Family-Friendly Tour of Provence - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Marseille

Welcome to Marseille! After arriving at Marseille Airport, you'll be transferred directly to your hotel in the heart of the city. Depending on your time of arrival and your family's energy levels, you might want to hit the ground running by exploring this historic port that's one of the oldest cities in France. Wander the city's colorful, historic neighborhoods or head to the medieval Fort Saint-Jean for panoramic views of the city. Little ones can stretch their legs after the flight on the playgrounds of Parc Borély, where row boats and pedal cars are also available to rent within the city center's popular green space.

Day 4: Free Day in Saint-Rémy & the Alpilles

Today you are free to explore the Alpilles at your leisure, choosing sights and activities that most appeal to the whole family. Experience everyday village life around Saint-Rémy by checking out the food markets in the morning. There are plenty of other spots to discover nearby, including the Roman Aqueduct de Barbegal, the formal gardens and brilliant blue pools of Château d'Estoublon, or the Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery, which once housed Van Gogh.

Next door to the monastery, you'll find the ancient Roman town of Glanum, where imaginative kids will love stepping back into history as they explore the extensive ruins of amphitheaters, temples, and villas. If you'd like to get out of town, pack a picnic and set off to tour more of the mountainous landscapes of the Alpilles Regional Nature Park at your own pace.

Day 5: Tour the Villages of the Luberon, Drive to Bonnieux

This morning, drive to the Luberon—an area of Provence famous for its rolling green hills dotted with vineyards and cherry orchards. Perched atop many of these hills are postcard-perfect villages and little market towns. On today's drive, you'll visit this stunning countryside and its hilltop villages and will see plenty of things that will appeal to kids, especially romantic castles and vibrant fields of flowers.

Begin in the medieval village of Lourmarin, famous for its winding streets, charming patio cafés, and 16th-century castle. Next is Gordes, arguably the most beautiful of all the hilltop villages. A fortified castle dominates the skyline with a turreted fairytale-like appearance. From Gordes, it's just a few miles to the 12th-century Cistercian Abbey of Notre-Dame de Sénanque, which is especially beautiful when the lavender fields are at their purple best (June through July).

Next up is Roussillon, notable for its vivid red cliffs caused by the extensive ocher deposits here. Walking through Roussillon's narrow streets, you'll be struck by the contrast between the bright green of the surrounding pine trees and the earthy browns, yellows, and reds of its buildings. Finish in Bonnieux, another hilltop gem with homes dating back to the 16th century. Sitting atop the town is its iconic church, whose steeple points into the sky like a Christmas star. 

Day 6: Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour, Mines of Bruoux

Reward the youngsters for their stamina on the trip with a tour of the Luberon by horse-drawn carriage. Animal lovers will enjoy meeting their equine guide and exploring the countryside with this peaceful (and sustainable) mode of transport. Trot over to the Ocher Conservatory to learn more about this important mineral, then say à bientôt to your horse and walk the narrow streets of Roussillon along the famous ocher trail. At lunch, an organic picnic made with farm-fresh products awaits. Later, visit the ocher mines of Bruoux, where adventurous kids will love descending into the cavernous chambers.

Day 7: Electric Bike Tour of the Luberon

Electric bicycles are an ideal way of getting around the Luberon region: energetic members of the family can enjoy the challenge while those with less pedal power can rely on the electric-assisted backup. Cycle through the Luberon Regional Nature Park and the surrounding villages along quiet country roads. From Bonnieux, visit villages including Lacoste, Ménerbes, and Oppède le Vieux. Dine at a restaurant in one of these towns or opt for a countryside picnic. Along the route, you'll also have time to visit vineyards and lavender fields if your family is interested. Return to Bonnieux for the night.

Day 8: Drive to Aix-en-Provence, Cultural Tour

After breakfast, drive to Aix-en-Provence, a historic city set amid Provençal villages and surrounding countryside famous for vineyards, lavender-blanketed fields, and the limestone cliffs of Sainte Victoire Mountain. These landscapes are so iconic they've been immortalized in the works of painters such as Cezanne, Picasso, and Kandinsky.

After checking into your hotel, explore the city's rich heritage, art, and culture on a guided walking tour. Stroll through a labyrinth of narrow streets and visit highlights like the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, a Romanesque/Gothic church built on the site of an ancient Greek temple to Apollo, and the 14th-century Hotel de Ville. You'll even see some ruins dating back to the days of the Roman Empire. The tour includes a walk along the Cours Mirabeau, a busy thoroughfare with markets and cafés for snacking and shopping. Kids with a sweet tooth will love trying local treats like callisons and nougat along the way.

Day 9: Provence Cooking Class

Today, experience Provence's rich way of life with a foodie tour and cooking class. Kids interested in food (and, let's be honest, that's most kids!) will enjoy getting their hands messy. This full-day adventure starts with a shopping trip in the food markets of Aix's old town. Meet local purveyors and choose fresh regional produce and products like herbes de Provence, olive oil, truffles, figs, honey, and more.

Take these ingredients to your host's country estate, which follows a route that passes through the scenic Montaiguet Forest. Stop at a local château to select some great Provençal wine to pair with your meal. At the country home, take a stroll around the property and task the kids with searching for wild aromatic herbs to pick. At the end of your lesson, sit down to enjoy a celebratory family meal together on your penultimate day in Provence.

Day 10: Drive to Marseille, Depart

After breakfast, depending on your schedule, you'll make your way to the airport in Marseille to drop off your car and catch a direct flight or head to the nearest TGV station to board a high-speed train to Paris or Nice. This concludes your grand Provençal family adventure. Au revoir et bon voyage!