Cradle of romanticism, France is one of those countries that we should visit at least once in a lifetime. With a great cultural and architectural wealth behind it, the country treasures many monuments, buildings and works of art that are worth discovering. From the romantic city of Paris, medieval Carcassonne and cinematographic Lyon to the many gastronomic destinations of Provence, the country has many diverse places to visit.

Despite being a perfect destination for couples, France also has many places to enjoy with the family. From beautiful natural destinations and dream castles to theme parks and museums, there is no shortage of places in France for the little ones at home to have fun. Although if you want to bet on insurance and organize a perfect plan to travel with children, we offer you some of the French cities where the little ones can enjoy an unforgettable vacation.

7 cities in France ideal to discover with the family beyond Paris

1. Carcassonne

Visiting this city located in the Occitania region is like taking a trip to the medieval past. The city houses one of the most complete and best preserved medieval ensembles in the entire country, a perfect destination for the little ones to let their imagination run wild and become princes or princesses for a day. The mere fact of taking a walk through the Cité Médiévale and discovering its walls and buildings inspired by the 11th to 15th centuries will already be an adventure for them, but if you add to that a visit to its shows, fun is guaranteed. Of course, you cannot miss a visit to Château Comtal, one of its magnificent castles, as well as a tour of the Saint-Nazaire basilica and the gates of Narbonne and Aude.

2. Colmar

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Colmar is one of the destinations that you cannot miss on your trip. Located in the Alsace region, it has many corners to discover with children. Undoubtedly, one of the spaces that you cannot miss is La Petite Venise, a picturesque neighborhood of colorful half-timbered houses and flowers on the balconies that stand on the banks of the Launch River and that you can discover through a boat ride. boat. Of course, you also have to get to Rue des Marchands, one of the most typical and photogenic streets of the city and visit the Place de l’Ancienne Douane,the most important square. And, if you travel at Christmas, you can not miss visiting its wonderful Christmas markets that seem to come out of a fairy tale.

3. Annecy

If you are looking for a natural destination to discover France, this city located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is one of the most beautiful areas of the French Alps. Undoubtedly, one of the first obligatory stops will be at the Palais de l’Île, a medieval castle that is located in the middle of the Thiou canal, and then you can head towards the Castle of Annecy , one of the most emblematic of the city. Of course, you will also have to visit the Pont des Amours erected over the Canal du Vassé and ending at Lake Annecy, famous for being considered one of the cleanest lakes in the world.

4. Lyons

Lyon is a monumental city where you can also enjoy a unique experience with the little ones at home. It has many architectural spaces to visit, from theaters and Roman baths to imposing cathedrals and historic buildings. However, one of the plans that children will surely enjoy the most is a visit to the Musée Miniature et Cinéma, a museum of hyper-realistic miniature scenes, with film exhibitions and many references to the world of cinema. In Lyon there is also the Tête d’Or park, one of the largest urban parks in France that houses a botanical garden and a zoo where children can meet some of their favorite animals.

5.Bordeaux _

Capital of Aquitaine, this city located at the wide mouth of the Garonne River is considered one of the most beautiful in France, and it is not for nothing that it is nicknamed “little Paris”. Without a doubt, one of its iconic sites is the Place de la Bourse, considered one of the representative works of French classical architecture along with the Cathédrale Saint-André and the Pey-Berland tower. Other sites that children will love will be the Porte Cailhau, one of the oldest gateways to the city, the Monument aux Girondins erected in honor of the Girondin revolutionaries and the Miroir d’eau,the largest reflecting pool in the world. And, of course, you cannot leave the city of wines without going to a tasting. You will find spaces such as the Cité du Vin in which they integrate the little ones to their visits through guided tours, workshops and tastings of must and non-alcoholic beverages.

6.Clermont -Ferrand

The youngest fans of the adventures of Asterix and Obelix will be delighted to visit this city, the homeland of Vercingetorix, the true Gallic leader referred to in this children’s cartoon. However, this is not the only thing that distinguishes it, Clermont-Ferrand is also a land of volcanoes. Its cathedral was built in black volcanic stone and from the top of the Puy de Dôme you can see the nearly 80 inactive volcanoes in the surrounding area. In fact, very close you will find Vulcania, a theme park about volcanoes where children can live the experience of flying over an erupting volcano, traveling to the bowels of the earth and crossing a river of lava.

7. Nice

Located on the banks of the Loire River, in the Upper Brittany region, this city treasures a long history that you can discover through its art and architecture. Undoubtedly, one of the places you cannot miss is the Château des ducs de Bretagne, the castle where the Dukes of Brittany lived, and where as soon as you enter you will seem to have embarked on a trip to the past. There is also the imposing Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul and the Place Royale which are a must see. However, one of the destinations that children will enjoy the most will be Les machines de l’île,an animal house of urban sculptures inspired by the imagination of Jules Verne, the inventiveness of Leonardo da Vinci and the industrial history of the city. And, for those who enjoy the marine world, there is the Carrousel des Mondes Marins, an amusement park where boredom has no place.