Dreaming of your France family holidays filled with fresh mountain air, stunning scenery, and endless activities? Look no further than the French Alps! This region offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, perfect for creating unforgettable memories with your little ones. Let’s dive into our guide for exploring the French Alps with kids.
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Why Visit the French Alps with Kids?
- Adventure Awaits: Hiking, biking, swimming in alpine lakes – the Alps offer endless possibilities for active families.
- Cultural Immersion: Explore charming villages, historic castles, and learn about French traditions.
- Breathtaking Scenery: Hike through meadows filled with wildflowers, marvel at snow-capped peaks, and soak in the fresh mountain air.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Theme parks, water parks, and kid-approved museums guarantee entertainment for all ages.
- Delicious Food: From hearty cheese dishes to decadent pastries, French Alpine cuisine delights both children and adults.
Things to Do in the French Alps with Kids
- Hit the Slopes: Ski resorts cater to all levels, offering ski schools and child care for a stress-free experience.
- Go Hiking & Biking: Explore scenic trails tailored for little legs, or rent bikes and cycle through picturesque valleys.
- Take a Chairlift Ride: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and spot wildlife like marmots and mountain goats.
- Visit a Theme Park: La Clusaz offers a thrilling alpine coaster, while Flaine boasts a water park with slides and pools.
- Explore a Medieval Village: Wander through cobbled streets, discover artisan shops, and stop for a delicious crepe.
Best Places to Visit in the French Alps with Kids
- Chamonix: Home to Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak, Chamonix offers stunning scenery, a vibrant village atmosphere, and funicular rides for panoramic views.
- Annecy: Nestled on a beautiful lake, Annecy is a car-free paradise with canals, boat tours, and a charming old town.
- Les Gets: A car-free resort village in the Portes du Soleil ski area, Les Gets promotes car-free vacations with a pedestrianized center, horse-drawn carriage rides, and family-friendly activities.
- Megeve: This upscale resort town boasts stunning architecture, a charming pedestrian zone, and a variety of activities like pony rides and hot air balloon tours.
- Val Thorens: For skiing enthusiasts, Val Thorens offers the highest ski area in Europe, perfect for older children and teenagers.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in the French Alps
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: Offering a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and shops, Chamonix is an ideal base for exploring the region with easy access to ski lifts and hiking trails.
- Megève: Known for its luxury chalets and charming village atmosphere, Megève is perfect for families seeking a more upscale experience with gourmet dining and boutique shopping.
- Les Gets: A family-friendly resort village with a relaxed vibe, Les Gets provides easy access to ski slopes and hiking trails, along with a variety of accommodation options and child-friendly amenities.
- Morzine: With its lively après-ski scene and abundance of activities, Morzine offers a vibrant atmosphere for families, with plenty of accommodations ranging from budget-friendly to upscale chalets.
- Annecy: While not in the heart of the mountains, Annecy’s lakeside location provides a picturesque setting with easy access to both the Alps and the charming town’s amenities, making it a great base for families.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in the French Alps
- Hotel Le Chamois d’Or (Megève): This luxurious hotel features a dedicated kids’ club, an indoor pool, and ski-in/ski-out access, ideal for families.
- Alpina Family & Spa Hotel (Les Gets): Located in the car-free center of Les Gets, this hotel offers a kids’ club, a spa for parents, and comfortable family rooms.
- Le Hameau du Bucheron (Val Thorens): Nestled in a charming ski-in/ski-out location, this hotel features a pool, kids’ club, and a playroom, perfect for families.
- Mercure Annecy Centre (Annecy): This hotel offers a central location in Annecy, within walking distance of the lake and old town, ideal for exploring with kids.
- Hotel National Resort & Spa (Chamonix): This family-friendly hotel boasts a pool, kids’ club, and ski rentals, all in a convenient location close to Chamonix attractions.
Best Time to Visit the French Alps
- Winter (December to February): Ideal for skiing and snowboarding, winter brings snow-covered landscapes and festive atmosphere to the French Alps, perfect for family vacations.
- Spring (March to May): As temperatures rise and snow begins to melt, spring offers quieter slopes, blooming wildflowers, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
- Summer (June to August): With long days and warm weather, summer invites families to explore the Alps through hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying alpine lakes and outdoor adventures.
- Fall (September to November): As the crowds thin out and nature transitions to autumn hues, fall is a great time for families to experience the beauty of the French Alps with mild temperatures and colorful landscapes.
French Alps Family Itinerary (Sample – 5 Days)
This itinerary provides a framework for a fun-filled family vacation in the French Alps with kids. Remember to adjust it based on your interests, ages of your children, and desired pace.
Day 1: Arrival & Settle In
- Morning: Arrive in your chosen Alpine town and check into your accommodation. Enjoy a relaxing morning to adjust to the time difference.
- Afternoon: Explore your village by foot. Take a stroll through the main square, discover local shops and bakeries, and grab a delicious lunch at a cafe with outdoor seating.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Savoyard dinner featuring hearty dishes like cheese fondue or raclette. Most restaurants offer children’s menus.
Day 2: Adventure Day
- Morning: Choose your adventure! Depending on the season, you could go mountain biking on scenic trails, embark on a family-friendly hike with breathtaking views, or take a thrilling chairlift ride for panoramic vistas. Many resorts offer guided activities specifically designed for families.
- Afternoon: In the afternoon, head to a nearby lake for a refreshing swim or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking.
- Evening: Relax by the pool at your hotel or enjoy a movie night with popcorn and hot chocolate.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion
- Morning: Visit a charming medieval village nestled in the mountains. Explore the cobbled streets, discover local artisans selling unique crafts, and stop for a delicious crepe or pastry at a traditional cafe.
- Afternoon: In the afternoon, immerse yourselves in French culture by visiting a local museum. Many museums offer interactive exhibits and scavenger hunts, keeping children engaged. Alternatively, explore a historic castle and learn about the region’s rich history.
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a restaurant with live music or entertainment, creating a memorable experience.
Day 4: Family Fun Day
- Morning: Spend the morning at a family-friendly theme park. La Clusaz offers an exciting alpine coaster, while Flaine boasts a water park with slides and pools.
- Afternoon: In the afternoon, try a unique activity like a hot air balloon ride over the majestic mountains (weather permitting) or a pony ride through scenic meadows, perfect for younger children.
- Evening: For a relaxing evening, enjoy a bowling night or a fun game of mini-golf, followed by ice cream or gelato.
Day 5: Departure Day
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and pack your belongings. Depending on your departure time, you may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a final stroll through the village.
- Afternoon: Depart from the French Alps, cherishing the memories created with your family in this stunning mountain paradise.
Getting Around the French Alps
- Train: The French rail network (SNCF) offers a convenient and scenic way to travel between major towns and cities in the Alps. Consider purchasing a regional pass for discounted travel during your stay.
- Bus: Local buses connect many villages and resorts within the Alps. While not as extensive as the train network, buses can be a budget-friendly option for shorter distances.
- Car: Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the region at your own pace. However, be aware of mountain roads that may require winter tires and driving experience during snowy conditions. Some car-free villages prioritize pedestrian access, so plan accordingly.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available in most major resorts and towns, offering a convenient option for short trips or reaching your accommodation upon arrival.
Additional Tips:
- Purchase a multi-day lift pass if you plan on doing a lot of hiking or skiing. Many resorts offer family discounts.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and sunscreen.
- Consider learning a few basic French phrases before your trip. It goes a long way with locals!
- Take advantage of free activities offered by your resort or village, such as movie nights, live music events, or guided nature walks.
- Most importantly, relax, have fun, and create lasting memories with your family in the beautiful French Alps!
