5 hotels perfect for families

We're dreaming of a vacation where you can finally get away from it all, but you don't want to go away for two without the kids? We've selected five hotels to suit your every whim. In the heart of the forest or the Château de Versailles, in the garrigue or just a stone's throw from the Grande Bleue, these refuges all offer clubs where the youngest ones can make their own discoveries, while the parents get together for a round of golf, a yoga class or an afternoon lazing around the pool. All before a joyful reunion for a horse ride or a family dinner...

Domaine de Maffliers

In the heart of a 35h park, this XIXᵉ château is a paradise entirely thought out and fitted out for families, with vast rooms in the historic buildings (signed Stella Cadente) and gîtes for tribes in the outbuildings. Here, there's something for everyone... Children can go for a horse ride from the stud farm, or join the playgrounds or the château for a cookery class. Parents can explore the forest trails on foot or by bike, or try their hand at mixology in the hotel bar... Afterwards, the whole family can meet up by one of the two swimming pools (indoor and outdoor).Then it's off to one of the two swimming pools (indoor or outdoor) to sample the delicious cuisine served at the château's table (named Augustine) or Brasserie. Labelled Demeures de Campagne, a delightful stopover just a stone's throw from the Isle Adam forest.

• Double room from 191 euros, breakfast included
• Allée des Marronniers 95560 Maffliers. Tel: 01 34 08 35 35
• www.all.accor.com/hotel/0383.fr

Terre Blanche

One of the finest resorts in Provence, and undoubtedly in the whole of France. In all, around a hundred suites and twenty villas, sublimely decorated, are scattered across a landscape of garrigues and holm oaks. Families come here to recharge their batteries and enjoy the myriad activities on offer. Children (aged 2-12) join the kids club with its huge play area, and can even have lunch with their friends at the Pitchoun, all under the guidance of experienced activity leaders. They then join their parents, who finish their round of golf, tennis or spa treatments with a family horseback ride or a moment of relaxation by one of the pools.

• Double room from 459 euros, breakfast included
• Route de Bagnols en Forêt. 83440 Tourettes Tel: 04 94 39 90 00
• www.terre-blanche.com

Relais & Châteaux Hotel & Spa du Castellet

Just a stone's throw from the medieval village of Le Castellet and with the Grande Bleue as its horizon, this estate is home to a group of bastides scattered across the garrigue. Parents come here for the exceptional golf course, the award-winning spa and top-flight gastronomy, but also for the assurance that their children will also have a wonderful stay. What's on the agenda for the young ones? An introductory golf course for six-year-olds, a tree top course (100m of suspended net), two swimming pools, a tennis court and, just around the corner, go-karting and quad biking lessons on the Paul Ricard circuit for the more adventurous.

• Double room from 350 euros, breakfast included
• 3001 Route des Hauts du Camp 83330 Le Castellet. Tel 04 94 98 37 77
• Further information on Hôtel & Spa du Castellet

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Le Grand Contrôle - Versailles

The only hotel within the château grounds, Le Grand Contrôle houses just 13 keys, all with views over the sumptuous gardens. An exceptional place that offers young and old alike a stay to remember. Parents will savor Alain Ducasse's extraordinary cuisine in a dining room that brings to life the splendors of yesteryear, all after enjoying the delights of the Valmont spa and doing their laps in the pool. Children, meanwhile, can join in the painter's studio or the storytelling workshop, take a pony ride in the château gardens and even try their hand at building a model sailboat to sail around the pools. And the best part is the afternoon tea, served in period costume.

• Double room from 1400 euros
• 12 Rue de l'Indépendance Américaine 78000 Versailles. Tel: 01 85 36 05 50
• Further information on Le Grand Contrôle

Le Barn

In the heart of the Rambouillet forest, this hotel takes on the feel of a real country house, ideal for a family reunion. Pack your bags in one of the rooms and suites nestled in two old buildings with exposed beams and old floor tiles, and set off to discover all the resources of the estate. For the little ones, there are horseback rides from the Haras de la Cense, outdoor games (soccer, croquet, etc.), introductory workshops in organic gardening in the huge kitchen garden, and card games with friends on Saturday evenings. Meanwhile, parents discover the delights of the spa, hike or bike through the forest before sipping a cocktail in the winter garden, then sampling the exquisite cuisine served at the La Serre restaurant.

• Double room from 203 euros, breakfast included
• Le Moulin de Brétigny 78830 Bonnelles. Tel: 01 86 38 00 00
• Further information on Le Barn

©Nomades Studio

An extra escape

Coucoo Grands Chênes

Children swear by these cabins, where they can play Robinson in total freedom. With their bird's nest shape and tree-top position, these shelters also appeal to parents, who love the chic, cosy layout: cosy bedroom, large terrace to admire the birds flying and the sublime view of the forest, Nordic baths to unwind... Not forgetting the quality of service, with exquisite meal baskets that can be retrieved using a pulley. And last but not least, the camp is just a stone's throw from a tree climbing course for the youngsters, and the prestigious 18-hole Château du Raray golf course for the adults.

• Cabane from 315 euros for 4-5 people
• 1 rue Jean Cocteau 60810 Raray. Tel: 03 44 58 39 08
• www.cabanesdesgrandschenes.com

Our selection of the 5 best hotels for young and old...