Top 15 revitalising family retreats in France

Enjoy the best of the la grande nation with this selection of 15 family-friendly hotels, ranging from rich cultural experiences in Paris to revitalising rural retreats in the south

1/15 Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic ^{★★★★★}

Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes is a family-friendly hotel with a fantastic kids’ club for four to 12 year olds and innovative workshops that include language learning, sculpture, photography, make-up tutorials, music composition and nature protection. Dining is geared towards families too; the five-star hotel has a specially-designed children’s menus, featuring fruit mocktails, while hotel ambassadors will look after kids during dinner hours to allow parents a well-earned romantic evening meal together at the on-site French restaurant. Other amenities include a private beach with water sports to enjoy, infinity pools flanked by palm trees and a zen spa. The 347 bedrooms are smart, decorated in neutral tones, with chic bathrooms and sea-view balconies.

2/15 Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Thalasso Cannes ^{★★★★★}

Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Thalasso is a smart, award-winning spa hotel perched on the edge of the port by Cannes marina, showcasing an interesting variety of stylish bars and restaurants. The hotel overlooks Le Suquet, the idyllic cobbled old quarter, the boats bobbing about in the harbour and the Lerins Islands beyond. The famed Promenade de la Croisette is just a few minutes’ walk away. Guests can expect high-end luxury at Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Thalasso. A rooftop bar serves cocktails at sunset and the two restaurants offer guests the chance to make the most of the panoramic view. The three-storey thalassotherapy spa is sublime, with indoor and outdoor heated pools, whirlpools, multi-sensory showers, saunas and a caldarium, plus a range of therapies and wellness classes. Children are made to feel welcome at the hotel, with separate menus for kids at the rooftop restaurant and their very own spa treatments. There is also a private beach for guests located just a short walk away.

3/15 Hôtel Martinez by Hyatt ^{★★★★★}

For a holiday with some Art Deco glamour, head to five-star Hôtel Martinez by Hyatt in Cannes. This beachfront hotel has had a recent makeover by top interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, giving it a feel that oozes 1920s glitz. Its location is first class too, situated right on La Croisette in Cannes, the city’s most sought after location. Each of the 409 rooms is beautifully decorated and come with mood lighting and high-end bathroom toiletries. Interconnecting rooms are available, as are roll-out beds. Guests can expect maximum luxury here, with the only two-star Michelin restaurant in Cannes, another open-air diner, a private beach and beach club, landscaped gardens, cocktail bar, gym with sea views and spa. Staff provide supervised care for children in the mini club during the high season between July and August.

4/15 Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa ^{★★★★★}

Located in the tranquil city of Théoule-sur-Mer on the coast of the Bay of Cannes, the Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa is the place to stay if you are looking to be pampered throughout your vacation on the French Riviera. With a strong spa and tradition of wellness at its core, the renovated design hotel now counts amongst its facilities that include four treatment rooms with cutting-edge equipment, a steam bath and a sauna. After a relaxing day, guests can marvel at the breathtaking views over the Esterel, inhale the scents of Provence, and listen to the gentle sounds of their natural surroundings. The 60 rooms, which include a unique Royal suite, are decorated to with subtle hints at the region’s Mediterranean style, enhanced with a few oriental touches and dashes of fuchsia inspired by the garden’s wildflowers.

5/15 Fairmont Monte Carlo ^★★★★

Fairmont Monte Carlo is a unique family-friendly hotel set in a spectacular position. The building extends out into the Ligurian Sea on pillars and overlooks the Grand Prix’s famous hairpin bend. Guests can expect unmatched facilities at this chic hotel, including three high-end restaurants, champagne bar, casino, gym, heated rooftop pool with majestic sea views and a dreamy natural light spa. The buzz of central Monte Carlo is just a five-minute stroll away. The 602 spacious bedrooms have a private terrace and luxury touches, including Nespresso machines and marble bathrooms, while interconnecting rooms are available. Children are welcomed here and can expect to receive a special gift upon arrival, as well as access to mini bathrobes in-suite. Kids aged five and under eat for free, one restaurant has a useful supervised children’s area and childcare can also be organised.

6/15 Goldstars Resort & Suites ^★★★★

Four-star Goldstar Resort and Suites is perfectly located in the centre of Nice, just 200m from the pebbly beach and the Promenade des Anglais where families can enjoy biking, walking or scooting, while there are an eclectic variety of bars and cafes to choose from. Other must-dos for families in Nice include visiting the Old Town, Parc du Château and Promenade de Paillon. The hotel offers a shuttle service to the airport. This boutique hotel has just 50 modern suites, all with kitchen and living/dining areas and plenty of space for families. Also at Goldstar Resort & Suites is a heated rooftop pool and panoramic sun terrace, plus a small gym, sauna and Hammam.

7/15 Hotel Cannes Montfleury ^★★★★

Hotel Cannes Montfleury is a four-star hotel located just outside the buzz of La Croisette in Cannes. It’s the perfect stay for families looking for a peaceful city break, based next to the green of Montfleury Park. It’s also a fabulous choice for active families as the park houses a sports complex including a tennis club and aquatic centre as well as a playground. The hotel provides a free shuttle bus from April to November down to the Promenade. Rooms are contemporary with balconies to enjoy the views over the park and city. Family suites provide plenty of extra room in which to spread out. Amenities at Hotel Cannes Montfleury include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sun terrace flanked by palm trees, spa with steam room and sauna, fitness centre, cocktail bar and Provençal restaurant. Babysitting can be organised upon request. 

