Kids activities and Childrens playgrounds near St Remy de Provence

There is plenty that children can enjoy along with the adults - depending on their age (see page opposite). The following list however is especially for the kids:

Kids Days Out for children aged 8+ If you prefer, let your kids enjoy some fun excursions accompanied by our fantastic American guide - she is fully qualified, insured and great with kids - while you enjoy some adult time and do your own thing for the day.

Playgrounds: Maillane has a tiny playground for small children - as do most villages in the region. There is a slightly bigger one above the tourist office car park in St Rémy, and in Chateaurenard at the top of the hill by the castle. Also Le Jardin de Quatre Saisons in Graveson is nice for kids to run around.

Santons: these are the nativity figurines such as you see in Bambou 's downstairs, and very big in this area. Visit the Musée des Santons just outside Maillane, the Santons Animés in Maussane (the moving version!) and the Petite Provence du Paradou on the D17 between Paradou and Maussane - an entire mini village of over 400 santons where you can even make your own.

Eagles of Beaucaire (Les Aigles du Beaucaire) at the Chateau de Beaucaire, a picturesque 11th century ruin where you can watch displays of falcon handling; Closed some Wednesdays; usually three shows per afternoon Contact: 04 66 59 26 72; www.aigles-de-beaucaire.com

Musée du Bonbon near Uzés: unsurprisingly children love this museum of sweets attached to the Haribo plant. A fun, interactive way to learn about the history of confectionery!
Closed Monday
Contact: 04 66 22 74 39; www.haribo.com

Zoo de Barben near Salon de Provence 120 species in a 60 hectare nature reserve - including elephant, giraffe, lions, tigers etc; attractive site with playground, picnic area, snack bar and restaurant all harmonising with the environment. Walk or take the small train that tours the site.
Avoid in high summer when it can be stiflingly hot and the animals very sleepy. Open daily.
Contact: 04 90 55 19 12; www.zoolabarben.com

Steam Train Val de Provence which runs in summer between Barbentane, Chateaurenard and Noves. Contact: 06 98 16 55 33 Combine with a trip to the castle at Chateaurenard where special children 's visits can be arranged.

Animal Park L 'Arc en Ciel, Mollégés: park for farm animals near Mollégés (heading towards St Andiol) - great for younger children Contact: 04 32 61 18 12; www.parc-larcenciel.com

Thouzon Caves, Le Thor: 60 million year old caves in Sorgue area.
Contact: 04-90-33-93-65; www.grottes -thouzon.com

Chocolate Factory ( 'Chocolaterie Castelain '), just south of Chateauneuf du Pape towards Avignon: chocolate tasting for children combined with wine tasting for adults!
Contact: 04 90 83 54 71; www.chocolat -castelain.com

For Children... and their parents

Plenty also in the area for the young and the slightly older to enjoy together:

  • Les Baux

    • -- especially the old war engines and ruins outside on the plateau

    -- activities (questionnaires / trails) specially for children

    -- the Cathédrale d 'Images in an old bauxite quarry further down the valley - where audio-visual shows are projected onto the stone walls.

  • Eygaliéres

    • -- chateau ruins at the top of the village

    -- Jardin d'Alchimiste outside the village

  • Arles

    • -- the Roman amphitheatre - kids love to run amok pretending to be gladiators and climb to the top of the watchtower!

    -- the Van Gogh tour - a self-guided tour with yellow arrows which kids enjoy scouting around for

  • Pont du Gard

    • -- swimming, canoeing & picnicking

  • Fontaine de Vaucluse

    • -- children are fascinated by this impressive natural spring at the foot of a steep 230m high cliff, the largest in France

  • Avignon

    • -- kids love the Rocher des Doms gardens and skipping across the famous Pont d 'Avignon

  • Camargue

    • -- Domaine de Méjanes, Méjanes: children especially like the small electric train which runs alongside the lake; also biking, pony trekking, horse -drawn carriages, regular displays of Camarguais horsemanship etc

    -- spotting wildlife and birds from horseback, foot, bike or jeep

    -- a traditional Camargue Day at the Mas de Peint guesthouse

    -- a visit to the Pont de Gau bird sanctuary near Saintes Maries

    -- Saintes Maries at the tip of the Camargue - boat trips, beaches, cafés etc

Course Camarguaise: these are 'bull games' rather than 'bull fights' - about showcasing skill and bravery rather than killing the bull. They take place throughout the year in the villages of the Alpilles (especially Mouriés), and also in Arles and the Camargue. Pick up a schedule from the St Rémy tourist office. Kids love it.

Village Markets & Festivals: children love helping to buy food at the village markets, and also all the local festivals of which there are plenty in summer!

Sports: horse riding, biking, golf and walks (especially short colour -coded trails around St Rémy's Peiroou lake)

For Children... and their parents

  • Passerelles des Cimes Lagnes, nr Fontaine de Vaucluse - 40 mins

    • Adventure playground in the trees for children and adults: rope bridges, obstacle courses, spider webs and zip lines.
    By reservation; children must be 6+ and over 1.15m
    Contact: 04 90 38 56 87 / 04 90 20 29 94; www.parcours -aerien.com

  • Amazonia Adventure Park between Roquemaure and Orange - 40 mins

    • Suitable for ages 3 - 12 yrs.
    Contact: 04 66 82 53 92

  • Seaquarium at Le Grau du Roi

    • near Aigues Mortes) - 1h20 Open daily
    Contact: 04 66 51 57 57; www.seaquarium.fr

  • Crocodile Farm, Pierrelatte, north of Avignon - 1h10

    • Contact: 04 75 04 33 73; www.lafermeauxcrocodiles.com

  • La Bambouseraire, Anduze Pierrelatte, north of Avignon - 1h10

    • Contact: 04 75 04 33 73; www.lafermeauxcrocodiles.com

  • Exotic gardens west of Uzés

    • Combine with a trip on the old steam train which runs between Anduze, La Bambouseraire and St Jean du Gard
    Contact: 04 66 06 59 00; www.citev.com

  • Dinosaur Park, near Méze - 1h45

    • Contact: 04 67 43 02 80; 06 89 72 16 78; www.musee -parc -dinosaures.com