5 Tips You Need to Know when Travelling in France with Kids

Traveling to France with kids can be an exciting and enriching experience for the whole family. From exploring historic landmarks to savoring delicious French cuisine, there’s something for everyone. However, to make your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free, especially if you’re doing it as a road-trip, here are five essential tips to keep in mind when traveling in France with kids.

Take Advantage of Fantastic Highway Stops

If you’re traveling by car, France’s highway stops are a hidden gem. These rest areas offer a plethora of amenities, including restaurants with fresh and varied food options, numerous coffee kiosks, plenty of shelves of local souvenirs, games, toy and activity books, playgrounds, and even picnic areas. It’s a great opportunity for the kids to stretch their legs, enjoy some fresh air, and have a quick snack before continuing your journey.

Note Closing Times for Lunch

In France, lunchtime is taken very seriously, and it’s essential to plan your activities around it. Most shops close between 12:00 and 14:00, while many restaurants shut down between 14:00 or 15:00 and 19:00. To avoid being left hungry in an unfamiliar town, make sure to plan your meals accordingly and find a restaurant before they close. Trust me, hungry kids and limited dining options don’t mix well!

Be Mindful of Pharmacy Closures

It’s not just shops and restaurants that observe lunchtime closures in France; pharmacies also follow this tradition. Most pharmacies close for a 2 to 3 hour lunch break and are often closed on Sundays as well. To ensure you have access to medical support if needed, bookmark the website www.3237.fr. It allows you to find a nearby “pharmacie de garde” (open pharmacy) that operates during lunch breaks or even on Sundays, offering essential services.

Explore Children’s Menus in Restaurants

If you have fussy eaters in your family, fear not! Most restaurants in France offer a “menu enfant” (children’s menu) that caters specifically to young palates. Priced between 8 to 13 euros, these menus usually include popular choices like chicken nuggets, hamburgers, pizza, or even a local dish tailored to suit children’s tastes. Additionally, they often come with a drink and ice cream, providing a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience for your little ones, even if the rest of the menu is filled with gourmet delights for more acquired tastes (think escargot, foie gras and steak tartar, as per the picture below!)

Engage and Educate with Collectible Coins and Bank Notes

To make your kids’ travel experience more memorable, look out for special vending machines at major sites, monuments, and museums throughout France. These machines dispense collectible coins and bank notes, costing only 2 euros each. Each coin or note features a unique image or engraving that reflects the location where it is acquired. It’s a fun and affordable way to keep your kids engaged, learning, and excited about the next stop on your itinerary. If you plan to cross borders, you can also find these machines in other major destinations within the European Union.

Traveling in France with kids can be a rewarding adventure filled with captivating sights and delicious cuisine. By following these five essential tips, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the nuances of French culture and ensure a fantastic trip for the entire family. So buckle up, plan your meals, embrace the highway stops, explore children’s menus, and don’t forget to collect those special coins and banknotes along the way. Bon voyage!