6 Irresistible Ideas for a Trip to Southern France With Kids

There’s no end to the fun in the sun on a trip to Southern France where you and your kids will bask in landscapes so gorgeous they inspired master artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gaughin. When you work with an experienced family travel agent, you’ll gain access to unique activities sure to keep the whole family entertained and engaged.

To give you a taste of what to expect on a trip to Southern France with kids, we’ve compiled a list of parent-tested, kid-approved travel ideas. Whether you incorporate one of these activities into your next family vacation or all of them, you’ll savor the taste of Provence and its many charms.

1) Learn About Roman History in Arles

Two millennia ago, Arles was a vital Roman settlement. The city still boasts an impressive concentration of Roman architecture. This makes Arles the perfect stomping ground for those fascinated by the past. There are few better places to bone up on your knowledge of Roman architecture, culture, and entertainment through the tangible remains of this sophisticated civilization.

Family favorites include visiting the Archaeological Museum of Arles, where you can scope out an incredible collection of artifacts, including a large merchant boat and various household items. Next, head to the city center to explore the Ancient Amphitheater of Arles to explore one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheaters. Additional sites worth seeing include the Thermal Baths of Constantine and the Forum and Cryptoporticus.

2) Explore the Palace of the Popes

Avignon, France, boasts a storied history that includes participation in one of the most scandalous religious controversies of the Middle Ages, the Avignon Papacy. From 1309 to 1376, seven successive popes ruled from Avignon instead of Rome. Why the geographic switch? It arose from a conflict between the French crown and the papacy. This culminated in the election of Clement V as pope. After he refused to move, Avignon became the new center of the Church.

Dating to the 14th century, the Palace of the Popes represented a potent symbol of the Church’s power and influence. And it marks the largest Gothic palace of its kind on the continent. On a tour of this impressive site, you’ll see the opulent private rooms of the popes, the built-in church, the assembly halls for the Conclave, and the treasury.

3) Take a Stroll Through Marseille

As the second-largest city in France, Marseille contains a rich admixture of architectural curiosities and magnificent views. There’s no more enjoyable way to get into the thick of the action than on a walking tour of “Le Panier,” the oldest district in the city. Surrounded by street-art-colored facades, posh boutiques, and intimate terrace cafes, you’ll fall in love with France’s slower pace of living.

During your tour, visit the Diamond House to learn more about Marseille’s ancient history, including Greco-Roman settlements stretching back for two millennia. Built by wealthy traders from Spain and Italy, the house features an intriguing façade of diamond-shaped stones.

After exploring this architectural marvel, head to la Place des Moulins (Windmill Square), the highest point in Le Panier. Its name comes from the 15 windmills that sat at the site in the 17th century. Other highlights include the Place de Lenche where the ancient Greek agora once sat and the Notre-Dame des Accoules church constructed in the 11th century.

Marseille is also a fantastic place for a fun family photoshoot with a professional through flytographer. Find out more about hiring a flytographer for your France family vacation.

4) Chase Van Gogh in Provence

Nothing better epitomizes the sunbaked charms of Provence than the incredible canvases famed artist Vincent Van Gogh painted during his time in the French countryside. In 1888, he first traveled from Paris to the French Riviera by train, and he would famously disembark in Arles, where inspiration abounded.

On a Van Gogh tour of the city, you and your kids will see firsthand where the iconic artist lived, known as the Yellow House. This location gave birth to incredible pieces like A Starry Night Over the Rhône. Next, hop the train to Saint-Remy-de-Provence for another place Van Gogh immortalized through his canvases. The right kid-friendly guides will provide the perfect combination of details and hands-on activities to ensure your little ones remain engaged, entertained, and actively learning.

5) Step Back in Time on a Medieval Castle Tour

Provence with kids means finding activities that will capture everyone’s imagination. Two fantastic sights, both dating to the Middle Ages and located in Les Baux de Provence do the trick nicely. Despite having only 22 residents, Les Baux de Provence, has earned a reputation as one of the most picturesque villages in France. As you walk its narrow streets, one monument towers above the rest, a medieval fortress built atop a hill, affording breathtaking photos of the surrounding area. The castle grounds will bring the past to life for your family as you explore catapults and other defensive weapons of a bygone age.

As you leave the village, head to les Carrières de Lumières (the Quarries of Light) to explore another side of Southern France’s past. An abandoned quarry dug into the mountain, the area makes for an incredible show of music and light in every direction. Every year, artists’ works are selected for projection on the quarry’s walls, transforming the cavernous spot into an intriguing museum every member of your family will love.

6) Savor the Best of Local Viticulture

Southern France also represents the ideal setting for a wine tour. Better yet, combine it with an electric bike adventure for the ultimate experience. Soak up romantic natural landscapes as you head from one vineyard to the next in pursuit of the ideal vintage. Then, head back out to explore medieval villages featuring magical views. Or, get a bird’s eye view of the region on a friendly hot air balloon tour of Aix-en-Provence and Arles.

Or, consider a picnic lunch or stop at a country restaurant for the best of farm-to-table cuisine. This leisurely Picnic Lunch & Wine Tasting experience will introduce you to the best French vines have to offer. It’ll also bring to life one of the nation’s adages, “Quand le vin est tiré, il faut le boire,” which translates as “When the wine is poured, it must be drunk” (via Snippets of Paris).

Southern France With Kids

Southern France with kids comes with countless opportunities to get back to nature while soaking up the local culture, from delicious country cuisine to fine wines and marvelous masterpieces by some of the world’s most famed artists. But don’t stop there! You’ll also want to step back in time to learn about Southern France’s Roman past or head to Les Baux de Provence to get your fill of medieval architecture.

Are you interested in finding out more about visiting Southern France with kids? We’ve got you covered. Contact us today to discuss your travel interests and goals. Then, we’ll incorporate them into your family dream vacation.