France is a popular tourist destination for British families, with Paris, Saint-Tropez and basically anywhere along the French Riviera normally topping the destination list for Brits abroad. However, it’s always good to immerse yourself in the local culture when travelling abroad, and what better way to do that than by visiting the very destinations where the locals go themselves?
The travel destinations that are most popular with French families are similar to those that attract British tourists – sun, local culture, good food and wine. They differ in that they are off the beaten track, and take a bit of local knowledge and expertise to find.
Here are the five most popular destinations for French families when they travel within their own borders:
Read more: Pete Doherty moved to France because he was ‘banned’ from his own hotel in Margate
1. Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Basque Country
Right on the France-Spain border, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is just down the road from Biarritz and benefits from all the usual things you would expect in the south west of France: sun, sea, and great seafood. Popular with those who want to have an activity-filled holiday (due to the nearby sea and great countryside for hiking) as well as those who just want to relax (as the area is famous for its mineral-rich seawater pools), Saint-Jean-de-Luz could please even the pickiest of tourist.
2. Bonifacio, Corsica
(Image: Mirrorpix)
Set on the very edge of a cliff and best viewed from the sea if possible, this stunning Corsican town is a big hit with Parisian well-to-do types. It’s something of an initiation ceremony for locals and tourists alike to descend and reascend the King of Aragon’s stairway that leads to the sea, and with 187 steps is not for the fainthearted.
The wild boar stew is the local delicacy that’s not to be missed if you do make it here with many choosing to spend their stay on board a yacht rather than make use of one of the many hotels.
3. Les Cévennes, Occitanie
Another one for the more adventurous holidaymakers, if you feel like getting out and about during your stay in France then look no further than the rolling hills of Les Cévennes. Situated just east of Avignon (which may be a good starting point) many French families choose this iconic location to go kayaking or ramble through the local scenery at leisure.
It’s recommended to get yourself a rental car so you can easily skip from place to place. Staying at one of the many chic guesthouses in the area is also a good idea.
4. Cap Ferret, Aquitaine
Not to be confused with the more glitzy Cap Ferrat on the Côte d’Azur, Cap Ferret is more like the French version of Cape Cod; where locals come to swim, surf, fish and make the most of the many oyster shacks that line this scenic location. Just over an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, city dwellers like to travel here to escape the hustle and bustle and often choose to stay in converted fishermen’s cottages rather than the hotels on offer.
Cap Ferret is also home to the largest sand dune in Europe, Dune du Pilat, which is certainly a sight to behold (and climb) if the mood takes you.
5. Île-de-Bréhat, Brittany
This collection of 86 islets is more something that brings to mind a tropical island location rather than the English Channel, which is partly why it’s so popular with French city types who want to spend some time dining and unwinding. Many choose to stay on the mainland around L’Arcouest which is around 70 minutes on a ferry from the islands, or you can always choose to stay on Île-de-Bréhat but it might be a bit basic depending on what you’re after.
Having some moules frites is a must during your time here and otherwise just adjusting to the pace of island life and ranging around the verdant hills is well-advised.