Babymoon Travel in France: When and Where To Go
A babymoon offers some “me” time before giving birth, so get planning and enjoy a relaxing getaway before the arrival of baby.
Pregnant and longing for a few heavenly days of sleeping in, pottering around a gallery or two and relaxing over a dinner you didn’t cook? You need a babymoon! You won’t regret it – spending time with your beloved on babymoon travels is a surefire way to reconnect, relax and plan for the arrival of your newborn.
Just what is babymoon travel?
A babymoon is an opportunity to spend happy, intimate and chilled times with your partner before your bundle of joy bursts onto the scene. Once the preserve of Insta-obsessed celebrities, the trend has grown in popularity – and understandably so, because once baby arrives, you’ll have precious few chances to catch your breath, let alone enjoy a getaway. And of course, you can enjoy a babymoon either with a partner, the kids or solo. You make the rules.
Good to know: The term “babymoon” was coined by natural childbirth advocate Sheila Kitzinger in the 1970s; she defined it as an “uninterrupted period of time” after birth for parents to get to know their baby. Now it describes a last hurrah for couples before giving birth.
Why take a babymoon?
Having a baby is an exciting venture into the unknown, but it’s also often stressful, uber-busy and full of time-consuming tasks (doctor’s appointments, filling out endless paperwork, decorating, buying baby paraphernalia). This hits at a time when you may be struggling physically with morning sickness, bizarre food cravings and swollen feet; all of a sudden a holiday will seem like the best idea you ever had!
When is the best time for babymoon travel?
The major decision you’ll be faced with is when to book your babymoon. Health workers advise travel between weeks 13–27, when most pregnant women have got over their morning sickness. By then, you should have more energy, and if you sneak a holiday in around this time, you won’t need a doctor’s certificate to fly. Leave your babymoon longer than 28 weeks and you’ll require a medical certificate confirming your due date, and you may also suffer symptoms of late pregnancy like overwhelming fatigue or Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Good to know: Airlines in Europe may restrict travel for anyone over 36 weeks' pregnant. But don't forget that there are other, more sustainable ways to travel, including trains.
4 best places for a babymoon
Ideas for where to travel on your babymoon are limited only by your imagination and physical well-being. Here’s a round-up of our favourite babymoon destinations in France.
1. Fall in love again on a romantic break
Why not plan your babymoon travels for somewhere fabulously romantic? Think of your weekend getaway as a perfect “date” before giving birth – it’s a chance to strengthen your bonds and create lasting memories. Lazy mornings with no need to rush, sightseeing at a gentle pace and leisurely meals together give you uninterrupted quality time before the realities of parenthood kick in.
- Our pick: Gorgeous Avignon in sun-kissed Provence, with its charming medieval heart, exquisite Palais des Papes and iconic river bridge over the Rhône.
- Where to stay: Novotel Avignon Centre
- Why: For everything you need under one roof, from spacious guest rooms with striking murals to a dreamy swimming pool, tempting seasonal Mediterranean cuisine in Le Patio restaurant to late check-outs for luxury lie-ins.
- How to get there: Avignon is easily accessed by train, and the station is 3 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
2. Soothe away cares on a wellness retreat
If you’re craving quiet time together to recharge batteries before baby arrives, a wellness babymoon is the answer for you. Spending time in the tranquil cocoon of a hotel spa allows expectant couples to nurture themselves with pampering prenatal massages. Feel pregnancy stress melt away on a babymoon spa break!
- Our pick: Elegant Le Touquet on the beautiful Opal Coast, a breezy blend of chic French beach life and top-notch thalassotherapy (seawater therapy) spas.
- Where to stay: Novotel Thalassa Le Touquet
- Why: For the stylish rooms – with sea or dune views from private terraces – seawater pool and direct beach access. And how about soothing couples’ massages or treatments for pregnant women in the tranquil seawater spa?
- How to get there: Le Touquet can be reached by bus or train; a shuttle bus runs to the seafront hotels from the latter.
3. Dine and date on a city break
You’re looking at years of family trips centred on your kid/s, so grab the chance to do something thoroughly adult. Go large on odysseys to city restaurants and theatres, but do take your pregnancy into account… Sightsee at your own pace by day and then enjoy uninterrupted nights out together on the town!
- Our pick: Lively Lyon in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, overflowing with heritage attractions and restaurants as well as showcasing a cultured nightlife – and it’s a doodle to navigate on public transport.
- Where to stay: Novotel Lyon Gerland Musée des Confluences
- Why: For the colourful artworks in contemporary rooms and proximity to theatres and traditional bouchon eateries in the Vieux Lyon or Presqu’île districts. The inspirational Musée des Confluences is 7 minutes on foot.
- How to get there: By train or plane. Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport is 35 minutes' drive from the hotel; Lyon Perrache railway station is a tram ride away.
4. Flop on the beach
How about babymoon travels to a coastal resort combining sunshine, sea and bonding time? This will be your last chance for several years to swim in gentle waves, soak up rays or stroll hand-in-hand undisturbed along a beach, so make the most of these rare moments of self-indulgence.
- Our pick: Sleek Deauville has everything for special seaside moments! Storied Deauville Beach offers clear waters and a glamorous Art Deco vibe, with sophisticated boutiques and restaurants nearby.
- Where to stay: Novotel Deauville Beach
- Why: For its Belle Epoque-inspired décor, heated indoor pool, light-flooded guest rooms with sea views – and the short stroll through high-end shopping streets to the beach.
- How to get there: By plane or train. Deauville - Normandie Airport is 15 minutes by car, and pretty Trouville - Deauville train station is 10 minutes on foot from the hotel.
Good to know: Choose Novotel hotels dedicated to making small changes on their Longevity Everyday mission and you’ll sleep well in premium beds, eat slow food on plant-forward menus and have fitness centres and spas at your disposal. Bliss for babymooners!
8-point checklist for unforgettable babymoon travels
Here are our top pregnancy travel tips to make sure you have the healthiest, happiest and most memorable holiday before baby arrives.
Put your health – and baby’s – first
Pack your pregnancy notes. In the unlikely case of an emergency, medical staff will need them to respond quickly with the care that you need.Research hospitals at your destination
Check how far the nearest hospital is from your hotel. Chances are you won’t need it, but information is power!
Make sure you're insured
Buy travel insurance covering you for pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of cancelling your trip.Be realistic in your expectations
Build downtime into your schedule. Conditions like nausea, acid reflux and wearying fatigue don’t sit well with being on the go 24/7!Check you’re fit to fly
Even if you’re flying before week 27 of your pregnancy, get the all-clear from your doctor before travelling.Layer on the sun cream
Your skin gets super-sensitive during pregnancy, so buy sun cream with a high SPF.Watch what you eat
As always when pregnant, be careful of what you eat. Delicious regional French foods like raw seafood and unpasteurised cheeses are sadly off limits for the moment!Pack the right shoes
You’re pregnant. Your feet will swell while traveling. Pack supportive trainers with plenty of “give” and slip-resistant soles, plus sandals with low heels for dressing up.
Need more travel tips for planning a memorable and relaxing babymoon? Check out our travel anxiety tips and try a morning travel routine.
A babymoon is a holiday taken before giving birth, giving you a chance to relax before baby arrives. It needs careful planning, taking into consideration issues around travelling while pregnant. It could be a city break, beach getaway, wellness retreat or romantic sojourn in comfortable Novotel hotels. Essential things to do before babymoon travel include checking you’re ok to fly and buying pregnancy-specific travel insurance.
