Travelling to France with a Baby, Toddler or Child

France is easily accessible by air, ferry and by trains from within Europe

France by Plane

You can fly to France from most major airports in the UK and Ireland and from other international airports. For tips on the various airlines including weight allowances and policies concerning babies and toddlers click here and for tips on getting airline travel with a baby or toddler click here.

France by Ferry

You can travel to France easily by ferry from the UK and Ireland. The benefit of taking the ferry is that you can drive your own car in France and you can pack whatever you need for your baby or toddler without having to think about airport security and baggage allowances. From Ireland, Irish Ferries operate a ferry from Rosslare to Roscoff, Rosslare to Cherbourg and Dublin to Cherbourg. Brittany Ferries also operate a ferry from Cork to Roscoff. From the UK You can take the ferry from Dover to Calais which takes 1 hour 30 minutes if you want a shorter journey or if you are concerned about seasickness. Ferry services to Calais are run by P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways and MyFerryLink. You can also take the ferry from the UK to Le Havre in Normandy and St. Malo in Brittany which takes 11 hours with Brittany Ferries. All ferries offer baby changing facilities on-board and most have kids play areas, travel cots (for overnight trips), kids meals and high chairs.

France by Train

You will be able to take trains to France from all major European cities. You can take the Eurostar train from England to France with or without your car. If you decide to take your car you can drive on to the train and wait in your car until you arrive in France. You can embark at London St. Pancras Station, Ebbsfleet or Ashford and can disembark at Calais, Lille or Paris. If you are travelling without a car, you can also connect with trains to other destinations in France and other countries in Europe from Paris. For more information on Eurostar trains click here.

On Arrival in France

Paris

If you fly into Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris you will be able to catch a train from Terminal 2 which will take you to the city centre in approximately 40 minutes. Trains leave every few minutes and you will be able to take your stroller on board quite easily however, remember that the station that you arrive into may not have an elevator so be prepared to carry your stroller up a few flights of stairs. Taxis are available in the arrivals areas of Terminals 1 and 2. You can also book a taxi with a car seat to meet you on arrival in Paris from Paris Cab Service. This company also arranges tours around Paris and trips to Disneyland. Rental car agencies are located in Terminals 1 and 2, but be aware that traffic congestion and limited parking is common in Paris. If you require a car seat be aware that this can lead to significant extra charges and you will need to pre-book to ensure availability (See Paris for more information).

Other Airports

You will be able to rent a car in all French Airports and you will also find baby changing facilities. Note that where you will collect your stroller after your flight depends on the airport that you arrive at. Some airlines will have your stroller waiting for you at the gate and some will arrange for it to be collected at the baggage carousel. A sling or baby carrier is useful where you will collect your stroller at the baggage carousel as you may need to queue for a few minutes at immigration and you may also be walking for some distance from the gate to the baggage collection area.

Remember that car safety seats are generally available on a first come-first served basis so if your rental agency cannot guarantee a car seat, you might consider bringing one with you.