Please sign in to post.

Paris to South of France then back - with kids!

Hi everyone!

April 5 - headed from Toronto to Paris (April 6)
April 7 to 10 - will be in Paris for training
April 10 - checkout

I’d like to travel with family (wife, kids ages 2 and 4) so for the first 5 days they’ll be in Paris while I wrap up work. Then we can explore and I can plan a return from CDG for either April 16 (approx. 5 days + 1 day near CDG) or April 19 (approx. 5 days + 4 days).

What’s a recommended option to explore the South of France. Parameters: minimize lengthy train travel (unless no choice), minimize excessive walking with stroller and luggage, minimize areas that are unsafe, and maximize comfort, some exploration and limited sight-seeing (e.g. won’t be doing museums with the toddlers).

If we just stay an extra 5 days (5 because of Marriott’s fifth free night), a decent option seemed to be Nice but the journey is almost 6 hours back and forth.

Alternatively, could we do Paris to Bordeaux, then Montpellier, then Merseille and then back to Paris? Would mean skipping Nice given it seems far from all these places. If this is better, which area should we do 5 nights?

Any suggestions welcome! The return flight absolutely has to be from CDG. We can go from a train station straight there, or stay at an airport hotel if necessary. Thank you!

Posted by
1465 posts

omer88,
There are TGVs from Paris to Bordeaux (just over 2 hours), Avignon, Marseille (around 3-4- hours), among other places. As far as which location would be best with toddlers, I can't help you there. My kids were 8 and 10 when first in France. You might check out where TGVs go, then search for fetes or celebrations happening in different areas that might be fun for your family. Fyi, Easter is April 20 this year, so the week before may see lots of French families traveling then (bad). It also means there may be lots of celebrations in various locations geared for families (good). Lots to think about! Amusez-vous bien!