Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is often called the "Garden of France," a UNESCO World Heritage landscape defined by the lazy flow of the Loire River and an incredible density of Renaissance châteaux. This region is arguably the most family-friendly in France for cycling. The Loire à Vélo route offers hundreds of kilometers of secure, flat, and well-signposted paths that run along the riverbanks, safe from traffic and suitable even for younger children on their own bikes or in trailers.

The châteaux here have made great efforts to welcome families. Château de Chambord creates a sense of awe with its massive scale and strange chimneys, while Château de Chenonceau spans across the river itself, allowing you to rent rowboats and paddle under its arches. The Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years, is fantastic for kids; the park is filled with working life-size models of his inventions, including tanks and flying machines, which children can operate.

Beyond the castles, the region is home to the ZooParc de Beauval, ranked among the best zoos in the world and famous for its giant pandas and biodome. You can also explore "troglodyte" villages—homes and farms carved directly into the soft limestone cliffs. Some are now mushroom farms or underground hotels that kids find fascinating to visit.

Planning your trip: The region is easily accessible by train from Paris (about one hour). Spring and early autumn are beautiful, but summer brings the full schedule of "Sound and Light" shows projected onto castle walls at night—a magical experience if the kids can stay up late. Accommodation options range from campsites to châteaux hotels, catering to all budgets.