Summer in South West France is all about living in the moment and immersing in the spirit of Sud-Ouest Authentique. We’ve been there and we liked it a lot.
Bruniquel, Aveyron Gorges, South West France © LezBroz
Sud-Ouest Authentique, the area of South West France which straddles Occitanie and Nouvelle Aquitaine’ Regions, doesn’t just live the good life, it generously shares it with visitors all year round. Come in summer and you also have high chance of lovely weather to go with its endless natural beauty.
So we’re going to recommend you slow down your usual holiday pace and take a moment to breathe for a change.
If that sounds a little low-key for your kids, nothing could be further from the truth. South West France knows how to have a good time, loves to entertain and couldn’t be more welcoming.
Like we said, we’ve been there and here are a few reasons we think the Sud-Ouest is the perfect mood for family holidays this summer – or any time really!
Palmeraie du Sarthou © Claire Lacroix Collection Tourisme Gers
Come and play in the remarkable gardens of South West France
The lush gardens of South West France are often compared to oasis, with good reason. It might be something to do with the long, sunny summers, but it could just as easily be down to the deep respect and love of nature, left to be natural, that’s very much part of the culture in le Sud-Ouest.
Whatever the reason, they’re glorious, and if you think gardens and kids don’t mix, La Palmeraie du Sarthou in the Gers will change your mind.
It’s one of the ‘Remarkable Gardens’ of France, so you can look forward to loveliness without question. What might make it more remarkable for your children is how much fun they can have in this eight hectare horticultural paradise.
Meet the turtles and hunt for treasure
All summer long (or from April to October) La Palmeraie is as determined to entertain and gently educate as it is to protect and nurture its magnificent palm forest, banana plantation, meadows, orchards, exotic plants and pond, which is so true to nature a small colony of turtles is at home there.
Turning La Palmeraie into a treasure hunt for families is an inspired way to introduce kids to the history of the palm, sustainability and the many secrets that are hidden away here: giant oyster fossils for starters.
Young explorers can also find out about traditional rural culture at the Gascon farm. There’s art everywhere too, so don’t be surprised to see contemporary sculptures in the most extraordinary places as you wander the secret pathways, linger by the lily ponds or hunt for treasure.
Explore more parks and gardens in South West France
Nérac, Lot-et-Garonne © LezBroz
Discover the true identity of charming Nérac in Lot-et-Garonne
The ancient town of Nérac in Lot-et-Garonne has instant fairy tale appeal; nestled along the banks of the River Baïse, surrounded by rolling fields and open countryside. A steep-spired church rises above red-roofed houses, little cafés tuck by the riverside and all seems entirely pastoral.
Until you learn Nérac’s true identity. In the 16th century, this charming and peaceful little town was in fact home to the royal court of the King of Navarre, none other than the future King Henri IV of France.
Step back in time and have a great time
But don’t take our word for it, the imposing Château de Nérac relates the story of France’s favourite king in rich and fascinating detail. You can even walk in regal footsteps around the beautiful Parc de la Garenne.
Although if all that isn’t quite exciting enough for young historians, summer at the castle is packed with activities from possibly the most authentic falconry and horsemanship displays you’ve ever witnessed to intriguing family spy trails; murder mysteries with an historic twist; encounters with the Garden Fairy and the Story Weaver; sword fighting lessons with the Salamander Guard; musical evenings and so much more.
Make time to get to know the town too, it even has a chocolate factory, but simply wandering around on a summer day is an equally sweet experience.
South West France is the land of lovely villages, take a look
Aveyron Gorges © LezBroz
Explore the Aveyron Gorges in Tarn-et-Garonne
The Aveyron Gorges in Tarn et Garonne are geological marvels with the power to take your breath away on sight. Sheer cliff faces rise above slow moving rivers, little bastide towns tuck into pretty valleys, castles and ruins pierce the green. There are forests to explore, waterways to kayak and endless histories woven into every corner.
You may have heard of the ‘most beautiful villages in France’, but set eyes on Bruniquel and you realise quite how beautiful they have to be to qualify. Perfectly preserved medieval houses tuck along narrow streets. The weekly market is exactly the type that you wanted to come across in South West France. And naturally there is a hint of grandeur, in this case it’s courtesy of the dramatic Abbey of Beaulieu-en-Rouerque.
To find out why adventurous families love the Aveyron Gorges, keep reading.