8/15 Hôtel California Paris Champs Elysées ^★★★★

This hotel is centrally located in the romantic city of Paris. Guests will find themselves just 100 metres away from the famous Champs Elysées. The nearest metro station is to be found just 200 metres away, offering ease of access to other areas of the city. The hotel enjoys close proximity to the main attractions that this captivating city has to offer. This traditional hotel enjoys an attractive architectural design. The guest rooms are beautifully appointed, reflecting the grace and splendour of Parisian design. The hotel offers a wide range of exemplary facilities, meeting the needs of every type of traveller. Guests are invited to enjoy delectable dining in the restaurant, where sumptuous culinary delights are the order of the day.

9/15 Novotel Nice Centre Old Town ^★★★★

Novotel Nice Centre Vieux-Nice is located in the centre of the old city of Nice, near to Place Garibaldo, the flower market, beach and port, making it an ideal base for a family break. A tram stop lies just 100m away for excursions further afield. Musée Marc Chagall is a 15-minute stroll and the Promenade des Anglais just 20 minutes on foot. At this four-star hotel, guests will find bright, modern rooms kitted out with all the essentials, while upgraded rooms feature luxury toiletries and Nespresso machines. The rooftop pool with 360° views over the sea and the old city is a big draw here, as is the relaxed French restaurant located on the terrace, also with dreamy views. Kids have access to an indoor play area and games room.

10/15 Radisson Blu Marseille Vieux Port ^★★★★

Four-star Radisson Blu Marseille Vieux Port is based in the heart of Marseille by the charming harbourside and near to the city’s many bars, restaurants and tourist attractions, as well as dozens of public transport routes. The hotel caters superbly to families, with interconnecting rooms, free extra beds for children up to 12 years old, a panoramic pool overlooking the Old Port and a kids’ menu at the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant. Upgraded rooms provide a private terrace with harbour views and Nespresso machine. Other perks include a small gym, outdoor patios where families can relax, a boules court and smart cocktail bar overlooking the port. 

11/15 Residence du Vieux Port ^★★★★

Residence du Vieux Port is a fantastic four-star hotel offering families wishing to explore the city of Marseille the perfect place to stay. It sits right on the harbourside facing the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica and is less than five minutes from a number of public transport routes. The 48 chic rooms in this boutique hotel provide guests with stunning views over the harbour. The vibrant décor is inspired by 20th-century artists, Piet Mondrian and Joan Miró, meaning it is bright and cheerful. Family rooms come with two bedrooms, while suites are available with separate living space, as are cots and child beds in smaller rooms. All rooms have luxury toiletries. Residence du Vieux Port has a bistro-style French restaurant for guests plus a small sports space.

12/15 Vienna House Dream Castle Paris ^★★★★

Vienna House Dream Castle at Disneyland Paris is a luxury four-star resort just moments away from the magic of Disneyland Paris. Little princes and princesses will fall in love with this fairytale castle hotel which is set in regal French gardens by a peaceful lake. Vienna House has 397 rooms and suites including family rooms and the royal suite. On site, there are two restaurants and a bar with kids menus, spa and wellness area with indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room and fitness studio. Children have the choice of an indoor and outdoor playground plus the resort runs a children’s activity and entertainment programme. Youngsters under three stay for free.

13/15 Villages Nature Paris ^★★★★

Villages Nature Paris is a joint venture between Disneyland Paris and Center Parcs. It is based right in Disneyland Paris, for ease of access to the theme park but there is plenty to do here too. Guests also gain early access to Disneyland Paris when staying at the resort. Villages Nature Paris has free, unlimited access to five immersive worlds, the ‘forest of legends’ with an adventure playground set in woodland; ‘extraordinary gardens’ with informative labels; the ‘lakeside promenade’ with shops, a bowling alley, bars and restaurants; ‘BelleVie Farm’, with horses, beekeeping classes and bread making; and the ‘Aqualagoon’, an indoor-outdoor water park. Families stay in super English country style apartments overlooking the lagoon-style lake and woods and can take advantage of the outdoor play area and forest trails within the woods plus boating on the lake. A kids club and creche is available too should parents want some time to relax in the spa. 

14/15 Novotel Monte Carlo ^★★★

Based in central Monaco, Novotel Monte Carlo has a true French Riviera vibe. Family rooms are available, some with stunning views over the Rock of Monaco and the sea. In-room babysitting can be organised. This three-star hotel has sun terraces and gardens where families can chill out, as well as a video games room, swimming pool, tennis court, athletics track, bowling alley, skating rink, spa with sauna and Hamman and gym. Dining is at a Mediterranean restaurant and juices and cocktails can be made at the hotel bar. In the local vicinity, families can visit the marine thermal baths, Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit and the shops of Monte Carlo. 

15/15 Explorers at Disneyland Paris ^★★★

Explorers at Disneyland Paris is an imaginative world of pirates and explorers that will set your family up for a fantastic holiday at Disneyland Paris. Here you’ll find 390 rooms, some are able to fit families of up to ten in size. Go for the themed room for the complete Disney experience. Perks here include a large water park with water slides and pirate ship, 6D cinema with sound and smells for a totally immersive film experience, massive outdoor playship, indoor jungle soft play centre and even a children’s gym. The resort offers free shuttles between the Disneyland Paris, the station and hotel. There’s free parking for those with a car.