My husband and I will be spending most of the month of July in the south of France with our 2 year old daughter. While we love Paris and big cities in Europe, for this trip with our toddler, we are looking to have a relaxing time and set up home base in a few spots (2-4). We are both fluent French speakers, we will hire a car and we might bring our bikes (or rent them). We would love some recommendations for towns/areas to set up for a week or more. Ideally, we would like to be able to walk through a charming town to shop, dine, wine & keep ourselves entertained, take day trips around the surrounding areas and some short bike rides with the toddler in tow. We are considering splitting time in Languedoc-Rossey and Provence with perhaps a few days on the coast, though we are not crazy about the beach or the heat...
We appreciate any suggestions and feedback you might have! Thanks!
Posted by
Folsom
2734 posts
We stayed in the lovely village of Lourmarin several years ago. We rented a place through VRBO. It has a few cafes, a nice bakery, a few restaurants. It is flat which helps with the walking and biking. Albert Camus lived there and is buried there along with Madame. We took day trips to many of the charming towns and villages in the Luberon and beyond including Aix. There is a famous Friday market and smaller produce and food markets would pop up-probably scheduled but our French is poor so we never did find out. We loved it there and look forward to returning.
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
Nimes (Languedoc Rousillion) and Avignon (Provence) are two towns you may consider given your interests.
http://www.freewheelingfrance.com/where-to-go/nimes-languedoc-roussillon.html
Posted by
Somerville, MA
653 posts
Are you referring to this July? If so, I would start looking on VRBO.com asap. Your home base may likely be dictated more by the houses you find to rent than anything else.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
We stayed in Pezenas with our son when he was small...it was perfect and, based on the description of what you are looking for, it sounds like it might be enjoyable for you. The town itself has many winding, cobbled streets with an extensive pedestrian zone. Many shops, fountains, and restaurants. They give a special price on shop space to artists and craftspeople so it's an interesting place to poke around. Very kid friendly town!
In the area there is lots to do with kids...
- Beach...head to Agde for La Baie des Pirates waterpark and the wide beach
- Abbaye de Valmagne - beautiful winery with lovely gardens and courtyards for your daughter to play and run around.
- St. Guillaume le Desert - gorgeous town about 45 minutes from Pezenas tucked up a canyon...pilgrimage town and very old. At the base of the canyon is the Pont du Diable that sits over a beautiful gorge surrounded by white rocks and crystal blue water. There's a pebbly swimming beach just below the bridge that is a really nice place to spend an afternoon.
- Cevennes - the small mountains north of Pezenas have lots of caverns and caves that can be toured. Nice place to get out of the heat!
- Go see the giant flocks of flamingos at Frontignac about 40 mins away.
- Ride your bikes along the Canal du Midi towpaths under the plane trees...so beautiful!
We love this little corner of France!