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16 Best Family-Friendly Villas In France That Kids Will Love
The Little Steps Guide To Family-Friendly Villas In France
A much-loved destination globally, France has it all: the glamour of Cannes, Nice, Monaco and St. Tropez, the iconic wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, and the laid-back, fragrant beauty of Provence, where the lavender fields stretch for miles. It’s one of Europe’s most popular getaways thanks to its gorgeous coastline – there’s plenty of kid-friendly beaches to choose from – and its charming medieval towns, from Saint-Émilion and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande near Bordeaux in the Southwest to Èze and Cagnes-Sur-Mer in the country’s stunning southeastern corner.
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With Summer coming up, the Cote D’Azur, or the French Riviera, in the South of France may well be on your mind, thanks to its gorgeous coastline, dazzling line-up of luxury boutiques (hello, Chanel and Dior) and uspcale restaurants. Head to St. Tropez to check out legendary beach clubs like Club 55 on Pampelonne (there are half-sized portions on the menu for kids) and a glass of its renowned dry rosé.
Alternatively, swing by the La Croisette mini amusement park for kids at Cannes, and explore the Promenade de Paillon in Nice, where splash fountains and playgrounds await. The gorgeous isle of Corsica off the southeast coast of France is also worth a visit: in addition to soft, sandy beaches with shallow waters (try Palombaggia and Calvi), there’s also a tortoise and turtle sanctuary, Cascades de la Restonica, which houses more than 170 different species.
If you’re dreaming of lavender fields and castles, then head down to Provence: we think you’ll also love Château des Baux-de-Provence, a medieval fortress with live reenactments, catapults, and views that make you feel like you’re in a fantasy movie. At the Valensole Plateau, fields of purple lavender stretch for miles and it smells just as good as it looks (and will make perfect pics for your Instagram feed). Younger kids will love Le Village des Automates, an outdoor storybook park with moving characters and themed play zones.
While Bordeaux is best known for its rich, full-bodied red wines, it’s also a great place to travel with the kids: bike along the Garonne River and visit city park Jardin Public, which puts on puppet shows in the Summer. Digital art show Bassins des Lumières, a massive art space in an old WWII submarine base, meanwhile, boasts immersive video projections on the walls and the water. Don’t forget to sample some cannelés, Bordeaux’s caramelized mini cakes.
From cozy villas in the countryside to design-conscious pads within walking distance of local towns, there are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options in France. If you fancy exploring beyond the nearest town, give your villa vacation a boost by hiring a car (try Europcar or Sixt). Don’t fancy getting behind the wheel? Many villas can arrange bike hire, so you can cycle to the nearest town for vacation must-haves like baguettes and bottles of vin. Taxis and airport transfers can be arranged with most villa hosts.
Wherever you end up staying, expect amazing food: a crusty French loaf with some cheese and local wine makes the perfect picnic lunch. And even the pickiest eaters are sure to love the super-flaky, buttery croissants, pain au chocolat and beignets, a French-style donut filled with jam, custard or chocolate. As many of the villas mentioned in the below round-up are on the coast, good seafood restaurants are in abundance. Holidaying on the French Riviera? Don’t forget to try a Salad Niçoise in the birthplace of this iconic salad!
Whether you’re chilling by the pool with a vin and a gripping vacation read, following your nose to the region’s lavender fields in Provence, or sampling world-class food and wine in one of the world’s culinary capitals, France is a fantastic choice for an unforgettable family vacation…
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VILLA PARADISE: 5-Bedroom Family-Friendly Villa In France *BETWEEN NICE & MONTE CARLO
Glamour And A Grand PianoTucked away in the hills of the Côte d’Azur above Eze Village between Nice and Monte Carlo, Villa Paradise is a modern luxe five-bedroom villa that's just 20km from the nearest airport, Nice. Another big plus point for this contemporary villa is it's a 200m walk from Plage de la Baie D'Eze, a shady pebble beach that's supervised between June 15-September 15.
Boasting stunning sea views from the villa's vast terraces, the whole fam will love splashing about in the private infinity swimming pool (it's heated btw) and there's a front lawn where the kids can play, plus a rooftop terrace for lazy evenings with a bottle of vin. Music-minded guests can have a tinker on the villa's grand piano, while all bedrooms feature king-size beds. If you're traveling with little ones in tow, the villa can arrange for cots and high chairs, along with fences for stairs and around the pool. There's a tennis court, a shopping center and a grocery store within walking distance, along with a couple of restaurants.
