Organising a holiday for the whole family is often a real challenge. With three children of varying ages (from toddlers to curious pre-teens), we needed activities that would appeal to everyone and, above all, create memories for us all. Provence Occitane, that bright little spot in the heart of the Gard, proved to be the perfect destination for combining nature, cultural discovery and outdoor games. With tree climbing, canoeing, fun trails and welcomingmuseums , our stay was a real treat for the whole tribe!
Our first stop in the Gard was the Accroche Aventure park at Saint-Julien-de-Peyrolas. Suffice to say that even the youngest visitors had a great time! This park offers progressive tree climbing courses, accessible from the age of 3, perfect for introducing toddlers in complete safety, while the older children took to the impressive zip lines above the trees. The 200-metre mega-tyrolienne thrilled the whole family, but rest assured that the courses are very safe, with levels adapted for every age.
For calmer moments, we then visited the Nutcracker Park, another paradise for children of all ages. With its wooden games and sensory trails, even our youngest, aged 3, was able to take part. It’s a charming spot in the Gard, where you can really appreciate nature by taking your time. The children spent hours exploring the courses, and for us parents, it was a chance to take a breather and watch them have fun without worrying!
What the children loved were the Randoland cards! These fun fact sheets, available from all the Provence Occitane Tourist Office information offices, turn visiting the villages into a real treasure hunt, with riddles adapted to children of different ages. We explored charming villages like Aiguèze and La Roque-sur-Cèze, where the Randoland cards led us through picturesque alleyways and to magnificent viewpoints over the Gard. Each child had a card adapted to his or her age, and they were delighted to look for clues and solve riddles. It’s a fun and intelligent way of discovering the local heritage, while captivating the attention of curious little ones!
To add a touch of culture to our stay, we planned a visit to the Musée d’Art Sacré de Pont-Saint-Esprit, the perfect place for an enriching break. With its varied collections, ranging from religious sculptures to works of art from all over the world, the museum had a surprise in store for us: creative workshops during the school holidays. Our children loved taking part in a workshop where they could create their own little works of art. During the school holidays, the museums of the Gard region, where admission is free, rival each other in imagination to offer activities for families, offering an interactive visit that’s a change from traditional museums.
We couldn’t pass up a canoeing adventure! The Cèze, with its calm waters and enchanting scenery, is ideal for a family outing. Our youngest was snug in the canoe with his life jacket on, while the two older children paddled along with us. The course is fast enough to keep the children entertained without being too intense. Sailing along the Cèze, surrounded by greenery, is an experience that brings everyone together and lets you enjoy a moment in the heart of nature, far from the hustle and bustle.
Finally, to round off our stay in the Gard in style, we tried out an outdoor escape game. Available in a variety of themes, there are nature-based treasure hunts and versions based around the local heritage. The children loved playing detective while learning fascinating anecdotes about the history of Occitan Provence. Solving the riddles together, while enjoying the beautiful Gard countryside around us, was a highlight of the trip. This escape game is a really fun way to combine culture and adventure, perfect for families!
Our getaway to Provence Occitane was much more than just a family trip. Between nature, cultural discoveries and outdoor adventures, there was something for everyone. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, this region offers a multitude of activities to keep the whole family entertained. As far as we’re concerned, we’ll be leaving with our heads full of memories and just one desire: to come back very soon to continue our exploration as a family !