Travelling with children is always an adventure… In Provence Occitane, this adventure becomes magical! During our stay, we discovered a region that’s ideal for spending quality time with our little ones. Whether in the great outdoors, in adventure parks or even visiting castles, Provence Occitane is full of activities that will make children’s eyes sparkle.
As soon as we set foot in a cave in Provence Occitane, the children were fascinated. The underground world, lit up by magical lights, immediately captured their attention. The stalactite and stalagmite formations seemed incredible, almost magical. Julie (8) couldn’t stop asking questions about the history of prehistoric man, while Axel (6) was already dreaming of going back for another adventure.
We also decided to try our hand atintroductory caving. To be honest, I was a bit sceptical, but it was an activity that was totally suited to our little ones. Accompanied by a guide, we explored a cave where the little ones could climb, crawl and explore in complete safety. Axel, who was hesitant at first, quickly got into the swing of things and loved it. It’s a great way tointroduce children to adventure while reassuring them, thanks to the professional supervision of our instructors.
There’s no shortage of walks in Provence Occitane, and they’re often designed to capture the attention of the youngest visitors. On horseback, thanks to the many equestrian centres, or on foot along the hiking trails, there’s plenty to choose from! We chose the Randoland trails. They’re perfect for the little ones. With a booklet of games in hand, the little explorers progress by solving riddles along the way. What’s more, we passed through some enchanting landscapes, where the little ones were able to explore the local flora and observe the fauna. It completely changed their approach to walking.
The Vallon des Salamandres, located at the Chartreuse de Valbonne, is without doubt one of the trails that made the biggest impression on us. The children loved walking through this unspoilt natural setting, where they had to spot the salamanders while learning about the history of the monks who once lived here. It was a total immersion in nature, mixed with a history lesson. Everyone loved it.
Interpretation trails, such as the 3 Croix in Le Garn or the Sentier du Saint Michelet in Goudargues, also offer a great experience for families. These trails combine nature and discovery. What’s more, children can learn while they’re out walking. It’s a great way to get them interested in the environment around them, while getting them walking without them realising it.
From accrobranche to roller-skating, bouncy castles and other fun structures, there’s no shortage of activities to let off steam in Provence Occitane!
When it comes to burning off as much energy as possible,tree climbing is the ideal activity. We spent a superb day climbing from tree to tree, with courses specially designed for children. The smiles on their faces as they crossed the rope bridges were unforgettable. Axel, who isn’t usually a big fan of heights, was proud to complete a course on his own!
And if you’re looking for a fun and original activity in the Gard, I’d highly recommend you try swing rollerblading. The children had a blast getting around on these funny little hand-propelled vehicles. It’s not easy at first, but once they got the hang of it, they didn’t want to stop. It was a great discovery for us, and a good way to expend all their energy.
What would a trip to Provence Occitane be without a visit to one of its castles? For our children, it was an opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of knights and princesses. And they loved it!
The visit to Château de Gicon, perched on a hill, was a real trip back in time. As we climbed up to this medieval castle, we discovered a breathtaking view over the entire valley. But for the children, the most exciting part was imagining themselves as valiant knights defending their fortress. We even invented stories of dragons and battles to captivate them even more. They were so taken with it that Julie asked to come back the next day!
Another highlight of our stay in the Gard was the Tour de Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres. This ancient medieval tower immediately captured the children’s imaginations. Axel, with his wooden sword, thought he was a knight on a secret mission, while Julie played the role of the fortress’ protective fairy. A place where history comes to life and where every stone becomes a pretext for inventing new adventures.
We also took a cultural break at theEspace Rabelais, which has a special tour for young children. This museum dedicated to wine allows them to discover this world in a fun way, with sensory activities. Axel loved smelling the different aromas, while Julie was fascinated by the ancient tools used to make wine. It was a time of discovery where they learned while having fun, perfect for awakening their curiosity.
To spice up our holiday even more, we tried a family escape game. The idea of solving puzzles as a family really appealed to the children, especially as they could really get involved. They felt very involved, and it was fun to see their brains in action!
After all these adventures in the Gard, what could be better than to cool off? We hired canoes and had a leisurely paddle down the Cèze. The children loved stopping to swim in quiet spots away from it all. It was a well-deserved moment of relaxation after all that exploring.
Provence Occitane was an ideal destination for our family holiday in the Gard. With its mix of nature, history and fun activities, there’s plenty to keep the children occupied while they enjoy some magical moments. Whether they’re in caves, on nature walks or exploring castles, they’ve had an unforgettable holiday. If you’re looking for a family destination where your little adventurers can have fun while discovering a unique territory, I can’t recommend Provence Occitane enough!
34°C