Villa Paradise, villa-finder.com/en/nice-monaco/villa-paradise
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VILLA ONEIRO: 10-Bedroom Family-Friendly Villa In France *CANNES
Hidden Up In The MountainsJust a short drive from Cannes and with bakeries and restaurants nearby, the kids will love Villa Oneiro's sprawling tropical gardens and the lagoon-style pool shaded by palm trees, while the outdoor kitchen near the pool is handy for those alfresco meals. There's even a little Summer House where they can play (or maybe you can take refuge!). Not in the mood to cook? Don't worry, as there's a restaurant, L'Air Du Temps, less than 100m away. The beach is just over 2km from the villa if you fancy a day of sandcastles, paddling, and ice creams.
The master suite features an open-air bathtub and private terrace, while the other three bedrooms are equipped with single or double beds. Gym bunnies will love the fact that the villa is equipped with its own private gym with a treadmill and a weights bench.
Villa Oneiro, villa-finder.com/en/french-riviera/villa-oneiro
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VILLA PEARL: 6-Bedroom Family-Friendly Villa In France *ST TROPEZ
Check Out That Terrace!Just 1km from glorious St. Tropez, where the international jet set have been coming since the '60s, this spacious pad is set on 1,800 sqm of lush land, while the nearest beach is just 600m away. We love the shady terrace/verandah, where inviting squishy sofas and a 10-seater dining table overlook the pool. There's table tennis for the kids, too. Holidaying with older children? Mountain bikes are available to hire on request 0 though you may just decide to shop at Chanel, Dior, and get your best holiday clothes on for a meal at one of St. Tropez's most exclusive restaurants.
It's not just the facilities you'll love here. Villa Peal boasts six bedrooms – the master comes with a super king and its own TV, and four of them are ensuite - plus a shared family bathroom.
Villa Pearl, villa-finder.com/en/gassin/villa-pearl-st-tropez
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VILLA ILONA: 4-Bedroom Family-Friendly Villa In France *HYERES, FRENCH RIVIERA
Renovated Farmhouse With Pool HouseIf you don't like the thought of being disconnected on your holiday, then this may well be the place for you, as there are shops, cafes, and even a sushi house all less than 30m away from the property. The nearest airport, Toulon-Hyeres is just 4km away, so you won't have to worry about long transfers (and shouts of 'are we there yet?'). If you fancy a cultural day out, the ancient town of Hyeres is a short drive away. Known as "the palm tree town", it's home to an 11th-century castle and ancient ramparts.
Back at the villa, the oh-so inviting 15m turquoise swimming pool with covered terrace is a real selling point of this recently-renovated farmhouse, as is the pool house, which features a roomy dining table, lounge area, and summer kitchen with BBQ. You can also try your hand at petanque (it's a bit like bowls) as the villa has its own alley. There's even a laundry room with a washer and dryer if you're planning a long break.
Villa Ilona, villa-finder.com/en/french-riviera/villa-ilona-hyeres
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VILLA TITIMAMA: 3-Bedroom Family-Friendly Villa In France *CARQUIERANNE, FRENCH RIVIERA
Cool Split Level HomeVilla Titimama is situated in the beautiful coastal town of Carqueiranne, a quaint harbor town on the Var coast that acts as a springboard to some cool hiking opportunities in the Paradis Mountains. If you'd rather just stay put, this contemporary villa has plenty of local amenities nearby, with a boulangerie, newsagent, sports bar, and supermarket all less than 300m away.
Each of the three bedrooms is pretty self-sufficient, as they all have an ensuite bathroom and direct access to a furnished terrace to soak up those stellar Med views. If you're feeling sociable, hang out on the covered terrace/verandah by the pool, or the living room, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and inviting blue leather sofas.
Villa Titimama, villa-finder.com/en/french-riviera/villa-titimama
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LE MAS D'ISABEL: 3-Bedroom Family-Friendly Villa In France *PROVENCE
Explore The Region's Famous Lavender FieldsWith its soft green window shutters and long tree-lined driveway, you'll feel pleasantly tucked away in this sensitively restored Provençal farmhouse. But don't worry about being isolated, as the pretty village of Mollégès (its lavender fields were painted by Van Gogh) is just 1km away, where shops and a couple of good restaurants await. Further afield (12km away, to be exact) lies Saint-Remy-de-Provence, the perfect place to linger over a café au lait in a pavement café for a spot of people watching. The kids can hire bikes here, too.
With a spacious kitchen opening onto a dining terrace and sitting/dining room that opens onto a side terrace, there are plenty of spots where you can chill at Le Mas d'Isabel. Once the kids have finished with the water fights in the pool, they can shower and change in the adjacent pool house.
