After designing a guided tour of Montmartre for my family, I wanted to create and share this Self-Guided Montmartre Walking Tour for Kids so everyone else can enjoy it as well! This is the perfect guide for families looking to explore this charming neighbourhood in a more playful, memorable way. So come with us and explore the artistic corners of Montmartre!

Table Of Contents

1. Map of Montmartre for Kids
2. History of Montmartre for Kids
3. Le Bateau-Lavoir
4. Wallace Fountains
5. Grab a Hot Chocolate
6. Au Marche de la Butte
7. I Love You Wall
8. Paris Metro
9. Laulhère Berets
10. Maracons
11. Rue Foyatier
12. Sacre Coeur
13. Place du Tertre
14. Maison Rose
15. Lapin Agile
16. Rue de l'Abreuvoir
17. Place Dalida
18. Allée des brouillards
19. Park Suzanne Buisson Square
20. Passe-Muraille
21. Moulin de la Galette
22. À la Mère de Famille
23. Moulin Rouge

Map of Montmartre for Kids

History of Montmartre for Kids

You are standing in Montmartre, a hill wrapped in secrets and touched by the extraordinary. Long before the winding streets and hidden passageways that exist today, Paris was a quiet village, surrounded by dense forests and a twisting river. Over the centuries, kings ruled, knights fought, and clever revolutionaries plotted in the shadows, gradually shaping the grand city we now recognize.

But Montmartre, ah, Montmartre, it has always stood apart. Perched high above the city like a silent guardian, it once bustled with the gentle rhythm of windmills turning in the breeze. Vineyards blanketed the hillside, and villagers began each day by baking fresh bread, the scent of croissants and baguettes drifting down toward the city below.

In the 19th century, a curious transformation unfolded. Artists, dancers, and dreamers flocked to this hilltop haven, filling its quiet streets with colour, music, and revolutionary ideas. Some of the world’s most iconic painters rented tiny studios across the neighbourhood, capturing Montmartre’s enchantment on canvas and preserving its spirit for generations to come.

Le Bateau-Lavoir

Our tour starts in front of #13 Rue Ravignan on Place Emile Goudeau. This building was initially called Le Bateau-Lavoir, which means “The Washhouse Boat” in French. Even though it wasn’t a boat, people thought the old building looked like the floating laundry barges on the river. But here’s the cool part, this was a secret hideout for who is now one of the world’s most famous painters! A strange painter known for his wild shapes and crazy ideas, Pablo Picasso.

This was Picasso’s first studio in Paris, a tiny, rickety old place where he and his friends created amazing art that changed the world. They had no heating, so they’d huddle together in the winter. Imagine painting with gloves on under dim candlelight, the smell of oil paint filling the room until it stank of nothing but! Nonetheless, it was a place where creative people gathered, shared ideas, and made art that changed the world. Picasso even painted one of his most famous artworks here, ‘Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.’

Wallace Fountains

All over Paris, you might spot strange, tall green fountains with four elegant ladies holding something above their heads. These are Wallace Fountains, and they hold a secret, fresh drinking water! Long ago, a kind Englishman named Sir Richard Wallace wanted to help the people of Paris have free, clean water. So, he built these fountains, decorating them with four figures who represent kindness, charity, simplicity, and sobriety (that means staying away from things that aren’t good for you).

Grab a Hot Chocolate

If you’ve begun this tour early in the morning, there’s no better way to start the day than by stopping at one of Montmartre’s charming coffee shops. Many of them also serve rich chocolat chaud, which means hot chocolate, perfect for the kids. But this isn’t just a sweet treat. Hot chocolate has a fascinating past tied to the very history of France, making it a delicious and meaningful way to begin your adventure. When hot chocolate first arrived in France in 1615, it wasn’t sweet at all! A Spanish princess, Anne of Austria, brought the recipe when she married King Louis XIII, but back then, it was bitter and spicy. French chefs soon worked their magic, adding sugar and milk, creating the creamy, delicious treat we love today!

By the time King Louis XIV ruled France, hot chocolate was the ultimate fancy royal drink at the Palace of Versailles. And guess what? The famous queen who lost her head, Marie Antoinette, was obsessed with it! She even had her own special royal chocolate chef to make it just right. Lucky for us, you don’t have to be royalty to enjoy a cup today!

Au Marche de la Butte

Do you see the little grocery store with the bright green exterior? That’s no ordinary shop… it’s the famous Au Marché de la Butte! But why is it famous? Well, if you’ve seen the movie Amélie, you might recognize it! In the film, Amélie, an adventurous and clever girl, comes here to shop while solving little mysteries in her neighbourhood. Just like you’re doing today! The name “Marché de la Butte” means “Market of the Hill” because it sits right here on the slopes of Montmartre, one of the highest places in all of Paris!

Passages des Abbesses

Take a little shortcut down the stairs just behind Au Marche de la Butte, which leads onto the Passage de Abbesses, a narrow pathway built in 1840. It was named to honour Montmartre’s abbesses (female heads of abbeys). Montmartre was once a very tight-knit religious community, and the abbesses controlled much of the land in this area, just like city officials would today.

At the bottom of the stairs, you’ll find the entrance to the Jardin des Abesses. The Jardin des Abbesses is a quiet, leafy retreat just steps from the lively Place des Abbesses. Once part of a convent garden, it pays tribute to the abbesses of the historic Montmartre Abbey. Designed in a medieval herb garden style, it features medicinal plants laid out in neat squares.

I Love You Wall

Around the corner from the Jardin des Abesses, you will spot a huge blue mural covered in words written in over 250 languages! This incredible wall called “Le Mur des Je T’aime” (The I Love You Wall), was created in 2000 as a reminder that love has no borders, no language barriers and always finds a way to bring people together. No matter where you are from or what language you speak, love is something everyone understands.

Paris Metro

Paris has one of the oldest underground train systems in the world? And guess what? Its entrance looks like something straight out of a storybook! Take a look at the green, curvy metal archway nearby. Doesn’t it look like a magical portal with swirling vines? But it’s not leading to a secret world. Look closely at the green sign. What is the long word written across the top?

That’s right, “Métropolitain”! Or just “Métro” for short! This word comes from “metropolis,” which means a big city, because when the Metro first opened in 1900, it was built to connect all the most important places in Paris, just in time for the World’s Fair! Back then, the underground tunnels were a brand-new idea, and today, millions of people ride the Metro every day!

Kozy

It’s time to take a little break to give your feet a rest and there is no better place than inside Kozy. This charming and casual brunch spot is home to some delicious pastries, so order up some croissants to sit and enjoy while we talk about the history of bread in France!

In France, bread is so important that there are even BREAD LAWS! Every village is legally obligated to have at least one bakery, so no one has to suffer a baguette emergency! If a town doesn’t have one, the mayor must find a way to provide fresh bread, even if it means delivering it from a nearby village!

There are also laws on what ingredients are allowed in baguettes. They must be made with only four ingredients; flour, water, salt, and yeast. That means no preservatives! That’s why baguettes here in France taste best when they’re fresh! If a French baker dares to mess with the sacred baguette recipe, adding sneaky ingredients, they could face fines, lose their fancy baker title, or even cause a national bread crisis (mon dieu!). Breaking baguette laws is practically a crime against deliciousness!

Croissant History

Take a good look at the shape of the croissant. It is not just for decoration; its design has a hidden history! Back in 1683, a great battle took place in Vienna, Austria. The Ottoman army surrounded the city and tried to dig secret tunnels to sneak inside at night. But they did not count on the city’s bakers, who were already awake, making bread before sunrise! Hearing strange sounds underground, the bakers warned the soldiers, who stopped the attack just in time. To celebrate, they baked a special crescent-shaped pastry—a shape taken from the Ottoman Empire’s flag. What does the flag remind you of?

But how did the croissant become a French favourite? In 1770, Austrian princess Marie Antoinette married King Louis XVI and moved to France. She left Vienna behind but could not forget her favourite crescent-shaped pastry. Soon, this delicious treat became popular across France, and its name, “croissant,” comes from the French word for “crescent.”

Laulhère Berets

After your little snack, take a look at the shop just down the road, Laulhère, one of the most prestigious beret shops in Paris! The Beret hat has been worn in France for hundreds of years, starting with shepherds in the Pyrenees mountains who used it to stay warm. Over time, it became popular with artists, soldiers, and even movie stars! French kings in the 17th century made the beret an official part of military uniforms, and during World War II, members of the French Resistance wore them to blend in while carrying out secret missions. Many famous painters like Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet wore berets while creating their masterpieces, and today, it is one of the most recognizable symbols of French fashion. You might even spot a stylish Parisian wearing one as you explore!

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Maracons

Grab yourself a little sweet from Christophe Roussel, where you can find one of the most iconic French treats, the macaron. Did you know this delicious little cookie wasn’t always French? In the 1500s, a queen named Catherine de’ Medici travelled from Italy to France to marry a French king. She brought fancy chefs with her, and one of their specialties was a simple almond cookie, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The French bakers loved it, and soon, they started making their own versions!

But here’s the twist, the macarons back then didn’t look like the ones we know today! There was no filling, no bright colours, and no delicate flavours. It was just a little cookie… but that was about to change! Fast forward to the 20th century, when clever French bakers had a brilliant idea: what if we combine two cookies with a creamy filling in the middle? And voilà! The macaron we know and love was born! Now, they come in various flavours, from vanilla to wild, unexpected flavours, like Lemon & Basil, Chocolate & Passionfruit, Rose, Lychee & Raspberry. Each bite is an explosion of flavour!

Rue Foyatier

Armed with your sweet treats, let’s get ready for a challenge! Rue Foyatier is no ordinary street. Instead of cars, it is made entirely of 222 steps leading straight up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica at the top of Montmartre. The street is named after Denis Foyatier, a famous French sculptor. If you need a break, the Montmartre Funicular runs right beside it, taking visitors up in just 90 seconds.

Sacre Coeur

Whether you conquered all 222 steps or took the funicular for a swift escape (clever move!), you now stand at the highest point in Paris. Look around, the city unfolds before you like a giant map, filled with secrets waiting to be discovered. Take a moment to enjoy a well-earned snack with the best view in town.

Why do you think Parisians chose to build such a magnificent church in a spot that requires such a climb to reach? The answer is hidden in a legendary tale. Long ago, a courageous man named Saint Denis lived in Paris. As a bishop, he taught people about kindness and faith, but not everyone welcomed his message. The Roman rulers saw him as a threat, so one day, he was captured and brought to a hill just outside the city to face execution. That very hill is where you are standing now!

The name Montmartre means “Mountain of Martyrs” because Saint Denis was beheaded right here. But this is where the legend takes an astonishing turn. Instead of collapsing after they chopped off his head, Saint-Denis did something unbelievable! He picked up his head and started walking! He travelled for miles, still preaching along the way, before finally stopping at the place where he would be buried. That very spot became the town of Saint-Denis, just outside Paris, where his story is remembered to this day!

Place du Tertre

Just a few steps from Sacre Coeur, you’ll find the Place du Tertre. A long time ago, in the 1100s, Place du Tertre was part of a monastery where monks lived quietly, growing vineyards and baking bread. In French, “Place” refers to a public square where people gather in a town or city. You’ll find this word all over Paris, so it’s good to know!

