignon was put on everyone’s map once the Vatican decided to move from Rome to France. Guess where they settled in the end. However, during their brief tenure that lasted for only 70 years they left quite the legacy there. Idyllic streets filled with people, Avignon also has the Pope’s Palace to offer. It’s the biggest Gothic palace in entire Europe. The back of the place features a beautiful park – ideal for an off-chance selfie or nature photo. There’s also a historic bridge, that was destroyed 3 times and rebuilt just twice in between. The remains are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s a fun thing to see. It is the best to visit Avignon by choosing a cruise in France.
Rochefort en Terre
Rochefort-en-Terre is a charismatic town full of medieval mansions and old-fashioned squares. Located in Brittany, this cute village is perfect for flower appreciation. The streets are filled with the gentle scent of red geraniums. The sweet smell of fresh crepes also helps. A fun few days here can be filled with visits to farmer markets and antique stores.
Colmar
Colmar is littered with bright, colorful homes, charismatic stores and their canals that overflow with flower arrangements. It’s a very happy little town, almost if by design. You’ll be easily sucked into the fantasy of chivalry and times long past; you’ll think of cinderella and how she must’ve probably come from a place like this. Once you’ve gone through the scenic routes of the city, grab a canoe, and paddle through the canals. Finish off with a smooth glass of local wine (try Riesling), sit back, and enjoy people-watching to your heart’s content.
That’s it! Those are a few of the best family-friendly villages and towns in France you should definitely check out.
Author Bio: Nicole Noel is an avid traveler passionate about yoga and healthy living. She always seeks new adventures and enjoys sharing her experiences with others. You can find her on Twitter and FB
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Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