Le Mas D'Isabel, cvvillas.com/destinations/france/provence/le-mas-d-isabelle
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L'ALPANA: 3-Bedroom Family-Friendly Villa In France *FIGARI, CORSICA
Catch The Ferry To Corsica!If you love exploring islands, then head to the mountainous Mediterranean isle of Corsica (you can take a ferry from Nice or Toulon), where pristine beaches and hiking opportunities await. Nestling in the hills above Pianottoli on Corsica's south coast, L’Alpana offers 360-degree vistas of the sea and mountains, with the sandy bays of Plage de Figari and La Tonnara a 10-minute drive away. The nearest shops and restaurants are in Figari, 3km away from the villa. Don't miss a trip to Bonifacio and the marina, which is grandly overlooked by the town's medieval bastion.
A great option for small families, both bedrooms are ensuite: one has a tub and the other has a shower. There are two terraces, one of which has a breakfast table and a built-in BBQ. Down by the pool, there's a covered area where you can flop with a book on a sun lounger. Bliss!
L'Alpana, thethinkingtraveller.com/france/corsica/villas/l-alpana
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VILLA BEAUVALLON: 5-Bedroom Family Villa In France *GRIMAUD, FRENCH RIVIERA
A Stylish Minimalist SpaceSituated in the charming medieval village of Grimaud, this contemporary villa is all whitewashed walls and minimalist decor, with the beach a 10-minute walk away and a golf course five five-minute drive if you fancy teeing off on your hols. A heated swimming pool takes the chill off – perfect for those night time dips – and there's also a shady petanque alley if you fancy some family games.
Four of the five bedrooms feature double beds, while the fifth is set up with bunk beds. We love the roomy white kitchen and the outdoor dining area, which features a gorgeous wooden table and six modern dining chairs where you can relax over some brioches in the morning and a bottle (or two!) of Bordeaux in the evening.
Villa Beauvallon, lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-beauvallon-grimaud
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VILLA CRAQUANTE: 3-Bedroom Family-Friendly Villa In France *BORDEAUX
Book A Bordeaux Wine TourSet in a well-connected location in Pessac-Léognan and featuring striking Basque architecture, this private house is perfect for a quiet break. You can hop on a tram and be in Bordeaux city centre in 20 minutes, and it's a short bike ride away from bakeries and cafes. Wine lovers will rejoice, as it's a 25-minute drive away from the celebrated Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard: tasting and underground cellar tours are both possible at this 14th-century estate.
Inside Villa Craquante, the open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area is warm and inviting, and there's a swing set for little ones and a boules court for all to enjoy outside. Older kids will love the privacy of the third bedroom upstairs, but it's the secluded swimming pool, surrounded by an enclosed garden, where we reckon you'll spend most of your time in this stunning southwestern corner of France.
Villa Craquante, cvvillas.com/destinations/france/bordeaux/villa-craquante
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MAISON JOLIE: 6-Bedroom Family-Friendly Villa In France *DURAS, NEAR BERGERAC
Characterful Country HouseYou'll feel like a French celeb with a stay in this grand country house 3km from the town of Duras, where you can stock up on food, drink, and other holiday essentials. For a great day out, get your group over to Vigiers Golf Course, which has an award-winning spa and Michelin-starred restaurant. A more kid-friendly option is Dune de Pyla, the highest dune in Europe.
There are six large bedrooms spread across the first and second floors, each with its own ensuite. The beams add a real dash of character, but the modern kitchen proves this villa has bags of contemporary style, too. The spacious grounds include table tennis, badminton, and space for croquet as well as a 12m saltwater pool. In the evenings, gather everyone round the wisteria-draped dining terrace before retiring for a chat in the living room's sumptuous sofas.
Maison Jolie, cvvillas.com/destinations/france/bordeaux/maison-jolie
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VILLA MOOREA: 7-Bedroom Family-Friendly Villa In France *ST. TROPEZ, FRENCH RIVIERA
Minutes From The BeachJust 10 minutes on foot to the nearest beach, this stunning, spacious villa is also well situated for the glitz and glamour of St. Tropez and its inviting line-up of swish boutiques, hotels, and restaurants.
With a trio of daybeds situated on the side of the swimming pool, you can switch between sun and swim as you watch the kids cool off on the inflatables and play around on the lawn. If you want to keep up with your fitness routine, meanwhile, lace up your trainers and head to the villa's fitness room. With extensive outdoor space, including an alfresco kitchen and covered dining area, the only reason to head indoors is up to one of the villa's seven bedrooms, which include two master bedrooms with walk-in closets.
