Family-Friendly Adventures in Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, France!

Les Saintes Maries de la Mer

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful family adventure to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, a charming seaside village nestled in the heart of the Camargue, famous for its wild beauty and rich traditions.

Day 1: Explore the Village

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Church of the Saints Maries de la Mer, central to the village"s history and folklore. Kids will be fascinated by the story of Sara la Kali, the patron saint of the Romani people, celebrated here. Climb up to the church roof for a panoramic view of the Mediterranean. Just around the corner, indulge in some local cuisine at a seaside restaurant, trying specialties like "tellines" (small shellfish) with garlic and parsley.

Day 2: Horseback Riding and Birdwatching

No visit to Camargue is complete without horseback riding. Several ranches around the village offer family-friendly guided tours on the iconic white horses of Camargue. It"s a fantastic way to explore the natural landscapes. Follow this with a trip to the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park, a short drive from the village. The park provides easy walking trails and the chance to see flamingos, herons, and other bird species up close—perfect for budding naturalists.

Day 3: Beach Day and Boat Tour

Spend a relaxing day at Plage Est, a family-friendly beach with gentle waters. Later, take a boat tour from the port, offering unique views of the coastline and the possibility of spotting the famous Camargue bulls and wild horses on the adjacent lands.

Each step of this itinerary is easily accessible by foot or short drives, making it simple for families to navigate. The village"s compact size and serene environment make Les Saintes Maries de la Mer an ideal spot for a leisurely yet exciting family holiday.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Valensole Plateau (Plateau De Valensole)

Why Visit?

Day 1: Discovering Valensole Plateau

Start your family adventure in the beautiful region of Valensole Plateau, renowned for its vibrant lavender fields. Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the fresh, fragrant air. The best time to visit is from mid-June to mid-July when the lavender is in full bloom.

Morning: Lavender Fields and Distillery Tour

Begin at the vast and picturesque lavender fields which are a sight to behold and perfect for family photos. You can park at one of the public lots near Route de Manosque and take a leisurely stroll through the fields. Engage the kids with fun facts: Valensole Plateau is one of the most important lavender producing areas in the world!

Next, visit a local distillery such as Distillerie de Lavande La Fare les Oliviers. Here, you can join a guided tour to learn about the distillation process and the uses of lavender oil. It"s both educational and aromatic — a delight for the senses.

Afternoon: Picnic and Village Exploration

Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch under the Provençal sun. Subsequently, explore the charming village of Valensole. Wander through its ancient streets, visit quaint shops, and perhaps treat the family to some lavender-infused ice cream.

Day 2: Outdoor Activities and Historical Sites

Morning: Hiking and Fossil Hunting

Start the day with a hike on one of the family-friendly trails around the Plateau. The Chemin de Saint-Jurs offers stunning views and an opportunity to find fossils, making it an exciting scavenger hunt for kids.

Afternoon: Visit to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Drive about 30 minutes to the picturesque village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, nestled between rocky cliffs. Known for its ceramics, it"s a great place to pick up souvenirs. Explore the medieval architecture and the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the village.

This engaging two-day itinerary will leave your family with lasting memories of Valensole Plateau"s natural beauty and charming Provençal culture.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Sainte-Victoire Mountain (Montagne Sainte-Victoire)

Why Visit?

Embark on a memorable family adventure to the iconic Sainte-Victoire Mountain, a jewel of the Provence region that has captivated artists like Paul Cézanne. Begin your journey in Aix-en-Provence, easily accessible by train or car from major cities like Marseille and Nice.

Start your day early and drive to the mountain’s base, where you can park at Les Clapiers car park. It’s best to arrive early to secure a spot and beat the heat. Strap on your hiking boots and choose a family-friendly trail, such as the "Sentier des Venturiers," which is well-marked and offers stunning views without being too challenging for little ones. The hike can take about 2-3 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how often you stop to soak in the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Provence landscape.

As you ascend, share with your kids that this mountain was a significant source of inspiration for Cézanne, who depicted it in over 80 paintings and watercolors. This can add an artistic angle to your hike, sparking creativity among the young ones. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, sun hats, and snacks for a picturesque picnic at the summit.

