Thinking of a holiday in Languedoc-Roussillon, South of France with children?
The Languedoc-Roussillon area of France is a great place for family summer holidays. There are plenty of family friendly activities that will entice children away from computer games! Holidays are also about making memories, and what better way to remember your South of France holiday than, canoeing, zip wiring or having fun at the water park!
Here is South France Villas Top
10 list of things to do that kids (and adults!) will love.
Many of these activities are available all year round, and the indoor fun can be a respite from the warm
South of France sunshine!
1. Sigean African safari park- This safari park is open 365 days of the year
and has more than 3500 animals and is spread over 300 hectares, the park is committed to giving the animals a natural
environment and to conserve threatened species.
Think of any animal and you will most likely see one at this park, Cheetahs, Chimpanzee’s,
Elephants, Lions and Bears to name but a few.
Part of the park is only accessible by a
tour guide and it really is worth the extra cost, as you get to see so much
more.
2. Acrobranching
– A great way for children to get some exercise (and parents!) Set in spacious woodlands, the courses are at
various levels depending upon the age and experience of the child, even 3 or 4 year
olds can now have a go! In the summer months they are open late into the
evening. Try Beziers aventure and Azimut-aventure (near one of our villas at Portiragnes).
3. Waterparks -
Enjoy a day out at one of the many water parks in Languedoc, Aqua-Land have
parks in Cap d’Agde, Port Leucate which is near Narbonne, Saint Cyprien (handy
if you are staying in one of our Collioure villas), there are lots of slides,
wave machines, shops, restaurants, and many allow you to bring your own picnic
(make sure you only have plastic bottles though). If you are visiting off season, this indoorwater centre in Grau d’agde is open all year round. There is a wonderful little children’s area with a small slide and fun water jets, a pool with massaging bubble chairs, Jacuzzi, 2 large slides, and for the serious swimmers there is a pool dedicated to lengths.**Many of the French water parks do not allow swimming shorts for boys and men, they must be speedos or the tighter fitting shorts.
4. Beaches
– Young children may be happy to play with their buckets and spades, however
older ones may wish to have a go on the banana boat, or persuade someone to
take them out on a Pedalo! All the large
Languedoc Beach resorts have water sports, beach bars, private beaches and
restaurants during the summer months, Vias, Valras, Portiragnes, Leucante,
Narbonne, Argeles sur Mer…
5. Aquariums - Another activity suitable all year which does not rely in the weather. There are 2 good aquariums in the Languedoc, one is Montpellier Aquarium, this is the largest in the area and has over 400 species of marine life
including sharks, daily events
including the staging of storms and hurricanes take place. The Cap d’Agde Aquarium is
smaller but worth a visit if you are in the area. You could also go on a short
boat trip from the port, there are plenty to choose from. Children will love the ice cream parlours along the port so many flavours to choose from!
6. Underground
Caves and St Guilhem le Désert – The Clamouse Caves offer a welcome break from the South of France sunshine! Spectacular
caves with amazing stalactites and stalagmites, tunnels, although not
recommended if you are claustrophobic! Children are fascinated as it is really is a unique
experience.
St Guilhem itself is one of the busiest
tourist attractions in the Herault area of Languedoc, check out the old tree in
front of the church and ask your children to see if they can guess how old it
is. The UNESCO registered Pont du Diable (translated means Devil’s bridge) is
nearby, here you can swim in the river so why not take a picnic, if you are
feeling sporty then you could hire a canoe. You will be pleased to know jumping off the bridge has at last been banned!
7. Canoeing -
Just 40 minutes inland from the South of France beaches, you can be in the
Herault National Park, there are canoe stations in Roquebrun (one of the
prettiest villages in Languedoc) and Cessenon sur Orb (Base Reals). Choose from 5km to 32 km depending on your
level. A choice of one or two seater canoes
are available, safety equipment is provided, a helmet is not compulsory however
it is recommended and are available free of charge. There are no time restrictions so stop on the
way and have a swim in the river or take a picnic (waterproof containers
provided). Water and sunscreen are a must too.
8. Horse-Riding -
There are lots of places near to the beaches that have Horse Riding,
especially Serignan. It is advisable to book in advance during July and August.
Petit Sam Ranch has a good choice
of horses and ponies, you can book a trek for an hour, or 2, with a guide and
children are allowed from aged 9. For younger children there are pony rides
available. During the summer the sand is too hot for the horses, so you will
not be riding on the beach or into the sea!
9. Go-Karting-
Our favourite Go-Karting place is Caussiniojouls , 20 minutes
north of Beziers, this course really is amazing one of the best we have seen,
the staff take safety very seriously. The children’s go-karts are speed
restricted and can also be remotely controlled.
For younger children there are 2 place go-karts so they can ride with an
adult. The track alternates between a
session for Children and then one for Adults, therefore you do not need to
worry about the children racing with fast adults. There is a snack bar, for
drinks and Pizza’s, and next door there is a full restaurant
10. Dinosaur
Land – The largest park dedicated to Dinosaurs in Europe. Situated near to
Meze and not too far from Pezenas, the park is great for young children
especially if they have been learning about Dinosaurs at school. There is a picnic area and a café onsite and
souvenir shop.
We have a great collection of family
holiday villas to rent in the Languedoc area of Southern France, if you are fed
up with trawling through websites looking for the right villa, why not give us
a call and let us plan your holiday as you would plan your own!
