A family trip to discover local expertise in Provence

This educational, family-friendly adventure begins near Arles. Make your way to La Maison du Riz to unveil all the secrets about rice production. This is a one-of-a-kind educational venue in Camargue and it is run by a passionate family! Jacques, Françoise, Jean-Philippe and Marine share their expertise and offer different varieties of top-quality rice, grown with great care and attention while respecting the land.

Back to Arles for lunch at the Hotel Le Calendal’s Le Comptoir du Calendal. All day long, you’ll find a selection of sandwiches, salads and tarts, all inspired by the Mediterranean diet. We particularly like the special attention they give to vegetables, multi-grain bread and olive oil. Eat in or take away.

The afternoon is the perfect opportunity to wander around the town and admire the historic monuments there. Begin by diving into the town’s Roman past at the unmissable Arles Amphitheatre. Then head to the cloister garden next to the Roman Theatre of Arles and enjoy an afternoon snack there as a family.  

After this first action-packed day, you'll be enjoying an evening meal and then overnight stay at the Hôtel du Musée, a very charming building in the historic town centre of Arles where you can expect a peaceful atmosphere, comfort and a warm welcome.

Make your way to Camargue Regional Nature Park to see with your own eyes the surprising biodiversity there. This unique area in Europe is protected across 85,000 hectares and made up of vast plains teeming with biodiversity. The wild landscapes are covered in salt marshes and heathland where white horses and Camargue bulls graze peacefully. Pink flamingoes take refuge in the salt marshes and lakes, adding a touch of colour to this exceptional region. The whole family will be in awe!

Mid-afternoon, it’s time to head to Barbentane to get ready for your next day there. Go and check in at the Mas du Petit Claux and make the most of the lush-green grounds. The children will be particularly thrilled to go and play in the swimming pool. In the evening, enjoy a meal made using seasonal produce from the local market. 

In the morning, go to the Cristine Darc santons studio and take part in a family workshop to make your very own santon figurine of Provence. This experience will whisk you away into the history of the region.  

Grab a sandwich for lunch and then head to Barbentane. Take a stroll around the winding streets lined with old stone houses, and admire the many listed Historic Monuments throughout the village. Go back to the Mas du Petit Claux and relax with a good book while the children play in the garden. An easy-going end to the day. 

Set off to Avignon to visit the Palace of the Popes. This is the biggest Gothic-style palace in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to the interactive tablet that you’ll be provided with at the entrance, the children will be captivated throughout the visit. 

Pick up some lunch at the Halles d’Avignon, the huge Provençal market, from one of the 40 passionate stall holders selling local products. A unique experience combining artisanal know-how, a warm welcome and authenticity.

In the afternoon, go for a ride on a little train through Avignon, and use the audio guide available in several languages to learn about the town on the way. Then wander around the picturesque streets, with a delicious ice cream in your hand, and just take in the magical atmosphere of this historic town.

Embrace the enchanting world of Alice in Wonderland as you enjoy dinner at the restaurant Le Lapin Blanc: fresh products from sustainable farming practices in a warm and friendly atmosphere. 

You’ll be staying overnight in the town centre at the Hôtel Central.

The first activity of the day is a morning with beekeeper Gérard Jourdan  for an introduction to his profession. On this course, you'll learn about the hive, about the life of bees, the key role they play for biodiversity, collecting the honey and what can be done to protect bees, with opportunities to taste the honey of course. 

For lunch, head to the Bistrot Cocotte to enjoy some traditional French cuisine. All dishes are made using fresh fruit and vegetables. Here, we make a point of working with the producers from the region.

The next stop is Auriol animal farm. There are plenty of fun and educational activities at this farm, including slides, bouncy castles and games in the water.

Before going to check in at the Gîte du Braou for the night, stop by the delicatessen and pick up some food for your evening meal and breakfast the next morning.

Drive to Marseille to unveil the secrets of soap making at the Fer à Cheval soap factory. This soap factory was founded in Marseille in 1856 and it is keeping the tradition alive.

Stop off at a bakery to get some food for a picnic and then head to one of the many lush-green parks, such as Font Obscure park where you can blow off some steam and relax in the shade. 

Stroll around the famous Vieux Port all afternoon and admire the countless boats that are moored there, just like a typical postcard scene. 

As a treat for the last two nights, you'll be staying at Mama Shelter, very close to  Cours Julien where there’s a buzzing atmosphere and plenty of outdoor terrace areas. There are adjoining rooms there called ‘XXL Mama’ rooms, which are perfect for families like yours. 

Get off to a great start on your last day with a fun guided tour and exciting treasure hunt around the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde hill. This original activity is a great way for families to explore the picturesque districts of Vauban and Roucas Blanc, and admire the stunning views.

For lunch, stop by the Restaurant Alivetu. This is a casual restaurant serving gourmet bistro-style cuisine, where local, seasonal products and traditional recipes are showcased on a menu that often changes, and local producers and organic, sustainable farmers are chosen wherever possible. 

After lunch, go for a wander around Marseille and then take part in a parent/child baking workshop at Encore un Morceau. You’ll be able to make some chouquettes or other sweet treats together as you learn some pastry-making techniques. 

To round off this eventful day, walk the 15 minutes to Catalans beach to dip your toes in the water, laze on the sand and watch the children build sandcastles.

Further reading:

• Visit la Provence