Family holidays in Ile de France
Ile de France makes the perfect destination for a family holiday. Easily accessible from the UK, the region's location in the north of France means a short, manageable journey with no need for overnight stops. The perfect way to combine a taste of traditional France with the culture and cosmopolitan attractions of Paris, a gite holiday in Ile de France is sure to appeal to all the family. Paris is a great city to visit with children, with an array of exciting family attractions.
One of the most popular, the Citt des Enfants, is a fantastic museum specifically aimed at children. Full of interactive displays, this is one museum the kids will be happy to spend time in. Just outside the museum is Parc de la Villette, a futuristic park with play areas, swings, slides and a maze. You might think that staying in one of the many gites in Ile de France means you'll have to forget about spending your summer on a beach, but Paris Plage will ensure you get your seaside fix.
An incredible man-made sandy beach recreated annually, Paris Plage is a must-see if you're in town during July and August. The banks of the Seine are transformed with tons of sand making this a great place to head with the kids. Ile de France is home to some beautiful woodland, in particular, the Forest of Fontainebleau. A popular area for day-trippers, the forest is a lovely setting for a picnic. There are walks suitable for all fitness levels and plenty of opportunities for a gentle stroll through the countryside. Nature lovers will enjoy looking out for the local wildlife, with deer, wild boar, game and all manner of woodland creature regularly spotted during the course of a visit to the forest.
Staying in one of the many rustic gites in Ile de France is a great way to experience complete rural tranquility and relaxation while also being close enough to more lively areas to ensure the children don't get bored. A family holiday in northern France wouldn't be complete without a trip to Disneyland Paris. Love it or loathe it, your little ones will have a brilliant time sampling the thrilling rides and soaking up the Disney atmosphere. After a day of the hustle and bustle of a theme park, what could be better than returning home to your gite for an evening of the finest locally produced food and drink?