Families

The rural setting - 135 hectares (350 acres) of rolling hills, forest and farmland - provides an inspiring backdrop for families with children to enjoy engaging activities (and restful lounging).
                        
Mornings are a lovely time for a walk to the playground before the day gets hot and the birds are out in full force. At breakfast the buffet is designed to have choices that include options for youngsters.

Accommodation for Families

There are a number of rooms available on the estate to suit families who are planning where to stay with children, including infants and teenagers.
                        
Find out more about the rooms at La Verrière or about whole house bookings for larger families wishing to bring many relatives together, even to celebrate a significant birthday, wedding or anniversary.

Specific equipment requirements can be catered for if you need a

• cot

• crib

• changing mat

• high chair, or

• baby monitor

Simply mention this when making your booking.

Things to do with Children at La Verrière

Young guests are given a warm welcome and the way the estate is set up means there are a variety of things to do for kids.
                        
Outdoor activities at La Verrière include, but are not limited to:

• splashing around in the lightly heated pool or even in the slightly warmer jacuzzi

• climbing, swinging and sliding on the on-site jungle gym playground

• playing tennis, petanque or ping pong

• going for a hike

• telling tales at the Storytelling Tree

• picking fruits and vegetables from the garden for the chef to prepare for dinner

• bike riding (limited selection of Junior bicycles unless by prior arrangement)

Indoor activities include:

• more than 200 DVDs for all ages in the home cinema

• Wii games console

• a pool table suitable for older kids

• A selection of toys and children's books in several languages for different ages

• Winery tour for kids (see below)

Half and full day child activity programs can be created in addition to evening programs with experienced childminders and instructors, for additional cost and by prior arrangement:

• treasure or scavenger hunts, with real treasure chests, with or without clues

• swimming lessons

• tennis coaching

• fishing for trout in the pond

• gentle hikes with picnics

• cooking class and Intro to local cuisine

• ecological outings

Other activities include (additional cost and by prior arrangement):

• babysitting/Kids Club-style activities

• crèche

• French lessons

• arts & craft activities with clay, lego, drawing sets etc

• fruit juice blind tasting (see below)

Top tip for parents who yearn for some alone time whilst the kids are being entertained elsewhere: head for the gazebo to the side of the pool where the large mattress is the perfect spot for reading, playing a game of chess, or simply snoozing. Alternatively, seek out the secluded bench at the top of the vineyard which looks back onto the house.
             
At lunch, children can go up to the winery and have their own special meal prepared and presented in a Japanese bento box. The chef is accustomed to accommodating younger tastes.
                        
Children can also become the wine connoisseurs of the future. Stretch their senses with a fruit juice blind tasting so they can master the art of identifying aromas and flavours. In addition, there is a child-friendly tour of the winery which helps them to understand the basics of winemaking, in a language and style that will engage them. Teenagers are often inspired by the Chene Bleu winery; many want to be involved with the harvest and to learn about wine so they can be responsible wine drinkers later in life.

Day Trips for Families in Provence

Provence is well-known for its historical treasures and natural beauty, and guests need little persuasion to explore the countryside around La Verrière. There are many reasons to take a day trip around Provence.
                        
Families are encouraged to take the short trip to the creperie in the town of Vaison la Romaine nearby, especially on a Tuesday, when you’ll discover the open-air market which kids of all ages tend to enjoy.  The town also has a communal playground.
                        
Other off-site excursions include:

• Canoeing at Fountain de Vaucluse

• Quad biking

• Hot air ballooning

• Carriere de Lumieres in Les Baux de Provence

• Tree climbing grids

• Mohair goat farm in the Drome

• Crocodile farm near Montelimar

• Amazonia theme park near Orange

• Horseback riding in nearby Vaison or along the beaches of the Mediterranean in Camargue

• Rock Swimming in the Gorges of the Toulourenc valley

• Hiking to the top of the St Amand and/or the Abbey of Prebayon

• Driving up the Mt Ventoux and/or stopping off at the Mont Serein for a picnic

• WaterWorld giant slides and rides near Avignon

• Son et lumieres light shows such as Luminescence in Avignon

• Annual Ruggieri Fireworks display in Monteux