Family-Friendly Adventures in Avignon, France!

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful family adventure in the charming village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, nestled in the heart of Provence, France. Known for its exquisite wines and picturesque landscapes, this region offers a perfect blend of educational and entertaining experiences for all ages.

Morning: Discover the Vineyards

Start your day with a visit to the family-friendly Château de Beaucastel, one of the most renowned vineyards in the area. Located just a short 10-minute drive from the village center, the château offers a fascinating guided tour that explains the wine-making process from grape to bottle, engaging for both kids and adults. Learn about the unique soil and the famous "galets" (large pebbles) that retain heat to aid the ripening of grapes.

Lunch: Picnic Amongst the Vines

Pack a picnic with local cheeses, charcuterie, and freshly baked bread from Boulangerie du Village in the town center. Enjoy your meal surrounded by the scenic vineyards at a designated picnic spot in Château des Fines Roches, just a 5-minute drive from Beaucastel. The castle backdrop provides a picturesque setting and a chance for some great family photos.

Afternoon: Explore the Medieval Village

Return to the village center, easily accessible by a short drive. Wander through the quaint streets of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, exploring artisan shops and the 12th-century castle ruins, which offer panoramic views of the Rhône Valley. Engage the kids with tales of the Pope"s summer residence and how this little village rose to wine fame.

Evening: Wine Museum and Tasting

Conclude your day at the Musée du Vin. While adults enjoy a tasting of the local varietals, children can participate in a grape juice tasting and interactive games about viticulture. This museum is conveniently located in the town center, making it easy to walk back to your starting point.

Each attraction in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a short drive away, ensuring you spend more time enjoying and less time traveling. This itinerary promises a memorable day for the whole family, combining education with relaxation in one of France’s most idyllic settings.

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

Senanque Abbey (Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque)

Why Visit?

### Family-Friendly Visit to Senanque Abbey

#### Morning Arrival

Begin your adventure to Senanque Abbey early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful ambiance before the crowds arrive. Nestled in the heart of Provence, near the picturesque village of Gordes, this stunning abbey is approximately 1 hour from Avignon. You can rent a car or take a regional bus that drops you a short walk away from the abbey.

#### Guided Tour of the Abbey

Upon arrival, join a guided tour (available in multiple languages) to explore this architectural marvel established by Cistercian monks in 1148. The tours, lasting about an hour, will captivate the family with tales of medieval monks and their daily routines. Learn about the abbey’s famous lavender fields, which bloom spectacularly in July. This is a great moment for the family to capture some beautiful photos.

#### Picnic Lunch

After the tour, enjoy a picnic lunch in the nearby fields or under the shade of the olive trees. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the local Provençal cuisine you can pick up from Gordes market.

#### Lavender Museum Visit

In the afternoon, drive a short distance to the Lavender Museum in Coustellet. This engaging museum offers interactive exhibits ideal for kids, showing the process of lavender cultivation and its uses. The sensory experience here—from smelling different lavender types to trying lavender ice cream—will delight everyone.

#### Evening Stroll in Gordes

Wrap up your day with a visit to Gordes, one of France"s beautiful hilltop villages. Wander through its cobblestone streets, check out the artisan shops, and enjoy a delightful dinner overlooking the valley.

#### Quick Tips

- Best visiting time: June to July for lavender blooms.

- Check tour availability in advance, especially during peak season.

- Don’t forget your camera to capture the picturesque lavender fields!

Enjoy a day soaked in history, nature, and Provençal charm at Senanque Abbey!

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

Uzes

Why Visit?

Embark on a magical family adventure in the charming town of Uzès, located in the Gard department of southern France. This quaint medieval town is perfect for families looking to explore rich history, stunning architecture, and engaging activities.

Day 1: Discover Uzès" Old Town

Start your day at the Place aux Herbes, the heart of Uzès. This picturesque square, lined with arcades and bustling with a vibrant market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, offers a glimpse into local life and regional products. After exploring the market, visit the Duchy of Uzès, a medieval castle that has been the residence of the Dukes of Uzès since the 12th century. Take a guided tour to see its beautifully preserved rooms and climb the Bermonde Tower for panoramic views of the town.

