Traveling to France: our favourite destinations for family holidays at the seaside

With more than 18,000 km of coastline, France is the perfect holiday destination for families who dream of spending some days with their feet in the water. In this article, we selected for you some of our favourite destinations on the Atlantic Coast and in the Mediterranean for some seaside holidays with the whole family. Ready to travel?

The Atlantic Coast as a family holiday postcard

Let’s head off to the west of France to relax on the Atlantic coast! 

Pedal with the family to discover Île de Ré

With more than 100 kilometres of cycle path, you will travel through the most beautiful landscapes of one of the most famous islands of the Atlantic. What to do in Île de Ré? Kids and grown-ups, be ready to straddle the “little queen” that will make you discover throughout your trek the island’s traditional ports, its beaches but also its salt marshes. Make a stop for a few minutes at the salt marsh ecomuseum and discover salt production and the jobs related to it. The whole family will be able to observe real salt manufacturers at work, a show rich in learning.

Did you know that donkey is the emblem of Île de Ré? On this island, don’t be surprised if you come across donkeys wearing pants. A get-up that will make children laugh. These trousers-wearing donkeys are very popular among youngsters who just love to stroke and ride them.

Make the most of your holidays in Île de Ré and go to Rochefort to visit the Arsenal des Mers where you can see the famous Hermione ship. An exceptional maritime location where the whole family can slip into the skin of a sailor. On the agenda: guided visit of the frigate, visit of the National Maritime Museum, ropework workshop or high rope course in the ships’ masts.

Holidays under the sign of surf & ocean in Biarritz

Feel like discovering the Basque Country and the emblematic town of Biarritz? Be ready for active family holidays on the Basque coast.

In order to spend memorable holidays with your kids in Biarritz, we prepared for you an 100% Basque agenda to enjoy the ocean and its beautiful landscapes. Dive into Biarritz’s summer atmosphere by sharing surf sessions with the family. Unforgettable memories at stake!

Make the most of your stay by visiting the city of the ocean and the aquarium of Biarritz. Fun outings that will definitely please both kids and adults.

You cannot come to the Basque Country without going to the famous summit of the Rhune! You can reach it thanks to its little traditional train that will carry you right to the top so you can enjoy a stunning view of the Basque coast, Pyrenees and Atlantic Ocean.

If your kids love to yomp, take the trail instead for the descent to see the “pottoks”, famous Basque horses. A walk with a view of the ocean that will amaze both kids and adults.

Vendée, a perfect destination for adventurous families

On the agenda of these family holidays: activities emblematic of Vendée and the seaside. What to do in Vendée with the family?

Put your boots on and grab a bucket and a landing net! Once the tide is low, head off to the shore of Vendean beaches to pick up seashells and crustaceans. To know the right time, nothing could be more simple! A quick glance at the tide clock and you will know if it is the right time to collect seashells. Shore fishing is the unmissable activity of seaside holidays. What is more fun than going fishing and picking up loads of clams, cockles and shrimps?

For the most daring, opt for a sand yacht race on one of the prettiest Vendean beaches. Who will manage to tame the wind better… parents or kids?

Then, head off to the beautiful island of Noirmoutier by taking the famous Passage du Gois that connects the island to the continent. Only accessible at low tide, this 4km-long route has a beautiful panorama that you can admire during your crossing by car or bicycle.

Introduce to your kids the sea world thanks to the children’s museum at the Historial de la Vendée. A fun place for the family where you may raise kids’ awareness of the ocean. Holidays in Vendée that you will not forget!

Make your kids discover the Mediterranean

For seaside holidays with kids, there is nothing like the Mediterranean to enjoy a calm and warm sea as well as the beauty of the south of France.

Escape with your family on coast of the Calanques (rocky inlets)

Have a walk in the national park of the Calanques, a true Mediterranean gem. Kayaking, snorkelling, boat trip, trekking… many activities that will make you fully enjoy the beauty of this conservation area. Obviously, you will not resist diving in the turquoise water of this heavenly spot.

Not far from this spectacular panorama is another spot emblematic of the region: the Savonnerie du Midi, manufacturer of the traditional Marseille soap since 1894. Take the time to discover the story behind this little soap cube, famous in the entire world.

You cannot spend holidays in the south without visiting the lavender fields that make the charm of this region. Go to Sault, the capital of lavender, to discover its flowery fields. 

Colourful landscapes which will amaze both kids and grown-ups. Do not forget to take a souvenir picture of the family in the midst of lavender bushes.

Corsica: for unforgettable seaside holidays on the Island of Beauty 

Famous for its beautiful beaches and trails, Corsica and its postcard landscapes are a holiday location that families are fond of, and it is not James and Stéphanie that will tell you otherwise.

Enjoy the warm water of the Mediterranean and splash around with your family on the charming Corsican beaches. The only challenge will be to choose which one you want to relax on: Palombaggia beach, Santa Giulia beach, Rondinara beach… Whether you go to the north or south of the island, its numerous beaches will amaze you with their beauty and crystal-clear waters.

Palombaggia Beach & Roccapina Beach

This island of rugged landscapes will offer you more than just swimming in 25°C water. The nature reserve of Scandola, Piana’s rocky inlets, Purcaraccia’s waterfalls or even Lavezzi islands are magical places that you ought to visit during your holidays in Corsica. Bathing suits and hiking boots will be your best allies to fully enjoy Corsican wonders.

Piana's rocky inlets & Lavezzi Islands

What about you? Where do you like to spend your holidays?