Family Vacations in Provence: Plan the Perfect Multigenerational Trip

Generations Gathered: How to Plan the Perfect Multigenerational Trip to Provence

From lavender fields to market mornings, discover how a Provence villa stay creates shared memories that span generations.

Provence: Where Time Slows and Family Connects

In an age where our calendars overflow and screens compete for attention, it’s no wonder families are craving togetherness more than ever. Multigenerational travel—the art of bringing grandparents, parents, and children on one unforgettable journey—is no longer a trend; it’s a movement toward meaning.

And there is no better backdrop for that connection than Provence. Here, time seems to slow to the rhythm of church bells and cicadas. Meals are long, conversations longer. Children run barefoot through olive groves while adults sip rosé under the shade of centuries-old plane trees. It’s a region that has the rare ability to delight people of all ages, offering beauty, culture, and comfort in equal measure.

At Only Provence, we’ve been curating these moments for nearly two decades—matching families with villas that don’t just accommodate everyone, but bring them together in a way that feels both natural and extraordinary.

Why Provence Works So Well for Multigenerational Travel

Provence is built for connection. Its daily pace invites presence, its landscapes inspire exploration, and its villages welcome travelers like old friends. Grandparents can revel in history, art, and architecture; parents can unwind in sun-drenched vineyards; children can discover the freedom of wide-open spaces.

This harmony across generations isn’t accidental—it’s woven into the Provençal way of life. Morning markets draw everyone out to wander and taste. Afternoons invite rest or play, depending on the mood. Evenings bring everyone back to the same long table—plates of local cheeses, fresh bread, and olive oil passing between generations as laughter drifts into the night.

A trip like this becomes more than a holiday. It becomes a memory every family member carries differently—but forever.

Finding the Right Villa for Every Generation

The success of a multigenerational journey starts with the right home base. Unlike hotels, a private villa offers both freedom and flexibility—key ingredients when balancing different schedules, energy levels, and preferences.

At Only Provence, our portfolio includes villas designed with families in mind:

  1. Multiple ensuite bedrooms that support comfort and privacy across generations.
  2. Separate guest houses or annexes ideal for grandparents or older teens who want quiet space.
  3. Spacious kitchens and shaded terraces where family meals happen with ease.
  4. Heated pools, flat gardens, fenced estates, and child-friendly pool security that support safe play.
  5. Ground floor suites and accessible layouts that support mobility needs.
  6. Villas with entertainment for every generation, including tennis courts and pétanque, billiard tables, ping pong, and full game rooms.

Every villa is personally inspected by our team. We know which rooms get the morning light, which terraces stay shaded for afternoon naps, and where the views inspire conversation late into the night. It’s this insider knowledge that makes group stays seamless, eliminating the guesswork and stress of trying to satisfy everyone’s needs.

Crafting Experiences That Unite

A multigenerational trip works best when everyone has a sense of belonging—when each day offers moments of discovery for all ages. Provence makes this effortless.

Imagine mornings spent strolling through a local farmer’s market, where children nibble on strawberries while grandparents chat with local cheesemakers. Afternoons might bring a family picnic at a vineyard or a bike ride along quiet country lanes through the Luberon. As evening falls, a private chef could prepare a three-course Provençal feast using ingredients gathered earlier that day.

Our Concierge Team helps turn these visions into reality, curating experiences that appeal to different generations yet flow together beautifully:

  •   Private chefs who tailor menus to family tastes (and picky eaters).
  •   Hands-on cooking classes where everyone—from grandparent to grandchild—takes part.
  •   Wine tastings and olive oil tours for adults, paired with cultural or creative activities for kids.
  •   Outdoor adventures, from kayaking and horseback riding to gentle e-bike routes and scenic hikes.
  •   Cultural experiences, like pottery workshops, truffle hunts, or Provençal music nights.

With the logistics handled locally, families are free to simply enjoy the magic of being together.

When to Visit Provence for a Multigenerational Getaway

Every season in Provence brings its own rhythm—and with it, new opportunities for families to enjoy the region together.

Spring (March–May): The countryside bursts into bloom, with cherry blossoms, wildflowers, and mild weather perfect for exploring. Fewer crowds mean more space for family adventures and affordable villa rates.

Summer (June–August): The Provence of postcards—lavender fields in full bloom, golden sunsets, and lively markets. It’s ideal for school holidays, but villas book quickly, so planning early is essential.

