A Great Itinerary for Families in France Join Us in France Travel Podcast

Sarah had never been to France, but she found herself planning a 4-week trip around France for 7 people. Scary, right?
An Itinerary for Families with Kids Sarah used this podcast to get inspired on what to do and where to stay. I think that her itinerary is one of the best I've ever heard of! Listen up, she’s sharing a great itinerary here!
About This Trip Report This trip took place June 2018 and they stayed the whole month going around to different places. This is a family of 7: mom, dad, twin girls (9 years old) and a son who is 11, plus grandma and grandpa who joined for part of the trip.
This was a first trip to France for Sarah and the kids, but her husband had been to France before. They mostly stayed at Airb&b and VRBO properties.
The podcast helped them decide where they wanted to go and what they wanted to see and do. They had been planning this trip for a couple of years and their itinerary was outstanding!
A Week on the Mediterranean They looked for places that were off the beaten path because they wanted to avoid places that were too crowded or too touristy. Because they were staying so long, they also wanted to watch their budget. They started their month with the Mediterranean and didn't find it crowded in early June.
Staying in Hyeres They wanted to stay on the Riviera but not Nice or Cannes. Hyeres was perfect for that! They enjoyed the islands near there at Porquerolles. They took the ferry from Giens, rented bikes right off the ferry and enjoyed the beaches. It wasn't fancy or crowded. It would definitely get a lot more crowded in July and August or on week-ends.
Hyeres is a lovely little town, it has an old town with a tower that's related to the Knight Templars. There's a tour for kids in French in Hyeres. There are also beautiful parks, a botanical garden called "Parc Olbius Riquier".
Great bakery in Hyeres: Boulangerie Duhaut
Le Lavandou It's sandy beach and a little more crowded. They liked the Bistr'Eau Ryon and enjoyed a lot. Parking was tight, but doable in early June. In general the best restaurants are a little off the main drag or main attraction in a town. As soon as you walk away from the main attraction a little bit, you are more likely to find a nice place to eat.
If you can't find street parking remember to look for underground parking lots!
Sète On their way out of Hyeres they stopped in Sète. When you drive into Sète you are driving through an industrial area that doesn't look nice at all. But once you get to the city center it's wonderful. They ate on the canal and walked around to see the little fishing boats.
One Night in Carcassonne Contrary to Sète, Carcasonne is spectacular with you drive up to it. They decided to stay overnight at a hotel within the medieval walls. They had the city to themselves the next morning. They visited the Chateau Comtal and enjoyed the audio guide. The walked along the old ramparts.
Because Sarah's father had to use a walker several places gave them easier access via doors that are not usually open to everyone.
In Carcassonne they stayed at this hotel and loved it.
Renting a Walker for Grandpa at the Pharmacy Because Sarah's father had been injured he needed wheelchair assistance in the airports and they rented a walker in France for him. You can do that easily at any pharmacy.
Two Weeks in the Dordogne They stayed the whole two weeks in the Dordogne which meant a fair amount of driving. The Dordogne is large enough that it is a good idea to stay in two different places. Maybe Sarlat and Bergerac? When we go, we like to stay at a wonderful chateau on the north end of the Dordogne for that very reason.
They stayed at a place called Belvesin the Dordogne. It had a swimming pool, but they didn't use them a lot because this June was not particularly warm.
They wanted to go to La Forêt des singes near Rocamadour, but that was too far. They wanted to go to Font-de-Gaume cave, but they couldn't get in.
Favorite Places in the Dordogne