Family Holidays in Southern France – Between Breathtaking Nature and French Delicacies!
Sponsored: This article was created in collaboration with Auvergne Rhône Alpes Tourisme.
Suitcases packed, favorite playlist on – Southern France, here we come! This time, our family holiday takes us to the southeast of France, right into the triangle between Lyon, Grenoble, and Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. A region where nature takes your breath away: dramatic rock formations, mysterious caves, and national parks that turn every outing into a little adventure.
This family road trip is perfect for those who come alive outdoors, love discovering new things, and can’t resist that unique French way of life. We start in the Drôme with a sweet experience all about chocolate (yes, tasting is very much encouraged!). In the Ardèche, we paddle beneath the famous Pont d’Arc and dive deep into the history of our planet. And in the Isère, the turquoise shimmer of Lake Paladru invites us to make memories together.
Family holidays in Southern France mean getting close to nature, exploring culture in playful ways, and taking time to simply unwind and enjoy the moment. Along the way, we take a journey through time that even wins over reluctant history fans: ancient cave art, stunning stalactite formations, and thrilling landscapes – all brought to life in a way that’s both exciting and family-friendly.
When it comes to camping holidays in mobile homes, charming tiny houses, or rustic chalets, Southern France truly is in a league of its own. A warm croissant or pain au chocolat each morning? Absolutely – and for the kids, it feels almost like Christmas. Fairly priced and surrounded by greenery, these are real family favorites waiting to be discovered.
Even the journeys between stops are a joy: winding mountain roads past olive groves and lavender fields – it’s pure French indulgence. Oui, please!
So let’s go – here comes your very own treasure map for an unforgettable family road trip through Southern France.
Drôme – Lavender Fields, Scenic Train Rides, and Chocolate for Breakfast
Le Soleil Fruité – Poolside Fun, Playgrounds, and Morning Sun with Croissants
Just south of Lyon – a perfect place for a short stop – our adventure begins in the Drôme. We like to call this region the little sister of Provence, and it truly lives up to the name. At the recently renovated camping site Le Soleil Fruité in Châteauneuf-sur-Isère, the holiday vibe kicks in right away: two pools, a playground right next to the restaurant terrace, lovely mobile homes with views of the greenery – and fresh baguettes and croissants delivered to your door each morning. Still warm, with the morning sun on your face out on the terrace – it really doesn’t get better than that.
Chocolate Museum – Cité du Chocolat Valrhona
A real highlight for little (and big!) chocolate lovers is the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona in Tain-l’Hermitage – just about a 15-minute drive away. Tasting, discovering, learning – the interactive exhibits are brilliantly done. You dive into the world of chocolate, smell, taste, and experiment. The kids love the animated videos so much they start repeating their first French words with a smile.
And the best part: At Valrhona, everything is produced fairly – from bean to bar, and all right here in France.
Nostalgic Ride on the Train des Gorges
Just a stone’s throw away, the nostalgic Train des Gorges chugs along for about 1.5 hours through the gorges of the Ardèche. Windows down, noses in the wind – it’s a slow-paced, wide-eyed adventure for train lovers and anyone who enjoys soaking in the moment.
Ardèche – Waterways, Cave Art, and Stalactites
Domaine de l’Esquiras – Holiday Homes Among Vineyards and Pétanque Courts
Further south lies the Ardèche – full of untamed nature and a generous dose of adventure. Our chosen campsite, the Domaine de l’Esquiras in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, is small, charming, and beautifully nestled between rolling hills and vineyards.
The cozy holiday homes come fully equipped with kitchenettes, private bathrooms, and everything you need. The spacious play area, pizza at the on-site restaurant, swimming pools, and the riding area for scooters quickly become the kids’ favorite hangouts. And of course, no stay here is complete without a friendly round of pétanque.
Canoeing with Kids on the Ardèche
Our top tip: the guided canoe tour with Sabine from Aigue Vive. Sabine, a German-speaking world champion in canoeing, gives families the warmest welcome and takes you on an unforgettable ride beneath the famous Pont d’Arc. Depending on your energy level, you can paddle 6 or 13 kilometers downstream on the Ardèche.
The tour takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the water level. All equipment is provided: helmets for the kids, wetsuits, and life jackets are available on-site – you’ll just need to bring your own water shoes (leave the flip-flops at home!). A nature experience that truly brings everyone closer. If you’re planning to paddle, don’t miss Aigue Vive.
Cave Art at Grotte Chauvet 2
As exciting as it is educational: a visit to the Grotte Chauvet 2. This faithful replica of the original cave showcases fascinating prehistoric wall paintings – brought to life with atmospheric lighting, sound, and plenty of goosebump moments.