“Tertre” means “small hill” in French because Montmartre, back then, was still mostly farmland and windmills. But by the 1800s, Montmartre had been transformed; it became a village of artists, full of painters, poets, and musicians looking for inspiration. Place du Tertre quickly became a meeting place for artists, and soon, it was filled with easels, paintbrushes, and creative ideas!

Today, Place du Tertre is one of the most famous squares in Paris, where local artists still set up their easels and paint right before you! Some artists create detailed portraits, while others paint beautiful views of Montmartre, just like the Impressionists did over 100 years ago. A portrait from an artist you love is one of the most wonderful souvenirs you can get in Paris, and I highly recommend it!

Maison Rose

The walk from Place du Tertre to La Maison Rose is a short but scenic stroll through some of Montmartre’s most charming corners. After just a few minutes, you’ll spot La Maison Rose on the corner of Rue de l’Abreuvoir. 100 years ago, Montmartre was not the busy tourist spot you see today. It was a quiet countryside village filled with windmills, vineyards, and artists. Painters, writers, and musicians came here to create their masterpieces and ‘La Maison Rose‘ became a unique gathering place for them.

The café was opened in the early 1900s by Germaine Pichot, who married the Spanish painter Ramon Pichot. But before that, she was a famous model for some of the most important artists of her time, including Pablo Picasso!

Clos Montmartre

Continuing down Rue des Saules, you will spot on your right a hidden vineyard right here in Montmartre. This is the Clos Montmartre. The vineyard you see today was planted in 1930 to help bring back this lost part of Montmartre’s history. Every year, the grapes are harvested and turned into a special Montmartre wine, though only a small amount is made. The money from selling the wine goes to charity, making this vineyard not only historic but also helpful to the community.

Lapin Agile

Across from the vineyard is a tiny, old cabaret with a most unusual sign. This is Cabaret Au Lapin Agile, one of Paris’s most legendary and mischievous spots! This cabaret was built in the 1860s when it was just a small wine tavern where locals, poets, and musicians would gather to tell stories and sing songs.

Back then, it was known by a very different name, “Cabaret des Assassins” (The Cabaret of the Assassins)! The name comes from a painting on the wall that shows famous criminals and outlaws from history. One day, a playful artist named André Gill designed a new sign for the cabaret. You can still spot it on the building today!

This painting features a rabbit wearing a scarf jumping out of a pot. The locals loved the sign so much that they started calling the cabaret “Le Lapin à Gill” (which means “Gill’s Rabbit”). Over time, the name changed to “Lapin Agile,” which in French sounds like “The Agile Rabbit” or “The Dancing Rabbit!“

Rue de l’Abreuvoir

Head back up the hill and turn down the street where you found the Maison Rose. This is the famous Rue de l’Abreuvoir, one of Paris’s oldest streets. First mentioned in 1325 when it was known as “ruelle qui va au but,” meaning “the lane that leads to the end.” The name “Abreuvoir,” adopted in 1843, translates to “watering trough,” reflecting its past role in providing water for animals and residents in Montmartre.

See if you can spot the sundial with a mysterious message at #4 Rue de l’Abreuvoir. Unlike modern clocks, sundials tell time using the sun’s shadow, marking the passing hours as the light moves across its face. But this one is special! It features an inscription: “When you will ring, I will sing.” The “you” in this riddle refers to the bell tower atop Sacré-Cœur, which looms above us. The “I” refers to the rooster painted above the sundial.

Place Dalida

At the base of the hill, you will find a bronze statue of a woman who once ruled the stage with her incredible voice and dazzling presence. She was known by only one name, Dalida. She was one of the first superstar singers, just like today’s biggest pop stars! Born in Egypt in 1933, she moved to France, where she became world-famous for singing in multiple languages, including French, Italian, Arabic, and Spanish. Take a close look at the statue; some parts shine! Legend says that rubbing her chest brings good luck in love, which is why so many visitors have worn it smooth and shiny over time.

Allée des brouillards

From the Buste de Dalida, head west along the Allée des Brouillards and take a moment to enjoy this quiet, hidden alley. Allée des Brouillards means “Alley of the Mists”; doesn’t that sound mysterious? Long ago, this little street was often covered in thick morning fog, making it look like a place where ghosts might lurk! If you are lucky enough to walk along this alley on a foggy day, see if you can spot any ghosts yourself!

Looking over the fence on your left stands a beautiful old mansion called the Château des Brouillards. This grand house, built in the 18th century, has been home to many painters, writers, and dreamers who wanted to escape the city’s noise. One of its most famous residents was Pierre-Auguste Renoir, one of the greatest painters in history! Imagine Renoir walking down this misty alley, dreaming up his next masterpiece.

Park Suzanne Buisson Square

Continue down the stairs onto Place de Casadesus, then turn left and pass through the green gates into Square Suzanne Buisson. In the heart of this peaceful park, you’ll find a curious sight: a stone statue of Saint Denis, the patron saint of Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur. Legend has it he was beheaded, and here he stands, calmly holding his own head in his hands, gazing out over the tranquil greenery that surrounds him.

Passe-Muraille

From the Statue of Saint-Denis, head southwest on Impasse Girardon onto Avenue Junot. Continue east for a short distance, as the street turns into Place Marcel Aymé where you will find Le Passe-Muraille. Long ago, a famous writer wrote a story about a man called Dutilleul, who discovered he had an unbelievable power. He could walk through walls just like a ghost! At first, he used his ability for fun, sneaking into places just to surprise people. But soon, he got a little too bold. He used his talent to trick his boss, sneak into secret places, and even escape from prison! But here’s the twist, one day, just as he was walking through a wall, something went terribly wrong. His powers vanished, leaving him trapped halfway through the stone, stuck forever! That is exactly what you see today, the statue of Le Passe-Muraille, or The Man Who Walked Through Walls.

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Moulin de la Galette

From Le Passe-Muraille, head on Place Marcel Aymé toward Rue Girardon. Turn left onto Rue Girardon, where Le Moulin de la Galette will be on the right. This is the old Moulin de la Galette, one of the last wooden windmills left in Montmartre. A long time ago, in the 1600s, Montmartre was full of farms and windmills. The windmills were used to grind wheat into flour so bakers could make bread. But one family, the Debrays, had a great idea! Instead of just making flour, why not bake something special? So, they started making a delicious dessert called a “galette,” (a type of simple French cake) soon, people from all over Paris would come to Montmartre to taste it. That’s how the windmill got its name: Moulin (windmill) de la Galette (of the cake)!

But the real excitement started in the 1800s, when this windmill became one of the most famous dance halls in Paris. Every Sunday, people from all over the city would come here to dance, eat, and celebrate. Artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir loved to watch the lively scene, and he even painted one of the most famous paintings of all time, ‘Bal du Moulin de la Galette,’ to capture the fun!

À la Mère de Famille

From Le Moulin de la Galette, head west on Rue Lepic toward Rue Tholozé, then turn left onto Rue Tholozé and take the stairs. Turn right onto Rue des Abbesses, then left back onto Rue Lepic, where À la Mère de Famille will be on the right. À la Mère de Famille means “To the Mother of the Family” in French. because this shop has been making delicious sweets as a family-run business for over 250 years! That’s longer than most buildings in Montmartre have been standing! Inside, you’ll find handmade chocolates, colourful candies, and special French treats like calissons (sweet almond candies) and nougat (a chewy honey and nut treat). Everything here is made using traditional recipes, just like in 1761, when the shop first opened. Back then, people would visit to buy chocolates as a special gift or to enjoy as a rare treat. Today, anyone can step inside and taste a little piece of history!

Moulin Rouge

From À la Mère de Famille, head southwest on Rue Lepic toward Rue Robert Planquette, then turn right onto Place Blanche/Boulevard de Clichy. Continue along Boulevard de Clichy, where the Moulin Rouge will be on the right. Welcome to the most famous cabaret in the world, the Moulin Rouge! With its bright red windmill and glowing lights, this is where Montmartre’s nightlife truly began. But why is this place so special?…

Opened in 1889, the Moulin Rouge quickly became the most thrilling spot in Paris, known for its dazzling Cancan dancers! The Cancan started in the 1830s as a simple line dance, but over time, dancers made it wilder and more daring. By the time the Moulin Rouge opened, it had become a high-energy spectacle, filled with high kicks, twirling skirts, cartwheels, and splits that left audiences amazed! Back then, most women wore long, heavy dresses, so Cancan dancers shocked the crowd by lifting their skirts and revealing their frilly petticoats and stockings. Some thought it was too bold, but that only made it more exciting!”

When we think of the Moulin Rouge, one artist stands out more than any other, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec! He loved the energy of Montmartre’s nightlife and captured it in his art. Instead of painting kings and grand palaces, he focused on the real people of Montmartre, dancers, singers, performers, and even the lively crowds watching the shows. His bold, colourful posters became famous all over Paris, showing dancers in swirling skirts, high-kicking their legs, and the bright lights of the Moulin Rouge stage. One of his most famous subjects was La Goulue, the queen of the Cancan dance. Toulouse-Lautrec’s artwork helped make the Moulin Rouge legendary, and even today when people imagine Montmartre’s nightlife, they picture his stunning paintings and posters!

As your self-guided adventure ends at the legendary Moulin Rouge, you’ll find yourself stepping into the lively neighbourhood of Pigalle. If you’re looking to grab something to eat, check out the Bouillon Pigalle, a lively, no-frills classic Parisian “bouillon with a bustling, communal vibe and serving up comforting French staples at remarkably low prices.

With its winding lanes, playful stops, and hidden stories, Montmartre becomes a magical playground where kids can explore Paris’s artistic soul at their own pace. I hope you’ve enjoyed our tour. Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to Montmartre and what you enjoyed most with your kids!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Self-Guided Montmartre Walking Tour for Kids first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

If you’re looking for someplace, that is more laid back and yet still will introduce your kids to the wonders of France, you should check out everything there is to see and do in Provence! There is truly nothing like experiencing the Provencal way of life with your kids, from wandering the outdoor market and sampling the freshest fruits and vegetables to exploring the ruins of an ancient castle that will bring history to life right before your eyes. There truly is something for everyone. And for those travellers who want to split their time between Paris and Provence, you can get a TGV train from Gard du Nord into Provence in less than 3 hours! 

So, don’t delay. And start dreaming of your perfect trip to Provence with your little explorers. Here are my favourite recommendations for the best activities for kids in Provence!

Table Of Contents

1. #1 Explore the Exciting Outdoor Markets
2. #2 Hike into the Ochre Quarries of Rousillon
3. #3 Discover the Ruins of the Château des Baux-de-Provence
4. #4 Take an Exciting E-bike Tour 
5. #5 Canoe Along the Pont du Gard
6. #6 Solve the Intrigue Dans la Ville
7. #7 Step Back in Time inside the Rocher Mistral
8. #9 Try out a Provencal Pastime
9. #10 Take a Workshop inside the Musée de la Lavande

#1 Explore the Exciting Outdoor Markets

One of the first outings I recommend doing with the kids upon arriving in Provence is hitting a local market. Preferably one near your home base. This is the best way to introduce the kids to exploring a new city before diving into a big touristy town. I always recommend going to one of the smaller markets over the busy ones in larger cities. While the Sunday Market in Isle-sure-la-Sorgue is amazing, it can be overwhelming with so many people. And the little ones are bound to get swallowed up by the big crowds. 

