Top kid-friendly activities on the farm

Stroking miniature donkeys

Kids love to stroke them and brush them. And the donkeys love it too Intelligent and patient, miniature donkeys love the company of humans and other animals. For people of all ages, their presence is a soothing one. Another good reason to make the most of this moment of gentleness with the family. You’ll meet miniature donkeys and also chickens, miniature cows, goats, sheep and rabbits on an unaccompanied farm visit (labelled Bienvenue à la ferme). You can also have a guided visit on prior booking. And, if you feel like it, you can bring your picnic. An ideal kid-friendly activity to help the little ones discover nature and create a link with the animals as they learn to take care of them.

La Ferme de Titou – Saint-Maime

Understanding the world of bees

Apiland is one of the biggest agricultural museums in France dedicated to bee-keeping, the world of bees and common garden insects. And more, the visit, hosted by a professional beekeeper, is fascinating! A living and interactive moment when you discover life in the hive, the anatomy of bees and products from bee-keeping. Oh, and look over there! Giant replicas of the insects which are the bees’ predators! And now on to the demonstration of hand-extraction of honey (in summer), observing the vivariums and exploring the area devoted to beeswax, used to make candles. Yes, bees are also the stars of our landscape. In the Alpilles, the bee farm La Casa Melosa also invites you to pierce the secrets of this fascinating insect, before spending the night in a yurt.

Musée Apicole in Apiland Nature – Rousset

La Casa Melosa – Fontvieille

Feeding and milking goats

Their cheese is just so tasty! In summer, it’s great with a drip of olive oil, basil or figs. Kids are always delighted to bichonner the goats. On this farm labelled Ferme de Découverte and educational Bienvenue à la ferme farm, they can observe them, get close and stroke them. At the end of an educational day, they know everything there is to know about their eating habits, gestation and kiddings, how the cheese is made and how the farm works. And, above all, they have acquired practical savoir-faire: feeding the goats, milking them (except from December to February), and learned to taste and like the different varieties of cheese. Come with the family to discover the life of a goat-keeper in an exceptional place in the Grasse backcountry.

Chèvrerie du Bois d’Amon – Saint-Cézaire sur Siagne

Horse or pony trekking

Get in the saddle to roam the rocky, protected landscapes of the Alpilles Natural Regional Park! Children blossom when in contact with horses on group outings lasting 1½ hours, half a day or even several days. For those who enjoy the good things in life, a foody outing with the family includes olive oil, goat’s cheese and bull saucisson tasting along with a Camargue wine. Small children (from 2 to 8) have a whale of a time on the pony tours on the paths lined with holm oak, olive and almond trees around this horse farm labelled Bienvenue à la Ferme.

Ferme Equestre Le petit Roman – Maussane-les-Alpilles

Feeding peacocks, chickens and ducks with the family

In Provence verte, this is a unique place, labelled Ferme Equestre and Ferme pédagogique Bienvenue à la ferme and well-known for its friendly family atmosphere. Peacocks, ducks, chickens, donkeys, fallow deer and alpacas, English angora rabbits and wallabies – you’ll meet the animals on a guided visit with feeding. A tender, moving moment. Especially as the walk ends beautifully with laughs and a pony ride for the kids. The riding school also welcomes beginners and seasoned riders from ages 4 to 77. It’s the right time for a pony riding lesson (children under 12) or a baby pony lesson (children 4-6), or just getting back in the saddle.

Les Ecuries d’Edoras – Tourves

Test Ferme Play with the family

Spending time with horses gives humans equilibrium, well-being and performance. This is the philosophy of this equihomology centre, which also has an educational discovery farm where kids – and even parents! – can try ferme play. But what is it? A corporal approach to the relationship with the animal: the children play with them (from 5), inviting them to move along little itineraries, using gestures with a rope or a leading rein. Labelled Ferme de Découverte Bienvenue à la ferme, this out-of-the-ordinary riding centre is also ideal for discovering a farm, its activities and its environment with learning activities, feeding and care. Horses, ponies, sheep, goats, tortoises, pigs, hens, ducks, geese… So many animals await you!

Lucky Horse – Mazan