An insider’s guide to visiting Northern France with kids

Whether you and your family want an active break, a cultured trip or a relaxing getaway, Northern France has an array of fun activities for great holiday with children

Travel blogger and mum of three, Katja Gaskell has travelled across the globe with her family in tow and knows what makes a fun family trip. Having explored Northern France with her youngest son Sam she has put together a handy free-to-download travel guide Family Breaks and Holidays in Northern France in collaboration with Hauts-de-France tourism. Let’s take a look at some on the activities on offer.

Thrill-seeking families will be pleased to discover that there are a number of exciting theme parks in northern France. In fact, Parc Asterix in Oise is one of the biggest theme parks in France with 42 rides and attractions based around the famous Astérix comic book stories as well the history of the Romans, ancient Greeks, Vikings and Egyptians. Find out what Katja and Sam’s favourite Parc Asterix rides were in the guide. The vast unspoiled landscapes of northern France are perfect for families who want to make the most of the great outdoors, whether this means hiking along the coastal paths, camping in the forest or biking along the extensive network of cycle paths.

If it is culture you are seeking, northern France boasts several history-rich cities where cobbled streets lead to gothic cathedrals, scenic parks, zoos and markets. Katya and Sam visited Lille and Katja shares their favourite activities from the city in the guide.

For lazy days building sandcastles, there are miles of beautiful beaches that you and the kids can settle onto for a day and enjoy the fresh air, stunning surrounding and the quality time together. From the port of Dunkirk to the Normandy border, Katja and her son have selected some fantastic beaches and activities for you to discover.

The strong road and rail networks around the region and connecting Hauts-de-France to the UK and the rest of France are another notable plus. But if you are looking for a more novel way to travel, why not do as Katya and Sam did and take a ride on the vintage train that runs along one of the most beautiful bays in the world, the Somme Bay.

Other activities suggested in the guide include visiting the largest aquarium in Europe. Get all the details including recommendations for places to eat and where to stay in Family Breaks and Holidays in Northern France and start planning your own family trip to northern France.