12 Things to Do in the South of France with Kids

Including our three favorite beaches, the Calanques by boat, happy hour in a lavender field, and the world's most aesthetic ice cream spot

Hello, and thanks for reading The Carry On!

I mentioned a few weeks ago that instead of sending our three girls to day camps, my family spent a little less than a month in the South of France last summer—in a 16th-century farmhouse on the same property as a beautiful bed and breakfast called Le Château de Saint-Girons, just outside of Aix-en-Provence.

The location was prime for day trips and short jaunts to charming towns, epic markets, and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. While researching the region in search of family-friendly options, I came across a blog aptly named Provence with Kids, which I also recommend an unending source of helpful tips.

Below, I’m sharing our stand-out things to eat, see, and do in Provence with the family.

Read on for:

• The best beaches for day trips (including one kinda splurgy beach club)

• Where to find a happy hour in a lavender field

• Tips on visiting the public pools

• How to visit Calanques National Park by boat

• The striking Frank Gehry-designed building where you can zip down a three-story indoor slide (even/especially the adults)

• The world’s most aesthetic place to eat homemade ice cream and drink spritzes

La Boho beach club in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer