Terrestrial operator TF1 is the clear winner as the most-watched channel among France’s more than eight million kid viewers ages four to 14, according to February ratings just released by metrics house Eurodata TV Worldwide. Of the region’s 10 best-performing channels, the commercial broadcaster has a 21.3% share of kid viewers, a full 8.4% lead over the runner-up, dedicated children’s DTT channel Gulli (12.9%), which targets the six to 14 demo.

Eurodata TV media consultant Johanna Karsenty says TF1’s solid lineup of American hits like House and CSI, as well as blockbuster movies such as Shrek, attract both adults and children. And on the other end of the co-viewing spectrum, Gulli has been steadily growing its audience share with kid-targeted programming like Beyblade (Nelvana) that kids and families watch together.

Karsenty explains that original French productions also rank high with kids across the terrestrial and DTT spectrum. For example, TF1’s top-rated kid shows, which air every morning from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. on the Tfou block, include Les Minijusticiers (Futurikon) and Totally Spies! (Marathon Media). Homegrown adult favorites on TF1 that rate well with the under-14s include Josephine: Profession Ange Garden and Le Juste Prix, a French adaptation of game show Price is Right. Other local faves include Gulli’s Esprits Fantomes and Garfield & Cie, airing under France 3 children’s umbrella brand Ludo.

Youth-targeted channels make up 17.6% of the cable and satellite pay-TV universe in the country. Measuring upwards of five million children in subscription households (from August 30, 2010 to February 13, 2011), Disney Channel and Télétoon lead the pack. Karsenty says both of these nets get a bump in market share thanks to their dominance among girl viewers attracted to shows like Hannah Montana and Sonny with a Chance (Disney) and Winx Club (Télétoon). Boys, however, spread their viewing hours amongst kidcasters including Nickelodeon, Playhouse Disney, Disney XD, Canal J and Cartoon Network, with each taking a smaller chunk of the pie. Preschool channels Piwi (1.5%) and Tiji (1.3%) both hold their own with moderate market shares. Perennial classic series, including Barbapapa, Franklin and The Smurfs, tend to draw the biggest audiences on these nets.