Velorail de l’Armagnac © Jean Paul Campistron Collection Tourisme Gers
Ride the rails through the beautiful Gers
One of the most unusual activities in South West France has to be riding the rails on the Armagnac Vélorail. The entire round route runs for 12km through the lovely Gers’ countryside from old Nogaro station to Sorbets, then back again. And you’re pedalling the entire way on a balance bike.
That may sound like a lot of effort, but these bikes are powered by two people, and they’re also electric. So it’s all the fun of cycling, without too much legwork, plus it’s another of the many green adventures you can have in South West France.
Travelling along repurposed railway track takes you to places you’d never normally see, and each bike carries up to five people – two pedallers and three passengers.
You probably don’t have to guess how much kids love this, and it’s a perfect activity on a sunny day because there’s plenty of shade on-route. You have to be aged seven or over to qualify as a pedaller, but children as young as one can ride along, and there’s no upper age limit. Plus, in July and August, there are round trips every single day.
River Baïse, Lot-et-Garonne © LezBroz
Sail away for the afternoon on the River Baïse
Apart from its stately château and quaint houses, one of the most iconic sights in Nérac are the little canopied boats sailing down the River Baïse: known as the ‘Little Amazon’ because it’s so natural and unspoiled. In good news for summer visitors, those very boats are available to hire by the hour from June onwards, and no previous boating experience is needed.
Remember to book in advance as cruising through Nérac and the romantic Parc de la Garenne is a much loved family activity, and definitely not just for the tourists. Plus, if you have teenagers the TikTok and Instagram potential is limitless.
Canoeing the Aveyron Gorges © LezBroz
Bring a picnic and kayak the Aveyron Gorges
It couldn’t be easier to take to the water in the Aveyron Gorges by kayak or canoe. Unsurprisingly it’s a very popular summer activity, not least because the riverbanks are trimmed with little beaches and South West France is the land of the picnic.
Apart from indulging in the tradition of déjeuner sur plage, the experience of paddling in the shadow of the gorges’ mighty cliffs is thrilling. Kayaks and canoes are available to hire from Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and as well as your craft of choice, the friendly team at Cap Canoë Aveyron will give you advice on sailing routes, places to stop and what to look out for along the way.
Meeting the locals, Ferme de Hitton © Christelle Quessada Collection Tourisme Gers
Ferme de Hitton: natural glamping in South West France
Ferme de Hitton takes glamping and makes it their own. So not only do they give you a choice of holiday homes, eco-lodges or tented lodges, you’ll find a wonderful saltwater swimming pool for kids, and grown up wellness experiences ranging from Shiatsu massages to baths in donkey milk.
Although, the sense of wellbeing comes naturally here, as the owners grow fields of lavender and rosemary, and produce their own essential oils as well as naturally scented soaps.
Ferme de Hitton also welcomes pets, and has an animal sanctuary, so kids can look forward to donkey rides in the countryside.
Center Parcs – Domaine Les Landes de Gascogne © Center Parcs
Center Parcs – Domaine Les Landes de Gascogne
The protected Landes is the perfect setting for a holiday resort that’s both picturesque, yet up for all sorts of activities. And that’s what makes Center Parcs – Domaine Les Landes de Gascogne such a great choice for summer breaks this year.
One of the signatures of this lovely part of South West France is design that harmonises with the natural environment, and from cosy cottages to exciting treehouses, the holiday homes at Center Parcs definitely play by that rule.
Besides the enormous indoor and outdoor waterpark – a much loved feature at all Center Parcs – there’s also an inflatable, floating obstacle course. Kids can bike around on safe trails, trot about on ponies or even take to the trees on the high ropes course. Evening entertainment is all about families too.
Then, when you simply want to unwind, the spa is the perfect place for that.
Explore more authentic places to stay in South West France
South West France, Camping Les 3 Cantons
Camping Les 3 Cantons: low impact and high adventure
Camping Les 3 Cantons sits in 15ha of woodland close to the spectacular Aveyron Gorges. It’s ideal for adventurous families and, despite the name, you don’t have to pitch up with a tent – unless you want to, of course.
The temptingly easy alternatives run from family villas and cute lodges to fully equipped safari tents and even a converted school bus.
As well as an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant and evening entertainment, Les 3 Cantons also runs a summer-long kids’ activity programme and you’re in the perfect spot for hiking and mountain biking on well marked trails, as well as kayaking in the Aveyron Gorges.
Now visit Sud-Ouest Authentique to plan summer in South West France