Right next door you’ll find the Galerie de l’Aurignacien, an interactive exhibition that captures the imagination of both kids and grown-ups. You’ll learn how people lived, hunted, and made fire 36,000 years ago – with hands-on exhibits, original artifacts to touch, and a beautifully designed outdoor area offering sweeping views across the Ardèche landscape.
For lunch, there’s a restaurant on site serving fresh, typically French cuisine. You can mix and match your plate at the buffet, and the kitchen is happy to accommodate special requests – especially handy with kids who, for example, are big fans of purée de pommes de terre.
Stalactites and Stone Age Secrets at Aven d’Orgnac
Next up: a cool breath of air at the Aven d’Orgnac – a breathtaking stalactite cave that takes you on a guided journey into the depths of the earth. A staircase leads you down into vast, atmospherically lit chambers, where stalactites and stalagmites are still growing, and the dripping echoes tell stories from long ago. Even on the hottest days, it’s pleasantly cool down here – and simply awe-inspiring.
After about 45 minutes, you reemerge into daylight – and the surroundings are just as rewarding. There’s a frog-filled pond, a museum exhibit with fascinating insights into Stone Age life, and right across the way: shady picnic spots and a playground with a zipline that quickly climbs to the top of every kid’s favorites list.
Drôme Provençale – Crocodiles, Lavender Scents, and Sweet Nougat Treats
Up Close with Crocodiles
The journey continues toward Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux – but not without a stop at Europe’s largest crocodile park – La Ferme aux Crocodiles in Pierrelatte. Think tropical greenhouses, turtles, and crocodiles galore – along with tons of fascinating facts about species conservation. A definite highlight: the crocodile eggs in the incubator, which had our kids completely mesmerized for minutes on end.
Camping at La Colline – Among Trees and Sheep
As the sun begins to set, we arrive at Camping La Colline, nestled in nature – small, family-run, and wonderfully relaxed. The kids feed the sheep, bounce on the trampoline, or disappear into the trees and bushes for hours of carefree play. And in the evening? It’s pizza at the nearby bowling hall – plus a round of family bowling to top off the day.
A Sweet Stop at the Nougat Maker
A delicious detour takes us to Montélimar and the Soubeyran nougat factory. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by the scent of honey and roasted almonds – pure paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. Alongside their classic nougat, they also make caramel and other French confections. A small exhibition invites you to watch, taste, and take home. Everything is made with genuine craftsmanship – and yes, it’s the kind of souvenir that’s dangerously addictive.
Isère – Lakeside Views, Summer Biathlon, and City Charm
Chalets by the Water at Camping Détente et Clapotis
For the grand finale, we head a little further north, near Grenoble – and it’s the perfect ending. On the shores of Lac de Paladru lies Camping Détente et Clapotis, right by the water. While the kids are already splashing in the lake early in the morning, we’re still enjoying that first coffee on the wooden terrace, just taking it all in. Add to that playgrounds, cozy chalets, barbecue evenings – and that rare kind of peace and quiet you sometimes only dream of.
Our tip: Head to the weekly market in Charavines to pick up some cheese, fresh fruit, and a handful of olives – then enjoy a lakeside picnic as the sun sets. Sometimes that’s all you need.
Discovering Sports, History, and Grenoble from Above
If you’re in the mood for a bit of action, try the summer biathlon at the Col de Porte: run, aim, cheer – and before you know it, you’re hooked on the fun of it all.
Feeling hungry? Head to La Badiane in Voiron: refined, regional, and totally laid-back. Kids don’t get a “special” meal – just the good stuff in kid-sized portions. There’s space for strollers, pencils for doodling, and the kind of warm, welcoming service that makes you want to stay a little longer.
And to wrap it all up? A bit of history with a view: the archaeological museum in Grenoble brings the past to life – well-designed, engaging, and surprisingly fun for kids. Then take the famous bubble lift up the mountain – enjoy the panoramic views over the rooftops, and if you look closely, you might even spot Mont Blanc.
Family time in Southern France is all about collecting favorite moments
Four stops, countless discoveries, and a whole lot of favorite moments. Southern France hits the mark – or as we biathlon fans would say, it’s a bullseye. And honestly: The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region truly surprised us. So much nature, so much space to be a kid, to breathe, to slow down – and yet it’s still flying under the radar for many families.
If you love mountains, water, animals, and enjoy strolling through charming little villages, this is your kind of place.
A tip for parents with a soft spot for good wine: the family-run Domaine Christophe Pichon serves bold, characterful wines with views over the vines – the perfect grown-up timeout off the beaten path.
In our guide to the best campsites with mobile homes in Southern France, we take you to our favorite spots to unwind, play outside, and dip your toes in the lake.
Our tip: Go with the flow. Turn off where it smells delicious. Stop where it feels right. Try what’s new. Because right there – between canoeing and cheese platters, between cave adventures and hammock naps – that’s where the real family magic happens.