After your descent, treat the family to a visit to the nearby Cézanne Studio in Aix-en-Provence. Here, kids can see where the artist worked and perhaps feel inspired by the same landscapes that influenced his revolutionary artwork.

If time allows, end your day with a relaxing stroll through the historical streets of Aix-en-Provence, enjoying a gelato or dining at one of the family-friendly local restaurants.

This day of nature, art, and local flavors will provide a rich and engaging experience that captures the essence of Provence, making memories that your family will cherish for years to come.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Cours Mirabeau

Why Visit?

Welcome to the charming Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence, a perfect destination for families seeking a blend of culture, history, and leisure! Here’s an exciting itinerary to ensure your family enjoys every bit of this picturesque boulevard.

### Morning: Exploration and Breakfast

Start your day at the western end of Cours Mirabeaux at La Rotonde, a grand fountain and popular meeting spot. Grab a delightful breakfast at one of the nearby cafes; I recommend trying the local "pain au chocolat" at Boulangerie Bechard, a favorite since 1870.

Getting There: Cours Mirabeau is accessible by bus lines 4, 6, and M1 stopping at “La Rotonde” station. If driving, park at the Rotonde Parking, just a short walk from the boulevard.

### Mid-Morning: Stroll and Discover

As you wander down the tree-lined promenade, marvel at the intricate façades of private mansions dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Don"t miss the "Quatre Dauphins" fountain, a perfect spot for a family selfie!

Interesting Fact: The street is named after Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau, a leader during the early stages of the French Revolution.

### Lunch: Local Cuisine

Enjoy a lunch at Les Deux Garçons, an iconic brasserie that has hosted figures like Picasso and Edith Piaf. Savor traditional Provencal dishes that are kid-friendly and full of flavor.

### Afternoon: Cultural Immersion

Post-lunch, visit the Musée Granet, located just off the Cours. This museum houses over 12,000 works, including pieces by Cézanne and Picasso.

Getting There: Walk down the Cours and turn right onto Rue d’Italie; it’s about a 10-minute walk.

### Evening: Sweet Farewell

Conclude your day with some gelato from Amorino, known for its flower-shaped cones, and enjoy a leisurely walk back along the Cours as the street lights begin to twinkle.

This itinerary offers a perfect blend of culinary delights, historical exploration, and relaxed family time, making your visit to Cours Mirabeau a memorable journey through the heart of Aix-en-Provence!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Cézanne"s Studio (Atelier Cézanne)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Exploring Cézanne"s Studio (Atelier Cézanne), Aix-en-Provence

Morning Arrival & Introduction

Start your day at Atelier Cézanne, the famed studio of Paul Cézanne, located at 9 Avenue Paul Cézanne. The studio opens at 10 am, perfect for an engaging start. Catch Bus 5 from the central bus station towards Les Platanes, disembarking at the Cézanne stop. It"s a short walk to the studio from here.

Exploring Atelier Cézanne

Immerse your family in the world of Cézanne from 10:30 am. Here, Cézanne painted some of his most famous works. The studio is preserved just as he left it, with his tools, paints, and personal belongings, offering a real sense of the artist"s life and work. Spend about an hour exploring the intimate space, filled with natural light and scattered with artifacts that appeared in his artworks. It"s a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of a genius.

Interactive Activity

Participate in the family-friendly workshop often held at the studio. Children can engage in hands-on activities like drawing or painting, inspired by Cézanne’s techniques, which makes the experience more vivid and personal.

Lunch & Leisure

By noon, head to Aix-en-Provence city center. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local bistros — perhaps try some Provençal specialties like ratatouille or bouillabaisse.

Afternoon Stroll & Exploration

Post-lunch, take a guided walking tour of Aix-en-Provence. Discover spots Cézanne frequented, like the Bibemus Quarries or the Sainte-Victoire mountain, subjects of many of his landscapes. Walking tours typically last 2 hours and offer insights into how the city’s landscape influenced Cézanne"s work.

Departure

Wrap up your visit by 4 pm, leaving ample time for reflections or a relaxed stroll back through the charming streets of Aix, perhaps picking up some lavender or calissons (a local sweet) as souvenirs of your artistic adventure.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.