Want to get some fresh air and share memorable moments with your family this fall or winter?
France is full of destinations that are perfect for combining nature and discovery. Whether you’re a fan of kid-friendly hikes or curious about local culture, these getaways offer the ideal mix of outdoor activities and enriching experiences.
In this article, discover five ideal regions for a family outdoor weekend, with specific suggestions for each destination:
➜ Hikes suitable for children, with easy and accessible routes.
➜ A cultural activity to combine nature and learning.
➜ A practical and direct approach to planning your stay.
Whether you choose the mountainous landscapes of Vercors or the magical world of Brocéliande, you will find ideas suitable for families, summer and winter. Prepare your walking shoes, your curiosity, and let yourself be inspired for your next adventure.
1. The Vercors Regional Natural Park (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
The Vercors is perfect for disconnecting and enjoying outdoor activities with your children. Between accessible hikes and underground discoveries, your weekend will be full.
3 child-friendly hiking ideas
The Highlands Nature Reserve
This is the largest protected natural area in France. The walk is flexible, with wide paths and little elevation gain, perfect for little legs. You may come across marmots, vultures or even wolf tracks! Bring binoculars to observe the wildlife without getting too close.
➜ For more information: https://www.ladrometourisme.com/fiches/porte-de-la-reserve-des-hauts-plateaux/
The Combe Laval Trail
This path runs along impressive cliffs, but rest assured: the trail is safe. The plunging view of the gorges is spectacular, even for children who love to play explorers. Bring a snack for a break in the heart of nature.
➜ For more information: https://rando.parc-du-vercors.fr/fr/trek/45444-Les-echos-de-Combe-Laval
The Goulets Trail
A shaded loop that crosses the forests of the Vercors, with panoramas perfect for family photos. This route is short and easy, ideal if your children are starting out hiking.
➜ For more information: https://www.france-montagnes.com/randonnees/le-circuit-des-goulets-entraigues
An idea for a cultural outing: visit to the Grotte de Choranche
Take a break in the heart of the mountain. The Grotte de Choranche offers a natural spectacle with its fine stalactites and underground pools. A guided tour simply explains the formation of these wonders, even for the youngest. Bonus: the guide will show you the proteas, these funny albino creatures that live in the underground waters.
➜ To find out more: https://www.visites-nature-vercors.com/fr/grotte-de-choranche/decouvrir/
2. The Jura Massif (Burgundy-Franche-Comté)
The Jura Massif, with its varied landscapes and accessible activities, is a perfect destination for a family weekend. Between waterfalls, peaks and cultural discoveries, there is something for everyone.
3 child-friendly hiking ideas
The Hérisson Waterfalls Trail
This trail allows you to explore several waterfalls on a modular route. The walk is easy and punctuated with points of interest that captivate children, such as small footbridges and pools of water. The Cascade de l'Éventail is a real favorite for the whole family.
➜ To find out more: https://www.jura-tourism.com/vivre-le-jura/visiter/les-incontournables/cascades-du-herisson/
The Golden Mountain
This hike offers several routes depending on the age of the children. By choosing the trail from the Métabief resort, you will easily reach the summit. The panoramic view of the Alps and Lake Geneva is well worth the effort. Don't forget your warm clothes!
➜ For more information: https://www.montagnes-du-jura.fr/montagnes-du-jura-une-destination-nature/pratiquer-la-randonnee/randonnez-entre-cols-et-sommets/le-sommet-du-mont-dor/
The Path of the Ladders of Death
Despite its impressive name, this trail is safe and suitable for children (as long as they are a little adventurous). You will cross wooden footbridges and stairs that add a touch of adventure. The path also offers spectacular views of the Doubs Valley.
➜ For more information : https://www.pays-horloger.com/echelles-de-la-mort/
An idea for a cultural outing: The Maison de la Réserve in Labergement-Sainte-Marie
Take a detour to the Maison de la Réserve, a place dedicated to the fauna and flora of Haut-Doubs. Children will discover interactive exhibitions on local animals (lynx, chamois, owls) and the ecosystems of lakes and peat bogs. In winter, activities on wildlife in the cold are organized. An educational and fun visit, perfect for arousing their curiosity about the surrounding nature.
➜ To find out more: https://www.maisondelareserve.fr/
3. The Cévennes National Park (Occitanie)
The Cévennes offer unspoiled nature and varied landscapes, perfect for a family weekend. Between accessible hikes and educational discoveries, it is a destination where young and old will find their happiness.
3 child-friendly hiking ideas
The Causse Méjean Corniche Trail
An easy loop overlooking the Jonte Gorges, with magnificent views and well-marked paths. Children will enjoy the observation points where, with a bit of luck, you can see vultures soaring above the cliffs.
➜ For more information: https://destination.cevennes-parcnational.fr/fr/trek/43387-Corniches-du-Mejean
Mount Aigoual
From the Col de la Serreyrède, an easy trail takes you to the summit. There, you can enjoy a panoramic view that extends to the Mediterranean on a clear day. It is an accessible hike, even in winter, with suitable equipment. And children will love visiting the meteorological observatory, located at the summit.
