France is a fantastic destination for families in July and August — the summer is in full swing and most attractions run extra shows or outdoor events. Here are some top kid-friendly attractions and places to plan around:
🎢 Theme Parks & Adventure
Disneyland Paris (near Paris) – Classic favorite with rides, parades, and nightly fireworks, for bookings and opening hours click the link below.
https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-gb
Parc Astérix (near Paris) – A fun park based on the Asterix comic books; great roller coasters and water rides. Click on the link below
- Puy du Fou (Vendée) – Historical-themed park with incredible live-action shows (Vikings, knights, birds of prey, etc.). https://www.puydufou.com/france/en/must-see-france
- Futuroscope (Poitiers) – Futuristic attractions, 4D rides, and interactive experiences. https://www.futuroscope.com/en/
- Vulcania (Auvergne) – Science park focused on volcanoes and the Earth, with immersive exhibits. https://www.vulcania.com/en/
🏖 Beach & Outdoor Fun
- Mediterranean coast (Nice, Cannes, Marseille) – Beaches, water sports, ice cream stalls, and summer festivals.
- Atlantic coast (Biarritz, La Rochelle) – Surf lessons, sand dunes, and great family-friendly towns.
- Lake Annecy or Lake Geneva – Swimming, paddleboats, and cycling around the lakes.
🐾 Zoos & Aquariums
ZooParc de Beauval (Loire Valley) – One of Europe’s best zoos with pandas and tropical domes. For more information and opening times please click the link below.
https://www.zoobeauval.com/
- La Palmyre Zoo (Charente-Maritime) – Beachside zoo with plenty of shows and feeding sessions. https://www.zoo-palmyre.fr/en
- Océanopolis (Brest) – A huge aquarium with sharks, seals, and interactive exhibits. https://www.oceanopolis.com/en/welcome/
🏰 Castles & Historic Sites
- Châteaux of the Loire Valley – Chenonceau, Chambord, and Amboise often offer treasure hunts and kid-focused tours.
- Mont-Saint-Michel (Normandy) – Wander the ancient streets, tide pools, and abbey. Kids love the magical setting. https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/unmissable-sites/the-mont-saint-michel/
🎭 Festivals & Special Events
- Avignon Theatre Festival (Avignon) – Even if the theater is more for adults, there are street performers all over town. https://festival-avignon.com/en/
- Bastille Day (14 July) – Fireworks, parades, and parties across France.
- Assumption Day (15 August) – Fireworks, public dances, DJ etc across France check your local tourist offices
- Outdoor cinemas, circuses, and summer fêtes – Every region hosts these; check local tourist offices.
✅ Top tip: Book in advance for big attractions in July/August, as they can be very busy. Also check if the site offers family passes or skip-the-line tickets.
Comments