French police have charged a 33-year-old father with murder after he allegedly killed his three-year-old son by stuffing him into a washing machine and turning it on.

The man, identified in reports as Christophe Champenois, was charged with "murder of a minor" late on Sunday in Meaux near Paris, court officials said.

Tribute ... flowers and a picture of three-year-old child Bastien were left at the entrance of the child's home. Credit:AFP

The boy's mother was charged with failing to prevent a crime and failing to assist a person in danger.

Both were held without bail.