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Categories: Christmas in France, Family Travel
A Multi-Generational Family Adventure in France
Planning a trip that delights grandparents, parents, and children isn’t easy. In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, Annie Sargent talks with Heather Addison about her unforgettable Multi-Generational Family Adventure in France during the 2024 Christmas season.
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Heather shares her experience of traveling with three generations of her family. They explored France by road and barge, combining the freedom of a road trip with the slow-paced charm of a barge cruise. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next multi-generational family adventure in France, this episode is for you.
Christmas in France with the Whole Family
Heather planned the trip to celebrate Christmas together in France. Her group included kids, parents, and grandparents, making it a true multi-generational journey.
Accomodations Heather Recommends
One of the most important things you can do when traveling with a big group is stay in city centers!
They started with a road trip in a van, which gave them the flexibility to visit charming towns and countryside locations. Along the way, they explored historic villages, Christmas markets, and local restaurants.
The highlight for many was the barge cruise in Burgundy. Cruising slowly through the scenic canals, stopping in small towns, and enjoying regional French cuisine on board made the trip unique and memorable.
Paris: Hotel le Senat, 10 Rue de Vaugirard, Paris. 6th Arr. Cute little hotel. Decent breakfast. Fantastic location - walkable to most central Paris sites. Very helpful staff.
Aix-en-Provence: Hotel Aquabella (2 Rue des Etuves, Aix-en-Provence). Wonderful. It's more modern, so lacking in some charm. However, the location is great (again, walkable to everything in central, old Aix). The spa area was so fun - and it's complementary with every room. I'd love to come back in the summer to use the outdoor pool, which is built right up against the ruin of an old wall.
Near Arles: Chateau de Pondres (2 All. de Pigeonnier, Villevieille). Located about an hour west of Arles. We made an easy triangle: visited Arles for the day, spent the night at Chateau de Pondres, drove to Avignon the
following day (with a stop at the Pont du Gard). Highly recommend! It was fun to spend one night in a castle.
Barge/Peniche Anne Marie (CroisiEurope). We loved this. The boat holds a total of 22 people, so you never feel "lost in the crowd." The crew aboard were wonderful. The food was amazing. The excursions are interesting and intimate with this smaller group. You cover a very small amount of geographic space - so it's a nice way to slowly experience a place. The rooms are *very* small - I think this would be difficult for someone with mobility issues. However, there's good storage and the rooms serve their purpose perfectly.
Paris: Hotel 29 Lepic (29 Rue Lepic, Paris. 18th Arr.). This hotel was fine. No complaints. It was the least picturesque of our stays, but it was clean and comfortable. Location in Montmartre was great. Around the corner (up the hill) from the Moulin Rouge. Very walkable location. Decent breakfast. Friendly staff. A few of our rooms were upgraded due to availability. I would say its worth it for a bit of an upgrade.
Barge Travel: A Relaxing Way to See France
Barge cruising offers a slower pace of travel that suits all ages. Heather explains that it was ideal for grandparents who preferred a relaxed mode of sightseeing, while kids enjoyed watching the locks and exploring the canalside villages.
The crew on the barge provided meals and made it easy for the family to focus on spending time together rather than on logistics. For anyone planning a multi-generational family adventure, barge travel in regions like Burgundy or Alsace can be a fantastic choice.
Road Tripping with a Large Group
Before boarding the barge, the family used a van to road trip through France. This allowed them to visit Christmas markets, enjoy local delicacies, and stop at scenic spots along the way.
Heather highlights that renting a van worked well for their group. They had the flexibility to carry luggage and gifts while making impromptu stops at small villages and countryside restaurants.
If you’re traveling with a big group, renting a van in France can save time and help you reach places that public transportation might not serve directly—especially in rural areas.
Tips for Planning a Multi-Generational Trip
Heather’s experience offers valuable tips for anyone planning a similar journey.
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Balance activities: Choose a mix of sightseeing, rest, and local experiences so everyone enjoys the trip.
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Book early: Especially for popular Christmas markets and barge cruises.
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Consider mobility needs: Make sure accommodations and activities suit all age groups.
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Embrace local traditions: Visiting holiday markets and tasting regional specialties made their trip extra special.
- When visiting a city, stay in the city center!
Why Listen to This Episode
In this conversation, Annie and Heather dive into the practicalities of planning a multi-generational family adventure in France. You’ll learn about:
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The logistics of renting a van for a family trip.
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The benefits of barge travel in Burgundy.
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Christmas traditions in French towns and villages.
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Strategies for keeping all generations happy on the same journey.
If you’re dreaming of a Christmas in France, or any holiday trip that includes the whole family, you’ll find this episode both inspiring and practical.
Listen to the Full Story
Heather’s story shows that with careful planning, a multi-generational family adventure in France can be stress-free, meaningful, and fun.
Table of Contents for this Episode
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Transcript Guest NotesCategories: Christmas in France, Family Travel