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The key to a successful and enjoyable family holiday lies in two things – simplicity and entertainment. So here are 10 Places in France Perfect for a Family Holiday.

NB: This post has been created in collaboration with Brittany Ferries.

First of all, it needs to be quick, easy and enjoyable to get wherever it is you’re going. Comfortable and convenient ferries to France being just the ticket for families heading to the continent. Secondly, you need to head to the kind of place that has more than enough entertainment and amenities to entertain kids with even the shortest attention spans.

The good news being that across much of Northern France as a whole, it’s actually quite difficult to go wrong. From camping in Carnac to soaking up the city vibes of Caen, there’s a ton on offer, right there on our doorstep.

So for those considering a short (or long) break to France this year by ferry, here’s a quick rundown of 10 places you might want to check out during your stay:

1. Nantes 

A seriously enchanting city of history and culture, Nantes is famed worldwide as a centre for creative arts and all-things vibrant. Kids never fail to marvel at the hundreds of incredible sights and attractions around the city, which are both entertaining and inspirational in equal measures. Tons to do, endless energy and a local dining scene that’s simply extraordinary.

2. Brittany

Brittany is perhaps the place to head if your own personal picture of a perfect family holiday primarily involves beautiful beaches and crystal blue seas. Brittany’s coastline is mesmerising to say the least, punctuated with magnificent medieval towns, beautiful countryside and countless hidden corners to explore.  An unbeatable choice for summer holidays in the sun. Why not check out our family itinerary here!

3. Carnac

A firm favourite among discerning family campers, Carnac is home to some of the oldest and most important historic features in the whole of France. Not to mention, the absolutely unbeatable Carnac-Plages – a gorgeous attractive seaside resort on Quiberon Bay, with large sandy beaches and a thalassotherapy centre.

4. Normandy 

One of the most historically important places in both Europe and the entire world, Normandy absolutely warrants a visit during your time in France. Along with the site of the D-Day landings of 1944, Normandy is also home to the imposing and unforgettable sight of Mont St-Michel. Extraordinary picture-postcard vistas await at every turn.

5. St Malo

What’s great about St Malo it is how even if you only have very limited time, you’ll still have more than enough to dive into the very best the town has to offer. The historic town centre itself warrants full exploration, but perhaps the highlight of St Malo is its compact local beaches and rugged tidal islands.

6. Cherbourg

Cherbourg is the place to head for a taste of all-things seafaring. A firm favourite among kids of all ages, Cherbourg is home to the largest submarine in the world that’s open to the public for a glimpse of life inside these mechanical monsters. And of course, the fact that Cherbourg is famed worldwide for the quality of its cuisine only adds to its appeal!

7. Caen

Perhaps the best place to head with slightly older kids in-tow, Caen is a buzzing university town and therefore has a far more energetic and cosmopolitan vibe than some of its counterparts. Bursting with entertainment, amenities and cutting-edge infrastructure, Caen makes for a fantastic city break for the whole family.

8. Le Havre

The fact that Le Havre is so easily accessible from the UK immediately makes it a no-brainer for enjoyable family trips to the continent. Boasting UNESCO World Heritage status, Le Havre is quite literally unlike anywhere else in the world, with around 98% of the entire city having been rebuilt after the Second World War.

9. Rennes

Pop off the ferry at the port of Roscoff and you’ll be no more than a couple of hours from Rennes. Known for its historic wooden houses and simply stunning traditional architecture, the whole place appears to have been pulled directly from the pages of a fairy tale.

10. Paris

Last up, anyone even considering a family trip to France this year should definitely give thought to spending at least a day or two in Paris (quick trip to the Louvre?). Following a short ferry ride to the continent, you’ll be a mere 3 hours from the heart of one of the most extraordinary cities on the face of the earth. And if looking to entertain younger children, the charms of the nearby Disneyland Paris are largely self-explanatory!

You could also check out the little village of Nanclars, in the Charente region of France and Maison de Figuier (full review here) you can contact to check availability via Maison de Figuier’s Facebook Page.