Top 10 Most Beautiful Destinations for a Luxury Family Vacation

Published on July 7, 2025 | Reading time: 8 min 20 sec
By Suzanne - HOMANIE

Sommaire

How to Choose the Perfect Destination for a Family Vacation

When traveling as a family, it's essential to consider the age and specific needs of your children.

Activities for All Ages

For younger kids, it’s best to opt for destinations with child-friendly infrastructure such as the Atlantic coast’s seaside resorts or beachfront holiday villages. These often feature kids' clubs, playgrounds, and supervised activities. Younger children also love historical shows and theme parks.

Families with babies will enjoy peaceful countryside or mountain getaways, ideally in well-equipped, serene accommodations. Look for rentals that include kitchens, baby beds, and all the comforts needed for a stress-free stay.

For teenagers, destinations like the Alps, the Dordogne, or major cities offer the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and cultural discovery, from surfing and canoeing to urban art tours, fulfilling their desire for autonomy and fun.

Your choice of destination also depends on the kind of holiday you’re looking for. For a relaxing break, the beaches of southern France or the banks of the Loire are perfect, offering peaceful landscapes and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. If you’re more interested in discovery, major cities like Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux boast a wealth of cultural attractions, including interactive museums and a wide range of family activities. And for a full immersion in nature, regional natural parks like the Verdon or the Massif Central offer hiking trails, lake swimming, and a refreshing breath of fresh air,  accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

A Spacious and Safe Place to Stay

Vacations are planned with children in mind but they should also feel like a real break for the parents. While kids might be content with van life, comfort is key: ideally, each child should have their own bedroom, and one bathroom for four guests is a welcome minimum. Steer clear of homes with open staircases or unsecured pools, safety should never be an afterthought.

Easy Accessibility (Train, Car…)

If you’re staying in France, you can choose your destination freely while enjoying the comfort of a familiar and safe environment. For maximum convenience, consider taking the train to the nearest city, then renting a spacious car to reach your final destination. This not only ensures a stress-free journey but also gives you flexibility for errands and family outings throughout your stay.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Family Vacation Destinations in France (and Beyond)

In a Grand Villa with Grandparents and Cousins Alike

Children are never happier than when family truly comes together, giving them the chance to bond with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Parents also enjoy these gatherings, as they allow for shared responsibilities from the au pair to household logistics.

For a truly unforgettable stay, the ideal is to rent a luxury vacation rental property such as a villa or even a château, carefully curated by Homanie. These exceptional homes, among France best destinations, offer a wide range of leisure activities, with optional services available to elevate your experience and ensure a dream vacation. Here are a few idyllic destinations perfect for large families:

1. A village of five eco-designed houses in the Drôme Provençale. Just one pool to keep an eye on, each family settles into their own house, but the children can easily arrange to meet up across the estate.

2. A luxury villa on the Île de Ré, without a pool, but just a 10-minute walk from the beaches. Most importantly, a mild climate and the freedom for cousins to head off together on bike paths.

3. A luxury bastide in Grimaud, with air-conditioned rooms for both the elderly and the youngest. The estate is vast and offers an exceptional lifestyle in the heart of a Provençal vineyard.

Up Close with the Animals

Not all parents are ready to adopt a dog or cat, even if their children beg for it, but many make up for it during the holidays by arranging workshops and encounters with exotic animals. Wildlife parks are constantly evolving, offering new attractions such as junior zookeeper experiences designed especially for children.

Parents can rent luxury homes nearby, allowing the connection with local wildlife to continue well beyond the park visit. Two Homanie properties are perfectly located near two exceptional animal parks:

4. A Loire Valley château near the Beauval Zoo. The classic question of whether to spend one or two days at Beauval is easily answered here, in this pristine white château near Blois. It offers the utmost comfort with six bedrooms and two swimming pools.

5. A charming estate in Thoiry, undoubtedly the most beautiful spot to visit the Thoiry Zoo, with added comfort, impeccable service, and undeniable elegance.

Close to an Amusement Park

While Disneyland Paris is a classic for children and Parc Astérix appeals to teenagers, try the Puy du Fou park, truly entertaining and vast, guaranteeing you’ll easily reach 10,000 steps a day.

Beyond France, discover some of Europe’s finest parks: Europa Park near Strasbourg, and especially PortAventura by Tarragona in Catalonia.

6. To avoid crowds and fully enjoy the Catalan seaside, rent a luxury villa in Cadaqués! Seven charming properties, each with its own unique flair inspired by Dalí, await you. There are plenty of activities to enjoy and exceptional restaurants to discover.

By the Sea

The most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean continue to attract families despite the crowds and prices. What draws them to the deep blue first and foremost are their teenagers’ favorite sports no longer just sandcastles, but more demanding activities like jet-skiing, tubing, and catamaran excursions. The luxury villas they prefer often include a pool, perfect for cousins to have fun between sporting sessions.

7. All that’s left is to choose the best spot among the cities in Côte d'Azur and rent the ideal luxury villa from Homanie’s collection. Here, you’ll find all the charms of Provence: flowers, wine, markets, and countless family-friendly outings. A must-see for all ages is the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco!

8. Some teenagers dislike the heat and prefer the Atlantic Ocean, where they enjoy surfing. They often encourage their parents to rent a luxury villa on the Basque coast, for example in Hossegor.

9. Sailing enthusiasts gather in large families at luxury estates along the Normandy coast, in Deauville. Nearby on the beach, riders gallop freely while the elders watch comfortably from one of the many terraces.

In the Footsteps of Jules Verne

Visiting a submarine in Cherbourg, descending into the Padirac chasm to explore the center of the Earth, taking a hot air balloon ride, stargazing… All of Jules Verne’s novels inspire perfect ideas for family vacations.

One French region, the Périgord, offers a wealth of wonders that delight every member of the family. From Lascaux replicas to balloon rides over Périgord castles and kayaking down the Dordogne, the activities are endless.

10. From the Lascaux replicas to hot-air balloon rides over Périgord castles and kayaking down the Dordogne, there’s no end to the family adventures. All that’s left is to book a château rental in the Périgord — because visiting a château and living in one don’t create the same memories…

Why Choosing the Right Family Destination Makes All the Difference

By selecting a luxury dream destination where both children and parents can share unforgettable moments, your vacation will become a source of lasting memories. Living with cousins, encountering wildlife, and marveling at new experiences allow the whole family to reconnect far from everyday life. This won’t be just another year, it will be the extraordinary year when “remember when?” moments even overshadow school worries and work stresses.

Moreover, luxury home rentals in France or Spain are more than just exceptional addresses. Inclusive or à la carte services help lighten the adults’ load, from housekeeping to private chefs. Numerous on-site leisure activities are also available, from pétanque courts to tennis lessons, and even a home cinema for rainy days.