Categories: Family Travel, Normandy & Brittany, Paris, Provence
Family Travel to France: Paris, Provence, and a Trip of a Lifetime
If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your whole family to France, this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast will give you the inspiration — and the practical advice — to make it happen. Host Annie Sargent chats with Lori Belinski and James McLaughlin, who recently planned a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for six people: grandparents, parents, and kids.
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This was no small trip. It spanned the bustle of Paris and the charm of Provence, with plenty of stories, tips, and lessons learned along the way.
Paris: Iconic Sights and Hidden Corners
The family began in Paris, where Lori balanced must-see landmarks with experiences tailored for different ages. Yes, they visited the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, but they also discovered smaller gems, from neighborhood bakeries to quiet gardens. Lori shares how she scheduled days to avoid sightseeing fatigue — an important detail when traveling with both children and older adults.
Transportation in Paris was another topic. Lori talks about the value of combining walking with public transit and why they skipped renting a car in the capital.
Provence: Slower Days, Sun-Drenched Views
From Paris, the group headed to Provence, where the pace shifted. They explored hilltop villages, wandered through lavender fields, and browsed colorful Provençal markets. Lori explains how they picked a home base to reduce packing and unpacking, giving everyone more time to relax and enjoy.
The episode also touches on food — because in Provence, every day brings another memorable meal. Lori offers tips on finding family-friendly restaurants and why picnicking can be the perfect solution.
The Art of Multi-Generational Travel
Traveling with six people means balancing many needs. Lori shares strategies for keeping everyone happy, from splitting into smaller groups to allowing for downtime. She explains how involving each family member in planning gave them a sense of ownership over the trip.
One surprising takeaway? How much the kids enjoyed learning a few French phrases and trying local specialties. Even picky eaters found something to love.
Lessons Learned
Throughout the conversation, Annie and Lori discuss practical takeaways for anyone planning family travel to France:
- Book popular attractions early, but leave free time for wandering.
- Consider travel insurance for peace of mind.
- Choose accommodations that allow for cooking at home occasionally.
- Remember that not every moment needs to be “Instagram-perfect” — some of the best memories come from simple, unscripted experiences.
Why This Trip Worked
Lori credits the success of their trip to planning ahead but staying flexible. They avoided over-scheduling, respected each person’s energy levels, and embraced the joy of being together in beautiful places.
Whether your dream is sipping coffee in a Paris café, cycling through lavender fields, or watching your kids try croissants for the first time, this episode will leave you eager to start planning.
Mentioned In This Episode
- James mentions the D6, an interesting deparmental (which means small generally) road near Nice. You can read all about where is goes here.
- Here's the link to the fly-fishing guide he used in Provence.
- Dog sledding in Fontainebleau with Evasion Canine
- And Jean-François Sénéchal took them to find lavender fields in Provence and was in episode 54 of the podcast.
- They hired Gloria Villa do a professional photoshoot with them and loved it.
Listen now to Family Travel to France: Paris, Provence, and a Trip of a Lifetime on the Join Us in France Travel Podcast. Subscribe so you never miss travel stories, cultural insights, and tips to make your own French adventure unforgettable.
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TranscriptCategories: Family Travel, Normandy & Brittany, Paris, Provence