Where to go on a family vacation in France

“We were completely looked after and have had a real family vacation. None of the activities (hiking, yoga, white water rafting, canyoning) could have been as enjoyable and organised as efficiently without Saskia and fuelled by Jess’s amazing food. Special highlights for us included secret local lakes to swim in and hiking/sleeping in the refuge. This vacation allowed us to each find our own source for life again and we have such treasured memories that will last as long as our lives.” – Elspeth Lorriman

“Our 6 year old and 4 year old loved leading “Leonidas” our donkey through the French Alps. We slept in a beautiful yurt in an alpine meadow, and felt like we'd done something completely different to the typical “bucket and spade” type of vacation. We expected our young children to grumble about the hiking but in fact they exceeded all expectations and walked 5 steep miles per day for 3 days in a row. It's easy to under-estimate what your kids (and you) can do. Mercantour National Park is very beautiful and the trip felt like it had low impact on the environment.” – Alison Godfrey

“Our family highlights were white water rafting and climbing to a mountain retreat. Huge achievement and bonding by all. All our vegetarian food was sourced locally and the children adored the trip to the next door farm to get fresh milk. Open your mind and your heart and be touched by the experience.” – Donna Fleming

“The chalet in Samoens is lovely, with stunning scenery all around. As a single parent I was slightly apprehensive. I needn't have been. Saskia is a fabulous host and my daughter loved the company of the other kids (and it was great for me to have adult company too). By coincidence we were all single parents that week. The group activities were fantastic – white water rafting being a particular highlight.” – Amanda Myerscough

“The hike to the mountain refuge was an extraordinary experience. It was quite a challenging walk, but absolutely worth it. Along the route we were treated to stunning views and a river to swim in. And when we finally reached the refuge, we were rewarded with sunshine, cold beer, plenty of food and a cosy place to sleep. It was one of the best vacations we’ve had as a family.” – Richard Davidson

“Our children would say Kaia, our donkey, was the highlight of the vacation. For me, it was the emptiness and the views. The donkey treks are a creative way to bring people to Mercantour National Park with minimal impact on the environment but lots of benefit to locals. We loved it. We want to visit the area again – and preferably with a donkey.” – Rob Booth

“We stayed at the house in Provence with our teenage boys and we were so happy we did. Corinne and Benoit make you feel welcome as soon as you arrive. Breakfasts out on the terrace with homemade jams and yoghurt were delicious! Saint Jeannet is a quaint little town only about 22km from Nice so very easy to get to all the sightseeing spots! We did the cooking class with Corinne the one morning and we had great fun! If you like hiking, the mountain track is just behind the village! Also book a room with a balcony so you have a magnificent view all the way down to Nice!” – Jenny Lincoln