Interacting with the Locals

And don’t think the smaller markets are anything to look down on. Even the most humble market in Provence is a fantastic place for kids. Here they can learn, just by looking, about all the different kinds of Provencal produce. Foods are unique to this part of the country. 

And there will be a lot of opportunities for them to interact with the local vendors. In my experience, the vendors loved interacting with kids. They would come out from behind their booths and stalls to show off their produce. They would even slice into melons and give them apricots to try! I think the kids ate more samples than real meals throughout the trip! One of their favourite finds was a lovely woman who made freshly pressed apple juice from her nearby orchard. The kids adored her version of “special apple juice!“

And our kids really got a kick out of being in charge of the cash and doing all our transactions. They loved working out the math and studying the different coins and bills we would use in the market. In Canada, cash is also becoming almost obsolete, so that was a novelty all in itself.

Afterwards, Go for a Provencal Picnic

One way we got the kids engaged with a visit to the market was to help us pick up all the different elements for a little picnic. I created a scavenger hunt printout where the kids could mark off each element of the picnic as we went along until we had everything we needed for a beautiful Provencal spread! Included in our checklist were the following:

• Saucisson (cured sausage) 
• Baguettes
• Cheese
• Fruit (whatever was in season)
• Jam
• Juice
• Nuts
• And Olives (for the adults, of course)
• Chicken and Fries/Potatoes (almost all markets have rotisserie chicken cooked and ready to eat!)

Provence is chock-o-bloc with incredible picnicking options. And, of course, you can seek out those iconic viewpoints and vistas that make for the most picturesque picnic spots. But we often preferred whatever was close by to the markets. This meant we could eat up quickly as the kids were starving after salivating at the food in the market all morning. We often packed a small, foldable picnic blanket, but often we ended up in the park.

The parks in Provence were exceptional. The one in Saint-Remy has playscapes designed to look like owls, bats, and all different animals! And best of all, they had big tables for us to eat at. So the kids could run around and play after eating while the adults just lounged around and casually snacked on all the collections of goods we found that day.

#2 Hike into the Ochre Quarries of Rousillon

The city of Roussillon is nestled in the beautiful countryside of the Luberon. But this city really sets itself apart from the rest as it is surrounded by these remarkable ochre cliffs. These magnificent geological formations showcase vivid colours ranging from deep reds to vibrant yellows, creating a surreal and enchanting environment. One of the best ways to get up close to these amazing formations is by hiking along the “Sentier des Ocres,” the site of the former ochre quarries of Roussillon.

They call it a “hike,” but it’s much more of a leisurely walk. There are two routes, the short walk, which takes 35 minutes and the long walk, which takes around 50 minutes. There is an entry fee of 2.50€ per person to walk through the Sentier des Ocres, but you don’t need to make reservations in advance. The trail is open every day from February to December. As you walk along, stop with the kids and read the various interpretation boards you pass by. Each one explains the geological landscapes, how these unique formations were made, and how the quarries mined them for their rich materials.

After your short hike, you should head into the town. Picnics are prohibited along the trail, so a trip into town is a great place to grab something to eat. In addition, the little village is a charming and welcoming place. With houses painted the same ochre colours as the hillsides you just explored. After lunch, stroll through the vibrant alleys, where kids can discover unique artisan crafts and local products made with the clay they found in the quarries.

#3 Discover the Ruins of the Château des Baux-de-Provence

Perched atop a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountains, watching over Provence, are the great ruins of the Château des Baux-de-Provence. Entering this medieval fortress is like stepping into a world frozen in time. Your kids can run around this amazing 10th-century castle, sneak into the dungeons, explore the ancient castle chapel, walk around the crumbling Saracen Tower and learn about the old troglodyte houses.

From the ramparts, you can gaze out over the vast Provençal landscape, stretching as far as the eye can see. The panorama lets you take in the rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and quaint villages. Creating a breathtaking backdrop that adds to the castle’s allure. Because the castle is open to the air, lacking roped-off areas that you might expect in a normal museum, it feels like you are an explorer discovering these ruins. Instead of a load of placards, your admission includes an audio guide which gives you live commentary on the history of the Château. And more specific information about the Lords of Baux and what life would have looked like in the Middle Ages inside the castle.

Special Events & Activities

During the summer and holidays, the castle holds different special events for kids. This includes archery lessors, war machine demonstrations, a stonecutter workshop and even a working blacksmith. These special activities are included if you buy the activities admission ticket.

Throughout the year, there is also an Escape Game. This game teaches kids all about the history of Château des Baux-de-Provence while having fun! In teams of 2 to 6 people, you lead the investigation and explore the remains of the castle. You must discover the mysteries surrounding the last will and testament of the Princess of Les Baux. Kids solve a series of riddles and challenges to solve the mystery. Although they say, it’s age +12, with some adult help, even younger kids will be able to participate in the game! The game costs an addition €5 in addition to the entrance ticket.

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Hours and Admission

The Château des Baux is open every day, all year round. January, February, November, December: 10am-5pm | March, October: 9.30am-6pm | April, May, June, September: 9am-7pm | July and August: 9am-7.30pm
Admission: Adults €8 without special activities €10 with special activities | Seniors €7 without special activities €9 with special activities | Children (7-17 years old) €6 without special activities €8 with special activities | Free for children under the age of 7

#4 Take an Exciting E-bike Tour 

Now that we’ve settled into life in Provence, it’s time for a real adventure! One of the best ways to explore the stunning Provencal landscape is on a bike. There is nothing like being able to smell the countryside, stop easily on the side of the road to soak up a gorgeous view or just admire the changing scenery without being obscured behind car windows. But if you’re like me, you can’t imagine how people possibly have the strength to bike up those steep hills to reach those picturesque perched villages. Well, the answer is an e-bike. 

What is an E-bike?

An e-bike, short for electric bike, is a bicycle that is equipped with an electric motor. It combines traditional pedal power with this motor to provide varying levels of assistance, depending on the rider’s preference. Whenever you feel like you need it, you can turn up and down the motor to assist with propulsion. There was no better feeling when the hill would start to get steep than the feeling of the motor kicking and your bike simply soaring like it was nothing up the steep hills.

Renting e-Bike in Provence

We knew the kids would love this activity, and happily, we found a company that could accommodate the kids. Sun-E-Bike, at their location in Bonnieux, set us up with a bike trailer for the 6-year-old. The trailer was so roomy, and we referred to it as his personal Provencal chariot.

The older 8-year-old is really tall for his age, so he was above the weight limit for the child trailer. Thankfully, even though I hadn’t considered this, they quickly sorted us out with a tandem bike he could ride with his dad. Riding the tandem bike was great since the kid didn’t have to do any work. But he got to experience the entire trip just like the rest of us! If your child is going to ride tandem, even if they don’t need to make much of an effort, they must know how to ride a bike. That way, they feel comfortable peddling and keeping their balance on the back of the bike. The kids had a BLAST on the ride! The little one who rode in the trailer brought his colouring books and wasn’t bored every minute.

Going with a Guide

We also booked a guide for the day (or an accompanist, as listed on their site), who was one of the best parts of the experience. Having her lead us, we didn’t need to worry about using a map or ensuring we were on the right road. Instead, we just followed behind her like a flock of sheep.

We rode an astonishing 37km without breaking a sweat! Passing through all different small hilltowns and perched villages. The kids would scream in excitement as we saw various animals on the side of the road. And they enjoyed spotting the colourful flowers in bloom as we went. We even found a roadside cherry grove and snacked on fresh cherries plucked right from the tree! We stopped at a boulangerie to pick up sandwiches and drinks and picnicked under the plane trees. Definitely make reservations in advance. We had already done so, but when we showed up, I saw a few people get turned away who didn’t.

#5 Canoe Along the Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard is a remarkable ancient Roman aqueduct located near the city of Nîmes. It is considered one of the most well-preserved and impressive examples of Roman engineering and architecture anywhere in the world. The Pont du Gard was crucial in providing fresh water to Nîmes during the Roman period. It remained in use for centuries until the fall of the Roman Empire. Over time, the aqueduct system fell into disrepair, but the Pont itself survived relatively intact. 

Introducing kids to these Roman sights is a fantastic way of making history come alive. This structure is unchanged from when it was first built, and it really makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time without a trace of the modern world around you.

Renting a Canoe along the Gardon River

And while visiting the historic site and the nearby museum is a great option for the kids, an even better way to explore the Pont du Gard is along the water. We rented canoes from Canoe Collias, just 15 minutes from the Pont du Gard historic site. You can park your car in their parking lot, where you pick up your rental canoes. 

Although called “canoes,” the boats were more like a cross between a canoe and a kayak. They were sturdy, made of heavy plastic, and used double-sided ores to paddle along the river. After signing your rental agreement, a member of the Collias crew will help sit you and the kids for lifejackets and give you a very short crash course on how to paddle down the river. If someone in your group has some experience in canoeing, this will be a big plus since most of us were newbies and probably could have used a little more guidance. But luckily, my dad knew what he was doing, so with a few lessons from him, we were quickly on our way. The kids sat in a three-person canoe, primarily controlled by their dad at the back. The rest of us sat in two-person canoes. 

Courses along the Gardon River

We opted for the 8km Pont du Gard course. This was rated as a beginner course which takes about two hours to complete without stopping. The journey took us 2-hours, but that was going at a pretty fast pace. We arrived at the end of the day and needed to hustle to ensure we arrived at the pickup spot by 5pm, their last pickup of the day. I would advise leaving yourself 3 hours or more for your journey. This way, you can take ample breaks along the way. 

You canoe down the Gardon River, passing through the massive Gorges Des Gardon. This canyon was carved out by the river Gardon, and this spectacular landscape is one of France’s most impressive geological sites. From the start of the course, you will canoe for about an hour and a half before passing right underneath the enormous three-tiered Pont du Gard. After passing under the Pont du Gard, you continue for about 30 additional minutes, where you will spot the endpoint. From here, you are met by a member of the Collins crew who drives you back to your car. This was a huge plus, as you don’t need to worry about paddling back.

Picnic on the Gardon

Each canoe is paired with a watertight barrel to place your belongings inside. If you plan in advance, you can aim to bring some picnic food and supplies. That way, when you arrive at the stunning Pont du Gard viewpoint, you can simply pull your canoe over to the side of the river and stop for lunch. There is also a small beach where you can swim if the weather is warm enough! A great way to cool down. Just be sure your canoe doesn’t float away…

The kids could do their fair share of paddling, but their favourite part of the experience was just being on the water. They loved spotting the different flora and fauna we came across. There were grey herons, eagles flying overhead, beavers nibbling wood offshore and lots of perch and pike swimming under our feet. And although our arms were certainly tired at the end of the journey, it had all been worth it for our amazing experiences along the way. Be SURE to wear lots of sunscreen and large-brimmed hats to keep the sun off. Bring lots of water and pack some towels in the watertight barrel to dry off if you get wet.

