LYON
Families often have a diverse range of palates, which can make a food-focused holidays challenging. But not in Lyon. This foodie haven is perfect for those needing a little of everything.
To start, explore the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a stunning indoor market offering a kaleidoscope of produce from the city’s best butchers, fromagers, pastry chefs, and wine specialists. The incredible selection of fresh bread, cheeses and artisanal culinary delights is the perfect way to introduce younger travellers to the joys of food tourism. With a total of 48 different vendors to choose from, the little ones are sure to find something that takes their fancy. Head to the market in the morning and stock up on fresh produce for your family days out exploring this beautiful city.
If you’re seeking strong flavours, venture into Vieux Lyon and sit back in one of the exclusive ‘bouchons’; traditional Lyonnais restaurants serving hearty plates of authentic French cuisine. Perhaps one for slightly older children, dishes here are heavily meat-centered, with plenty of onions, butter and rich flavours. However, there are also simpler dishes such as quenelles or pizza to be found. If you’re dining with more sensitive palates, head for family-friendly restaurants such as, ‘L’eSsentiel’ and ‘Brasserie Georges’ in Vieux Lyon. In the latter, you’ll find a children’s menu (under 12) for just €9,50.
PROVENCE
The sun-soaked, relaxed atmosphere of Provence is the perfect destination for families. This stunning region is teeming with lavender fields, charming villages, vibrant markets and incredible parklands.
There are also plenty of eateries in Provence, from upscale restaurants to casual brasseries and everything in between. The menus are handwritten on chalkboards and feature local, seasonal ingredients to create traditional delectable French dishes; waiters are friendly and welcoming, and if they don’t already have a Menu Enfant (kids’ menu) they are usually more than happy to accommodate kids with a simpler dish.
Whether it’s roast potatoes with cheese and bacon or a bowl of fries, there’s bound to be something for everyone. The great thing about France is that there’s never a shortage of bread and cheese to appease even the fussiest of diners.
In Aix-en-Provence, keep an eye out for ‘Wanted Burger’, a small burger and fries bar made from an upcycled bus with a sunny terrace – perfect for an easy meal to fuel the whole family. While you’re waiting for your delicious meals to arrive, encourage the kids to keep an eye out for the animals that live on site and see how many they can spot roaming around the rural setting.
Or, if you’re exploring the stunning Arles, head to ‘La Croisière’. This simple and healthy cafe has a range of delicious and kid-friendly dishes, from homemade pastries to veggie kebabs. It also has an outdoor cinema to keep the little ones entertained so you can sip your glass of wine in peace and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. If you are travelling with older teenagers then they might want to return in the evening as they often host DJ sets too!
BORDEAUX
With its lazy rivers, lush green spaces and laid-back dining scene, Bordeaux is a great destination for families. The sweet smell of pancakes, pastries and croissants floats down the cobbled streets and invites you to relax in a tea room such as ‘La Douce Parenthèse’, a homely café that welcomes families to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Serving a selection of sweet treats and hot drinks, the café also features a children’s area with board games and books. For restless kids, book a reservation at ‘Max a Table’, France’s first connected bistro, where the tables double as interactive touch screen game boards offering quizzes and puzzles. They serve great burgers!
A trip to Bordeaux would be wasted without taking the time to explore the historic, chic Chartrons district. Once considered the mecca of foreign wine, the district now boasts Bordeaux’s oldest boulangerie – complete with an 18th-century oven in which the owner still bakes deliciously soft bread. Although the area is known for delicacies such as canelés (sweet cakes) and fresh oysters, a great making memory making moment, when the family try their first oysters; there are also lots of family-friendly restaurants and bistros where modest meals, crayons and colouring books are never too far from reach.
MONTPELLIER
Perhaps underrated by many, Montpellier should be on the radar of any Francophile family planning their next escape. Just a 20 minute drive from the sea, the city makes an interesting destination for both a beach and cultural holiday. There are plenty of child-friendly activities to fill your itinerary, from interactive museums to adventure playgrounds. When it comes to meal times, the children will be delighted to hear that it’s also home to a vast catalogue of restaurants that serve up both local and international fare.
If hunger strikes while exploring the city centre and ice cream is the only thing that will suffice, head to ‘Angelo Gelato Caffè’. Taking inspiration from our Italian neighbours, this renowned spot has gained a reputation for serving some of the city’s best gelato, with unique, fruity flavours that are sure to offer some respite from the scorching summer heat. Milkshakes are also on the menu, so be sure to make a stop here – just don’t blame us if the kids implore you to go back again and again.
If you are after something a bit different then head to Pirates Paradise, an unusual restaurant that’s concept is halfway between a show and a restaurant. There is plenty to keep the younger ones amused, with a playground and entertainment. Burger et Ratatouille is a superb place to enjoy a burger and fries, the decor is funky & fun and the food is top-notch. Serving traditional homemade cuisine based on fresh and seasonal produce.
If you head toward the rue de l’Ancien Courrier, you can enjoy a multitude of authentic cafes, boutiques and restaurants all nestled in arched buildings serving fresh produce and superb cuisine.
So if all this talk of food has you salivating and thinking about planning a family friendly foodie trip to France, take a look at our property pages where you can find and book accommodation directly with owners, throughout France.
Guest Blog in Collaboration with Original Travel UK