France is ideal for a holiday with kids as it is accessible by ferry, a wonderfully stress-free way to travel with children, and you can bring as much luggage as you need. Here, we share some top Easter breaks for families in France so that you can start planning your perfect trip today.
Normandy
Located in northern France, the French region of Normandy is just under 4 hours from Calais by car which is perfect for children who get restless on the road. Best known for its rugged beaches and importance in WWI history, Normandy is also full of fun attractions for kids which makes it one of the top Easter breaks for families in France.
School age children are sure to be fascinated by the Bayeux Tapestry, a 231 foot long tapestry from the 11th century which shows the Norman Conquest of England and the Battle of Hastings. A visit to the tapestry museum also includes a video and an audio guide which are sure to keep the kids interested.
If your children love animals they will be very excited about visiting the Zoo de Jurques, as this zoo is home to a number of impressive animals, plus a petting zoo, and playgrounds too! Your whole family will enjoy seeing white lions, giraffes, and spider monkeys, and the kids can let off some steam on the zoo’s slides and climbing wall.
A trip to Normandy will give you the opportunity to explore the deep sea at La Cité de la Mer, home to Redoutable, the only submarine that you can take a tour of in the world. While you are here, you will also be able to visit the attraction’s aquarium which is home to 1200 fish, marvel at deep sea diving gear, and take a virtual adventure under the sea.
The French Alps
Whether you want to ski or not, a visit to the French Alps opens up a great range of exciting activities and adventures for the whole family. The journey to some of the most well-known resorts takes around 8 hours by car from Calais, but there are plenty of lovely places to stop along the way.
Depending on when Easter falls you should find that there is still plenty of snow if you’d like to take the family skiing. The Alps offer skiing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, so you can all have fun regardless of whether you’ve hit the slopes before.
If skiing isn’t your thing, you will find plenty of other ways to enjoy the mountains and surrounding scenery. Taking a walk is the simplest option, and if you are travelling with small children you can always get the ski lift up and walk down so they don’t get too tired. Alternatively, you can explore via cycling routes, during a pony trek, or even on quad bikes!
Due to the number of stunning lakes in the Alps, you will also find a range of water-based activities that you can take part in. Float around in a family kayak, give zorbing a go, or grab a paddle board and challenge yourselves to stay upright for as long as possible.
Paris
No guide to Easter breaks for families in France would be complete without mentioning Disneyland® Paris. Just over 3 hours from Calais by car, you’ll reach this world-famous theme park in no time, and a visit here is guaranteed to make your family’s dreams come true.
No matter how old your children are, there will be lots of rides for them to enjoy during your time at Disneyland® Paris. Younger kids will love the Peter Pan and famous ‘It’s A Small World’ rides, whereas older adventurers will love the thrill seeker attractions, such as Hyperspace Mountain and Indiana Jones™ and the Temple of Peril.
You’ll all love spotting popular Disney characters as you wander around the park, and keep your eye out for Meet and Greet opportunities where your little ones can meet their favourites and ask for photos and autographs.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Disneyland® Paris without watching the parade, a bright and energetic extravaganza featuring all of Disney’s best-loved characters on themed floats which travel down Main Street to upbeat and catchy music.
With so many great Easter breaks for families in France to choose from, don’t delay in choosing your ideal trip and booking your Dover to Calais crossing today!
