Child friendly

For children at Les Basses Beaumettes we have a fold down bed, a cot + bedding, baby bath, baby walker, high chair, changing mat,  potty, paddling pool, baby monitor, buggy, back carrier / papoose and sledge. If you require any of these please let us know in advance if possible. If there is anything else that you think may be useful please let us know.

The village of St Auban itself has a lovely park with ducks to feed (see below), and picnic tables. The campsite has a little play park with cafe next to it so that you can sit and have a coffee whilst the children play, and they can have an ice-cream when they have worn the swings out.

Watersports

The Lac de Castillon (30 mins drive) at Castellane, and at St Andre Les Alpes (40 mins), and Lac St Croix near Moustiere Ste. Maire (1.5hours) all have  swimming areas suitable for children where you can hire pedalos and canoes. They also have refreshment stands.

There is an open air swimming pool in Castellane with a slide. For further details look at the Castellane Tourist Office website

Show caves

There are 3 show caves in the area suitable for children to visit see our caving page.

Forests of adventure

Depending on the age of your child Forests of adventure (at Catellane) and Parcours aventure (at Caille)  and Gréo'branche at Gréolières (tel. 04 93 59 73 17) are an exciting option.

Wildlife

Wildlife Reserve At Thorenc (30mins drive) bison have been reintroduced to the area and are kept in a 300 hectare enclosure which you can visit by prior arrangement with a guide.  

Hungry ducks

There are several duck ponds in the area containing ducks that are always eager to finish off left over bits of baguette, or when your gums are baguetted out! There are two  duck ponds in St Auban see photos opposite. They are very well maintained and have picnic tables under shady trees.

There is also another duck pond below the village of Thorenc.

Horse riding

Horse riding / pony trekking is available nearby for children at the Gite Tonic and at La Grande Bastide, Centre Equestre, 2305, Route de la Rivière, 04120 Peyroules, Tel : 04 92 83 07 22, where they have ponies for the littlest of people in training for the Grand National.    

Donkey rides

At Les Coulettes you can spend a day or more walking in splendid countryside with donkeys of Provence. You can either go alone or hire a guide who can show you the way and explain more about the countryside you will see around you. There is one easy walk lasting up to 4 or 5 hours that can be done in one day and is ideal for children. You will be told all about the life and personality of your donkey before you set off - the donkeys can not be ridden all day but are there to keep you company and to help you to carry anything you may have bought with you. You can reserve an organic picnic before coming - 8€/adults / 6€/children under 10 years.
Please note that there is a 40 minute walk from the car parking area to Coul'âne.
Suitable for children over 5 years and not pushchair friendly.

Children's farm at St Pierre

Near the medievale village of Bargeme is a children's farm where you can take part in donkey and poney rides, meet pigs, goats and hens.

Adresse :
Bargème-Haut Var, 83840
Tel : 0494842155     Fax : 0494842104     Email : marcelin.berte@wanadoo.fr    
Website for the Children's Farm

Honey making

On the road between Castillane and the dam at Lac de Castillon you can have a guided tour and watch the bees making honey. There are guided tours every afternoon except Sunday at 15h30 from the 5th of July to the 1st of Sept. The tour takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. Contact:

Beaches

The nearest coastal beaches are at Antibes on the Cote D'Azur, unfortunately they can be quite crowded and parking can be a problem. The coast offers a wide range of organised attractions that would appeal to children. Check out:

• Marine Land, Antibes

• Submarine Rides, Antibes