Family fun in the sun

Yes, Provence is a great place to visit with children. The region offers a variety of activities that are suitable for families with children of all ages.

The region is home to beautiful landscapes and natural attractions, such as the Calanques, the Gorges du Verdon, and the Luberon Regional Park. Children can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, and canoeing in these areas.

Provence is rich in history and culture, and there are many sites that children can explore and learn from, such as the Roman amphitheater in Nimes, the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, and the medieval town of Les Baux-de-Provence.

The area is known for its delicious cuisine, including fresh produce, seafood, and cheeses. Children can try local specialties such as ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and lavender ice cream.

Throughout the year, Provence hosts a variety of festivals and events that are family-friendly, such as the lavender festival in Sault, the grape harvest festival in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and the Christmas markets in Aix-en-Provence and Avignon.

Here are some fun things to do with children in Provence:

• Get knee-deep in ochre: Kids will love stomping in the ochre sands on the Ochre Trail – the “Sentier des Ocres” – a path through the ochre lands which has been laid out and marked. In Roussillon you can also learn about the industrial history of ochre in the area by visiting the Ochre and Colour Conservatory a former ochre plant offers tours, classes and information on the use of ochre.
• Visit the lavender fields: Provence is famous for its lavender fields, which bloom from June to August. Take your kids on a walk through the fields and enjoy the sweet fragrance of lavender.
• Go to a farmer’s market: Provence is known for its fresh produce, and there are many farmer’s markets throughout the region. Let your kids pick out some fresh fruits and vegetables, and try some local specialties like cheese and olives.
• Visit a castle: Provence has many castles and chateaus that offer tours for families. Some notable ones include the Chateau de Baux, the Chateau de Lourmarin, and the Palais des Papes in Avignon.
• Explore the Gorges du Verdon: The Gorges du Verdon is a stunning canyon that offers hiking, kayaking, and swimming opportunities. Take your kids on a guided tour or rent a kayak and explore the canyon on your own.
• Go to the beach: Provence has some beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean Sea, including the Calanques near Marseille and the Plage de Pampelonne near Saint-Tropez.
• Visit a museum: Provence has many museums that are suitable for children, including the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations in Marseille,  the Museum of Santons in Arles, and the Musée Extraordinaire, the quirky brainchild of Georges Mazoyer, a deep sea diver, adventurer and painter who studied fine arts in Marseille, went diving with Jacques Cousteau’s team, met the explorer Paul Emile Victor in Bora Bora and spent years travelling to the four corners of the world… .
• Take a cooking class: Provence is known for its delicious cuisine, and there are many cooking classes available for families. Learn how to make traditional Provencal dishes like ratatouille and bouillabaisse.
• Explore a village: Provence is home to many charming villages that are fun to explore with children. Some notable ones include Gordes, Les Baux-de-Provence, and Roussillon, which is known for its colourful buildings.
• Visit a zoo: The Zoo de la Barben is a popular attraction in Provence that is home to over 600 animals from around the world. Your kids will love seeing lions, tigers, and elephants up close.
• Go on a bike ride: Provence has many scenic bike paths that are suitable for families. Rent bikes and explore the countryside together.
• Or, if it’s just too hot to go anywhere, let them have hours of fun in your villa’s wonderful pool while you relax in the shade with a good book!

Overall, Provence offers a unique and diverse experience for families with children, combining natural beauty, history, culture, and delicious food. This is what family holiday memories are made of!