Prices & Info

Location: 194 Chemin St Privat | 30210 Collias (with Private parking, Toilettes and changing rooms)
Prices: 25€/Adult | 19€/Young Adults from 13 to 17 years old | 13€/children from 6 to 12 years

#6 Solve the Intrigue Dans la Ville

My nephews love a good scavenger hunt! They are obsessed with solving riddles and figuring out context clues. So when I came across Intrigue Dans la Ville, I couldn’t believe such a perfect thing existed in Provence. “Intrigue dans la ville” is a game designed for families that offer entertaining and educational puzzles set within various Provencal villages. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, revolves around a fictional historical crime in the village. You receive a suspects pack with beautifully illustrated pictures of the people suspected of the crime. You must explore a town to crack the mystery and solve the various game puzzles. Hidden in plain sight are clues. And throughout the game, you will learn more about the town’s history. As you unravel the game’s various enigmas. 

Where can you Buy Intrigue de Ville?

You can pick up the game package for Intrigue de Ville at the Tourist Information Centre in whichever village you choose to explore. There are over 22 destinations across Provence where you can find unique puzzles. Each with its own storyline and investigation unique to the specific city. Right now, only two spots offer an English version of the game; Vaison-La-Romaine and Avignon. You can check their website to find the participating villages’ list. 

The game cost €12, but I would have paid twice as much! This wasn’t some cheap printed PDF. The game came in an adorable cloth pouch and contained a detective booklet, an illustrated set of suspect cards, a historical town map, a personalized pencil, and a letter introducing the mission to the players. The additional contents of each game are different depending on where you play. In one town, we received a mirror required to solve different puzzles. And your kids even get a little button that designates them as investigators!

You can take the game at your own pace, but we found that with breaks for food and exploring, we spent about 3 hours playing. Once you complete the game, you discover the guilty suspect. And reveal a three-digit code. You then return to the tourist office and open a safe using the 3-digit code to see if you captured the correct suspect. If you solve it correctly, your kids will get a certificate as a souvenir! If the tourist office is closed when you are finished, you can always punch in the code online to see if you got the right answer.

Do You Need to be able to Read French to Play?

As mentioned above, the game is currently only available in English in two cities in Provence. The rest of the cities only have French versions available. We did two different investigations, one in Saint-Remy and one in Merindol. Both my brother and I took French immersion in school, but it’s been ages since we read French daily. So while we knew how to read some French, we mainly used Google Translate‘s Google Lens function to translate the live text. This worked absolutely perfectly! Albeit, maybe it took us a bit more time than if we had an English version.

If you happen to be in a town where they only have the French version, don’t let that put you off. If you have mobile data, you can definitely get by using Google Translate. But if you want to do the English version, that just gives you more direction of where to visit. If you have kids aged +6, this is an absolute must!

#7 Step Back in Time inside the Rocher Mistral

One of the most exciting and undiscovered things you can do with your kids is to take them to the Rocher Mistral. When I first found a brochure on this park, I was a bit skeptical. I hadn’t heard anything about it anywhere online and had been doing extensive research. Turns out, deep in the heart of Provence, is a historical park specifically for kids! 

Rocher Mistral is located inside the thousand-year-old castle of La Barben. The ancient castle was only open for adult, historical guided tours for years. But in 2021, the castle was transformed into a children’s theme park where your kids can journey through time! One of the reasons I think this park is less popular with tourists is because the park is primarily geared towards French speakers. But for English-speaking customers, you can pick up specific flyers at the entrance to the park with all the information and maps in English! Each of the shows also has a sign in front explaining the story.

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New for 2023, there are audio guides available in English and German on request! And even without understanding the language, the action speaks for itself for the most part. I would just avoid the Puppet show or Theatrical Stage Shows, are these are primarily speaking performances. Stick with the immersive experiences, stunt shows and exploration throughout the castle grounds.

There are three different kinds of admission tickets you can purchase. You can buy a ticket for a day visit or the nighttime show. There are also combination tickets that allow you to experience an entire day’s worth of activities.

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The Shows 

During the day, you can experience ancient revolts and booming cannon fire. From exhilarating stunt shows and sword fights to comedic performances and mesmerizing dance routines. The castle is an incredible hub of amusement!

As twilight descends upon the castle of La Barben, a magical hour dawns. Their 2023 immersive light show plunges you into a Napoleonic epic. At dusk, at the foot of the castle in the magnificent French-style gardens, stories and figures of the past come to life! The set design, sound and lighting effects are almost on par with Disneyland-like experiences.

Each performance or walkthrough is about 20 minutes long. Actors tell the stories of the castle and of Provence through these performances. All the actors speak French, but there are English cards outside the attractions that give you an overview of the performance you’ll see.

You can also tour various historical parts of the castle, including the castle apartments, the chapel and the old kitchen. Here you’ll find original artifacts, furniture and decor in the family for over 500 years!

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What is there to Eat?

For those wanting to spend the day at the castle, they allow you to bring in your own food. But there is also a restaurant inside called the Auberge Daudet (reservations recommended) and a more casual marketplace called La Guinguette de Marius, where you can find many kid-friendly meals. The food is excellent quality and very reasonably priced.

There is also an adorable Provencal market selling products from local craftsmen in the marketplace. These producers are heirs to centuries-old know-how! There is also a small traditional French carousel which kids can ride for free. If you have some downtime, there is also a boules field where kids can try their hand at this Provencal game.

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Hours & Admission

Location: Chemin de la Baou, La Barben, France
Hours: Open April-November. Check their website for the most up-to-date schedule of events. Close through the week during the off-season.

Admission: Day Ticket: Adults 25€ (advance purchase) / 28€ | Children 6-12 19€ (advance purchase) / 22€ | Children under 5 are FREE | Night Ticket: Adults 19€ (advance purchase) / 22€ | Children 6-12 15€ (advance purchase) / 18€ | Children under 5 are FREE | Day + Night Ticket: Adults 36€ (advance purchase) / 39€ | Children 6-12 26€ (advance purchase) / 29€ | Children under 5 are FREE

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#9 Try out a Provencal Pastime

Pétanque, also known as boules, is probably the sport that Provence is best known for. In North America, we call it bocce. But this game is more leisurely and languid than exhausting. In every town, even the smallest village, you’ll find the Boulodrome. The boulodrome is a large, flat, sandy or gravelly area, usually under shady trees. It’s here where locals gather to play their daily round of boules. The game is fairly simple, making it perfect for kids to learn and play!

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How to Play Boules

The game can be played one-on-one (called “tête-à-tête”), in teams of two players each (known as “doublets”), or in teams of three players each (called “triplets”). The game begins when a player from one team throws “the jack” (a smaller ball, usually in a different colour) to a desired location in the playing area. The aim of the game is to get your large metal balls (the boules) closest to the jack to score points. The same player who threw the jack throws their first metal ball. Attempting to get it as close to the jack as possible. The opposing team member then tries to throw their ball closer to the jack or to knock the opponent’s ball away.

The game continues with alternating throws between the teams until all the balls have been thrown. Points are awarded to the team with the ball closest to the jack. In some game variations, additional points can be scored for each ball of the same team closer to the jack than any of the opponent’s balls.

Where to Play Boules

If you’re staying in a holiday rental home, be sure to ask in advance if they have a boules or a Petanque set in the house that you can borrow throughout your stay. Some tourist offices also rent them out in larger cities. But if you head down to the local Boulodrome, you might also find that locals will happily invite you to play along with them, which is great fun! This kind of game can easily be played without a shared language. And it’s a fantastic way to meet your neighbours.

If you’d prefer to make a day of it, there are some great guided experiences around Provence where you can play boules with a professional! You will not only play the game but also learn all about the sport’s history and how to become a master of the sport! Food and drink (pastis for the adults) are served alongside the game, and a commemorative trophy will be offered to the winning team. It’s a great way to really get immersed into Provencal recreation.

#10 Take a Workshop inside the Musée de la Lavande

There is no more iconic flower (and scent) that links your travel memories to Provence more than lavender. Deep in the heart of the lavender country, you’ll find the Musée de la Lavande. This museum offers visitors a captivating journey into the history of lavender, its cultivation, and its various uses over the years. It also houses a small exhibition space that showcases lavender’s cultural significance in Provence. From the minute you arrive at the museum, you’ll be swallowed up by the soothing scent of lavender. Visiting the museum during the summertime is also a great way to give your kids the opportunity to get up close to this brilliant plant!

Lavender Workshops

And while adults might love the museum, some kids might be slightly less enthused. But, recently, the museum has introduced workshops for kids to help them get hands-on with using and understanding the power of lavender. All workshops require general admission into the museum, although kids under 10 are FREE.

The most accessible program for all ages is their personalized lavender sachet workshop. This activity is so much fun. Each child gets to choose their own fabric wrapping to create their sachet. Then they can create a personalized mix of aromatic herbs to fill the sachet. Of course, lavender is the star scent, but they can mix in others like mint, rosemary, thyme and basil. These are great for kids of all ages but more suited to younger children.

But what I was most excited about was the Lavender Scented watercolour workshop! The museum has its own watercolours that have been infused with lavender perfume! These were created exclusively by the Conservatoire des Ocres de Roussillon. You can spend up to an hour painting, and an artist is on hand to guide you through the process. Painting and artistry have such a strong connection to Provence, and being able to paint scented with the very essence of Provence is a truly magical experience.

Hours and Admission

The Museum is Open every day | Museum Admission: Adults €8 | Students €7 | Seniors €7 | Children & Young Adults (11-16 years-old) | Children under 10 are FREE

Watercolour Workshops: Tuesdays and Sundays from April to May and July to September Price: Additional €3 | Lavender Sachets Workshop: Every day except Friday, July to August Price: Additional €4

Travelling the world with kids opens their eyes to so many different experiences. But it also creates a world of new adventures for yourself as well! My travels around Provence were absolutely enhanced by going with the kids. Teaching the kids about French culture and traditions brought me so much joy. And it made my heart soar to see them becoming curious adventurers who can step out of their comfort zone, try new foods, learn new languages (or at least a few words) and create last memories to look back on for years.

Let me know if you’re planning a trip to Provence with your kids and any questions you might have!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post The 10 Best Activities for Kids in Provence, the Ultimate Guide for Little Explorers first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

And even without traditional “kids menus,” we always found something the kids would happily eat. After all, there is never a shortage of bread in France! And as a last resort, this always did the trick. For anyone on the fence, make the jump! Go ahead and enjoy a decadent vacation in Provence with the whole family! But use some of my tips and advice below to ensure you are fully prepared for dining out with kids in Provence.

Table Of Contents

1. The French Mealtime Schedule
2. How to Read French Menus?
3. Where to Eat?
4. Menu Enfant
   • Be Polite and Ask Questions
5. How to Keep Them Entertained?
   • Bring Entertainment
   • Colouring Books
6. Always Opt to Sit Outside
7. What to Order For Each Meal?
   • Kids Breakfast
   • Kids Lunch
   • Kids Dinner
8. A Note About High Chairs
   • Happy Travels, Adventurers

The French Mealtime Schedule

The French have a completely different eating schedule than those of us in North America are used to. Eating dinner at 6 pm is absolutely unheard of. Most restaurants don’t even open until 7:30 or 8 pm. Lunchtime is less of an issue, but even cafes will close in the afternoon while they prepare for the dinner service.