➜ For more information: https://ignrando.fr/fr/parcours/fiche/details/id/1759629
The Valley of the Abyss
A short but captivating walk, between undergrowth and small waterfalls. The stone bridges and shaded passages make this a pleasant route for families. Ideal for a quiet morning or an introduction to hiking.
➜ To find out more: https://www.aubrac-gorgesdutarn.com/decouvrir/les-grands-causses/grottes-et-avens-des-grands-causses/abime-de-bramabiau/
An idea for a cultural outing: visit the Maison du Parc des Cévennes
Stop by the Maison du Parc to learn what makes the Cévennes so unique. Children can learn about the local flora, fauna and history through interactive and educational exhibits. It’s also a great place to get advice on other activities or trails to explore.
➜ For more information: https://www.lozere-tourisme.com/maison-du-tourisme-et-du-parc-national-des-cevennes/florac-trois-rivieres/orglar048fs001cv
4. The Basque Country (New Aquitaine)
The Basque Country is a perfect destination for a family weekend. Between mountains, ocean and local culture, you will be spoiled for choice to keep young and old busy.
3 child-friendly hiking ideas
The Coastal Path between Bidart and Saint-Jean-de-Luz
This easy trail runs along the Basque coast, offering stunning views of the ocean and cliffs. The route is punctuated by beaches where you can take a break, and it is flat enough to be suitable for children. In autumn, the light is magnificent for a family walk.
➜ For more information: https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/randonnee/le-sentier-du-littoral-de-bidart-a-saint-jean-de-luz/
The Rhune
Climb to the top of the Rhune thanks to the little cog railway, or choose a suitable path from the Col de Saint-Ignace for a gradual hike. Once at the top, admire a 360° panorama of the mountains and the coast. Children will also enjoy the pottoks, these small wild horses emblematic of the Basque Country.
➜ For more information: https://www.tourisme64.com/nos-destinations/pays-basque/incontournables-du-pays-basque/la-rhune/
The Roland's Steps Trail in Itxassou
A short and easy walk along the Nive, which passes by the legendary Pas de Roland, an impressive rock. Children will love the stories surrounding this local legend. The path is shaded and pleasant, ideal for a half-day outing.
➜ For more information: https://www.guide-du-paysbasque.com/fr/experiences/sportive/article-balade-entre-nature-et-legende-basque-le-pas-de-roland-a-itxassou-108.html
An idea for a cultural outing: Visit the Cité de l’Océan in Biarritz
Dive into the world of the oceans with this interactive museum. The Cité de l'Océan offers activities suitable for children, such as virtual reality experiences to discover the marine world. It is a fun and educational visit, perfect to complete a day outdoors.
➜ For more information: https://www.citedelocean.com/fr/
5. The Forest of Brocéliande (Brittany)
The Brocéliande Forest, land of Arthurian legends, is an ideal place for a family weekend. Between magical hikes and cultural discoveries, you will immerse yourself in a magical world that will captivate young and old alike.
3 child-friendly hiking ideas
The Valley of No Return
This legendary trail takes you through the famous valley where, according to legend, Morgane trapped the unfaithful knights. The route is easy and punctuated by emblematic places such as the Golden Tree or the Fairy Mirror. Children love exploring these corners full of mystery.
➜ For more information: https://tourisme-broceliande.bzh/lieu/val-retour-larbre-dor/
The Gurwan Moors Trail
An accessible walk that crosses the moors and heather typical of Brocéliande. The path is ideal for families and offers beautiful views of the forest. In autumn, the golden hues make the walk even more pleasant.
➜ For more information: https://www.destination-broceliande.com/offres/circuit-des-landes-de-gurwan-n23-paimpont-fr-2440104/
Merlin's Path
A short and easy hike that connects two legendary sites: the Barenton Fountain and the Tomb of Merlin. The stories around these places, told on explanatory panels, will captivate children's imagination while teaching them the history of Arthurian legends.
➜ For more information: https://www.ille-et-vilaine-tourisme.bzh/a-voir-a-faire/balades-et-randonnees/toutes/boucle-de-merlin-paimpont-fr-2840710/#:~:text=Partez%20pour%20une%20balade%20de,Sangle%3B%2035%20380%20Paimpont ).
An idea for a cultural outing: Les Forges de Paimpont
Delve into the industrial history of Brittany with a visit to the Forges de Paimpont, located in the heart of the Brocéliande forest. This historic site, once dedicated to iron production, offers guided tours suitable for families, where children can discover ancient iron-related trades and forging techniques. The bucolic setting and proximity to the forest make this an outing that is both enriching and exotic.
➜ To find out more: https://forgesdepaimpont.fr/Visites-des-Forges-de-Paimpont
Ready for your next family adventure?
To fully enjoy each getaway, being well equipped makes all the difference. With the right shoes , set off in comfort, young and old alike.
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