What to do in Avignon with kids

Our family weekend in Avignon (Logis! Contest!)

This weekend we were under the sun of Avignon and its surroundings. A weekend with the family, the four of us, a weekend just the way we like it… I went to Avignon a few times for my work and I had the opportunity to discover some little wonders: the Popes’ Palace, the village of Les Baux de Provence, Alphonse Daudet’s Mill… Every time I went to the area I promised myself to go back there with my family as there are so many beautiful things to see. The region is so rich that one weekend was obviously not enough! We’ll have to go back!

The time of this little escapade, we were based 10 minutes from Avignon (very convenient when arriving by train). We were invited to sleep at the Petit Manoir, an establishment that is part of the Logis (see competition below).

On the spot, with a rental car, we were able to make the following program (program built at the last minute in the TGV following some of your advices by the way ! Thank you, thank you!) :

Saturday:

Les Baux-de-Provence: I had loved this picturesque little village so much that I wanted to show it to my darling and the children. After a stroll through the alleys, we took tickets for Les Carrières de Lumières. A magical show that enchanted us! We enter old quarries and on all the interior walls are projected giant images to the rhythm of a superb musical selection. At the moment, the exhibition highlights the Giants of the Italian Renaissance (Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael). Wonderful! The four of us loved it! After the classic paintings, there was another screening in homage to Jules Verne: even better for children! We didn’t know it at all; yet it was probably very well known given the crowd that was there! In fact, it was when we saw everyone heading towards the quarry that we discovered this place. In spite of the crowd we enjoy the show without being embarrassed as the place is huge. To be seen! (12€ for adults – reduced rate: 9,50€ and free for children under 7 years old).

Saint-Remy-de-Provence : stroll in the alleys of this pretty little Provencal town in the Alpilles. Then we sat on the terrace on the Place Flavier for lunch.

Lourmarin: it’s much further but we wanted the children to sleep a little in the car. There, we discovered this very picturesque Luberon village and the children had fun in the playground while we admired the castle from afar.

Avignon: return to the starting point at the time of the most beautiful lights of the day. We climbed to the top of the Rocher des Doms for the view of the Pont d’Avignon. Ticoeur and Titpuce have been singing the song all day! Up there is also the Jardin des Doms which is very pleasant for children. It was the perfect end to the day before going home for dinner at the hotel.

Sunday:

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: everyone had told me not to miss the market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Which we did, but then we really weren’t the only ones! Fortunately, we managed to find a place (by miracle!) and we took advantage of this pretty Provencal market in very typical and charming alleyways.

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse: we arrive in a magnificent deep valley which gave its name to the department (Vallis Clausa -> Vaucluse). There is one of the most abundant springs in the world! The walk along the river is wonderful! The river is emerald coloured and the water is so clear! Lunch on the go.

Roussillon and the Colorado Provincial: a slightly more distant stage to make the children sleep. There, we were seized by the glowing red colour of the village but the most beautiful was yet to come: I was completely under the spell of the ochre cliffs: what colours of fire! The children loved walking the ochre path (we chose the longest path – 40 minutes). A real wild west landscape! (2,50€ for adults – free for children under 10 years old).

As you can see, we’ve been busy! It must be said that the area around Avignon is very tempting! We want to see everything! We’d have to stay there for weeks! At Le Petit Manoir we liked the following points:

Very well located, 2.5km from Avignon. It’s perfect for visiting the region.
Family room for four people: simple but practical and very clean, with a bathtub for the children’s enjoyment. As we were on the ground floor we had a small terrace: it’s very nice and nice for the children: Ticoeur did his reading homework there. Yes, yes, we’re discovering the pleasures of homework. It’s all about finding the framework that goes with ?.
Absolute calm while the hotel was full.
The restaurant of the hotel has a very nice shaded terrace, an arbour (that’s the name of the restaurant by the way). We dine there very well (local gastronomic specialities). On the other hand, the service was very slow, which is always a bit awkward with small ones. This arbour has so much charm that we would have liked to have had breakfast there too, but unfortunately it is only used in the evening.
Breakfast is copious (salty and sweet): the croissants and bread are excellent. We also enjoyed the fresh orange juice. Only the breakfast room deserves some decorating efforts.
Activities for children big and small: board games, colouring, table tennis, table football, library, paddling pool, etc.
The pool is just beautiful!
All in all, this hotel (3 stars) is a very good value for money: the room for four with breakfast is 85€. For its location 10 minutes from Avignon and the beautiful swimming pool as a bonus, it is a good family address.

Now, let’s play the game: The Logis allow me to win a 100€ voucher to be used in a Logis of your choice. There are more than 2400 hotels and restaurants! (gift voucher valid until 31 December 2016 in France and Europe). How to play?

Choose one of the social networks of “Mommy Travel”: Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Locate the pictures I took this weekend around Avignon
Choose one of these photos and share it (in public by copying me). Don’t forget to follow me on the way!
At the time of sharing, tell me what is the desire Logis that tempts you for your future getaway: the list of desires is HERE. For me it was a “family” desire of course!
Don’t forget to add the 2 hashtags #PlaisirOlogis and #LesEnviesLogis to your message.
You have until October 8, 2015 (midnight) to play.
Les Logis will make the draw among the participants and the winner will be notified 15 days later. The details of the rules are HERE.

Good luck to all! In the meantime, check out our other ideas for family holidays in the south-east of France. And I am looking forward to your ideas for outings in the Luberon or the Alpilles for my next stay there!

it was Josiane who won after a draw by Les Logis. Bravo!