Autumn (September–November): Grape harvests, golden vineyards, and cooler days ideal for outdoor activities. The region slows into a reflective pace—perfect for families who prefer quieter travel and cozy evenings by the fire.

Winter (December–February): Often overlooked, winter in Provence is deeply authentic—Christmas markets, truffle season, and peaceful village life. Ideal for smaller family reunions seeking intimacy and value.

Whenever you come, the key is simple: plan early. The best family villas—those with multiple suites, large dining terraces, and pools—book well in advance, especially for school holidays.

The Provençal Way: Food, Family, and Forever Memories

Meals are the heart of any Provençal day. For multigenerational travelers, they become moments of magic. Imagine morning croissants from the village boulangerie, shared lunches under plane trees, and candlelit dinners by the pool, where stories flow as easily as the rosé.

Food here is more than nourishment—it’s a connection. Grandparents delight in teaching children to appreciate the art of slowing down, of savoring every bite. Parents rediscover the joy of conversation unhurried by time. It’s in these shared rituals that the essence of Provence—and of family—reveals itself most clearly.

Why Book with Only Provence

Multigenerational trips require trust, detail, and local expertise. With nearly twenty years of experience, Only Provence offers something no algorithm or booking platform can: human connection, precision, and care.

We know every villa personally. We know which estates have shallow pools for toddlers, which gardens are best for gatherings, and which nearby villages will enchant grandparents who prefer a leisurely stroll to a steep climb.

Our bilingual team supports your family from the moment you inquire until the moment you return home. Whether it’s arranging a private driver, recommending the perfect day trip, or sourcing highchairs and cribs, every detail is handled.

You’re not booking a house—you’re partnering with experts who understand what makes a family holiday effortless.

The Gift of Togetherness

A multigenerational trip is more than a getaway—it’s a living heirloom. Years later, the details may blur—the scent of lavender, the sound of cicadas—but the feeling of togetherness endures. Provence becomes a backdrop for stories your family will tell again and again.

Let Provence show you what it means to live slowly, love deeply, and belong to one another—all under the same sun that has warmed its vineyards and villages for centuries.

Ready to Plan Your Family’s Provence Escape?

Let us match you with a villa that feels like home to every generation. Speak with one of our Villa Rental Specialists today and start planning your family’s Provençal story.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Provence offers a rare balance of culture, nature, and comfort that appeals across generations. The region’s gentle pace, safe environment, and diversity of experiences mean every family member—from toddlers to grandparents—can enjoy themselves. Families can split time between exploration (markets, villages, vineyards) and relaxation (private pools, garden picnics, in-villa meals), all within the same beautiful setting.

The Luberon and Alpilles regions are top choices. The Luberon offers idyllic stone villages like Gordes and Bonnieux with gentle countryside and sweeping views—perfect for family walks and day trips. The Alpilles, near Saint-Rémy and Eygalières, offers a more accessible terrain, excellent restaurants, and easy day excursions. Both areas feature large, family-friendly villas that combine privacy with proximity to charming towns.

The beauty of Provence lies in its versatility. Grandparents might enjoy art galleries or wine tastings, while children can bike through vineyards or explore local markets. Our Concierge Team crafts itineraries that mix shared experiences with independent moments, such as pairing adult wine tastings with kids’ cooking lessons or arranging spa sessions while teens try e-biking or kayaking nearby. The goal is to balance adventure and rest for everyone.

Absolutely. Many of our villas are designed for multigenerational comfort, with ground-floor suites, child-safe pools, and wide, accessible layouts. Fenced gardens and shaded terraces make it easy for younger children to play freely while grandparents relax close by. For families traveling with infants, we can arrange highchairs, cots, and baby gates. Our team ensures the villa fits your specific needs before booking.

For summer or school-holiday stays, booking 9–12 months in advance is highly recommended, as the most family-suited properties fill quickly. Spring and autumn offer greater availability and more temperate weather, making them perfect for multigenerational groups who prefer quieter travel. Early planning also allows our team to tailor your itinerary, coordinate chefs or childcare, and secure the best seasonal experiences.

Provence Journal

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Jumping the Picket Fence Light Through the Cracks

Only Provence co-founder Lydia Dean writes about their experiences raising a family, building a business in Provence, and later combining the love of travel with giving back in "Jumping the Picket Fence”. In 2021, she published “Light Through the Cracks,” a continuation of her journey, much of which has been based in Provence. Both books are available Amazon, Amazon.uk, and Amazon.Fr.