5 hotel ideas for a magical family weekend

1. An iodized family weekend at the Deauville Barrière Resort

Just two hours from Paris, the Resort Barrière de Deauville is the perfect iodized getaway for the whole family. This group of hotels includes three luxury 4 and 5-star establishments in close proximity to each other and among the finest hotels in Normandy: Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy, an Anglo-Norman manor house on the seafront, Hôtel Barrière Le Royal, open from March to October, and Hôtel Barrière du Golf in the heart of verdant countryside. Each offers a glamorous and singular setting, with a Belle Époque ambience and breathtaking views over the English Channel. The facilities of these three luxury hotels are accessible to all guests via a free shuttle service.

The Studio by Petit VIP awaits children aged 4 to 12 with a program of creative and fun activities: high jewelry design, film-making, outdoor games and much more. Each day ends with the presentation of medals, creating beautiful vacation memories. For the little ones, the Babiwi nursery provides a caring environment where parents can enjoy a moment's rest in complete serenity. For teens aged 13 to 17, the Club Ados offers lively evening entertainment, creative workshops and exciting outings, for moments of complicity with friends.

While the kids are having fun, parents and grown-ups can relax at the Spa Diane Barrière (or, for the Hôtel du Golf, the new myBlend spa) or enjoy a gourmet meal at the Normandy's Belle Époque restaurant. Strolls along the legendary Planches de Deauville, horseback riding, paddle tennis or a visit to the casino are all part of a chic, family-friendly stay. For even more entertainment, the heated outdoor swimming pools - or the indoor pool recently refurbished at the Hôtel Le Normandy - , the legendary 18-hole golf course and the tennis courts provide plenty of exercise for the whole family. Film buffs will appreciate the special screenings organized at certain times, and history buffs can explore the town's emblematic villas. When it's time for dinner, take advantage of one of the 25 Barrière restaurants in town: from the authentic and mythical Ciro's to the brand-new Noto (located within the Casino), whatever your desires, they will be satisfied. Fancy a stroll and a few souvenirs? Head for the local market and its elegant boutiques.

Deauville Barrière Resort
Le Normandy - 38 Rue Jean Mermoz - prices from 250 euros per night
Le Royal Deauville - Boulevard Eugène Cornuche - prices from 450 euros per night
L'Hôtel du Golf - Le Mont Canisy, 14800 Saint-Arnoult - prices from 212 euros per night

2. The Resort Barrière La Baule, on the Atlantic coast

A flagship destination in the Loire-Atlantique region, the Resort Barrière La Baule comprises three emblematic hotels: Hôtel Royal, Hôtel L'Hermitage and Le Castel Marie-Louise. All enjoy direct access to one of Europe's most beautiful bays, a 9 km-long beach stretching from Pornichet to Pouliguen... What's on the agenda? Games of padel on one of the resort's 4 courts, swimming in heated seawater pools, strolls along the beach with its chic image, water sports and relaxation at the Spa Diane Barrière or the thalasso center - and since April 2025, enjoy the new Spa Augustinus Bader at l'Hermitage. Children will love the Kid's Club and the many family activities, from 10 weeks upwards at Club Babiwi, where they can enjoy baking, painting and outdoor games. At the Studio by Petit VIP, 4-12 year-olds can enjoy creative activities - sculpture, comics, photography, music - included in the price of the stay.

The legendary restaurant Ciro's, born in Deauville, has moved to La Baule with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic. The Friedmann & Versace decor blends elegance and yacht club spirit, with lacquered wood, brass and deep marine hues. In the kitchen, the chef sublimates seafood: sole meunière, salt-crusted sea bass, Ciro's bouillabaisse and lobster paella. In addition to seaside activities, the region abounds in sites to discover with the whole family: a bike ride along the coast, on loan from the hotel, lets you explore the surrounding area in complete tranquillity. The Parc des Dryades, a green setting in the heart of the resort, is an ideal spot for a family picnic. The more curious can visit the Guérande salt marshes, just 30/40 minutes away by bike along the Vélocéane, to learn more about the region's white gold. Finally, thrill-seekers can enjoy sand yachting or kayaking on the long beach!

