Family-Friendly Adventures in Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur!

Camargue

Why Visit?

Day 1: Explore the Natural Beauty of Camargue

Start your family adventure in the stunning Camargue region by visiting the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue. Accessible from Arles by car (about a 20-minute drive), this natural park offers a diverse ecosystem that"s perfect for nature lovers. Rent bikes at the entrance to enjoy the scenic trails, keeping an eye out for the famous white horses, pink flamingos, and black bulls. Don"t forget to bring binoculars for bird watching!

Day 2: Historical Charm of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Drive (about 30 minutes from Arles) to the quaint coastal town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the capital of Camargue. Here, you can explore sandy beaches and visit the fortified church, Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer. It"s a great spot to learn about the town’s history and its significance to the Roma community, who celebrate their patron saint here annually. Enjoy local cuisine at seafront restaurants, where dishes often feature the region"s famed salt-marsh lamb.

Day 3: Horse Riding and Lighthouse Visit

Book a family-friendly horseback riding tour (suitable for beginners and children) to truly experience the Camargue landscape from a unique perspective. Tours typically start in the morning and can be arranged through local stables in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. In the afternoon, visit the Phare de la Gacholle lighthouse. A short drive from the town center, this spot offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean and is a great location for memorable family photos.

Throughout your trip, stay hydrated and protected from the sun, as the Camargue can be quite warm. This itinerary offers a balanced mix of wildlife exploration, cultural immersion, and relaxation, ensuring a memorable visit for the whole family in the heart of one of France"s most unique regions.

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

Place du Forum

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Exploring Place du Forum, Arles

Morning: Arrival and Exploring Place du Forum

Kick-off your family adventure at the historic heart of Arles, the Place du Forum. Easily accessible by walking from the Arles train station which is just a 15-minute stroll away, this picturesque square is perfect for soaking up local culture. Start your day with breakfast at one of the cafes lining the square, where you can enjoy croissants while marveling at the vibrant scene depicted in Van Gogh’s painting "Café Terrace at Night."

Mid-Morning: Discover Roman History

Just a short 5-minute walk from Place du Forum is the stunning Arles Amphitheatre. Engage the kids with tales of ancient gladiators and entertainers who once performed in this Roman arena built in 90 AD. The structure"s design and scale are sure to impress visitors of all ages.

Lunch: Picnic at Jardin d’Été

After exploring the amphitheater, walk back towards the Place du Forum and grab a takeaway lunch from a local boulangerie. Head to Jardin d’Été, just a 4-minute walk away. Here, enjoy a peaceful picnic under the shade of trees in this beautiful public garden.

Afternoon: Musee Reattu

Post-lunch, visit the Musee Reattu, located a gentle 10-minute walk from Jardin d’Été along the Rhone river. This art museum, housed in a 16th-century priory, offers a fascinating collection ranging from Picasso sketches to contemporary photography. It’s engaging for adults and offers visual delights that can captivate children’s imaginations as well.

Evening: Stroll and Dinner at Place du Forum

Conclude your family day by returning to Place du Forum. Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll around the square, and then settle down for dinner at one of its family-friendly restaurants, offering dishes that cater to all ages and tastes. As the sun sets, the ambience of the square becomes even more enchanting, providing a perfect end to your day in Arles.

End of Day

With hearts full of memories, your family-friendly tour of Place du Forum will be an enriching cultural experience combining history, art, and local cuisine in a compact, easily navigable setting.

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

Church of St. Trophime (Eglise St-Trophime)

Why Visit?

Welcome to an enthralling family-friendly day visiting the Church of St. Trophime (Église St-Trophime) in Arles, France, a jewel of Romanesque architecture!

### Morning: Church of St. Trophime

Start your visit in the heart of Arles at the Place de la République, where the church prominently sits. The best way to reach it is on foot, as Arles boasts beautiful, narrow streets lined with historical buildings that lead to the church, making the walk itself an enjoyable part of your day. If you"re driving, park at the nearby parking areas like Parking Arènes or Parking Centre.

#### What to See:

- West Portal: Marvel at the intricacies of the Last Judgment depicted on the portal. It"s a magnificent example of 12th-century sculpture.

- Cloister: Step into the serenity of the cloister. Look out for the detailed carvings on the pillars, depicting various saints and biblical scenes – perfect for sparking the imaginations of young minds.

- Interior: Inside, find ancient chapels and stunning artworks. Don"t miss the grand organ, with parts dating back to the 15th century!

