Are you planning your next family holidays Alpilles? We share our best local recommendations and practical activity ideas to keep everyone entertained, far from the crowded tourist routes.
The Alpilles hills are wonderful for a stay with young children. With easy paths lined with olive trees, medieval castles and cooking workshops, every day brings shared moments. Going on holiday with children in the Alpilles simply requires a little organisation to find the right balance between cultural visits and refreshing breaks by the pool.
Key details to consider:
- Recommended duration: 7 to 14 days to take your time.
- Main activities: Visiting Les Baux-de-Provence, olive oil workshops, cycle rides.
- Accommodation: Provençal farmhouse with a secure pool and a large, shaded garden.
What to do in the Alpilles with your family: 12 essential activities
1- Les Carrières des Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence
These former limestone quarries host multimedia shows projected onto giant fourteen-metre-high walls. Children love walking among the colourful images that come to life on the ground and walls. The natural coolness of the site makes it a very welcome stop during hot summer afternoons.
2- The Château des Baux-de-Provence
This medieval fortress overlooks the entire valley and offers clear views all the way to the sea on a bright day. Children can watch catapult demonstrations and try their hand at archery during the summer season. The tour is designed to be fun and engaging.
3- The ancient site of Glanum in Saint-Rémy
Located south of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, this Gallo-Roman site offers a glimpse into daily life two thousand years ago. Activity booklets and mock archaeological digs are regularly organised to engage young visitors in Roman history in an active way.
4- Cycle rides on the Via Alpilles
This safe greenway links several villages without any traffic. We recommend renting electric bikes fitted with trailers or child seats in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to cycle peacefully through orchards and olive groves.
5- La Petite Provence in Paradou
This museum presents a miniature Provençal village recreated with over four hundred terracotta santons. The details of daily life from times gone by captivate young children, who enjoy spotting the different trades shown in the miniature workshops.
6- Easy walk in the Val d'Enfer
This small valley carved by erosion features striking rock formations that spark children’s imaginations. The path is short, flat and easy to access, allowing you to walk in the shade of the limestone cliffs without too much physical effort, even with younger ones.
7- Introduction to olive oil at Moulin Castelas in Maussane
Maussane-les-Alpilles produces some of the best olive oil in the country. The mill offers educational tours tailored for families to understand how this local ingredient is made. A fun tasting session helps children learn to recognise the different fruity aromas.
8- Picnic at Lac de Peiroou
This freshwater reservoir tucked away in the hills of Saint-Rémy is a peaceful spot for a lunch break in the shade of the pines. Although swimming is not allowed, the path around it offers lovely views and the chance to spot local squirrels and birds.
9- Daudet's Mill in Fontvieille
This famous windmill inspired the well-known stories of Alphonse Daudet. The walking path leading to it from the village centre is lined with explanatory panels. It is a wonderful opportunity to read a few stories to the children before or after the walk.
10- The market in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
On Wednesday mornings, the town centre comes alive with colourful stalls of fruit, cheese and crafts. It is the perfect chance to give children a small shopping list so they can ask local producers for a piece of goat’s cheese or a few ripe apricots themselves.
11- Pony trekking at the foot of the cliffs
Several equestrian centres in the region offer introductory sessions and one-hour pony rides. Children ride at the calm pace of the animals along dirt tracks scented with rosemary, supervised by qualified instructors who know the area perfectly.
12- The Alchemist's Garden in Eygalières
This contemporary park offers a sensory trail structured around local plants. A green maze allows children to play while discovering the scents of sage, lavender and thyme. An ideal moment of calm at the end of the day.
Where to stay with children in the Alpilles?
Finding the right accommodation is essential for successful family holidays Alpilles. At Plaisirs & Maisons de Provence, we select characterful homes that meet the needs of families. Whether you are looking for a traditional stone farmhouse in Eygalières, a contemporary villa with a secure pool in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or a village house with an enclosed garden in Maussane-les-Alpilles, we have the ideal place for your holiday.
Our homes feature child-friendly equipment and large outdoor spaces where they can play safely while you relax under the pergola. We know every owner and every house personally to guarantee a warm welcome and a stay with no unpleasant surprises.
Vacation rental house with pool AUREILLE LS2-287
From 151.00€ per night
Vacation rental villa pool Orgon LS1-117
From 114.00€ per night
Vacation rental with heated pool Mouries LS1-140
From 143.00€ per night
Vacation rental house with pool MOURIES LS1-174
From 216.00€ per night
Why choose the Alpilles?
The Alpilles are the ideal family destination because they combine an exceptional natural setting, perfect for walks without being too steep, with plenty of engaging activities for children. Peaceful and away from the coastal crowds, the region offers safe villages, farmhouses with pools, and a central location to easily explore the Camargue, the Pont du Gard or the sea in under an hour.
Choosing to go on holiday with children in the Alpilles means enjoying a gentle break under the southern sun. Our local team is on hand to guide you in choosing your holiday rental and recommend the best local producers. With our regional roots since 2010, we help you design a tailor-made stay that your children will always remember. Contact us to make your travel plans a reality or book directly on our website.
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