Family holidays in Provence Verte and the Haut-Var: what to do with children?
Lou Calen, the hotel that enchants young and old alike
Lou Calen welcomes families to its lush three-hectare estate, where every corner enchants and invites discovery. Even before setting off to explore the Haut-Var and Provence Verte, your children will find plenty to marvel at and have fun with at the hotel:
On-site treasure hunt: your little explorers can solve puzzles while discovering the secrets of local biodiversity and local history.
Creative workshops: clay modelling, ochre painting, dried flower crowns… there are so many opportunities to let their imagination run wild and even take home a unique souvenir.
Family pool area: a lagoon-style pool, perfect for splashing around safely after a day of adventures, while parents can kick back and relax.
Here, young and old alike can simply enjoy the joy of being together in a unique Provençal setting.
Adventures in Provence: get out there, have fun, and be amazed
The Provençal region is a huge playground for active families. Your children will love spending time outdoors and discovering nature in a new, fresh way.
Canoeing on the Argens river: with Natur’Evasion, head out as a family on canoes along a peaceful river. Very accessible to children, the route is adventurous and quickly turns into a refreshing time filled with laughter and plenty of splashing!
Water sports at Lac Sainte-Croix: pedaloes, electric boating, paddleboarding, or sailing… this is an enormous lake of turquoise waters where your children will have a blast while everyone enjoys the scenery.
Bike rides or electric mountain bike rides: With rentals from Coti’s Bike or Natur’Evasion, easily explore the hills and villages of Provence, even with young cyclists.
Horseback riding: At the centre équestre de la Renarde and the Écuries d’Édoras, experience the joys of horseback riding with your family, in a safe and accessible setting.
Journey through time: medieval castles and their legends
What could be more captivating for a child than walking in the footsteps of knights and princesses? Provence Verte is full of historical sites that will pique their curiosity.
In Cotignac, the tuf-rock cliff hides fascinating medieval troglodyte houses, while its watchtowers transport you to the time of the knights.
The château de Vins-sur-Caramy and its flower-lined arcades immerse young and old in a medieval courtyard atmosphere, ideal for inventing a thousand stories as you go.
The château de Saint-Martin-de-Pallières and its seven levels are full of mysteries: large rooms, hidden doors, secret staircases… enough to fuel every imagination.
In Tourves, the remains of the château de Valbelle impress with their obelisks and stunning colonnades. This is a setting that transports children into a true fairytale.
Learning is fun: museums and tours
Because on vacation, children love to be active as much as they love to discover, some museums and cultural sites can be visited as a family with a promise of no boredom!
At the Musée des Gueules Rouges in Tourves, your children can don a special helmet and become miners for a visit, exploring reconstructed galleries and interactive screens.
At the Gorges du Verdon Museum of Prehistory, mammoths, sabre-toothed tigers, and other creatures await, while interactive consoles take all on a journey through time. The orienteering course and a visit to the Baume-Bonne cave add another taste of adventure.
At the Châteauvert Contemporary Art Centre, you’ll find creative workshops, storytelling tours, and an escape-game that introduces children to art in a fun and accessible way.
At Thoronet Abbey, game booklets and audio guides transform the visit into a medieval investigation full of mystery.
Lou Calen, your family hub in Provence
After a busy day, there’s nothing like returning to calm in a spacious and comfortable cocoon. The hotel offers numerous suites suitable for families, including the Family Suite, which perfectly meets the needs of larger tribes! These consist of:
○ Three bedrooms, including two large doubles and a more private one for the children.
○ A separate living room for family time.
○ A fully equipped kitchen, convenient for preparing simple meals if needed.
○ Three bathrooms, including one with a bathtub, steam shower, and Japanese toilet for true comfort.
○ A picturesque terrace with a gurgling fountain pool, perfect for relaxing into the gentle, Provençal atmosphere.
This is a true haven where children can sleep peacefully after their daily adventures, and where parents can finally enjoy the tranquility of Provence.
