Ferme Campagne Paca A.simon
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A back-to-nature family holiday

Plant your feet in the grass, slip a flower into your hair and head out to explore our hand-picked selection of top spots for a back-to-basics family break in nature. If you’re seeking an authentic green break, opt for our exciting pick of rural tourism – or agritourism – addresses.

A family break amid olive trees

Provencal produce discovery and tasting

Revel in an enriching gourmet ecotourism getaway courtesy of Christine Garcin at Mas Saint-Roman in Maussane-les-Alpilles. Christine’s delightful “Valeurs Parc Regional” self-catering cottages promise all the comfort you need, topped with a pool, games and sun loungers or hammocks for siesta time! Olive growing is a passion here and olive trees thrive at the foot of the Alpilles mountains. You’ll love the various olive products on offer too, including oils and green or black tapenades. If you’d rather holiday near the Sainte-Baume hills, opt for Olives en Provence – you’ll be welcomed by Géraldine at Domaine des Escavalins, part of the “Bienvenue à la Ferme” (Welcome to the Farm) network and a holder of the “Valeurs Parc Regional” label, for a fabulous farm holiday for up to 6 people. Take time to visit the oil mill and vegetable garden, and pamper your tastebuds with their delicious extra-virgin organic olive oil. You can also enjoy a dip in the pool or head off along the famous GR9 hiking trail if you’re feeling sporty.

Donkey treks for little ones

Through hills and villages

Fancy a novel break in the Luberon? Camping Roumavagi promises a fabulous blend of nature and holiday fun. After setting up home in your tent, self-catering cottage or the novel accommodation options on offer at the campsite, head out for the day in the company of Netta and her donkeys to explore the local trails. You can go it alone too if you’d rather! The campsite also hosts 3 to 6-day tours to explore the Luberon’s natural riches and heritage – a genuine slow mode travel experience, topped with donkey hugging! You can also delve into a donkey adventure at Venasqu’Ânes, at the foot of the Mounts of Vaucluse. The panoramic views over Mont Ventoux and surrounding natural scenery are magnificent throughout the trek. Adventure-lovers will enjoy setting up their own bivouac, but if you’d prefer a nature holiday with a little more comfort, opt for one of their partner B&Bs.

A horseback family foray

Nature and relaxation in Provence and the Southern Alps

If you’ve had your fill of donkeys, how about a horse ride instead? Our trusty steeds will be delighted to guide you through the countryside… Au Petit Roman in the Alpilles – a “Valeurs Parc Regional” establishment – hosts horse treks[1] for all the family. Opt for a day trek or longer, saddle up and let your horse lead you through the breathtaking natural landscapes. Children will have plenty of fun at Domaine de la Blache too – an ideal choice for a family farm holiday –, with frolicking in the fields or horse trekking with Sarah on the agenda. What’s more, the Verdon Canyon and lavender-laden Valensole plateau are just a short gallop away!

For animal lovers

Family farm breaks

Welcome to La Ferme de la Montagne at the heart of the beautiful Baronnies Provençales, a proud holder of the “Accueil Paysan” and “Valeurs Parc Regional” labels, run by Catherine and Bernard. Whether you opt for a picnic hamper or meal with fellow guests at the friendly table d’hôtes table, this establishment is a genuine ode to good food. What’s more, the self-catering cottages and guest rooms promise peaceful and rejuvenating nights. You can enjoy petting and taking care of the farm’s angora and cashmere goats, angora rabbits, alpacas and ewes too. Another place, another mood… Enjoy a holiday at a Camargue ranch and delve into the everyday life of Camargue’s cowboys (gardians) at La Manade Blanc. You’ll love touring the ranch’s rice fields and observing the local hoses and bulls. You’ll find a good range of accommodation nearby too, including rural cottages to rent. If you fancy a mountain break, the Biaysse educational farm in Freissinières, in Ecrins National Park, is a paradise of hens, roosters, sheep, goats, donkeys and ponies. Head out for a pony trek or sign up for a workshop on local craftwork and agriculture. If you’re in Mercantour National Park, treat yourself to a relaxing break with Maité and Jean Paul at Les Transhumances in Colmars-les-Alpes. Boasting “Esprit Parc National” accommodation and a unique flock of “Mérinos d’Arles” merino sheep, this great address promises plenty of forever memories to take back home.

A family farm holiday

With views over the fjords…

Marseille is home to several educational farms, perfect for a family farm holiday. La Ferme du Roy d’Espagne is acclaimed for its high-quality market produce – and the kids will simply love playing with the farm animals. In a similar vein, La Ferme du Collet des Comtes is a great address for picking up local produce and delving into vegetable growing. Cheese reigns at La Tour des Pins – their delicious cheeses are made with pure-bred goat and ewe milk, and you can enjoy watching the flocks grazing peacefully in the farm’s fields.

Mountain adventures

A high-altitude family holiday at your own pace

Nestling at the heart of the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Reserve, the resorts of Gréolières and l’Audibergue are genuine hubs of green tourism. You’ll find a multitude of offerings and activities for all the family here. Head out on a hike to explore the reserve’s magnificent flora, fauna and starry skies, or opt for a thrilling caving expedition to discover the world under your feet. You’ll also enjoy whooshing down the slopes of L’Audibergue-La Moulière on a mountain bike, or pedalling your way up to the Cheiron summits on the French Cycling Federation itineraries. Chantal, François and their family own a gorgeous little B&B in Queyras called Les Oules. The five rooms are simple yet pretty and you’ll enjoy sharing dinner – made entirely with farm produce – with your hosts. The views over the surrounding mountains are magnificent too, and you can pause awhile to pore over the books in the well-stocked library or dabble on the piano in the lounge.

Refreshing sea spray on the Var coast

Exploring the islands and Mediterranean coast with all the family

Port-Cros National Park offers an endless variety of walks, hikes and exciting discoveries. If holiday hiking is your jive, set off for a stroll in the orchards of Porquerolles islands on the Copains trail – a short walk and delightful immersion in the island’s agricultural heritage. What’s more, the organic produce grown there is enjoyed by the local population. The trails criss-crossing Port-Cros island promise a magical day out. Get up close and personal with the local flora and fauna in the company of Sandrine and learn how to identify the plants that have forged the park’s rich biodiversity.

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