Family holidays in Bédoin, at the foot of Mont Ventoux

Why Bédoin suits families

• A quiet, human-sized village with shops, bakeries and a Provençal market.
• A central base from which to explore without spending the whole day in the car.
• Nature all around: the Ventoux, forests, villages and the landscapes of the Vaucluse.
• Plenty of ways to mix activities, discoveries and relaxing days by the pool.

Activities with children

• Mont Ventoux by car: the summit road is generally open from mid-April to mid-November. Children discover the lunar landscape, but it is much colder at the top: bring warm clothes.
• Adventure parks: several parks with treetop courses exist in the region: ask the tourist office to choose according to the children's age.
• Parc Spirou Provence and Wave Island: two big leisure parks in Monteux, one with rides and one a water park, for very hot or rainy days.
• The market, the villages and Vaison-la-Romaine: quiet, colourful outings to alternate with more active days.
• Easy walks: plenty of trails around Bédoin, to choose according to the children's age and the heat. Note that some sections, such as the Gorges de la Nesque, are not recommended for young children.

See also: The market of Bédoin, Vaison-la-Romaine, Hiking, What to see at the summit

Swimming as a family

With children, choose supervised lakes:

• Monteux lake: equipped beach, supervised swimming in season, with paddleboards, kayaks and pedalos.
• Wave Island: water park in Monteux, with slides and waves, open in summer (check dates on the website).
• Lac du Paty, in Caromb: a preserved setting for fishing, picnics and walks.
• Monieux lake: a small shaded lake with a children's play area, at the entrance to the Gorges de la Nesque.

River flow varies a lot in summer, and some sites are fragile or busy: ask the tourist office before swimming in a river, and always keep an eye on children near water.

Tips for a successful family stay

• Spring, early summer and September offer mild temperatures, pleasant with children.
• In high summer, plan outings for the morning and keep the afternoons for the pool.
• Book early in high season: holiday homes with a pool go quickly.

See also: When to visit Bédoin, Bédoin in summer

Good to know

Opening times, the periods when swimming is supervised and the opening of the summit road change from one year to the next. Check the official information (links below) before you set off.