Is Provence Good for Families? Beaches, Villages and Activities

From the pink flamingos of the Camargue to the ochre cliffs of the Luberon, Provence is a colourful destination for families. Our guide reveals the best villages, beaches, and must-do activities for children and adults alike. Discover local markets, cycle through lavender fields, or enjoy a leisurely picnic by the sea — Provence offers endless ways to make unforgettable family memories under the southern French sun. 

Why choose Provence for a family holiday?

With its Mediterranean climate and sunny weather, Provence is a dream for your next family holidays. Picture lavender landscapes, vineyards, and olive groves stretching to the horizon. The charming villages in the Luberon - Gordes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin - are perfect to leisurely explore with the whole family. Blending luxury with authenticity, Provence offers French art de vivre perfectly suited to families and kids — from outdoor adventures to peaceful evenings savouring local flavours under the Provençal sky. For more inspiration, discover why people love to go to Provence, from its timeless charm to its unforgettable landscapes.

From toddlers to teens: What can you do in Provence 

With its diverse mix of nature, culture, and things to do, Provence delights kids of all ages from toddlers to teens. Families can explore big sights like the city of Avignon's Palais des Papes and the Carrières des Lumières in Les-Baux-de-Provence, visit small villages, or take part in outdoor activities followed by ice cream and unwinding at the beach beside the Mediterranean. 

Family activities and outdoor adventures

Families enjoy unforgettable adventures in the heart of Provence, from canoeing and swimming in the Gorges du Verdon to cycling through lavender fields and vineyards in the beautiful countryside. Children and parents alike will love a short hike through the ochre canyons of the Colorado Provençal or exploring the Alpilles on horseback outings or calm donkey treks. 

The most beautiful family beaches and coasts

Some of the most beautiful family-friendly beaches in Provence can be found in Cassis or Calanques National Park. People adore this 520-square-kilometre outdoor paradise, whose turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, boat trips, and kayaking. Adventurous teens and active families can hike to the stunning Calanque d’En-Vau, where dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear seas create unforgettable memories by the Mediterranean coast. Adults will appreciate the accessible beaches in Cassis for their little ones. 

The Camargue: Wild beaches, horse riding by the sea & flamingos

A day trip to the Camargue is pure joy for kids and adults alike. Just a short drive from the Alpilles in your rental car, roam wild beaches, spot pink flamingos, and visit traditional bull ranches. Horseback riding by the sea is so much fun, especially when followed by a refreshing ice cream in the sun. The Camargue is a great place to go off the beaten path, showing how Provence is perfect for adventurous families. 

The best towns and villages in Provence for families 

Families will love discovering Provence’s most beautiful villages. In Gordes, yellow-stone houses and panoramic views stretch as far as the eye can see, making it one of the prettiest villages in France. Roussillon enchants people with its ochre cliffs and colourful lanes, while Les Baux-de-Provence dazzles with its medieval citadel and the immersive Carrières de Lumières, an absolute must. Here, works by famous artists are projected onto the walls of ancient rock quarries, a good way for kids to experience art.

Where to stay in Provence? Large villas for families 

Our luxury villas in Provence brim with family-friendly amenities like swimming pools, outdoor play areas, direct access to the beach and open living spaces. Let this selection inspire you. 

Villa l’Eternelle: A lovely 3-bedroom home in Eygalières, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence, with a pool, garden, and the utmost privacy. 

Villa Ally:  Set in an exceptional location in Cassis, this gorgeous 5-bedroom villa boasts amazing views, beautiful gardens and terraces, a gym, an infinity pool and direct access to the beach.

Mas de Caspian: In the charming village of Le Paradou in the Alpilles, this family-friendly Provençal mas (farmhouse) has a spa and fitness area, large garden, tennis court, and heated pool.

Villa Olympe:  Ideal for a group or large families, this elegant 12-bedroom villa on 60 hectares of private grounds in Cassis features a sea view, heated swimming pool, jacuzzi and large terrace. 

Culture and traditions of Provence

Visitors enjoy strolling through farmers markets in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for local cheese, fresh fruit, soaps, and more. Immerse in theatre at the world-renowned Avignon Festival or international music at the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence. Marvel at Roman heritage at historic sites around Provence: the amphitheatre in Arles, the Théâtre Antique in Orange, or Roman ruins in Vaison-la-Romaine. People cannot help but be enchanted by the rich culture and traditions of Provence.  

Villanovo in Provence: Exceptional stays and luxury concierge services 

Our exclusive collection:

Villanovo has a wide range of luxury villas with a private pool, house staff, tennis court, and even a private chef in your villa in Provence. These wealth of amenities pleases parents and children alike, ensuring a memorable holiday for the entire family.

Our family-friendly villas are located in prime villages and regions in the south of France, including Provence (the Luberon, Alpilles, Les-Baux-de-Provence, Avignon) and the French Riviera (called the Côte d’Azur in French.) 

A unique experience: Best things to do in Provence with kids 

Our personalised concierge services guarantee a tailor-made stay. They can book everything from at-home cooking classes and restaurant reservations to exclusive guided tours and special activities like horse riding at sunset in the Camargue. Villanovo also provides you with a travel diary featuring its top picks: farmers markets, restaurants, shops, parks, beaches, and exclusive, unique experiences in order to make your family holiday in Provence with Villanovo unforgettable.