Day 2: Pont du Gard and Surrounding Nature

Just a 20-minute drive from Uzès is the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, families can marvel at the grandeur of Roman architecture and enjoy a picnic by the riverside. The site also offers engaging activities for children, including a museum with interactive exhibits about the Roman aqueducts.

Day 3: Local Workshops and Haribo Museum

Dive into the local culture by participating in a pottery workshop in one of the nearby villages such as Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, renowned for its ceramics. After creating your own pottery, treat the kids to a visit to the Haribo Candy Museum in Uzès. Learn about the history of sweets and see how famous Haribo candies are made, complete with tastings.

Uzès is easily accessible by car and is just a 45-minute drive from Avignon, making it an ideal day trip or a relaxing multi-day getaway. This itinerary promises a blend of educational experiences, fun, and relaxation that will leave lasting memories for the whole family.

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

Pont du Gard

Why Visit?

### Family-Friendly Itinerary at Pont du Gard

Morning: Arrival & Exploration

- Start: Arrive early at Pont du Gard to avoid the crowds. You can drive (ample parking available for a fee) or take a bus from nearby cities like Avignon or Nîmes.

- Explore the Pont du Gard: This majestic Roman aqueduct is not only a feat of ancient engineering but also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stand on the banks of the Gardon River and marvel at the three-tiered structure that spans 275 meters and rises 49 meters high. Take the family-friendly interactive museum tour at the visitor center to understand its history and construction.

Midday: Leisure & Activities

- Picnic and Swim: Have a picnic by the riverside. The areas around the Pont du Gard are perfect for a relaxing meal with scenic views. During summer, take a dip in the river for a refreshing break.

- Rando Kayak: For an adventurous twist, rent kayaks nearby and paddle under the grand arches of the Pont du Gard, a thrilling experience for older children and adults.

Afternoon: Hiking and Discovery

- Guided Hike: Join a guided hike (check availability and book in advance) that takes you around the environs of the Pont du Gard. These tours can offer fascinating insights into the local flora, fauna, and history.

- Ludo Area: Before you wrap up your day, visit the Ludo educational area within the visitor complex. It"s designed specifically for children, making the history and science behind the aqueduct accessible and fun through interactive exhibits.

Evening: Departure

- Stroll & Souvenirs: Wind down with a leisurely stroll through the Mediterranean gardens. Stop by the gift shop for some unique souvenirs like miniature aqueduct models or local products.

Interesting Fact: The Pont du Gard was built without the use of mortar, and its stones, some weighing up to 6 tons, were precisely cut to fit together perfectly.

Enjoy your family day out at Pont du Gard, where history, nature, and adventure blend seamlessly!

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

St. Benezet Bridge (Pont d"Avignon)

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful family adventure to the iconic St. Benezet Bridge, famously known as the Pont d"Avignon, nestled in the heart of Avignon, France. Start your journey at the Palais des Papes, just a 15-minute walk from the Avignon Centre train station. Here, marvel at one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. After exploring the Palais, stroll down to the Pont d"Avignon, just a short 10-minute walk away.

The bridge originally spanned the Rhône River with 22 arches and was built between 1177 and 1185 but today, only four of the arches remain, offering a glimpse into medieval engineering. It"s a perfect spot for a family photo with breathtaking views of Avignon and the river.

Purchase a combined ticket for the Palais des Papes and Pont d"Avignon to enjoy a discounted entry. Engage with the history of the bridge through a dedicated audio guide that tells the fascinating story behind the famous French song "Sur le Pont d"Avignon," which paints a vivid picture of medieval dance on the bridge.

After exploring the bridge, unwind at the nearby Rocher des Doms, a serene park perfect for a picnic with panoramic views of Avignon. The park is just a 5-minute walk from the bridge. Let the kids play in the playground while you soak in the peaceful surroundings.

Conclude your visit with a leisurely boat ride on the Rhône, offering a unique perspective on the Pont d"Avignon and Avignon"s historic architecture. Boat tours are available near the base of the bridge and typically last around 30 minutes.

This itinerary offers a perfect blend of historical exploration, scenic views, and relaxation, ideal for a family outing in the enchanting city of Avignon.

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