Resort Barrière La Baule
Hôtel Le Royal - 6 Avenue Pierre Loti - Prices from 330 euros per night
L'Hermitage La Baule - 5 Esplanade Lucien Barrière - Prices from 320 euros per night
Le Castel Marie-Louise - 1 Avenue Andrieu - Price from 230 euros per night

3. Grand Hôtel Barrière Dinard, a family weekend in Brittany

With its Belle Époque architecture and breathtaking views over Saint-Malo, the Grand Hôtel Barrière Dinard, built in 1858 and transformed by Alexandre Danan in 2019, invites families to a memorable getaway on the Emerald Coast. While parents enjoy a moment of relaxation at the Spa Diane Barrière and its sublime indoor pool - complemented from April 2025 by the Spa Shiseido - or a refined dinner at the Le George V restaurant, children have the time of their lives at the Studio by Petit VIP. This unique children's club offers fun and creative workshops for ages 4 to 12: from sculpture to music, tableware and even video clip making. A place where imagination knows no bounds, and where vacation memories are created in color and music.

On Saturday evenings, the Petit VIP evenings extend the magic with activities specially designed for children: storytelling, musical quizzes, Casino Kids or games of Cluedo. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy a relaxing dinner for two.

There's no shortage of experiences for the whole family to enjoy: strolls along the Prieuré beach (on foot or by bike, as the Grand Hôtel Barrière offers daily bike hire), boat trips or a visit to the Saint-Malo aquarium will amaze young and old alike. For an even more unforgettable adventure, head for Mont-Saint-Michel, less than an hour's drive away, where the medieval abbey transports everyone into a fairytale world. Back in Dinard, the Promenade du Clair de Lune, illuminated at nightfall, offers an enchanting spectacle, while a boat trip on the Rance valley promises moments of complicity in the heart of nature.

Le Grand Hôtel Dinard
From €280 per night
46 Avenue George V, 35800 Dinard
hotelsbarriere.com/le-grand-hotel

4. Family weekend on the Alsace Wine Route by bike

Embark on an adventure along the legendary Alsace Wine Route, a 160 km journey through picturesque villages, rolling vineyards and wine cellars. Start by putting down your suitcases at Le Chambard, a five-star family-run hotel in Kaysersberg, a charming village with flower-filled alleyways that will delight young and old alike... Then get pedaling. After a day on the trails, relax at the spa and enjoy a typical meal at chef Olivier Nasti's Winstub. As you travel through the vineyards of Alsace, you'll discover Mittelbergheim, famous for its grand cru Zotzenberg, where the sylvaner grape reveals itself in all its splendor. Don't miss Riquewihr before heading to the Alsace wine capital, Colmar. End your tour with a visit to Domaine Josmeyer and continue on to Thann, where Rangen volcanic wines offer an intense taste experience. For those in the know, there's plenty of fun to be had along the way, including the Montagne des Singes and the Volerie des Aigles.

Le Chambard
33 rooms, prices from 300 euros per night
9-13 Rue du Général de Gaulle, 68240 Kaysersberg

5. Family weekend in a cabin in the woods

For an unusual getaway in the heart of nature, or a last-minute weekend getaway, head for ICI- Simply Silence, on the edge of the Belgian Ardennes. This unique concept offers 12 perched cabins, minimalist and designer, perfectly integrated into their environment. There's no WiFi here, just the rustle of trees and starry nights. In the morning, a homemade breakfast with local flavors awaits the whole family, before a day punctuated by hikes, wildlife observation and evenings by the fireside. We recommend the "In the Trees" refuges, six cottages nestled in an 11-hectare forest near the village of Humain. Three styles to choose from: Glass Cube, Flying Farmhouse or Tower of Books. Inside? 31 m² suspended between heaven and earth, with panoramic bay windows, a fully-equipped kitchen and an intimate terrace for gazing at the stars... or enjoying an aperitif. A natural interlude, ideal for getting back to basics on a magical family weekend.

ICI- Simply Silence
12 independent cabins for up to 6 people. Prices from 180 euros per cabin per night.
Chemin De Freyr 3, Nassogne 6950 Belgium