Activities for Kids in Provence | Hiking & Zoos | Only Provence

Family Fun in Provence

Running through lavender fields, splashing in river swimming holes, eating their weight in croissants—Provence has a way of keeping children (and their parents) happily unplugged.

Provence for All Ages: Your Next Great Family Escape

Chasing lizards on sun-warmed stone walls. Learning to play pétanque with the village locals. Picking out pastries at the morning market. The pool. Always the pool.

 

That said, when you’re ready for an adventure beyond your villa, the region delivers. Medieval castles to explore, rivers to kayak, treetop courses to conquer, and yes—even a candy museum or two.

 

Once your villa booking is confirmed, our concierge will be happy to arrange activities for you, or share contact details if you prefer to book yourself.

Favorite Outdoor Family Adventures

Hiking & Biking

The trails here are made for exploring—whether it’s a short walk through the ochre hills of Roussillon or a family bike ride along quiet vineyard roads. Rent bikes and have them delivered directly to your villa.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Paddle under the ancient Pont du Gard, float the clear waters of the Sorgue, or spend a day on the spectacular Gorges du Verdon. Options range from gentle family floats to full-day adventures.

Horseback Riding

Ride through olive groves, along vineyard paths, or into the wild landscapes of the Camargue—home to the region’s famous white horses. Lessons and guided trail rides available for all ages.

Animals & Farms

Visit working farms, meet Provençal donkeys, or spend a morning at one of the region’s small zoos and animal parks.

Hot Air Ballooning

Drift above the patchwork of lavender fields and hilltop villages at sunrise. A magical experience for older children and one they won’t forget.

Acrobranche & Ziplines

Treetop adventure courses are scattered throughout the region, with routes for little ones and challenging courses for teens.

For All Ages of the Family

Cooking Classes

Kids who love to cook (or eat) will enjoy hands-on classes making pasta, pastries, or Provençal classics. Many of our private chefs offer family-friendly sessions right in your villa.

Golf

Several courses in the region welcome families, with stunning settings and practice facilities for younger players.

Markets

Let each child pick out one special treat—a pain au chocolat, a wheel of cheese, a wooden sword from the toy vendor. It’s a sensory adventure and a memory in the making.

Best Rain Day Rescues

Lavender Museums

Learn how lavender is harvested and distilled—surprisingly fascinating for curious kids, and a chance to stock up on sachets and soaps.

Laser Games

When the kids need to burn off energy, outdoor laser tag in the Provençal countryside makes for an unexpectedly fun afternoon.

Candy Museums

The Confiserie du Mont Ventoux and other local confiseries offer tours, tastings, and the chance to watch sweets being made.

The Simple Pleasures

Sometimes the best family moments in Provence don’t require any planning at all:

  • Pool days at your villa
  • Picnics in lavender fields
  • Climbing the ruins of Les Baux
  • Evening games of pétanque
  • Watching the sunset from a hilltop village
  • Gelato in the village square (again)

Ready to start planning?

Once your villa booking is confirmed, our concierge will be happy to arrange activities for you, or share contact details if you prefer to book yourself.

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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.