Discover the top Provence family activities
Whatever you choose to do on your family holiday, you are sure to find a huge range of activities across Provence. There is something for everyone, every ability and every age. Check out the selection of things to do below for some holiday inspiration!
Many of the sport centres around Provence have facilities to play basketball.
You can jump from Europe's highest bridge on your trip to Provence, if you've got a good head for heights that is.. At over 180m vertical drop it's definitely a test for the nerves! Anyone from 15 years plus can take part although if you're over 55 you may need to provide a medical certificate.
You can take to the water in the Gorge du Verdon, or one of the several inland lakes.
Kayaking is a fun watersport that can be enjoyed as a team or on your own. Unlike canoeing, paddlers face forward and have a double bladed paddle. It is a versatile sport that you can enjoy on rivers, lakes and the sea. You can take your inflatable or plastic kayak and make your way down the water. Using the double bladed paddle you can control the speed, direction and enjoy the experience and wonderful views in your own time. There are some watersports centres and adventure companies who can take you out for your kayaking experience.
Canoe rafts are an unsinkable, stable type of inflatable canoe that allow you, without too much technique to profit fully from the joys and fun of white water river descent. The descents are taken on by groups of 4 to 5 boats, accompanied by a fully qualified guide. You are equipped with neoprene suits and shoes, a safety jacket and a helmet. The course which you take is chosen according to the water levels and experience of the participants.
Just to the north of Apt lies the Plan d'Eau de la Raille. You can practice all sorts of watersports here, with a sailing & windsurfing school. All equipment is available to rent - dinghies, windsurfs, pedal boats and kayaks.
Located on the Route de Nice, close to the city centre, the waters of Ferréols has free parking and is accessible by public transport or by bicycle through a cycle track.
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
The Ceze is a calm river and accessible for all. Along the trip you’ll find enough spots and beaches where you’ll be able to get out of your boat to eat, sunbathe or swim.
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
A not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day!
You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the river bed as a natural obstacle course. Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about 8 can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning. With the safety of a guide everyone can abseil down cascades, splash into pools and ride the river rapids. You can choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous.
Different companies will have their own policies on age limits but usually, unless they are booked onto a children's activity course, anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons. There are a number of adventure companies that offer guided descents down the local waterways.
This company are based in Breil sur Roya and offer a huge range of outdoor sports and activities for groups and individuals.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
Depending on the age of your child there are a number of childcare options available in Provence. There are also numerous babysitting and nursery facilities available in the area - have a look at our childcare listings page for more information or you can contact the local Tourist Offices for a list of available babysitters.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
Explore the best that Provence's has to offer with an expert local guide. From natural tracks to traditional buildings and crafts, food and drink... there's lots to be discovered in Provence.
This monastery was founded and built in the 1970's and is now famous for its monks broadcasting their Gregorian chants live throughout the day.
This museum (Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée — MuCEM) showcases civilisations in the Mediterranean in the twenty first century, and has been developed by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.
The Chateau d'Ansouis was originally a fortress back in the 12th century and become one of the grandest mansions in Provence during the Renaissance.
The Petit Palais museum owes its name to the familiar name of the Archbishops Palace in which it is installed, name that it was given by reference to the great neighbouring palace: the Palais des Papes.
Discover the rhythm of the central Var, situated between the Verdon and the Sainte-Victoire (painted by Cezanne) in the north and the beaches of the coast in the south, this is a truly beautiful region.
The Musee d'Allauch welcomes you in the heart of the old village of Allauch. It is housed in the Hotel de Ville, now totally restored.
Enjoy a number of cycling trails and routes in Provence and what better way to explore Provence than on a bike when you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Have a look at our cycling guide for more information and explore the cycling routes that are in the area. If you are in Provence without your biking gear there are a number of cycle hire shops in who rent and sell bikes, gear and more.
This shop offers a variety of brands and bikes to choose from, including road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, children's bikes, and tandems.
This company offers a wide range of leisure and sports bikes for hire, perfectly located for exploring Mont Ventoux.
This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.
You can dangle a fishing rod in most places and it's often something you can do by yourself, or with friends, from a harbour wall, from the beach or from a boat. There are literally hundreds of places you can go. Why not speak to some of the specialist companies who offer guided trips and excursions or yacht charters for coastal or deep sea fishing, for a bit more of an adventure.
Run by the town hall, this outdoor swimming pool is only open in the summer time, from the end of June until the end of August.
Indoor fun for all the family, regardless of the weather on the outside. The new centre provides a unique experience for those wanting to try caving, canyoning and climbing.