To ensure you don’t have any grumpy kids on your hands while waiting for a late dinner reservation, be prepared with lots of snacks. By dolling these out throughout the day, we found that our six and eight-year-olds could easily make it to a later dinner reservation. Plus, I loved shopping for unique snacks in French grocery stores. It was so cool to see the unique options they had for sale. And often, we found many alternatives to the ones we had back home. But if you have really fussy eaters who might need something familiar, it’s always a good idea to bring some snacks from home, just in case.

Our favourite snacks were honestly the fresh fruit we bought from the markets. They loved chowing down on melon any time of the day. And strawberries, apricots, blueberries, and cherries were the perfect on-the-go treat. We also would carry around some croissants that were perfect for bigger appetites. And those tiny Hairbo packets (whose factory is actually in Provence) we found in almost every little grocery store were ideal treats for well-behaved kids.

How to Read French Menus?

The hurdle you might face when arriving at the restaurant is the menu. In Provence, especially in smaller, less touristy villages, the menu will more than likely be entirely in French. And sometimes even handwritten on a chalkboard. But don’t let this worry you! Just come prepared! While this would have been a much bigger problem years ago, thanks to apps like Google Translate, you can translate the menu right on your phone! 

Using the Google Translate Google Lens function, you can take a picture of the menu, even if it is handwritten, and the app will translate it into your desired language. Ensure you have downloaded the app on your phone and are connected to Wi-Fi or have mobile data. This will ensure you know what you’re ordering for the kids.

Where to Eat?

One of the best parts of eating in Provence is that there is no shortage of cafes, bistros and brasseries. There are generally informal restaurants with laid-back, traditional French menus. Bistros generally have a slightly smaller, more home-style menu. But both feature lots of kid-friendly options. 

French menus are often very small. So there isn’t a huge selection in which to pick from. Local restaurants stick to local ingredients that change monthly (if not weekly), so don’t expect a chance of getting chicken fingers and fries. But the joy of eating out in France is that typical French cuisine is fairly simple. In it’s purest form, you have cooked meat served with vegetables, often with a side of frites (fries) or potatoes. But we also found that at these bistros, the menu often had hamburgers, pasta and sandwiches too.

Menu Enfant

Another surprise was that more than half the restaurants we ate at, even the more upscale ones, had a tiny little section at the bottom of the menu called “Menu Enfant.” Aka, the Kids Menu. Or sometimes you’ll see it called “Pour le petit choux,” French slang for “for the little ‘uns.” But once again, don’t always expect chicken fingers or mac n’ cheese. In France, kids’ menus are generally smaller portions of the same foods as the normal menu. Albeit sometimes without adding those fancy sauces that kids might want to avoid. Typical items on the kid’s menu were roast chicken and fries, breaded meat and potatoes, bavette de boeuf (mini-steak and fries), and we even ordered mussels off the kid’s menu once! And yes, we frequently even saw hamburgers and fries on the menu more than a few times.

While we generally stuck with more casual establishments, we ate out a few times in some more upscale restaurants. At one which didn’t have an official kid’s menu, the waiter even offered to make our little one a custom kid’s meal! Without us even having to ask. The chef whipped up some roast potatoes covered in cheese and bacon. Our kids loved it. And we felt so taken care of. This was a take on the traditional gratin Dauphinois, so whether they knew it or not, the kids enjoyed some traditional French cuisine! When we looked around, we saw that the family beside us, who were clearly all locals, were eating the same thing with their kids. So evidently, this wasn’t their first time making an accommodation for the little ones.

Be Polite and Ask Questions

If you don’t see anything on the menu or the waiter doesn’t offer, I learned it’s always worth being polite and asking. Don’t ever expect anything, but they often can take something from their regular menu and simplify it for a kid’s less refined palette. I learned that the kids were almost always happy eating wherever we went. And we never had to alter our plans to find a Mcdonald’s. We got to eat at all the gourmet restaurants we had our hearts set on. But we were sure also to fit a few nights of takeout pizza in to give them (and us) a little break! But I think the kids really got a huge confidence boost out of being able to eat out so often with everyone else. They were like mini-adults. And so very European.

How to Keep Them Entertained?

Dinner, and even lunches, in France, are long, languid affairs. Service is slow, but it’s meant to be. The French, especially those in Provence, consider a meal a chance to relax. They want to enjoy their food as well as the company sitting with them. Don’t be annoyed if you feel like the waiter isn’t coming around as much as they “should.” They aren’t ignoring you or singling you out. If you’re used to the rushy-rushy service in North America, this will take some getting used to.  But the kids might have difficulty sitting still for that long. We saw lots of French parents taking their kids out for a talk. Or would simply let them play outside if the restaurant had a little terrace. 

Bring Entertainment

But by far, the best thing we did was invest in minature games the kids could play at the table. Our kids are obsessed with these Kanoodle solitaire games. They are perfectly pocket-sized, so they don’t take up too much room, and it kept them entertained for hours. I saw a few French families with their kids who were playing Nintendo Switch. And while we didn’t have one ourselves, I’m sure this is also a good way to keep them occupied. Just keep the volume off for those around you.

Colouring Books

For younger kids, we found that colouring books were the perfect thing to bring. They don’t take up too much space, and we saw many other French parents doing the same thing. If you’re looking for a Provencal twist, the Van Gogh Museum has created a series of FREE colouring pages of famous Vincent van Gogh masterpieces. Simply download and print, and start colouring! We loved these, and it was so fun to say, “We saw these trees on your walk today,” when they were colouring in Van Gogh’s famous Cypress trees. And the older kid enjoyed referencing the real artwork to see if he could recreate the same colours in his drawings.

Always Opt to Sit Outside

Many restaurants in Provence only offer outdoor seating. And we found this was a wonderful plus. If we ever had the option, we always picked the tables outside. When the kids were loud, it wasn’t nearly as noticeable amongst the clatter of the urban landscape around us. And the kids had many distractions to watch, including a never-ending succession of birds they loved to feed!

Sitting outside also meant getting up and walking around was easy and not very noticeable. The kids and I could run around on the quiet side streets, explore nearby fountains, and sometimes even discover a little kids’ playground not too far away from the table. These mini-outings were the perfect way to burn up their energy between courses. And by the time we returned, my wine glass was full, and dessert had arrived!

What to Order For Each Meal?

Kids Breakfast

Breakfast was the easiest meal of the day. We loved walking with the kids down to our local boulangerie (bakery.) Here, they could pick their favourite sweet (or savoury) baked treats. From croissants to brioche, pain aux chocolate and more, there were always many things they were more than willing to eat. We mainly ate breakfast back at the house. And kept a nice supply of jam and Nutella in the fridge to liven up morning slices of fresh bread. The kids gobbled up all the fruit we put down in front of them. And they especially loved seeing the fresh fruit they had bought from the market on the table. Like it was their personal orchard harvest.

Kids Lunch

Lunchtime is another very accessible meal for the kids. We generally got lunch as a takeaway meals (à emporter). This way, we could eat whenever and wherever we wanted. Frequently in the beautiful parks or squares, we found all over Provence. There is never a shortage of boulangeries selling croque monsieurs (essentially grilled cheese) or baguette sandwiches with all different fillings. Fromage et Jambon (cheese and prosciutto) was a big favourite of our crew. 

While not exclusive to Provence, crêpes are a beloved French treat you’ll find all across France. Whether filled with sweet ingredients like Nutella, fresh fruit, and caramel or savoury fillings like ham and cheese, crêpes are a versatile and delicious option that almost all kids will likely enjoy. For the pickiest eaters, you can order them a plain crepe with butter! Still super delicious.

Kids Dinner

For dinners, steak frites are a common dish loved by our big eaters. Roast chicken and pork chops were other simple dishes we frequently saw on the menu. And these always pleased the kids. Pizza is also surprisingly popular in France. Our small town had not one, but TWO pizzerias! And there were fewer than ten restaurants in the entire town! We found lots of menus also featured pasta which was generally a hit with the kids. When all else failed, a plate of frites or roast potatoes filled them up. And we’d supplement the lack of veggies with those portable squeeze pouches that come in all different flavours. And yes, they even have those in France!

A Note About High Chairs

A good tip to remember for the really little ones is that most restaurants in France, and Provence, do not have high chairs. And many restaurants are pretty cramped. So bringing your large stroller inside might be out of the question. Be prepared to keep your baby on your lap or ask for a seat outside where you can park your stroller. 

With all these tips, I hope you feel more confident in bringing your kids to Provence. While it does take a little bit more effort and energy to plan around their appetites, the memories you will get from the experience are unmatched. And I know that our kids had the time of their lives, and the food was one of the most impactful parts of the trip!

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about bringing your kids to Provence, and I’ll do my best to answer! If you are interested in activities with your kids in Provence, check out my Ultimate Kid’s Provence Guide!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post The Best Tips for Dining with Kids in Provence, Amazing Family-Friendly Feasting first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Well, let me tell you that after this trip, I couldn’t have been proved more wrong. My little nephews had the time of their lives in Provence. And I was amazed by all the incredible things we discovered along the way. Seeing the world with kids really brings places to life in a different way than I ever thought possible before. For anyone planning a trip to Provence and is considering bringing their kids, DO IT! It will be a different kind of trip, but one you and your kids will remember for the rest of your life!

Table Of Contents

1. Book a Vacation Home / Villa
2. Where to Stay with Kids in Provence
3. Don't Plan Anything on the First Day
4. Be Prepared with Snacks
5. Explore the Exciting Outdoor Markets
6. Practice some Elementary French
7. Go for a Provencal Picnic
8. Ride the Colourful Carousels
9. Take an Exciting E-bike Tour 
10. Canoe Along the Pont du Gard
11. Solve the Intrigue Dans la Ville
12. Step Back in Time inside the Rocher Mistral
13. Discover the Immersive History of the Pope's Palace in Avignon
14. Try out a Provençal Pastime
15. Hike into the Ochre Quarries of Roussillon
16. Admire the Flora and Fauna inside the Parc de Camargue
17. Discover the Ruins of the Château des Baux-de-Provence
18. Get Artsy at the Carrières des Lumières
19. Take a Workshop inside the Musée de la Lavande
20. Tips for Dining Out with Kids
21. Additional Tips for Visiting Provence with Kids

Book a Vacation Home / Villa

Before you even start to plan your trip itinerary, my one big recommendation for those travelling with kids is to book a vacation home rental. And one with a pool! Provence has some of the best rental properties anywhere in Europe. You can find literal castles and houses built from the ruins of 17th-century houses. Which is where we stayed. Our kids LOVED exploring the old house and playing in the huge olive grove we had access to outside. It was like a minature Disneyland for them. And a great way to entertain them without even leaving the property.

Go for a Home with a Pool

The addition of a private pool was also a huge bonus for us. The Summer weather in Provence can get pretty hot. And the pool was the perfect way to cool off after a long day. We were there in early May, and even then, the pool was handy for those surprisingly hot afternoons. The pool is also a fantastic way of tiring the kids out! After playing around for just an hour in the pool, the kids were tired enough to allow us to have a relaxing night in. Sitting on the terrace, looking out at the view and enjoying a glass of local wine, all while the kids are sound asleep. Pure perfection.

Vrbo is my favourite site for booking vacation rentals. And their search filter even allows you to select “private pool,” so you ensure you’re only looking at houses with this option.

