The Easter holidays are the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature as a family. The days are getting longer, the temperatures are becoming milder, and the spring landscapes provide an idyllic setting for outdoor adventures. Here is our selection of the best nature activities to do with children during the Easter holidays: mountain biking, fishing, hiking and boat trips are on the program!

1. Mountain bike rides: thrills guaranteed

Mountain biking is an ideal activity for getting children moving while exploring nature. There are many marked trails all over France, with routes specially adapted for young cyclists. Think of forest tracks or greenways, often without car traffic, perfect for a safe outing.

Where to ride with the family?

• The state-owned forests
• The banks of the canal
• The outdoor resorts that offer rentals and adapted circuits

Top tip: opt for a picnic halfway through for a gourmet break and to enjoy the natural setting.

for young and old

Fishing is a great way to teach children patience, respect for the environment and local wildlife. With a simple rod and some bait, you can have an unforgettable time by a pond or river.

Good family spots:

• Small, developed municipal ponds
• Leisure centers with bodies of water
• Calm rivers (with fishing permits, often free or at a reduced rate for children)

A little advice: choose a sunny morning, bring a few games or books for when you’re waiting, and turn fishing into a real adventure.

No need to climb mountains to enjoy hiking with the family! There are many easy and fun walks, punctuated with points of interest to arouse children’s curiosity: animals, huts, streams, or even orienteering courses.

Examples of kid-friendly hikes:

• The educational trails in the regional nature parks
• The “stroller” circuits for the little ones
• The storytelling walks or treasure hunts

As a bonus: some hikes are enhanced with explanatory panels, perfect for learning while having fun.

What could be more magical than sailing with the family on a river, a lake or by the sea? You don’t need a license to rent a small electric boat or a rowing boat at many natural sites.

Ideas for nautical getaways:

• Boat trips in the Marais Poitevin
• Electric boat trips on the canals or lakes
• Mini-cruises in flat-bottomed boats in the nature reserves

To bring: life jackets for everyone, sunscreen, binoculars for bird watching, and a camera to capture the smiles.