Just to the south of Aix is the town of Gardanne. They open an outdoor swimming pool in the summer, with a 50m pool, baby pool, slides, playgrounds and a relaxation area.
Your chance to give climbing a try, improve your technique and skills and have a great time with family and friends.
Yoga classes, workshops and retreats - the Manolaya Yoga Centre offers all things yoga.
Nestling in the foothills of St Barthelemy, an area renowned for its outstanding beauty and natural healing waters, Lei Chambris offer individual private accommodation on a glorious domain of 10 acres in a stunning setting.
This company offers tourist trips in a helicopter to discover some of the best that Provence has to offer, all from the skies.
France-Balloons operate from various bases throughout France. Their newest balloon base is located half way between the Alps and the Mediterranean at Forcalquier, in Haute Provence.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
This company offers several forms of discovery and progress to practise free fall. Whether you want to make your first parachute jump or move up the discipline, you will find all the necessary information and guidance.
Offers climbing, canyoning, via corda, multi-activities, tandem paragliding flights, a paragliding course, hiking and fly, hiking in the Verdon, snow-shoeing.
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
There are indoor football courts in many of the sport centres around Provence for you to organise a friendly match.
There are over 2.5 million people doing geocaching around the world and some of them (perhaps surprisingly) are right here in Provence! It’s a relatively new craze that started taking the world by storm in May 2000 after a computer geek decided that GPS could be “really exciting”. He hid some treasure at his home in Portland, America, for people to find, broadcast the GPS coordinates and said, “Come and get it”. His only rule: “Take some stuff, leave some stuff”. And that’s exactly what Geocaching is…you go in search of treasure by using the GPS system on your mobile device – once you’ve found it, you write your name in a logbook and replace the treasure you decide to take. It’s pretty simple really and means, as a family, you can be adventurers together. You won’t usually find anything quite as precious as gold, silver and diamonds but nevertheless it’s quite exciting!
This beautiful golf resort offers two courses, each with 18 holes, set amongst pine and oak trees.
The Domaine de Manville has a renowned architect and landscaper designed 18-hole golf course allying technicality and game attraction in an eco-responsible and respectful way to produce a truly very special course.
Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional quality. Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004 m through a lush, wooded vale.
An excellent course for those who want to enjoy a relaxing day out in magnificent surroundings.
The golf course is situated near the famous Riviera resort of Saint Raphael on the outskirts of Cap Esterel.
Situated on a sunny plateau at the foot of the Alpilles mountains, this golf course offers stunning views in all directions.
Horse ride through beautiful landscapes. Provence is an attractive destination for horse treks & lessons.
Le Petit Roman is a family-run 165-acre ranch breeding horses and cattle and farming 3000 olive trees for oil. They offer discovery rides of the nearby Alpilles from 1.5 hours up to full weekends and 3-4 day outings with accommodation available in a typical Provencal estate dating back to the 18th century or for couples they can offer the gypsy caravan!
The Club, established in 1932 has a long and interesting history. Situated on the banks of the river l'Arc over 30 acres, 5 minutes away from the city centre the Club Hippique Aix Marseille offers a full range of facilities.
Horse riding lessons for beginners to experienced riders, for adults and children alike.
Centre Equestre de Carces caters for all abilities of riders and provides lessons, trekking, livery and competitions.
Situated in a stunning environment The Ecuyers du Paradou offer you a wide range of activities such as riding lessons, riding holidays, special occasion parties, hacks in the surrounding countryside, etc...
Join a small group with a guide to explore the Camargue on horseback.
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
This leisure centre has two indoor pools, a 50 metre outdoor heated swimming pool, with terraces and beaches, and water sports.There is also a weights room and dance studio.
Located 12km from Aix en Provence, the Village Automates is a leisure park for children in a wooded area of oaks and pines in eight hectares.
Indoor fun for all the family, regardless of the weather on the outside. The new centre provides a unique experience for those wanting to try caving, canyoning and climbing.
Indoor fun for all the family, regardless of the weather on the outside. The new centre provides a unique experience for those wanting to try caving, canyoning and climbing.
Your chance to give climbing a try, improve your technique and skills and have a great time with family and friends.
Race around the tracks in go-karts or try something more powerful! With a number of karting tracks in Provence it will be great fun for everyone.
This shop offers a variety of brands and bikes to choose from, including road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, children's bikes, and tandems.
This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.
This company offer guides for a wide range of activities both in summer and winter.
There are several nature reserves in Provence. Some have marked walking trails, visitor centres and childrens activities.