Where to Stay with Kids in Provence

I recommend choosing your home base in a little village within walking distance of the town centre. This means you don’t always need to get in the car for dinner or groceries. But being in a smaller village has many benefits (primarily price) over staying in the larger, more touristy towns like Aix-en-Provence or Marseille. My personal recommendation is to look for places in the Luberon Valley. The Luberon is perfectly situated in Provence. It is pretty central, meaning you are within an hour of all the big sights and popular destinations. Long car rides are tough on the kids, so keeping them to a minimum was a big plus for our kids.

Small towns are also great as the kids felt very quickly that they got the lay of the land. It was nice to be able to take them to the same bakery or grocery store every day, and literally, by the second day, they could find their way on their own since there was just one road into town.

Don’t Plan Anything on the First Day

Unless you’re travelling from somewhere nearby in Europe, the first day you arrive is bound to be filled with jetlag. Children are even more susceptible to jet lag because their brain is less mature. So as much as you might want to get going right away with holiday fun, trust me and take it easy. You want to set yourself up for a good few weeks ahead; therefore, that first day is best spent relaxing. Let the kids and yourself adjust to the new time zone. Settle in, get comfy in your new digs and soak in the Provencal atmosphere.

If your holiday home has a pool, take the kids for a swim. This was a great way to wake our bodies up after a long flight. But an activity that didn’t involve leaving the home base. Another great bonus of the holiday home that we booked as they had lots of board games for the kids to play. Consider bringing your own deck, cards, or a small board game if your rental doesn’t provide any. These were great, leisurely activities for the kids to enjoy on the first day. And even more useful to keep them occupied on more relaxing afternoons when we stayed in.

Start Small

Instead of planning on heading out on some big adventure, choose a smaller one instead. Go out and explore your local village. And little else. Learn where all the different stores are in town. Check out where you can find your local boulangerie (bakery), the grocery store, and all the nearby restaurants. The kids loved exploring our little home-away-from-home. And were especially in awe of how old some of the buildings were. We even found a doorway with the date 1621 posted above the entrance. Which totally blew their socks off!

There was nothing inherently “popular” or “touristy” about our village, but that was one of the joys we found the kids enjoyed. They didn’t care about any top sights or popular attractions. To them, even these little discoveries made them feel like they were adventurers. On their first big mission of exploration!

Be Prepared with Snacks

The French have a completely different eating schedule than those of us in North America are used to. Eating dinner at 6pm is absolutely unheard of. Most restaurants don’t even open until 7:30 or 8pm. Lunchtime is less of an issue, but even cafes will close in the afternoon while they prepare for the dinner service.

To ensure you don’t have any grumpy kids on your hands, be prepared with lots of snacks. By dolling these out throughout the day, we found that our six and eight-year-olds could easily make it to a later dinner reservation. I loved shopping for unique snacks in the French grocery stores. It was so cool to see the unique options they had for sale. And often, we found many alternatives to the ones we had back home. But if you have really fussy eaters who might need something familiar, it’s always a good idea to bring some snacks from home, just in case.

What are the Best Kind of Snacks for Kids in Provence?

Our favourite snacks were honestly the fresh fruit we bought from the markets. They loved chowing down on melon any time of the day. And strawberries, apricots, blueberries, and cherries were the perfect on-the-go treat. We also would carry around some croissants that were perfect for bigger appetites. And those tiny Hairbo packets (whose factory is actually in Provence) we found in almost every little grocery store were ideal treats for well-behaved kids.

Explore the Exciting Outdoor Markets

One of the first outings I recommend doing with the kids upon arriving in Provence is hitting a local market. Preferably one near your home base. This is the best way to introduce the kids to exploring a new city before diving into a big touristy town. I always recommend going to one of the smaller markets over the busy ones in larger cities. While the Sunday Market in Isle-sure-la-Sorgue is amazing, it can be overwhelming with so many people. And the little ones are bound to get swallowed up by the big crowds. 

Interacting with the Locals

And don’t think the smaller markets are anything to look down on. Even the most humble market in Provence is a fantastic place for kids. Here they can learn, just by looking, about all the different kinds of Provencal produce. Foods are unique to this part of the country. 

And there will be a lot of opportunities for them to interact with the local vendors. In my experience, the vendors loved interacting with kids. They would come out from behind their booths and stalls to show off their produce. They would even slice into melons and give them apricots to try! I think the kids ate more samples than real meals throughout the trip! One of their favourite finds was a lovely woman who made freshly pressed apple juice from her nearby orchard. The kids adored her version of “special apple juice!“

And our kids really got a kick out of being in charge of the cash and doing all our transactions. They loved working out the math and studying the different coins and bills we would use in the market. In Canada, cash is also becoming almost obsolete, so that was a novelty all in itself.

Practice some Elementary French

The markets are a great place for older children to practice any French they might have learned for the trip. I always recommend to my adult readers the importance of speaking even the smallest bit of the local language when visiting a new country. It’s amazing how saying “bonjour” can change how the locals greet you. And even if all your kids learn is this one word, it really goes a long way! 

Go for a Provencal Picnic

One way we got the kids engaged with a visit to the market was to help us pick up all the different elements for a little picnic. I created a scavenger hunt printout where the kids could mark off each element of the picnic as we went along until we had everything we needed for a beautiful Provencal spread! Included in our checklist were the following:

• Saucisson (cured sausage) 
• Baguettes
• Cheese
• Fruit (whatever was in season)
• Jam
• Juice
• Nuts
• And Olives (for the adults, of course)
• Chicken and Fries/Potatoes (almost all markets have rotisserie chicken cooked and ready to eat!)

Provence is chock-o-bloc with incredible picnicking options. And, of course, you can seek out those iconic viewpoints and vistas that make for the most picturesque picnic spots. But we often preferred whatever was close by to the markets. This meant we could eat up quickly as the kids were starving after salivating at the food in the market all morning. We often packed a small, foldable picnic blanket, but often we ended up in the park.

The parks in Provence were exceptional. The one in Saint-Remy has playscapes designed to look like owls, bats, and all different animals! And best of all, they had big tables for us to eat at. So the kids could run around and play after eating while the adults just lounged around and casually snacked on all the collections of goods we found that day.

Ride the Colourful Carousels

Another one of the delights of Provencal towns is the Carousels. You could find these carousels open on Market days and weekends in so many cities, not just the big tourist ones. Tickets to ride the carousels were inexpensive. These aren’t tourist traps but something the locals rely on to entertain their kids. The French claim to have invented the carousel. Saying it is derived from Louis XIV’s jousting competitions.

And while the origins of the first carousel might be contested, French engineer and inventor Charles D. W. Garnier patented the first steam-powered carousel in 1861. These French carousels often showcased beautiful handcrafted wooden horses, intricate designs, and ornate decorations, adding to their allure. And the kids LOVE them. So be sure to check them out while you’re in town.

Take an Exciting E-bike Tour 

Now that we’ve settled into life in Provence, it’s time for a real adventure! One of the best ways to explore the stunning Provencal landscape is on a bike. There is nothing like being able to smell the countryside, stop easily on the side of the road to soak up a gorgeous view or just admire the changing scenery without being obscured behind car windows. But if you’re like me, you can’t imagine how people possibly have the strength to bike up those steep hills to reach those picturesque perched villages. Well, the answer is an e-bike. 

What is an E-bike?

An e-bike, short for electric bike, is a bicycle that is equipped with an electric motor. It combines traditional pedal power with this motor to provide varying levels of assistance, depending on the rider’s preference. Whenever you feel like you need it, you can turn up and down the motor to assist with propulsion. There was no better feeling when the hill would start to get steep than the feeling of the motor kicking and your bike simply soaring like it was nothing up the steep hills.

Renting e-Bike in Provence

We knew the kids would love this activity, and happily, we found a company that could accommodate the kids. Sun-E-Bike, at their location in Bonnieux, set us up with a bike trailer for the 6-year-old. The trailer was so roomy, and we referred to it as his personal Provencal chariot.

The older 8-year-old is really tall for his age, so he was above the weight limit for the child trailer. Thankfully, even though I hadn’t considered this, they quickly sorted us out with a tandem bike he could ride with his dad. Riding the tandem bike was great since the kid didn’t have to do any work. But he got to experience the entire trip just like the rest of us! If your child is going to ride tandem, even if they don’t need to make much of an effort, they must know how to ride a bike. That way, they feel comfortable peddling and keeping their balance on the back of the bike. The kids had a BLAST on the ride! The little one who rode in the trailer brought his colouring books and wasn’t bored every minute.

Going with a Guide

We also booked a guide for the day (or an accompanist, as listed on their site), who was one of the best parts of the experience. Having her lead us, we didn’t need to worry about using a map or ensuring we were on the right road. Instead, we just followed behind her like a flock of sheep.

We rode an astonishing 37km without breaking a sweat! Passing through all different small hilltowns and perched villages. The kids would scream in excitement as we saw various animals on the side of the road. And they enjoyed spotting the colourful flowers in bloom as we went. We even found a roadside cherry grove and snacked on fresh cherries plucked right from the tree! We stopped at a boulangerie to pick up sandwiches and drinks and picnicked under the plane trees. Definitely make reservations in advance. We had already done so, but when we showed up, I saw a few people get turned away who didn’t.

Canoe Along the Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard is a remarkable ancient Roman aqueduct located near the city of Nîmes. It is considered one of the most well-preserved and impressive examples of Roman engineering and architecture anywhere in the world. The Pont du Gard was crucial in providing fresh water to Nîmes during the Roman period. It remained in use for centuries until the fall of the Roman Empire. Over time, the aqueduct system fell into disrepair, but the Pont itself survived relatively intact. 

Introducing kids to these Roman sights is a fantastic way of making history come alive. This structure is unchanged from when it was first built, and it really makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time without a trace of the modern world around you.

Renting a Canoe along the Gardon River

And while visiting the historic site and the nearby museum is a great option for the kids, an even better way to explore the Pont du Gard is along the water. We rented canoes from Canoe Collias, just 15 minutes from the Pont du Gard historic site. You can park your car in their parking lot, where you pick up your rental canoes. 

Although called “canoes,” the boats were more like a cross between a canoe and a kayak. They were sturdy, made of heavy plastic, and used double-sided ores to paddle along the river. After signing your rental agreement, a member of the Collias crew will help sit you and the kids for lifejackets and give you a very short crash course on how to paddle down the river. If someone in your group has some experience in canoeing, this will be a big plus since most of us were newbies and probably could have used a little more guidance. But luckily, my dad knew what he was doing, so with a few lessons from him, we were quickly on our way. The kids sat in a three-person canoe, primarily controlled by their dad at the back. The rest of us sat in two-person canoes. 

Courses along the Gardon River

We opted for the 8km Pont du Gard course. This was rated as a beginner course which takes about two hours to complete without stopping. The journey took us 2-hours, but that was going at a pretty fast pace. We arrived at the end of the day and needed to hustle to ensure we arrived at the pickup spot by 5pm, their last pickup of the day. I would advise leaving yourself 3 hours or more for your journey. This way, you can take ample breaks along the way. 

You canoe down the Gardon River, passing through the massive Gorges Des Gardon. This canyon was carved out by the river Gardon, and this spectacular landscape is one of France’s most impressive geological sites. From the start of the course, you will canoe for about an hour and a half before passing right underneath the enormous three-tiered Pont du Gard. After passing under the Pont du Gard, you continue for about 30 additional minutes, where you will spot the endpoint. From here, you are met by a member of the Collins crew who drives you back to your car. This was a huge plus, as you don’t need to worry about paddling back.

