Europe's best holidays destinations for families

A few tips for your family trip to Europe

France offers unforgettable experiences for the whole family, including visiting the Eiffel Tower, exploring the chateaux of the Loire Valley and sampling delicious dishes in local restaurants.

Spain is also a popular destination for families, with beautiful beaches, exciting theme parks like PortAventura, and fascinating cities like Barcelona and Madrid.

Germany also offers plenty of activities for children, with water parks and theme parks, as well as historic sites such as Neuschwanstein Castle. Finally, Switzerland is an ideal destination for families who love outdoor activities, with its magnificent mountains, crystal-clear lakes and renowned ski slopes.

Whatever your choice, these countries offer a wide variety of places rich in history and heritage, absolutely perfect for an original family holiday in Europe. From Croatia to Portugal, via Hungary or Ireland, your family will be sure to make plenty of pleasant memories.

European culinary specialities not to be missed on your family vacation

European gastronomy is renowned the world over for its diversity and quality, and each country has its own cuisine and specialties, making it a unique culinary experience for travelers. A family trip to Europe is the perfect opportunity to try out as many things as possible.

Popular dishes in Europe include pasta in Italy, moules-frites in Belgium, paella in Spain, fish and chips in the UK, sauerkraut in Germany and fondue in Switzerland. What’s more, many European countries are also famous for their wine, beer and spirits. France, for example, is famous for its wines, while Germany is renowned for its beer.

It’s important to note that traditional recipes often vary from region to region, and that there are many regional specialities in Europe, making European gastronomy a unique experience not to be missed on a trip to the continent.

Top 5 activities in Europe for a successful family holiday.

Europe is full of opportunities for unforgettable family activities. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural visits or relaxing moments on the beach, the continent offers a multitude of options to suit all tastes. A family weekend in Europe? A city-trip to the capitals of the old continent? It’s all possible:

Theme parks

Family vacations in Europe offer a host of activities to suit children and parents alike. Theme parks and amusement parks are always popular, with destinations such as Disneyland Paris in France, Europa-Park in Germany, and PortAventura in Spain.

Cultural tours

Museums and art galleries are also a great option for a family cultural day out, with attractions such as the London Science Museum, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, and the Picasso Museum in Barcelona.

Beaches and hills

European beaches are an ideal destination for families in summer, with popular destinations including the Spanish coast, the Côte d’Azur in France, and the Adriatic coast in Italy. For families who enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of options, such as skiing in the Swiss or French Alps. To make the most of these destinations, why not plan your holiday at one of Europe’s superb Club Med resorts.

Large animal parks

Finally, zoos and aquariums are also a popular option for families, with destinations such as the Berlin Zoo in Germany, the Lisbon Aquarium in Portugal, and the Barcelona Zoo in Spain. Whatever activity you choose, there’s something for the whole family on a European vacation.

Museums

Europe is a veritable paradise for museum-lovers. The continent is home to a plethora of renowned museums, offering an exceptional wealth of cultural and artistic treasures. Among the most popular destinations are the Louvre in Paris, home to the famous Mona Lisa, and the British Museum in London, brimming with historical treasures from around the world… perfect for a great family holiday in Europe.

From bike rides along Amsterdam's canals, to visits to medieval castles in France, to sunny days on Spain's magnificent coastline, Europe is a real playground for families eager to explore.

Choose child-friendly activities: it’s important to choose activities that are suitable for all ages, based on the interests of each member of the family.

Avoid peak times: try to avoid peak times when visiting attractions, to avoid crowds and reduce waiting times.

Provide snacks and drinks: children can be hungry and thirsty at any time, so it’s important to have snacks and drinks on hand.