This summer, with my wife and our two children, we had a mission: to go on holiday without blowing our budget while making the most of nature and the local treasures. And guess what? Provence Occitane was the perfect destination! Between sublime landscapes, meetings with passionate producers and free or low-cost activities, we had an unforgettable week without ever depriving ourselves. Here are our top tips for a cheap and authentic holiday in Provence Occitane!
When you’re looking for cheap accommodation, there’s nothing better than camping! In Provence Occitane, there’s something for everyone: from wild camping for the adventurous (in authorised areas, of course!), to family campsites with swimming pools andchildren’s play areas.
We opted for a small nature campsite, a stone’s throw from the river. An idyllic setting where we could pitch our tent under the holm oaks and enjoy the warm summer evenings lulled by the song of the cicadas. The children loved the freedom to run and play with other little campers while we prepared dinner al fresco.
Our tips for economical and enjoyable camping:
And the best time of day? Without a doubt, the nights under the stars with our two little ones marvelling at the twinkling sky. Memories to last a lifetime!
Leaving the car in the car park and exploring in a different way was one of our desires. And in Provence Occitane, not only is it feasible, it’s also superbly pleasant and economical!
We hired bikes from a local hire company, and theTourist Office recommended family-friendly itineraries. So we cycled through vineyards, along rivers and through the shade of plane trees… a real pleasure!
For longer journeys, we discovered the UGGO shuttle, a free service that links several villages in Provence Occitane. It’s a great way to visit Bagnols-sur-Cèze, stroll through its narrow streets and discover its Albert André museum without worrying about parking.
You couldn’t come to the Gard without making a diversion to Nîmes and Avignon. At just €1.50 a bus journey, it was the perfect opportunity to explore these historic towns without stress or fuel costs.
Good to know: Some campsites even offer bicycles on loan or hire at reduced rates for their campers.
Who says you have to spend a fortune to enjoy unforgettable experiences? In Provence Occitane, nature is our greatest playground and it’s accessible to everyone!
We invested €5 in a hiking guide and it gave us miles of family adventure.
Our favourite walks:
And for a change of pace, we also enjoyed a day’s canoeing on the Cèze (at mini prices, thanks to family offers) and free swimming in the river.
Budget tip: Ask theTourist Office for advice on choosing child-friendly trails and taking advantage of free visits to certain villages!
Budget holidays don’t mean sacrificing good food! On the contrary, we treated our taste buds to local produce at low prices.
Every morning, we stocked up on :
Our favourites? The very friendly Goudargues market, and the Pont-Saint-Esprit market, where we found products from our favourite producers in the shop at the Tourist Office.
Our impromptu lunches often took place on the banks of the Cèze or in a field of olive trees, with the only sounds being the wind in the leaves and the cicadas chirping. Simple, economical and incredibly tasty meals!
Good to know: Some producers offer free tastings and the chance to buy directly from them at a reduced price.
At Provence Occitane, we’ve proved that it’s possible to go on holiday without breaking the bank, while enjoying an authentic and enriching experience.
What we took away from this magical week :
We returned home with our heads full of memories, convinced that the best holidays are often the simplest. And one thing’s for sure: we’ll be back in Provence Occitane next year!
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