Picnic on the Gardon

Each canoe is paired with a watertight barrel to place your belongings inside. If you plan in advance, you can aim to bring some picnic food and supplies. That way, when you arrive at the stunning Pont du Gard viewpoint, you can simply pull your canoe over to the side of the river and stop for lunch. There is also a small beach where you can swim if the weather is warm enough! A great way to cool down. Just be sure your canoe doesn’t float away…

The kids could do their fair share of paddling, but their favourite part of the experience was just being on the water. They loved spotting the different flora and fauna we came across. There were grey herons, eagles flying overhead, beavers nibbling wood offshore and lots of perch and pike swimming under our feet. And although our arms were certainly tired at the end of the journey, it had all been worth it for our amazing experiences along the way. Be SURE to wear lots of sunscreen and large-brimmed hats to keep the sun off. Bring lots of water and pack some towels in the watertight barrel to dry off if you get wet.

Prices & Info

Location: 194 Chemin St Privat | 30210 Collias (with Private parking, Toilettes and changing rooms)
Prices: 25€/Adult | 19€/Young Adults from 13 to 17 years old | 13€/children from 6 to 12 years

Solve the Intrigue Dans la Ville

My nephews love a good scavenger hunt! They are obsessed with solving riddles and figuring out context clues. So when I came across Intrigue Dans la Ville, I couldn’t believe such a perfect thing existed in Provence. “Intrigue dans la ville” is a game designed for families that offer entertaining and educational puzzles set within various Provencal villages. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, revolves around a fictional historical crime in the village. You receive a suspects pack with beautifully illustrated pictures of the people suspected of the crime. You must explore a town to crack the mystery and solve the various game puzzles. Hidden in plain sight are clues. And throughout the game, you will learn more about the town’s history. As you unravel the game’s various enigmas. 

Where can you Buy Intrigue de Ville?

You can pick up the game package for Intrigue de Ville at the Tourist Information Centre in whichever village you choose to explore. There are over 22 destinations across Provence where you can find unique puzzles. Each with its own storyline and investigation unique to the specific city. Right now, only two spots offer an English version of the game; Vaison-La-Romaine and Avignon. You can check their website to find the participating villages’ list. 

The game cost €12, but I would have paid twice as much! This wasn’t some cheap printed PDF. The game came in an adorable cloth pouch and contained a detective booklet, an illustrated set of suspect cards, a historical town map, a personalized pencil, and a letter introducing the mission to the players. The additional contents of each game are different depending on where you play. In one town, we received a mirror required to solve different puzzles. And your kids even get a little button that designates them as investigators!

You can take the game at your own pace, but we found that with breaks for food and exploring, we spent about 3 hours playing. Once you complete the game, you discover the guilty suspect. And reveal a three-digit code. You then return to the tourist office and open a safe using the 3-digit code to see if you captured the correct suspect. If you solve it correctly, your kids will get a certificate as a souvenir! If the tourist office is closed when you are finished, you can always punch in the code online to see if you got the right answer.

Do You Need to be able to Read French to Play?

As mentioned above, the game is currently only available in English in two cities in Provence. The rest of the cities only have French versions available. We did two different investigations, one in Saint-Remy and one in Merindol. Both my brother and I took French immersion in school, but it’s been ages since we read French daily. So while we knew how to read some French, we mainly used Google Translate‘s Google Lens function to translate the live text. This worked absolutely perfectly! Albeit, maybe it took us a bit more time than if we had an English version.

If you happen to be in a town where they only have the French version, don’t let that put you off. If you have mobile data, you can definitely get by using Google Translate. But if you want to do the English version, that just gives you more direction of where to visit. If you have kids aged +6, this is an absolute must!

Step Back in Time inside the Rocher Mistral

One of the most exciting and undiscovered things you can do with your kids is to take them to the Rocher Mistral. When I first found a brochure on this park, I was a bit skeptical. I hadn’t heard anything about it anywhere online and had been doing extensive research. Turns out, deep in the heart of Provence, is a historical park specifically for kids! 

Rocher Mistral is located inside the thousand-year-old castle of La Barben. The ancient castle was only open for adult, historical guided tours for years. But in 2021, the castle was transformed into a children’s theme park where your kids can journey through time! One of the reasons I think this park is less popular with tourists is because the park is primarily geared towards French speakers. But for English-speaking customers, you can pick up specific flyers at the entrance to the park with all the information and maps in English! Each of the shows also has a sign in front explaining the story.

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New for 2023, there are audio guides available in English and German on request! And even without understanding the language, the action speaks for itself for the most part. I would just avoid the Puppet show or Theatrical Stage Shows, are these are primarily speaking performances. Stick with the immersive experiences, stunt shows and exploration throughout the castle grounds.

There are three different kinds of admission tickets you can purchase. You can buy a ticket for a day visit or the nighttime show. There are also combination tickets that allow you to experience an entire day’s worth of activities.

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The Shows 

During the day, you can experience ancient revolts and booming cannon fire. From exhilarating stunt shows and sword fights to comedic performances and mesmerizing dance routines. The castle is an incredible hub of amusement!

As twilight descends upon the castle of La Barben, a magical hour dawns. Their 2023 immersive light show plunges you into a Napoleonic epic. At dusk, at the foot of the castle in the magnificent French-style gardens, stories and figures of the past come to life! The set design, sound and lighting effects are almost on par with Disneyland-like experiences.

Each performance or walkthrough is about 20 minutes long. Actors tell the stories of the castle and of Provence through these performances. All the actors speak French, but there are English cards outside the attractions that give you an overview of the performance you’ll see.

You can also tour various historical parts of the castle, including the castle apartments, the chapel and the old kitchen. Here you’ll find original artifacts, furniture and decor in the family for over 500 years!

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What is there to Eat?

For those wanting to spend the day at the castle, they allow you to bring in your own food. But there is also a restaurant inside called the Auberge Daudet (reservations recommended) and a more casual marketplace called La Guinguette de Marius, where you can find many kid-friendly meals. The food is excellent quality and very reasonably priced.

There is also an adorable Provençal market selling products from local craftsmen in the marketplace. These producers are heirs to centuries-old know-how! There is also a small traditional French carousel which kids can ride for free. If you have some downtime, there is also a boules field where kids can try their hand at this Provençal game.

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Hours & Admission

Location: Chemin de la Baou, La Barben, France
Hours: Open April-November. Check their website for the most up-to-date schedule of events. Close through the week during the off-season.

Admission: Day Ticket: Adults 25€ (advance purchase) / 28€ | Children 6-12 19€ (advance purchase) / 22€ | Children under 5 are FREE | Night Ticket: Adults 19€ (advance purchase) / 22€ | Children 6-12 15€ (advance purchase) / 18€ | Children under 5 are FREE | Day + Night Ticket: Adults 36€ (advance purchase) / 39€ | Children 6-12 26€ (advance purchase) / 29€ | Children under 5 are FREE

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Discover the Immersive History of the Pope’s Palace in Avignon

Throughout my travels, I’ve seen my fair share of kids looking confused and bored in museums. And I was worried that although we didn’t have many museums on the list, I wanted them to have fun at the ones we did visit. Thankfully the Pope’s Palace in Avignon, also known as the Palais des Papes, has some of the most interesting technology to enhance the kid’s experience.

The Pope’s Palace is the largest Gothic Palace in Europe! Surrounding the Palace is an imposing fortress-like structure that the kids really got a kick out of. They felt like they were sneaking into a well-fortified castle! Many people don’t even know that the Pope ruled not in Rome but in Avignon for over 70 years! It all started when Pope Clement V, a Frenchman, was elected Pope in 1305. He preferred to reside in France rather than Rome, as he had close ties with the French monarchy. Avignon was a Papal State whose territories were directly controlled by the Pope.

The History of the Pope’s Palace

The construction of the Palace began in 1335 and took about twenty years to complete. Skilled architects and craftsmen worked hard to create a stunning palace that would reflect the power and importance of the Pope. The Palace is enormous, with towering walls and majestic towers. It was home to nine different popes and was designed like a fortress to impress and protect them. The Palace consisted of numerous rooms and chambers that served various purposes, including residential areas for the popes, administrative offices, ceremonial halls, chapels, and more.

When the Papacy moved back to Rome in 1377, the Palace remained, but as the years went by and it remained unused, it began to deteriorate. During the French Revolution in 1789, revolutionary forces seized and sacked the castle. This meant that the once-powerful castle’s grandeur was gone, leaving nothing but an empty shell.

HistoPads

Today, these rooms are still void of decorations. Making it a rather austere experience. And difficult for adults, let alone kids, to understand how this place would have once brought visitors a sense of awe and intimidation. But thanks to their new HistoPad technology, history comes to life all around this. The HistoPad is a digital tablet that enhances the immersive experience of exploring the Palace of the Popes in Avignon. 

The HistoPad offers augmented reality and multimedia immersion, allowing visitors to visualize the Palace as it was in the 14th century. It provides virtual visits to nine main rooms with audio commentaries, musical illustrations, text labels, and zoom capabilities to examine details. Geolocation beacons trigger the HistoPad in each room, offering animated maps for orientation. Additionally, there is a fun and interactive treasure hunt for younger kids, with virtual objects and hidden coins around the different rooms around the castle. This mini-game was something the kids loved and made them more actively engage with the stories they were learning.

Admission and Hours

The Palais des Papes is open every day, all year round. From Jan-Feb 10h – 17h | From Feb-March 10h – 18h | From March -end of May 9h – 19h | From June-Dec 10h – 17h | From end of Dec. 10h – 18h
Tickets: Adults €12 | Children (8-17 years old) €6.50 | Kids under 8 are FREE

Try out a Provençal Pastime

Pétanque, also known as boules, is probably the sport that Provence is best known for. In North America, we call it bocce. But this game is more leisurely and languid than exhausting. In every town, even the smallest village, you’ll find the Boulodrome. The boulodrome is a large, flat, sandy or gravelly area, usually under shady trees. It’s here where locals gather to play their daily round of boules. The game is fairly simple, making it perfect for kids to learn and play!

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How to Play Boules

The game can be played one-on-one (called “tête-à-tête”), in teams of two players each (known as “doublets”), or in teams of three players each (called “triplets”). The game begins when a player from one team throws “the jack” (a smaller ball, usually in a different colour) to a desired location in the playing area. The aim of the game is to get your large metal balls (the boules) closest to the jack to score points. The same player who threw the jack throws their first metal ball. Attempting to get it as close to the jack as possible. The opposing team member then tries to throw their ball closer to the jack or to knock the opponent’s ball away.

The game continues with alternating throws between the teams until all the balls have been thrown. Points are awarded to the team with the ball closest to the jack. In some game variations, additional points can be scored for each ball of the same team closer to the jack than any of the opponent’s balls.

Where to Play Boules

If you’re staying in a holiday rental home, be sure to ask in advance if they have a boules or a Petanque set in the house that you can borrow throughout your stay. Some tourist offices also rent them out in larger cities. But if you head down to the local Boulodrome, you might also find that locals will happily invite you to play along with them, which is great fun! This kind of game can easily be played without a shared language. And it’s a fantastic way to meet your neighbours.

