Where can you visit with your family in France during summer?
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Is finding the perfect destination for your summer family holiday proving a real challenge? We have the solution! The Basque Country, Lozère, Luberon and Morvan offer a wide range of activities to suit all tastes, from unspoilt nature to outdoor adventures and cultural discoveries. Have a great trip!
The Basque Country, sport and nature in the South-West
Surfing fans will be spoiled for choice here, with numerous spots and beaches along the coast, from bustling Anglet to peaceful Hendaye. The other big sport in the region is Basque pelota and this is an ideal opportunity to try it for yourself with beginners’ sessions available throughout the region, as well as at the Écomusée de la Pelote in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle.
If you’re a nature lover, you can look forward to some beautiful hikes in the Basque mountains: explore the family trail at Espelette, discover the mysterious stone circles at Bilhères and meet the adorable Pottoks, the little wild horses that inhabit the Basque Country.
Keen golfers are in for a treat too, with courses such as Chiberta in Anglet and Chantaco in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. There are attractions for younger visitors too, with the mini-golf courses at Mayarco in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the miniature golf course in Ascain and the mini-golf course in Hendaye.
Are you looking for a break in Spain? Step on board the river shuttle in Hendaye and take a trip to Hondarribia to discover its cultural and culinary riches ! And no discussion of the Basque Country would be complete without mentioning the famous Fêtes de Bayonne usually held in July. The Thursday of the festival is children’s day and there is a real party atmosphere and lots of fun and entertainment for kids.
Lozère: family holidays in the peace and quiet of the countryside
Are you looking to avoid the crowds on holiday in August? Lozère is the perfect place! You can explore nature in all its facets here: from a boat trip in the Tarn Gorge to watching the wolves in the Gévaudan Wolf Park and a visit to the European Bison Reserve. Not forgetting the picturesque trails in the lush Lozère forests!
Why not explore some beautiful villages along the way, such as Sainte-Énimie? The little medieval streets are very pleasant for a stroll. Are you looking for somewhere a bit cooler? Head for the Dargilan Cave and marvel at its spectacular rock formations! And for the more daring, the via ferrata in Mende or a bungee jump in the Cirque des Baumes promise adrenalin-defying thrills!
The Luberon: the best of Provence for all ages
Discover the treasures of the Luberon with its typical Provencal villages such as Gordes, Lourmarin, Roussillon and Rustrel. Feel the atmosphere of these places steeped in history: take the Ochre Trail and contemplate the magical landscapes of the Provençal Colorado. Are you ready for an adventure in the Luberon Regional Nature Park? This natural gem offers a host of activities for nature lovers.
History and culture are also on your doorstep at the Château de Lacoste and Sénanque Abbey. A visit to the Extraordinary Museum in Ansouis promises a unique experience combining art and nature. Take the kids to Grimmland in La Roque-d’Anthéron and step into the world of Grimms’ fairy tales. And for the more adventurous, there’s a donkey ride and a treetop adventure course.
Destination Morvan: a guaranteed change of scenery in France's Little Canada
Are you looking for a place for your family holiday in August? Venture into a world of natural wonders in the Morvan! Whether you’re a keen mountain biker, an experienced hiker or a water sports enthusiast, the Morvan offers you an unlimited playground. The white waters of the Yonne and Cure rivers are a paradise for thrill-seekers, with wild rafting and exhilarating canoeing. The skies of the Morvan are also the realm of paragliders seeking out new views of the region’s landscapes.
History awaits you on a stroll through the medieval streets of the towns of Autun, Avallon and Château-Chinon. Don’t miss the village of Vézelay and its basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an architectural gem nestling in the heart of the Morvan countryside.
And for a truly unique experience, head to the Domaine Fantastique de la Pierre Ronde in Saint Martin de la Mer. You can spend the night in very unusual accommodation here: a Hobbit house! A magical experience.
Feel like getting away from it all?
See our suggestions for novel trips and must-see places to visit near your home or holiday destination.