A Family Holiday in France: Places to Visit and Novotel Hotels

When it comes to family holidays, France is hard to beat. From the bright lights of Paris to the back of beyond, France delivers with its easy lifestyle, envious scenery and inherent culture. With so much to see and do, where to start? Take your pick from these don’t-miss destinations that ooze je ne sais quoi.

Provence conjures up images of Van Gogh and Cézanne basking in artistic light, brush in hand, while straw-hatted folk perfect the art of slow living in the village square. Cliché aside, Provence is a celebration for the senses, from the chirping cicadas and sweeping lavender fields to market stalls teeming with sun-ripened produce and the hypnotic lapping of  waves down in the Calanques. Quintessential Provence is high on the list of places to visit in France. Drive, cycle or walk along the winding country roads, but don't miss:

• The lavender fields on the Valensole plateau
• La Provence Verte, with its leafy hilltop villages, waterfalls and rivers – rent a kayak for extra-special views
• The rocky coves of the Calanques from Marseille to Cassis
• The superb hiking trails in the Mercantour National Park
• Roman monuments such as the Pont du Gard, the Nîmes arena, the ancient theatre in Orange and the amphitheatre in Arles
• Castles in the Luberon Valley
• The officially named Most Beautiful Villages in France: particularly Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, Séguret and Venasque

Novotel hotels in Provence make a great base for exploring the region. Book a room with a view at the Novotel Marseille Vieux-Port and observe the bustling life of this seafaring city with a big personality. The hotel's outdoor pool makes it easy for families to stay chilled on hot summer days.

In nearby Aix-en-Provence, the Novotel Aix-en-Provence Beaumanoir les 3-Sautets has lavender bushes, a pétanque court and outdoor dining. And in Avignon, you can unwind in the relaxed atmosphere of the Novotel Avignon Nord.  Enjoy the swimming pool and leafy Mediterranean gardens at leisure and savour succulent Provençal cuisine at the restaurant. Need to wrap up one last job before your holiday in France gets into full swing? Book a tech-equipped meeting room with high-speed Wi-Fi before switching off for a well-deserved break.

"The terrace with bar and restaurant has an amazing view on the Vieux Port. The staff were really friendly! The breakfast room had a great view as well and was very nice, with lots of local specialties. We also really enjoyed the swimming pool area." - Review left after a couple's stay at Novotel Marseille Vieux-Port

Relish a change of scenery just a short hop over the Channel. In Normandy, you'll find all the ingredients of a hassle-free holiday in France. Get your fill of fresh air on the coast, dotted with seaside villages, tinkling masts and inviting crêperies. The cliffs plunge into the English Channel, marking the ultimate bastion before British shores. With farmlands, wholesome produce and open spaces galore, Normandy is a great place to visit in France as a family. Make holiday memories they'll remember:

• Horse-ride along the cliffs of Étretat
• Board a boat to sail through the Cotentin marshlands
• Stroll through the quaint pedestrianised streets of seaside villages: Honfleur, Deauville and Trouville-sur-Mer
• Visit the D-Day landing beaches: head to Arromanches-les-Bains for a real-life history lesson at Gold Beach, Omaha Beach and Juno Beach
• Stay in Mont Saint-Michel Bay and visit the UNESCO-listed island monastery 
• Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum  
• Experience the culture and buzz of Le Havre, explore Rouen Cathedral or soak up the medieval atmosphere of Caen

Head to a city or beach Novotel hotel in Normandy for a relaxing getaway with the family. Novotel Rouen Centre Cathédrale is ideal for a romantic getaway to France, with a bold, modern design that stylishly offsets its historic location inside the walls of the former Palais des Consuls. Novotel Le Havre Centre Gare is perfect for a city break and easy to get to by car, ferry or train from England. The town of Le Havre has a lively vibe and is close to the stunning Étretat cliffs and picturesque town of Honfleur. And if you don't want to leave, you don't have to – extend your stay and eke out your escapade by working remotely at the Wojo coworking space. Novotel Deauville Plage on the Normandy coast cuts a striking figure with its timbered façade and has Les Planches, the beach and the harbour on its doorstep. Savour a gourmet meal in the panoramic restaurant or take a dip in the indoor pool – don’t worry, it’s heated in low season!

"Our suite was big and comfortable, the hotel location was close to the beach and the centre of town. The personnel was helpful and kind and the breakfast buffet was plentiful. It was a wonderful stay."
- Review left after a family stay at Novotel Deauville Plage

A holiday in France is the perfect opportunity to explore the excitement, romance and magic of Paris. With over 2,100 monuments, a host of iconic sights and a dizzying number of museums (at least 130), there really is something for everyone. And it's remarkably easy to get around. Stay above ground to glimpse grandiose monuments and hidden gems at every turn, any time of year. There’s too much to see in one trip, so choose one or two sights and take your time, stopping at pavement cafés and leaving room for surprise discoveries along the way. Here’s our pick of must-see places to visit in Paris as a family:

