Our Annual Family Summer Getaway to Provence

Here we go again—another amazing summer trip to Provence for our annual family vacation, meeting up with the grandparents! While the French Riviera is stunning, we like to dodge the crazy crowds during peak season, so we often head inland to soak up the Verdon area and its adorable little villages.

First stop: Lac Sainte Croix! Seriously, you have to see it. The views are absolutely jaw-dropping, and the water is such a beautiful shade of blue—it’s like nature’s swimming pool! It’s perfect for families and outdoor lovers because you can rent paddleboards, pedal boats, electric boats, kayaks, and so much more. We always make a pit stop at “Le Pont du Galetas,” where you can grab a stunning view of the Gorges du Verdon and enjoy some epic people-watching as brave souls leap from the cliffs into the water. It’s become a little tradition for us to spend a day there every year.

This time around, we also went kayaking down the river, which was such a blast! There are tons of options with different distances and difficulty levels, so there’s something for everyone.

Plus, my husband and I always steal a day to ourselves while the grandparents keep the kids entertained. We decided to try a new hiking trail in the Gorges du Verdon since it was way too hot this year to tackle the more challenging “Le Sentier Martel.” We ended up in the “Les Basses Gorges du Verdon” near Lac Quinson. The water was chilly (like, shockingly cold!) because it’s next to a floodgate, but as we paddled down to Lac de l'Espadron, it warmed up nicely. Let me tell you, spending over two hours on the river in an electric boat or kayak was the highlight of our trip! Seeing the gorges from below and then hiking up high to look down was just the best.

For anyone craving a little thrill, don’t forget about the bungee jumping from the Pont d’Artuby! We did that years ago, and it was such an adrenaline rush. And if you’re into water sports, there’s so much you can do—water rambling, canyoning, rafting…you name it! Plus, there are loads of cool places in the woods for high ropes courses and ziplines; we checked out Provence Aventure near Vidauban, and it was a blast!

We took the time to explore the picturesque village of Cognac, known for its charming market and intriguing caves waiting to be discovered.. And the kids? They had the time of their lives chilling in the natural pool at La Muie, a nearby river that’s perfect for splashing around and jumping off the bridge.

Honestly, this area is a paradise for active families, with plenty of hiking, biking, and water fun to keep everyone entertained. Can’t wait for our next adventure!