Family holidays: a guide for a successful stay in Provence

the estate naturally combines the two. It offers a sprawling park where children can run freely, a swimming pool for summer afternoons and shaded areas for impromptu picnics, all set amidst the authentic Provence landscape, with its treasures waiting to be discovered as a family.

With Uzès just twenty minutes away, the Pont du Gard within easy driving distance, mysterious caves and treetop adventure parks, the Château is the perfect base for exploring the region without ever straying too far from the comfort of your cosy retreat. 

Château de Montcaud: a place designed for families

From the moment you arrive, the tone is set. Children can discover the vast park, where centuries-old trees line pathways perfect for games of tag, treasure hunts and afternoons of exploration. Meanwhile, parents can lounge on a sunbed with a book, eyes half-closed, yet ears attuned to the laughter echoing in the distance. It is precisely this freedom that makes all the difference: knowing that the little ones can play safely while the grown-ups enjoy genuine moments of relaxation.

The Château offers spacious family rooms where everyone has their own space. Some even feature multi-room suites - perfect for large families or those travelling with grandparents. You will find comfort and excellent amenities, along with that special atmosphere that makes you feel at home from the very first moment.

As for dining, the Bistro de Montcaud offers menus tailored to children. These are not overly sophisticated dishes that might make them turn their noses up - just quality cuisine that appeals to young and old alike. And for parents wishing to extend the evening with a drink after the children have gone to bed, the Château’s terraces provide the perfect setting.

Activities at the Château: keeping children occupied all year round

The Château’s swimming pool

The swimming pool at Château de Montcaud is the main attraction in the summer as it becomes the children’s favourite playground. Afternoons fly by as they swim and play in the water. Parents appreciate the surrounding sun loungers, the shade of the parasols and the relaxed atmosphere by the water’s edge.

The park: a life-sized adventure playground

Several hectares of greenery for running, climbing and exploring. Children love getting lost in the pathways and inventing tales of knights and princesses amidst the setting of a Provençal château. The youngest go on bug hunts while the elder ones organise endless games of hide-and-seek.

To satisfy your little explorers' curiosity, we’ve created a real treasure map. Armed with this guide, they can set off to discover the secrets and hidden stories of our château and its grounds. Along the way, they’ll also scout out the perfect spots for your next family game of hide-and-seek.

And when snack time rolls around, everyone gathers in the shade of a tree to devour waffles from Eugène, our food truck, which is set up in the Château gardens for the summer season.

Far removed from the hustle and bustle of a hyper-connected world, a simple pencil and a touch of imagination are all it takes to escape here. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spark their curiosity about so many other things!

Around the area: Provence at a child’s eye level

Château de Montcaud is located in the heart of a region teeming with activities designed for families. Here’s our selection of the best outings with children, organised so you can plan your itinerary based on your little ones' ages and the season.

The Pont du Gard: a fun and must-see experience (30 minutes away)

You can’t visit the Gard without taking the kids to the Pont du Gard. The site features ‘Ludo’, an interactive museum designed especially for children aged 5 to 12. Children set out to discover the world of the Romans through games, hands-on activities and puzzles. Observation, imagination and critical thinking: everything is designed to ensure they learn while having fun.

During summer, enjoy the banks of the Gardon River for a refreshing swim at the foot of the Roman aqueduct. More active visitors can rent canoes to paddle beneath the monument’s arches - an unforgettable experience that children will still be talking about months down the line.

Good to know: Admission is free for under 18s! 

Uzès: the perfect town for a family stroll (20 minutes away)

Just 20 minutes from the Château, Uzès offers pedestrian-friendly streets where navigating with a stroller is a breeze. On Saturday mornings, the Provençal market is a spectacle in itself filled with vibrant colours, enticing aromas and street entertainment. Children love tasting ‘calissons’ - traditional French sweets, picking out fruit for a picnic and watching artisans at work.

Don’t miss a visit to the Duché d'Uzès. Kids can climb the 11th century dungeon and finally discover what a real medieval castle looks like. The panoramic view of the town and surrounding countryside is well worth the visit.

For a tasty treat, head to the Haribo Candy Museum (yes, really!). With a fun tour, tastings and a shop, the kids will be in seventh heaven, while the parents are certain to feel a touch of nostalgia.  

Insider tips found only here

Then there are those places you won’t find elsewhere - spots we love to recommend to our guests:

An hour from the Château, the Bambouseraie en Cévennes (in Anduze) unfolds across 34 hectares of exotic pathways, inviting you to stroll through giant bamboo forests, a Japanese garden and a Laotian village, for a complete change of scenery, right next to the garrigue landscape.

Nearby, the Cévennes Steam Train sets of from Anduze to Saint-Jean-du-Gard amidst plumes of smoke, for a timeless 13-kilometre journey that delights young and old alike.

And for a day packed with thrills, Parc Spirou Provence (in Monteux, around an hour’s drive away) immerses the whole family in the world of comic book heroes, featuring rollercoasters, simulators and themed attractions ranging from Lucky Luke to Marsupilami. It’s a great addition, at your own pace, to our selection of activities for all ages.

Canoeing and kayaking on the Gardon

Children aged six plus can participate in a guided canoe trip down the Gardon River. Several operators offer family-friendly routes that include swimming stops and picnics along the way. It’s a unique way to explore the gorges and pass beneath the Pont du Gard. 

Festive Provence: Festivals and cultural highlights

Perhaps the finest secret of a Provençal summer is that for a few weeks, the entire region transforms into an open-air stage. Just 50 minutes from the Château, the Avignon Festival (4th - 25th July) brings the City of Popes alive with the energy of live theatre, filling courtyards, cloisters and even the majestic Cour d'honneur. In Orange, the Chorégies, France’s oldest festival (19th June and 18th July), allows impressive operatic voices to resonate against the monumental wall of the Ancient Theatre, where the acoustics have remained flawless for two thousand years.

Further south, the Nîmes Festival (11th June - 25th July) hosts international headliners amidst the striking backdrop of the Roman Arena, while Arles becomes the global capital of imagery during the ‘Rencontres de la Photographie’ (6th July - 4th October). Four events, four distinct worlds, all within an hour of our doorstep. Here too lies the luxury of simplicity: having everything within easy reach, without ever having to leave your own little haven of peace.  

Practical information for a successful day

Château de Montcaud features:

• Family rooms and suites suitable for families with children
• Outdoor swimming pool (open seasonally)
• Secure parkland spanning several hectares
• Bistro de Montcaud, featuring children’s menus
• A warm welcome and personalised advice for planning your outings

Good to know:

• Most tourist sites in the region are free or offer reduces rates for children
• Distances are short: everything is within a 45-minute drive
• Many restaurants in the area offer children’s menus
• In summer, plan your outings for early morning or late afternoon
• Remember to bring walking shoes for the whole family

Recommended ages by activity:

• 0-3 years: Château grounds, supervised pool, markets, villages
• 3-6 years: All of the above + beginner high-ropes course, Candyland, educational farms
• 6-12 years: All of the above + canoeing, advanced high-ropes course, Pont du Gard Ludo, caves
• Teens: Challenging high-ropes course, canoeing, cycling, via ferrata, rock climbing

 

Château de Montcaud
Hameau de Montcaud
30200 Sabran, Gard
Provence

Access:

• 20 minutes from Uzès
• 30 minutes from the Pont du Gard
• 30 minutes from Avignon
• 45 minutes from Nîmes

 Book your family stay now