Paddleboarding is a great way to explore the stunning coastline of Provence. No previous experience is needed, just hop on the board and start paddling.
Offers climbing, canyoning, via corda, multi-activities, tandem paragliding flights, a paragliding course, hiking and fly, hiking in the Verdon, snow-shoeing.
Baby Magic is a beautiful 23 metre Aikon yacht for charter in France. She was first constructed in 2006 by the renowned Italian shipyard Aikon Yachts. Then in 2018 she underwent an extensive refit, including a new painted hull. Thanks to said refit, she is in great condition and certainly has a quality design. Baby Magic is based in Frejus, making her the ideal choice for cruising around the sunny South of France and the West Mediterranean waters.
Segway tours are available in Arles, with a number of different tours on offer during the daytime and one at night.
The Sisley Spa provides a welcome chance to rejuvenate, with a range of Phyto Aromatic treatments, hamman, solarium and fitness room.
Overlooking the Alpilles hills, this spa has an exclusive cosmetic products range inspired by Provencal ingredients such as jasmine, olives or maritime pines. They offer a wide range of treatments and a water circuit. It is part of the Domaine de Manville Hotel.
A beautiful spa area with a light and calming atmosphere provide instant relaxation and inner peace at Le Vallon de Valruges Hotel & Spa.
Located at L'Hotel Particulier, this spa uses Carita products. They are specialised in massages and beauty treatments.
L'Occitane spa is located right in the heart of where the products and treatments originated from. The luxury scents, cosmetics, products and treatments are developed in the factory in Manosque. You can truly experience the heart and soul of the range of products and the origin from which they have been created.
This spa, located in the 5-star Phebus Hotel, offers treatments for face, body and hair. There is also a water area.
One of the most popular things to do in summer for families is to pop to the local swimming pool. Many of the villages in Provence have outdoor swimming pools that opens only for the summer months of July & August (sometimes they open mid June and early September). These municipal swimming pools cost a couple of euros entry, and represent good value for a family. They generally form part of the local sports centre and so you could try some other sports whilst you are there.
If you'd like to take a dip outdoors in a more natural environment, there are some lakes which have beaches, playgrounds & picnic areas, and offer non-motorised watersports like kayaking and paddle boats. There are also a good selection of lakes and wild swimming areas as well as waterparks which the whole family can enjoy.
So don't forget your towel and your swimming costume or shorts (note, males should wear speedo's in municipal pools, no board shorts allowed).
With its warm climate and mainly dry days, tennis is very popular in Provence. Significant investment in the sport means that there many tennis clubs and courts available for the enthusiast or the amateur.
Provence has plenty of varied theme parks, ranging from tree-top adventure parks and adventure playgrounds to petting zoos, mazes and indoor amusement parks. Great fun for all the family! The greatest concentration of parks can be found in the Aix/Avignon area.
With ten species of crocodiles, giant tortoises, lizards, snakes, tropical fish and birds, the Crocodile Farm has over 400 animals to discover.
Open throughout the year, the Zoo de la Barben features a wide range of animals, from mammals, birds and reptiles.
Roussillon is famed for it's bright orange-red rocks, thanks to the natural ochre pigment found in the soil. These ochre trails take you through this landscape, and there are information boards throughout.
Corbi Parc is a great mix of animals and playgrounds. With over 250 animals (goats, donkeys, pigs, rabbits, birds, llamas and camels) to see, pet, or feed, it's an animal lover's paradise.
With a variety of courses adapted to every age (from a minimum of 2 years) to enjoy a moment of adventure with family and friends.
Come with friends or family and enjoy a day of tree top adventures, climbing, zipwire, or try your hand at orienteering or maybe slacklining.
If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain! This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. These days it is a popular sport that makes the thrill of mountain climbing more accessible to children, beginners and those who want a bit more security when they climb. Following marked routes through the mountains you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety.
In Digne les Bains the tourist office offers a number of different outdoor activities, guided walks and visits, all free of charge.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
This company offer guides for a wide range of activities both in summer and winter.
Hikes in Provence region can generally be split into two categories: coastal and mountain. The coastal routes are all very accessible and mostly very easy, more like strolls than hikes, but still worth doing for the unbeatable views of the coastline and access to fabulous beaches along the way. The mountain trails take a little more effort to get to, but many can be reached by bus or train. They are a great way to explore the terrain behind Provence and the many traditional villages that are dotted around the countryside.
Tour Designer in Provence provide tailor made tours of the best of Provence with day trips and walking tours on offer.
Provence & Wine offer small guided tours from Avignon and Aix en Provence to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Luberon, the Alpilees and the Cotes du Rhone villages.
