Your Ultimate 7–10 Day Provence Itinerary with Kids
If you’ve been dreaming of a family vacation filled with lavender fields, seaside sunsets, and moments of pure European charm, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is your family’s passport to a stress-free adventure through Southern France, blending the vibrant energy of the city with the serene beauty of the countryside and the glamorous coastline. We’ve designed this ultimate itinerary to help you discover the soul of Provence, all while ensuring every member of your family, from the littlest explorers to the parents, feels a sense of ease, wonder, and joy.
Day 1–2: Bonjour, Marseille
Your family’s journey begins in Marseille, where the Mediterranean breeze greets you like an old friend and the colorful boats bob in the Vieux-Port as if waiting to welcome you. After the long flight, you’ll feel the shift almost immediately—from rushed to relaxed, from noise to nuance. There’s something about this city that feels lived-in and alive all at once.
Spend your first afternoon settling in, perhaps with a gelato in hand as you stroll the cobbled lanes of Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest quarter. Your little ones will love spotting the street art splashed across every corner, while you take in the pastel buildings and charming cafés tucked into unexpected corners.
By your second day, you’re ready to explore more deeply. Hop on a short ferry ride to Château d’If, the island fortress made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo. Kids love the boat ride; parents love the sweeping views and rich history that doesn’t feel like a lesson. Afterward, head to a local market or waterfront café where even picky eaters can find something to nibble while you enjoy your first glass of Provençal rosé.
Must-Do: Take a privately guided tour of Marseille’s Old Town with a family-friendly guide—someone who can turn Roman ruins into pirate stories and cobblestones into stepping stones of the past.
Pro Tip: Arrive early enough to soak in a slow first dinner along the harbor. Ask for outdoor seating, and let the kids watch the boats while you try a traditional bouillabaisse.
Day 3–5: The Soul of Provence in Saint-Rémy or Arles
From the city’s vibrant hum, you’ll make your way into the heart of Provence—where the scent of lavender wafts through the air and golden sunlight pours over fields of sunflowers. The drive alone feels like a scene from a movie, especially if you take the scenic route past olive groves and stone villages.
You’ll settle into a countryside base—either artistic Arles, with its Roman ruins and bold Van Gogh energy, or the quiet charm of Saint-Rémy, where every shop and sidewalk seems curated for slower living. Wherever you stay, the rhythm changes. Kids run barefoot in the grass while you sip a café noisette under a fig tree. It’s the reset your whole family didn’t know it needed.
Here, you’ll dive into some of the most immersive, family-friendly experiences Provence has to offer. Start with a Van Gogh-inspired painting workshop in the very fields that moved the artist—imagine your child blending yellows and blues under the Provençal sky. Another morning might take you deep into the woods with a local guide and their truffle-hunting dog, turning a quiet walk into a joyful treasure hunt. And in the afternoon? Pool time, story time, or simply laying on a picnic blanket as the cicadas hum around you.
Evenings are peaceful and simple—dinners under string lights, shared plates of cheese and honey, and stars you forgot you could see so clearly.
And for something truly sweet—both literally and figuratively—a local chocolatier invites your family into their workshop for a hands-on chocolate-making session. Kids can swirl and shape their own creations, learning the secrets of French chocolate in the most delicious way possible. It’s an experience that engages all five senses—and ends with edible souvenirs.
Must-Do: Visit the bustling weekly market in Saint-Rémy or Arles. Give your kids a few euros and let them choose fruit, soap, or a small toy. It’s a cultural experience and a parenting win.
Pro Tip: Want a little more excitement? Time your stay with a family-friendly event at Arles’ Roman arena. These aren’t dangerous bullfights—they’re theatrical cultural events with music, tradition, and kid-safe fun.
Day 6–9: Seaside Bliss on the Côte d’Azur
As you wind your way east toward the Riviera, Provence begins to shimmer. The earth shifts from dusty gold to brilliant blues, and suddenly, you’re driving along roads with ocean views and castle-topped cliffs. This is the glamorous side of Southern France—but curated with families in mind.
You’ll arrive in Èze, Nice, or Villefranche-sur-Mer—each a little different, all stunning in their own right. Èze is pure storybook magic with narrow medieval streets and jaw-dropping views. Nice offers wide promenades, gelato shops, and pebble beaches that feel made for families. Villefranche? Think sleepy seaside village with just the right amount of charm.
Spend your days dipping in and out of adventure. One morning might take you to a perfume-blending workshop in Grasse, where even your youngest can bottle their own lavender scent. Another might be spent in Èze watching a falconry show—birds swooping above the cliffs, your child’s eyes full of wonder. And then, of course, there’s the beach. Whether you pack a picnic or hop on a boat to explore nearby coves, the pace is yours to choose.
Evenings are long and golden here. Grab a seaside dinner and walk the promenade while street musicians play and the sky turns to rose gold. There’s a kind of magic in knowing the trip is winding down, and everyone is still smiling.
Must-Do: Book a private boat ride along the coast. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement—and the photos will be frame-worthy.
Pro Tip: Add an extra day here if you can. This is the part of the trip where families often wish they had more time.
It’s Not Just a Vacation—it’s a Legacy of Memories
There’s something special about traveling through Provence with your children. Maybe it’s the rhythm of slow mornings and open-air markets. Maybe it’s the taste of melted chocolate after a workshop with a local artisan, or the sight of your child walking confidently through a hilltop village, saying bonjour like they were born here.
What we’ve crafted is more than a route—it’s a memory map. A blend of intentional moments and joyful surprises. And with our trusted partners handling every transfer, every experience, and every detail, you’re free to actually enjoy it all.
Customization Tips for Every Family
Traveling with toddlers?
Choose Saint-Rémy as your countryside base—it’s flat, walkable, and stroller-friendly. Plan for shorter excursions in the morning followed by long naps or playtime back at your hotel. We can arrange high chairs, cribs, and even private babysitting if you want a quiet dinner alone.
Have school-aged kids?
This is the golden age of family travel. They’re curious, capable, and ready for hands-on fun. We’ll build your itinerary around workshops (like chocolate-making or perfume-blending), nature walks, and interactive guides who speak their language—literally and emotionally.
Traveling with teens?
Let’s give them some independence and a sense of ownership. Add a photography-focused walking tour or a beach day with paddleboarding. They’ll appreciate slower mornings and tech breaks by the pool—and we’ll be sure to keep Wi-Fi strong where it counts.
Bringing grandparents or extended family?
Consider upgrading to a countryside villa or beachside suite with separate bedrooms and shared outdoor spaces. We can help arrange accessible experiences, relaxed pacing, and even private chefs or picnic deliveries so everyone gets to enjoy without the stress of coordinating.
Let’s Make It Happen
If Provence feels like the trip your family needs, I’d love to help you bring it to life. We’ll handle the bookings, private tours, kid-friendly guides, and accommodations—so you can focus on the lavender-scented joy of it all. Book a call with Christina and let’s plan a Provence journey your kids will still be talking about when they’re grown.
Who is Christina?
Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too.
She specializes in Disney, Caribbean, Europe and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