If you’d prefer to make a day of it, there are some great guided experiences around Provence where you can play boules with a professional! You will not only play the game but also learn all about the sport’s history and how to become a master of the sport! Food and drink (pastis for the adults) are served alongside the game, and a commemorative trophy will be offered to the winning team. It’s a great way to really get immersed into Provencal recreation.

Hike into the Ochre Quarries of Roussillon

The city of Roussillon is nestled in the beautiful countryside of the Luberon. But this city really sets itself apart from the rest as it is surrounded by these remarkable ochre cliffs. These magnificent geological formations showcase vivid colours ranging from deep reds to vibrant yellows, creating a surreal and enchanting environment. One of the best ways to get up close to these amazing formations is by hiking along the “Sentier des Ocres,” the site of the former ochre quarries of Roussillon.

They call it a “hike,” but it’s much more of a leisurely walk. There are two routes, the short walk, which takes 35 minutes and the long walk, which takes around 50 minutes. There is an entry fee of 2.50€ per person to walk through the Sentier des Ocres, but you don’t need to make reservations in advance. The trail is open every day from February to December. As you walk along, stop with the kids and read the various interpretation boards you pass by. Each one explains the geological landscapes, how these unique formations were made, and how the quarries mined them for their rich materials.

After your short hike, you should head into the town. Picnics are prohibited along the trail, so a trip into town is a great place to grab something to eat. In addition, the little village is a charming and welcoming place. With houses painted the same ochre colours as the hillsides you just explored. After lunch, stroll through the vibrant alleys, where kids can discover unique artisan crafts and local products made with the clay they found in the quarries.

Admire the Flora and Fauna inside the Parc de Camargue

The Parc de Camargue, or the Camargue Regional Natural Park, is a vast natural reserve and one of Europe’s largest river deltas. The area is renowned for its unique ecosystem, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Making a day trip to the Camargue is a great idea for kids because there are many different things to do.

One of the most popular activities is Horseback Riding. The Camargue is famous for its white horses. These horses are a distinct breed known for their strength, agility, and beautiful white coat. Riding these magnificent horses through the marshlands and open plains of the park can be a thrilling experience for children. Be sure to book these tours in advance and drive directly to the farm, where you’ll meet your guide.

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Le Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau

If you prefer something more laid back, you can simply walk along the boardwalk inside the park to observe the wildlife on foot. The park has many animal species, including the iconic pink flamingos, herons, egrets, and many other migratory birds. Families can bring binoculars and make their way to various designated observation points to see if they can spot different birds scattered throughout the park.

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Discover the Ruins of the Château des Baux-de-Provence

Perched atop a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountains, watching over Provence, are the great ruins of the Château des Baux-de-Provence. Entering this medieval fortress is like stepping into a world frozen in time. Your kids can run around this amazing 10th-century castle, sneak into the dungeons, explore the ancient castle chapel, walk around the crumbling Saracen Tower and learn about the old troglodyte houses.

From the ramparts, you can gaze out over the vast Provençal landscape, stretching as far as the eye can see. The panorama lets you take in the rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and quaint villages. Creating a breathtaking backdrop that adds to the castle’s allure. Because the castle is open to the air, lacking roped-off areas that you might expect in a normal museum, it feels like you are an explorer discovering these ruins. Instead of a load of placards, your admission includes an audio guide which gives you live commentary on the history of the Château. And more specific information about the Lords of Baux and what life would have looked like in the Middle Ages inside the castle.

Special Events & Activities

During the summer and holidays, the castle holds different special events for kids. This includes archery lessors, war machine demonstrations, a stonecutter workshop and even a working blacksmith. These special activities are included if you buy the activities admission ticket.

Throughout the year, there is also an Escape Game. This game teaches kids all about the history of Château des Baux-de-Provence while having fun! In teams of 2 to 6 people, you lead the investigation and explore the remains of the castle. You must discover the mysteries surrounding the last will and testament of the Princess of Les Baux. Kids solve a series of riddles and challenges to solve the mystery. Although they say it’s age +12, with some adult help, even younger kids will be able to participate in the game! The game costs an additional €5 in addition to the entrance ticket.

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Hours and Admission

The Château des Baux is open every day, all year round. January, February, November, December: 10am-5pm | March, October: 9:30 am-6pm | April, May, June, September: 9am-7pm | July and August: 9am-7.30pm
Admission: Adults €8 without special activities €10 with special activities | Seniors €7 without special activities €9 with special activities | Children (7-17 years old) €6 without special activities €8 with special activities | Free for children under the age of 7

Get Artsy at the Carrières des Lumières

Located essentially right underneath the Castle of Les-Baux is an old limestone quarry that has been transformed into an immersive art installation called the Carrières des Lumières. The dark and atmospheric stone walls, once left abandoned, have been adapted into a multimedia exhibition space where art, technology, and music combine to create an awe-inspiring audiovisual spectacle.

This kind of immersive art had a huge boom during the pandemic, and now we seem oversaturated by the model. But the Carrières des Lumières was one of the first places to create this kind of experience in 2012. They were some of the first to invent these state-of-the-art projections that could bring famous artworks to life. Enveloping the entire space in a mesmerizing display of colours, shapes, and movement. From Van Gogh’s vibrant paintings to Monet’s impressionistic masterpieces, the art comes alive in a dynamic and engaging way.

The vibrant visuals are paired with captivating music, which is fantastic for kids. Capturing their attention and sparking their imagination. The kids can run around as they please without being forced to sit still or stay in one place. The more you explore the dynamic views, the more you can understand the art and the space. This is a fantastic way to get kids to appreciate the beauty and significance of renowned paintings in a fun and accessible way.

In 2023, they even introduced the ‘World of TinTin‘ to Les Baux. These charming illustrated cartoons come to life inside the quarry, where your kids can literally step into the fantasy world of Hergé, one of the world’s greatest cartoonists.

Hours and Admission

Hours: The Carrières des Lumières are open every day, including public holidays. January, November, and December: 10am-6pm | February and March: 9.30am-6pm | April, May, June, September, October: 9.30am-7pm | July and August: 9am-7.30pm 

Because the Carrières des Lumières is so close to Les-Baux Castle, you can buy a combination ticket that gets you into both spaces at a discount.
Combination Ticket Price: Adults €18 without special activities €20 with special activities | Seniors €16,5 without special activities €18,5 with special activities | Children & Young Adults (7-25 years old) €14 without special activities €16 with special activities | Children under 7 are FREE
Carrières des Lumières ONLY Price: Adults €14,5 | Seniors €13,5 | Children and Young adults (7-25 years old) €12

Take a Workshop inside the Musée de la Lavande

There is no more iconic flower (and scent) that links your travel memories to Provence more than lavender. Deep in the heart of the lavender country, you’ll find the Musée de la Lavande. This museum offers visitors a captivating journey into the history of lavender, its cultivation, and its various uses over the years. It also houses a small exhibition space that showcases lavender’s cultural significance in Provence. From the minute you arrive at the museum, you’ll be swallowed up by the soothing scent of lavender. Visiting the museum during the summertime is also a great way to give your kids the opportunity to get up close to this brilliant plant!

Lavender Workshops

And while adults might love the museum, some kids might be slightly less enthused. But, recently, the museum has introduced workshops for kids to help them get hands-on with using and understanding the power of lavender. All workshops require general admission into the museum, although kids under 10 are FREE.

The most accessible program for all ages is their personalized lavender sachet workshop. This activity is so much fun. Each child gets to choose their own fabric wrapping to create their sachet. Then they can create a personalized mix of aromatic herbs to fill the sachet. Of course, lavender is the star scent, but they can mix in others like mint, rosemary, thyme and basil. These are great for kids of all ages but more suited to younger children.

But what I was most excited about was the Lavender Scented watercolour workshop! The museum has its own watercolours that have been infused with lavender perfume! These were created exclusively by the Conservatoire des Ocres de Roussillon. You can spend up to an hour painting, and an artist is on hand to guide you through the process. Painting and artistry have such a strong connection to Provence, and being able to paint scented with the very essence of Provence is a truly magical experience.

Hours and Admission

The Museum is Open every day | Museum Admission: Adults €8 | Students €7 | Seniors €7 | Children & Young Adults (11-16 years-old) | Children under 10 are FREE

Watercolour Workshops: Tuesdays and Sundays from April to May and July to September Price: Additional €3 | Lavender Sachets Workshop: Every day except Friday, July to August Price: Additional €4

Tips for Dining Out with Kids

I have an entire post dedicated to eating out with kids in Provence. If you’re interested, head over there to read about our experiences and essential tips for enjoying Provencal cuisine with the kids! But here are the key takeaways:

• Look for the word “menu enfant,” which translates to “kids menu,” usually found at the bottom of the regular menu
• If there is no kid’s menu, ask politely if it’s possible to get a simplified version of something from the regular menu (ex., roast chicken but without sauce or spices)
• Bring a colouring book or small activity to entertain them over long dinners
• Try to get a seat outside so the kids can go for a walk if they get antsy
• Download Google Translate to help translate French-only menus to help your kids order something they will enjoy

Additional Tips for Visiting Provence with Kids

Where to Find Public Bathrooms

While there are public bathrooms in Provence, frequently, they are not free to use. One of the most popular options in small Provencal towns is “sanisettes.” These silver pods are self-cleaning and, therefore, useful in small towns as they do not require a cleaning staff. But they are not free. They cost anywhere from €0.20 to €1. They all require you to pay in small coins, so always keep some with you, as our kids frequently have to use these bathrooms.

Be sure to always carry a small package of Kleenex with you because often, even the free public washrooms are out of toilet paper, especially in areas far out in the countryside.

You may have heard you can’t always flush loo paper in France. This is only true of homes that still use septic tanks, typical of homes in the countryside.

You can always use the washrooms inside a cafe, but order coffee before asking to use the bathroom. Usually, this will only set you back a few euros, and these cafes are plentiful around Provence.

Are Cities Stroller Friendly?

When we visited Provence, our kids were old enough to walk around without assistance. But, we noted that Provence, like many older European cities, is not stroller-friendly. Many small towns are covered in beautiful cobblestone roads and alleys, which are difficult to traverse with a stroller. Making the rider inside subject to a very bumpy ride. A great alternative that many parents we ran into recommended was a baby carrier or a sling instead of a stroller. Obviously, strollers are required sometimes. But if you can get away with the sling or carrier most of the time, you’ll find it a little easier to get around.

If you opt to bring a stroller, we saw that the lightweight umbrella strollers were slightly nimble on the cobbles and could easily fold up in compact and overcrowded places. Many historical sights prohibit strollers, so be prepared to leave them unattended outside the entrance if you bring them along.

Travelling the world with kids opens their eyes to so many different experiences. But it also creates a world of new adventures for yourself as well! My travels around Provence were absolutely enhanced by going with the kids. Teaching the kids about French culture and traditions brought me so much joy. And it made my heart soar to see them becoming curious adventurers who can step out of their comfort zone, try new foods, learn new languages (or at least a few words) and create last memories to look back on for years.

Let me know if you’re planning a trip to Provence with your kids and any questions you might have!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post The Ultimate Guide To Exploring the Charms of Provence with Kids first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.