The five best things to do with children in Provence

Kayaking

Provence is kayaking heaven for kids. Whether its the icy waters of the Sorgue, the flamingo filled delta of the Camargue or the unspoiled beauty of the Calanques, jumping in a kayak is a wonderful way to pass an afternoon with kids in Provence. Try one of the operators listed below for a fun-filled family morning or afternoon:

Canoe Evasion, L’Isle Sur La Sorgue – a nice two hour descent with a stop for a swim and a picnic.

Kayak Vert Camargue – The Kayak adventure accompanied by a guide familiar with all the local flora and fauna is a great learning experience.

Cassis Kayak, Les Calanques – Avoid the crowds on the tour boats and see the Calanques at your own pace. The owners will provide an itinerary to suit your level.

Accrobranching

For those not familiar with this great activity for kids, accrobranching involves following a marked out route through the tree tops, complete with zipwires and increasingly fiendish obstacles. Security is ensured by clipping yourself to a metal cable which runs the length of the course. It’s impossible to fall, but that does not stop the adrenaline surging. There are courses for children as young as 5 years old. The hardest courses will challenge adults.

Here’s a list of the best operators.

L’Isle Sur La Sorgue – Passerelles des Cimes

Rustrel – Colorado Adventures

La Tour D’Aigue – Forest Sensation

Charleval – Royaume des Arbres

Vaison la Romaine – Adventure Park

Cycling

Provence is a bike riding mecca, but sometimes its hard to find places to cycle safely with the kids. Two of the best locations are in the Luberon.

The Calavon velo route stretches 23 miles from Robion to Saint Martin de Castillon. Apart from a small section where the route is shared with cars, kids can ride without absolute freedom. The scenery is spectacular and a picnic under the arches of  the Pont Julien Roman bridge a must.

The Foret de Cedre, is a high cedar forest on a hill top adjacent to Bonnieux. A car free cycle track leads for kilometers into its heart. Even in the middle of summer the shade provided by the high trees  means it never gets too hot. View points along the way are spectacular.

The Gorges du Verdon

First treat the kids to the awe inspiring Gorges itself by taking either the Corniche Sublime or the Route des Cretes. From these roads viewpoints offer plunging panoramas, with the canyon below falling away by nearly 900 meters. If you are lucky you will see Golden Eagles and Vultures. Then head down to the Pont du Galetas on Lac Sainte Croix and rent a pedalo. Head up river and enjoy the view of the Gorges from the safety of a boat. Those with older children can then try Bunjee Jumping from Pont D’Artuby.

Activity parks

Provence has some of the best children’s activity parks in France. Here’s a list of some to try:

Wave Island – Monteux

Grimmland – La Roque d’Antheron

Village des Automates – Aix en Provence

Magic Park Land – nr Carry Le Rouet