• Head upwards for breathtaking views of Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse Tower or the Arc de Triomphe
• Admire the largest artistic and historical collections in the world at the Louvre
• Go on a guided tour of the Montmartre district and see the Sacré Coeur
• View the City of Light from a different angle on a Bateaux Mouches riverboat
• Meander through the covered passageways of the central arrondissements or bask in the village vibe of the Latin Quarter
• Find shade in a park on a sunny day – Parisians flock to the Parc de Vincennes, Parc Monceau, Jardin de Luxembourg and the Bois de Boulogne
• Visit a fun museum: try the Museum of Illusions or the fairground-inspired Musée des Arts Forains

Book a well-located Novotel hotel in Paris for a seamless travel experience. Do Paris in style at the Novotel Paris Les Halles, just a few steps from some of the most well-known places to visit in France, including the Louvre and the historic Marais district. Expect family-friendly chic, an arty décor and a secret garden to unwind in privacy away from the crowds. The Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon is near one of the main Paris train stations. The indoor swimming pool and games area with console and table football will keep children happy while parents enjoy the Mediterranean restaurant. If a top-name show at the Accor Arena is on the agenda, book a room at the nearby Novotel Paris Centre Bercy. It’s also ideal for outdoor dining and business travellers.

"The friendliest and the most cheerful and helpful staff. Very conveniently located and comfortable room and amenities for the whole family. Staff are attentive and always help with a smile. Close to many great restaurants and cafes too! 10 out of 10." - Review left after a stay at Novotel Paris les Halles

Broad sandy beaches, a vibrant atmosphere and year-round sun make southwest France a go-to destination for walkers, surfers and foodies alike. Go west on your holiday in France to spend time swimming, surfing or windsurfing across the waves, then end the day with sundowners and a game of pétanque. Bring or hire bikes for the family and pedal along the Vélodyssée cycle path that stretches the length of the Atlantic coast. Whether you're travelling for work or holidaying with the family, Biarritz will keep you entertained all year round:

• Sail through the Courant d’Huchet nature reserve
• Kayak down the River Leyre or the Contis Current
• Grab your surfboard and brave the waves at Biscarosse, Hossegor or Biarritz. For calmer waters, opt for a seawater lake in Soustons or Vieux-Boucau, or Estacade beach at Capbreton
• Enjoy thrills and spills with the family at AquaPark in Biscarosse
• Stroll through the old town of Pau or the chic narrow streets of Biarritz
• Learn about the ocean and sea life at the interactive City Ocean museum in Biarritz and enjoy a virtual surf experience on dry land
• Experience a traditional feria bull festival in Bayonne. Daytime events are held for children in mid-July

Book a Novotel hotel in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region to combine sea and land-based sights and activities. Just a few minutes from Biarritz, the Novotel Resort & Spa Biarritz Anglet is well located for exploring the French Basque Country or taking a day trip to Spain, which is less than a 30-minute drive away. France is all about food and wine and this hotel does both well with a wine bar and a cosy restaurant that serves up mouthwatering local cuisine. The Novotel Pau Pyrénées lies in leafy surroundings in Pau. Recharge in style with comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and everything tech for business travellers and digital nomads.

"We loved it here. The staff were wonderful. The food very good. Location is great for getting to all the spots quickly by bus. Much more peaceful than staying in Biarritz or Bayonne which can be visited very easily." - Review left after a stay with friends at Novotel Resort & Spa Biarritz Anglet

The Côtes-d'Armor on the northern coast of Brittany is another good place to visit in France, boasting pink granite cliffs, rugged scenery and wild open spaces. With its craggy coastline, Caribbean-style coves and Celtic traditions, a mystical atmosphere reigns whatever the weather, all year round. And to debunk the myth, Brittany is actually seventh down the list of French regions where it rains the most. Head to Brittany to:

• Escape the summer crowds on secret beaches: L’Anse du Pissot in Pléneuf-Val-André or Corps de Garde in Binic-Étables-sur-Mer to name but two
• Hike along the Customs Officers' Path with unparalleled seascapes and prime birdwatching spots
• Take family photos in picturesque places: visit Ploumanac'h, Plougrescant, Pleumeur-Bodou, Saint-Thélo, Lannion, Paimpol and Saint-Brieuc
• Sail around the island of Bréhat on a sailboat or motorboat
• See how scallops are fished at Erquy harbour from October to April
• Stay dry with indoor fun at Dinan Castle, the Brittany Planetarium or the Trégastel Marine Aquarium
• Marvel at storms from the Croix des Veuves or the Penthièvre jetty in Binic-Étables-sur-Mer in low season

Five minutes from the town centre and a 10-minute drive from Valais beach, the Novotel Saint Brieuc Centre Gare is in a league of its own. Crowned best Novotel in 2022 and 2023, it is an excellent hotel in Brittany for a holiday in France. The full buffet breakfast, heated indoor pool and traditional French restaurant are ideal for days spent exploring the region. If you’re not stopping in the Côtes-d’Armor on your family holiday in France, check out our other 4-star hotels in Brittany.

"The hotel rooms are spacious and impeccably clean. The hotel staff is lovely and efficient. The breakfast is delicious and high quality, as well as the hotel restaurant in the evening which is excellent. It is definitely worth stopping in Saint Brieuc to stay at this amazing hotel!" – Review left after a business stay at Novotel Saint Brieuc Centre Gare 

Get the most out of your trip to France with the Novotel family offer.  Children under 16 can stay for free in your room. Rather they had their own space? Book them a room for half price.