Splash around on a water slide & enjoy hours of fun, waterparks are hugely popular with both adults and children in Provence! There are several down on the coast by Frejus, and one to the east of Avignon - tackle some of the fun rides and slides and stay cool!
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
Provence is perfect for water sports with its warm summers. There are several watersports centres on inland lakes where you can learn to sail or enjoy thrilling rides in speedboats, and everything in between.
This company are based in Breil sur Roya and offer a huge range of outdoor sports and activities for groups and individuals.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
Just to the north of Apt lies the Plan d'Eau de la Raille. You can practice all sorts of watersports here, with a sailing & windsurfing school. All equipment is available to rent - dinghies, windsurfs, pedal boats and kayaks.
This company offers a range of outdoor activities mostly based around canyoning and rafting white water, as well as via ferrata and mountain biking experiences and snowshoe walks in the winter.
Arles is world renowned for its Roman history and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its many incredibly well preserved monuments and buildings.
Take in the historic sights of Avignon and make a visit to Ile de la Barthelasse using this alternative mode of transport.
With a long bank holiday weekend in store it made sense to venture to the outskirts of Provence to see what the Ardeche region and the famous Ardeche Gorge has to offer.
On a sunny Tuesday morning in April I found myself getting quite lost in the maze of narrow streets and lanes in the stunning, and slightly quirky, hilltop town of Biot.
As we have already revealed galloping along the Alpilles on horseback is a jolly good way of touring the stunning scenery that this Parc Naturel has to offer, but for a more modern (lazy) approach there is an alternative - the electric bike.
Provence has been a popular choice for family holidays for many years, thanks to the ease of access, the weather and the plentiful activities for children, particularly in the summer.
On Saturday I decided to go hiking on Mont Ventoux, the largest mountain in Provence. Popular nicknames include the ‘Beast of Provence’, ‘Giant of Provence’ and of course the ‘Bald Mountain’. After doing only a little research, I headed off in the direction of Bédoin, the town at the base of the mountain where Google Maps told me to go.
Riding around La Camargue on horseback is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the company of experienced and well-trained horses trekking through marshland and along the dusty-paths of the famous region.
Les Alpilles is a relatively little-known range of hills to the south of St Remy de Provence, awarded Parc Naturel Régional status in 2007. The peaks rise to a modest 500m, hence the name ‘little Alps’. Inhabited and farmed by man for thousands of year, these craggy limestone hills are dotted with pretty villages, roman remains and centuries-old vineyards and olive groves. They are also criss-crossed with paths and tracks, making them ideal for walking, mountain biking and, for the less energetic, riding.
With the many rivers around Avignon there are plenty of opportunities to kayak in gorgeous natural surroundings. We headed just 50 kilometres north-west to the village of Goudargues, near La Roque sur Ceze, to try Goud' Canoe’s “Nature” package; which is an 8km route with plenty of picnic areas, swimming spots and sun-bathing sites along the way.
Provence Quad Location, situated in Graveson just a few kilometres outside St.Remy-de-Provence, offer guided tours through the Provençal countryside every day of the year. I was part of a group on the “Discovery” tour.
Cooling off during the hot summer months in Provence tends to involve heading to the nearest swimming spot to take a dip, whether that's at a swimming pool, a waterpark or somewhere in a more natural setting.
Vaucluse ULM flight school are based out of a hangar in Avignon-Sud Airport where they are in possession of around ten different types of aircrafts – from gliders; to stunt planes, microlight aircraft and the bright yellow Auto-Giro that I’m going up in today.
Coming on holiday to Provence doesn't necessarily have to mean that you have to step down a gear and enjoy a slower pace of life, although there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Touring the Mont Sainte Victoire is a perfect escape from Aix-en-Provence to see a wild side of Provence, share some of Cesanne's views and taste some fine wines en route.
The Train des Merveilles takes you from the coastline of Nice into the rugged mountains of the Vallée des Merveilles and the Mercantour National Park.
The Train des Pignes runs on the Chemins de Fer de Provence railway line and connects the Riviera town of Nice with the historic city of Digne Les-Bains, taking you from seaside to snowy mountains in just three hours and 30 minutes.
In 1994 a limestone cave in the Ardeche was discovered that excited the archaeology world. Three caving enthusiasts discovered a cave richly decorated with charcoal drawings, hand prints and engravings that had been closed off by a rock fall for around 20,000 years keeping its contents in incredible condition. Named after one of the cavers, Chauvet Cave quickly became regarded as one of the greatest archaeological finds of our time.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
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