Villa Moorea, lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-moorea-saint-tropez-peninsula
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CHATEAU LA GRAVE BECHADE: 6-Bedroom Family-Friendly Villa In France *DURAS, BORDEAUX
Packed With Period FeaturesSet on a working wine and chocolate estate (tours and tastings available) in gorgeous rolling countryside in between Bordeaux, Bergerac, and St. Emilion, Chateau La Grave Bechade is just 3km away from the ancient bastide town of Duras. Here, you'll find weekly farmers' markets and night markets in the peak Summer months where you can stock up on fabulous local produce.
Period features abound at this property, including original silk fabric on the walls and an original parquet floor with an antique billiards table in the entrance hall. In addition to six bedrooms, there's a sauna, ta ennis court, a study with an antique desk, and a large south-facing terrace that spans the whole of the chateau.
Chateau La Grave Bechade, holidaycottagesandvillas.com/property/france/chateau-la-grave-bechade
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BASTIDE DE CAVAROUX: 6-Bedroom Family-Friendly Villa In France *NEAR CANNES & NICE
Pool House & Pizza OvenWith spacious landscaped gardens, extensive lawns, flower beds, and olive trees, this fabulous Provençal-style property is situated a 30-minute drive from Cannes and 45 minutes from Nice, with walks through pines right on your doorstep. In 15-20 minutes, you can stroll to the unspoilt hilltop village of Callian. It's also worth heading over to nearby Lake Saint-Cassien to hire some pedalos, and the local horse-riding centre, which is just five minutes away.
Love dining alfresco? Then you're sorted, as there are three covered terraces; two have large dining tables, while one has a BBQ and a pizza oven if you fancy making margheritas. The pool house adjacent to the heated pool features a changing room, fridge and shower, plus there's table tennis and boules to keep the kids busy.
Bastide De Cavaroux, purefrance.com/83073/holiday-home
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ViILLA FURET: 4-Bedroom Family Villa In France *VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER, FRENCH RIVIERA
Charming Hillside RetreatThe resort town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, which has provided the backdrop for several Hollywood blockbusters, including The Count of Monte Cristo and The Bourne Identity, is a short walk away from this charming hillside retreat. Here, you can explore the calm and clear waters of Plage de la Darse and check out Chapelle Saint-Pierre, which has stood here since the 16th century. Looking for a bit more excitement? It's just a 20-minute drive from Nice and its famous Promenade Anglais, or the razzle-dazzle of Monaco and its iconic casino.
Kids will love Villa Furet's TV room, where they can lounge with some popcorn after splashing in the infinity pool. Adults can escape to the master bedroom and watch Netflix in comfort. Cook up a storm on the portable gas BBQ, then while the night away on the covered terrace.
Villa Furet, oliverstravels.com/france/nice/villa-furet
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LA BASTIDE LAVANDE: 10-Bedroom Family-Friendly Villa In France *PROVENCE
Fragrant Villa With Lavender FieldLying between The Luberon and The Alpilles, this green shuttered beauty is well-placed to explore some of Provence's most beautiful villages; nearby you'll find L'Isle Sur-la-Sorgue (8km), which is renowned for its antique markets, and Verquières (15km), where you can shop for local products and souvenirs.
Whether you're enjoying a meal on the terrace or having a game of boules, we love how the heady scent of lavender from the nearby field accompanies you throughout your holiday. Traveling with big parties can be tricky if there are not enough bathrooms, but don't worry, as each bedroom has its own bathroom at La Bastide Lavande. If you're traveling with little ones in tow, you'll be pleased to know the 14m x 8m pool is secured by a fence, though watch out for the water features!
La Bastide Lavande, provenceholidays.com/en/holiday-rental/luberon-la-bastide-lavande-1
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CHATEAU PROVENCALE: Huge Villa In France Accomodating Up To 30 Guests *ST. TROPEZ
Go Large In FranceLocated in the beautiful Esterel mountains halfway between St. Tropez and Cannes, this 15-bedroom villa can host events for up to 200 guests, so it's perfect if you're planning an event, be that a wedding or simply a big get-together with family and friends. Don't just take our word for it: Simon Cowell picked the château as his judge's house for X Factor USA - we wonder if the chateau's helipad was installed especially for him!
Boasting views over the bay of St. Tropez from the heated infinity pool, rooms are spread over four floors, and the living areas ooze character with chandeliers, oak floors, and original fireplaces. At Chateau Provencale, there's also a games room with a billiards table, a home cinema for cozy movie nights in plus a home gym to keep guests in shape. If you're keen to cook, then the professional chef's kitchen will help you whip up something tasty.
Chateau Provencale, sunlightproperties.com/property-details/44/c-te-d-azur/chemin-du-plan-guinet
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