### Midday: Lunch and Local Parks

Grab a bite at one of the nearby cafes or bistros that offer delightful Provençal cuisine. For a quick family picnic, buy local cheeses and bread and head to the nearby Jardin d"Été, a great spot for kids to play and adults to relax under the shade of plane trees.

### Afternoon: Arles Amphitheatre

A five-minute walk from St. Trophime, visit the ancient Arles Amphitheatre. Built around 90 AD, this massive Roman structure could hold over 20,000 spectators in its heyday! Today, it"s a fascinating site where you can explore the corridors once roamed by gladiators and imagine the roar of ancient crowds.

### Optional: Musée Arles Antique

If time permits, end your day at the Musée Arles Antique (a short drive or a 20-minute walk from the amphitheater). This museum houses an extensive collection of Roman artifacts, including the famous Arles Obelisk.

This itinerary promises a day full of history, culture, and fun, making your visit to the Church of St. Trophime and surrounding attractions in Arles an unforgettable family experience!

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

Arles Museum of Antiquity (Musée Départemental Arles Antique)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Exploring Arles Museum of Antiquity

Morning Arrival at Arles Museum of Antiquity (Musée Départemental Arles Antique)

- Getting There: Situated on the outskirts of Arles, this museum is easily accessible by car (ample parking available) or a short bus ride (Line 2 towards Musée Arles Antique).

- Start Your Tour: Kick off your visit right at the opening hour (9 AM). The museum’s stunning glass architecture is a visual treat and offers numerous interactive and multimedia exhibits that are perfect for keeping children engaged.

Discover Ancient Roman Arles

- Key Attrails: Don"t miss the 31-meter-long Roman barge discovered in the Rhône River, submerged for over 2000 years! The interactive screens explaining the restoration process make this a captivating exhibit for all ages. Another must-see is the model of Roman Arles, which vividly brings to life the city during its peak.

- Fun Fact: The museum showcases a rare antiques collection including sarcophagi, mosaics, and statues that narrate tales of ancient daily life, trade, and culture in Roman Gaul.

Interactive Workshops and Family Activities

- Engagement: Check out the special workshops and guided tours tailored for families. These often include Roman mosaic making or sculpture classes that allow kids to get hands-on experience while learning about ancient art and craftsmanship.

Lunch and Stroll

- Picnic by the Rhône: Pack a picnic to enjoy in the adjoining park, offering beautiful views of the Rhône River and a chance for kids to play amidst nature.

- Walk by the River: Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Afternoon Wrap-up

- Review & Reflect: End your visit at the museum’s café, where you can discuss your favorite exhibits over some delicious local snacks.

- Departure: Before leaving, stop by the museum shop for educational books or unique souvenirs to commemorate your family’s journey through ancient history.

Enjoy your historical journey at the Arles Museum of Antiquity, a perfect blend of education and entertainment!

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

Van Gogh Café (Le Café de Nuit)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Exploring Van Gogh’s Café (Le Café de Nuit) and Surroundings

Morning: Arrival in Arles

- Begin your journey in the charming city of Arles. Easily accessible by train, it’s a relaxing ride with services from major cities like Paris and Marseille. Upon arrival, head to the tourist office near the train station to pick up a city map and any needed information.

Mid-Morning: Discover Roman and Medieval Arles

- Before delving into Van Gogh’s world, explore Arles" rich history. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre and the ancient Theatre. These grand structures provide a vivid peek into the past and are great for letting kids explore.

Lunch: Picnic at Place de la République

- Grab some local treats from the nearby market and enjoy a family picnic at Place de la République, surrounded by historical buildings and buzzing city life.

Afternoon: Van Gogh Trail

- Head to the Van Gogh Café, officially known as Le Café de Nuit. Located at Place du Forum, it"s a leisurely 10-minute walk from Place de la République. The café still operates and is painted yellow, just as Van Gogh depicted it in his 1888 masterpiece, "Café Terrace at Night." Dive into the artist’s world by discussing how he lived in Arles for over a year and created over 200 paintings.

- Continue on the Van Gogh trail, visiting other spots that inspired his works, like the Espace Van Gogh and the riverside that inspired “Starry Night Over the Rhône.”

Evening: Dinner at Le Café de Nuit

- Conclude your day by dining at Le Café de Nuit. Experience the ambiance that once fueled Van Gogh’s creativity. The menu features Provencal dishes that are kid-friendly and cater to all palates.

Night: Stroll under the Stars

- Wrap up your visit with a leisurely walk back through the historic town center, perhaps even spotting constellations that Van Gogh once gazed upon.

This engaging day in Arles not only celebrates Van Gogh’s legacy but also immerses your family in the local culture and history, making for an enriching and memorable experience.

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