Southeast of Lyon
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

The Écrins National Park is one of France's important protected spaces. It covers an area of approximately 93,078 hectares (230,000 acres), and its highest peaks rise to a height of about 4,100 meters (13,451 feet). The park includes specially designed nature trail footpaths, observation points, and information points to help the visitor explore its natural beauty and varied flora and fauna. This park is a popular tourist attraction and has been awarded the European Diploma of Protected Areas.

East of Lyon
Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

The French Alps is an area replete with glaciers, beautiful valleys, clear lakes, rolling hills, rivers, and beautiful scenery. In addition, the climate is conducive to visitors for most of the year, making this a very famous tourist destination. Its snow-capped mountains are favored locations for skiers and snowboarders. This area is filled with small towns, all of which are interconnected, making travel and accommodation easy for tourists. The most famous point in the French Alps is Mont Blanc, the highest peak.

Various locations throughout Bordeaux, France

Scenic boat cruises along the city’s river Garonne offer a relaxing way to see several major city sights. Included is the distinct Cité du Vin wine museum, with its contemporary style said to mimic the movement of wine in a glass. You’ll also see riverside landmarks like the Basilica of St. Michael and Louis XV's grand Place de la Bourse. Cruises are short enough for kids to get through, 90–120 minutes, with some companies offering lunch or dinner tours. Consider one of these leisurely cruises when you’ve just arrived and jet lag has the whole family in slow mode, or as a way to recall all the great memories you’ve made before leaving the city.

Plage du Lac

Boulevard Jacques Chaban Delmas
Bruges 33520, France

Summer visitors to Bordeaux should plan a day trip 20 minutes from the city to reach what’s arguably a favorite destination of kids—the beach! Clean sand, clear water, and shady areas will please the whole family. Easily accessible by a tram that departs from central Bordeaux, Lake Beach includes a supervised recreational area with activities such as sailing, kayaking, and miniature golf. After swimming and sunning, head to the nearby town of Bordeaux Lac, for snacks, shopping, or to spend the night at a hotel and plan to do it all again the next day.

French Alps East of Lyon Chamonix
Rhône-Alpes, France

Mont Blanc (White Mountain), also known as La Dame Blanche (The White Lady), is the tallest mountain in Western Europe. The summit of this mountain soars to a height of 4,808 meters (15,774 feet) above sea level. The first people to climb this mountain were Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard, who accomplished this feat in 1786. It is a popular spot for activities such as mountaineering, hiking, and skiing. This mountain is located in two countries, France and Italy, and can be reached through Chamonix, Savoy valley in France or from Courmayeur, Val d'Aosta in Italy. To aid quicker transportation between the two countries, a 11-kilometer (seven miles) tunnel was built under the mountain in 1965.

Square Viviani
Paris, France

When strolling through Paris’ Latin Quarter, you might come across a vestige of a long-gone era—a living monument in Square Viviani dating to 1601. This miracle of nature is the city’s oldest tree: a majestic locust tree, more than 15 meters (49 feet) tall. Imported from North America, it was planted by Jean Robin, gardener to Henri IV. Still flowering each spring, the tree was there when Versailles and the Eiffel Tower were built.

—Information provided by Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau

Ruhl Plage

1 Promenade des Anglais
Nice, France

Though the idea of a perfect beach doesn’t generally include private cabins with hot showers and waiter service, Ruhl Beach offers all this and more. Yes, there is a fee to hang out at this private beach, but parents should find some peace of mind in letting children roam the secure area. Situated along the Mediterranean and in the heart of the city, Ruhl Beach is the place for a full day of swimming, sunning, and playing on shore. Relax on cushioned chaise lounges under umbrellas while waiters deliver refreshing drinks to accompany your view. There also is a swimming pool, public restrooms, and restaurant serving a wide selection of food and drinks. Visit the website for hours and fees to rent things such as mattresses and beach towels as well as for the restaurant menu.

Various locations throughout Paris, France

A boat cruise on the Seine is a good option after first arriving in Paris, when jet lag may be slowing the family down. Many companies offer boat cruises on the city’s river Seine, a good way to relax and see some of the city’s major sights including the Eiffel Tower. Guides offer informative commentary in several languages, and some tour operators offer rides with lunch or dinner included to those centered around special events. The city also offers a hop-on, hop-off boat transit system called the Batobus, with eight stops including one near Notre Dame, for families who prefer the option to explore without schedules.