A dose of French savoir-vivre with extra kid-happiness and a breeze of freedom, please!
A truly great family holiday leaves you with that warm, fuzzy feeling that carries you through autumn and winter. Our road trip through France with the kids was exactly that. It’s been almost a year, but memories of oysters on Noirmoutier, the rhythm of the tides, our stopover in Alsace and the pure joy of Europa-Park still bring a huge smile to our faces.
Thinking about a family road trip through France too? Then you’re in the right place. Our route takes you to places that both kids and grown-ups will love. From little indulgences for the parents to salty sea air on your skin, wild loopings and croissant picnics – it’s all there. France is the perfect backdrop for exactly that: being on the road together, leaving everyday life behind and simply enjoying it all.
The idea was simple: just set off, make room for the moment, stay spontaneous. Our road trip through France was loud, lively, full of flavor and packed with little stories we’ll be telling for a long time.
Route
We started in Munich and made our way to the sea, stop by stop. Each place had its own unique vibe. Europa-Park was pure adrenaline for the kids. Strasbourg and Alsace offered a mix of city flair and laid-back holiday vibes. Épernay gave us parents a little taste of the champagne world. And at the very end: Noirmoutier. An island so real and relaxed, it makes you wonder why we hadn’t come here much sooner.
Strasbourg: Bonjour, Petite France!
A city famous for its magical Christmas vibe, Strasbourg is just as beautiful in summer. Tiny canals wind their way through the Petite France district, the half-timbered houses look like they’ve been painted, and city life feels wonderfully relaxed. The streets are lined with restaurants, and especially in the summer months, life seems to spill outside in the evenings. Of course, a few rides on the classic French carousel are a must.
For breakfast, we went every day to MOKKA, an organic bakery and pâtisserie with a lovely tearoom. There’s a shelf full of toys and books for little visitors, and being family-friendly is simply part of their charm. So make sure to stop by!
Alsace: Living the Good Life in France
Just past Strasbourg, the idyllic Alsace begins. In Rodern, we check into Hotel Pêche de Vigne, a charming hideaway surrounded by vineyards, a pool and a lush garden. The kids are splashing in the pool before breakfast, while we sip our coffee under the fig tree. During the day, we wander through the fairytale streets of Kaysersberg, browse cozy pottery shops and try classic Alsatian dishes at the Winstub of Chambard – it’s best to reserve a table in advance.
Europa-Park: La Vie en Looping
After our quiet time in Alsace, we’re ready for some action and spontaneously decide on a day at Europa-Park. This means a quick hop back across the border into Germany. For the kids, it’s pure excitement from the very first roller coaster to the splashy log flume – plenty of stories to share with friends at school for weeks to come. Even though we’re not usually big amusement park fans, we were surprised at how relaxed the day felt. Europa-Park is thoughtfully designed, never overwhelming, and it’s easy to wander through the different themed areas at your own pace. The panoramic train that links everything together offers a great overview and built-in breaks along the way.
Sure, the entrance fee isn’t exactly cheap. But our verdict after this day is completely positive, especially since it was less crowded than we expected and we got to enjoy every attraction without long waits. After this action-packed detour, our road trip continues back onto French soil.
Épernay: A Sparkling Stopover
Heading west, the landscape softens and the hills roll gently. Épernay, right in the heart of Champagne, is the perfect stop when parents crave a little *savoir-vivre*. We took the kids along for the cellar tour at Champagne Mercier. Instead of a dull guided walk, there’s a driverless mini-train gliding through endless vaulted cellars, telling stories that could easily compete with their favorite audiobooks. Giant wooden barrels, vintage champagne and fascinating secrets from the world of sparkling wine are all part of the adventure.
One night in Épernay is just right. A glass of champagne later – preferably in a relaxed B&B rather than a fancy hotel – and you’re perfectly set for the journey towards the sea.
Loire Valley: Castle Magic on the Way to the Sea
Between Épernay and the Atlantic coast, we take a fairytale detour. The western Loire Valley greets us with castles that look as if they’ve leapt straight from a storybook – yet remain surprisingly family-friendly. In Chambord, we marvel at the double-spiral staircase and explore the vast castle grounds by bike or in small golf carts. Just nearby is the charming Château de Cheverny, which not only inspired Captain Haddock’s Moulinsart in Tintin but also delights kids with the daily feeding of its hunting dogs. Further west, perched high above the Loire, lies Château de Saumur – less crowded, with stunning views and a child-friendly exhibition on the age of knights. And for those who wander off the beaten path, there’s even Château de Brissac, the tallest castle in France, peacefully tucked away and perfect for a quiet castle break surrounded by greenery.
Pornic: Coastal Charm and Sea Breeze
Before reaching our final destination, Pornic greets us with tiny harbors, colorful fishermen’s cottages and oyster stands right by the water. We pick up freshly caught oysters straight from the boat, snack on fries while sitting on the harbor wall and treat ourselves to lavender ice cream. For a lovely dinner, we recommend Le Pilotis – fresh seafood, waterfront views and a laid-back atmosphere included.
Here’s where we wrote about Pornic and Saint-Nazaire.
Noirmoutier – An Island for the Soul
Even the journey across the Passage du Gois, a road only passable at low tide, gives us goosebumps. Noirmoutier welcomes us with bicycles instead of cars, sandy dune trails and pine forests. Our base is the Huttopia campsite set right in the middle of the pines, just a few steps from the beach. Mornings mean fresh croissants by the sea, days are for bike rides to Plage des Dames and visits to the salt marshes, where the kids watch in awe as Fleur de Sel is harvested. In the evenings, we enjoy relaxed family-style dining at Le Roman Bleu or a touch more sophistication at L’assiette au Jardin.
Practical Tips – Bon voyage!
Ten to fourteen days is the sweet spot to really get into the flow. If you prefer a shorter trip, just pick your personal highlights. One thing to keep in mind: book Noirmoutier well in advance, especially during the summer months.
In Alsace, the Hotel Pêche de Vigne is a little paradise with a pool, hammocks and vineyard views. In Kaysersberg, it’s worth reserving a table for lunch, otherwise it can get tricky. For Europa-Park, get your tickets online beforehand to save time and skip the long lines.
Discovering France with kids doesn’t feel like ticking off sights – it feels like truly being on the road. It’s not about doing as much as possible, but about slowing down, celebrating the small discoveries and soaking up the French art of living with all your senses. And on a road trip through France, there’s definitely no shortage of that.
