Alpilles and Luberon with family: the must-sees

The Alpilles and Luberon are among the most beautiful regions of Provence, and they're also the most suited to a family stay with a little one. We live in Sénas, at the crossroads of both massifs, and we know every village, every market, every trail. Here are our recommendations for making the most of these two Provencal gems with baby.

The Alpilles: authenticity and easy living

Saint-Remy-de-Provence is the ideal starting point for discovering the Alpilles. The Wednesday morning market is enchanting: colourful stalls of fruit and vegetables, scents of lavender and Marseille soap, shaded terraces where you can park the stroller while you enjoy a coffee. The town centre is pedestrianised and flat, perfect for strolling with baby.

Maussane-les-Alpilles is our favourite village for families. Smaller, quieter, with an intimate and authentic Thursday morning market. The village is surrounded by olive groves and flat trails, accessible by pushchair. It's the ideal spot for morning walks with baby in a carrier or stroller.

Eygalieres is a perched gem, but be warned: steep streets and steps make the stroller difficult. Opt for a baby carrier for the village visit, and save the stroller for walking on the plain below.

Les Baux-de-Provence offers spectacular views over the valley, but the site is steep and very busy in summer. With a baby, go early in the morning or in the low season.

The Luberon: charming villages and legendary markets

Gordes and Roussillon are the stars of the Luberon, and rightly so: they're stunning. But let's be honest, their cobbled streets and steep gradients are a real challenge with a pushchair. Our advice: visit them in the morning (before 10am in summer), with baby in a carrier rather than a stroller. And bring water and a hat, the sun beats down hard on these hillsides.

For a more relaxed stay with a little one, we recommend Lourmarin and Cucuron instead. These two villages are more accessible, with flatter streets and shaded squares where baby can enjoy the bouncer while you savour a rose. Lourmarin is particularly lively with its shops, restaurants, and Friday morning market.

Apt's Saturday morning market is one of the largest and most beautiful in Provence. It's a spectacle of colours and flavours that even babies appreciate. Arrive at opening (8am) to enjoy the cool air and avoid the mid-morning crowds.

Family-friendly activities in both areas

Provence is full of gentle activities perfectly suited to a baby's rhythm:

• Walks through olive groves around Maussane and Mouriess (flat trails, natural shade)
• Picnic by the lake at La Roque d'Antheron, between the Alpilles and Luberon
• Visiting the lavender fields at Valensole (June-July), an unforgettable sight
• Swimming in lakes Bimont or Esparron (maintained beaches, calm water)
• Provencal markets: every village has one, every day of the week

For hilltop villages, an all-terrain stroller or a baby carrier is essential. At C&V, we offer both for rental, so you can adapt to each outing.

Our practical recommendations

• Provencal markets open early (8am-1pm). With a baby, go at opening: it's cool, there's space, and the stalls are well stocked
• Pack SPF 50 sunscreen and a hat, even in spring. The Provencal sun is deceptive
• Book your baby equipment in advance, especially in July-August. Availability goes fast during peak season
• If your accommodation doesn't have a high chair, consider renting one. Family mealtimes are much more enjoyable when baby is comfortably seated

We deliver throughout the area

Good news: Sénas, our delivery starting point, is situated exactly between the Alpilles and the Luberon. Whether you're staying in Saint-Remy, Maussane, Gordes, Lourmarin or anywhere within 50 km, delivery is free from 30 euros of rental.

Planning a family trip to the Alpilles or Luberon? Browse our catalogue to see all available equipment, or get in touch for personalised advice.