Summer Abroad Camp List: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

10 camps in the southeastern part of France

Provence is the ultimate dream when you imagine a summer in France. Think lavender fields, rosé at lunch, and those golden-hued villages.

You can base yourself in Marseille for a high-energy, urban Mediterranean experience with incredible food and artsy vibes, or you can retreat to the hills near Aix-en-Provence for that quintessential, slow-paced Provencal life.

We spent a long weekend in Aix this past summer, and TBH I loved it more than Nice! It’s culturally-rich, lively, and has everything you need to live a vibrant summer abroad. It’s also just 45 minutes away from Cassis, which is one of the most stunning seaside towns I’ve ever been to.

Logistics: Getting There & Staying There

Ease of Getting There:

• Major Airport: Land at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS).

• Flights: There are seasonal direct flights from the East Coast, but most travelers connect through Paris (CDG) or London. Expect 1–2 stops from the West Coast.

• The Commute: The airport is about 25 minutes from Marseille and 30 minutes from Aix-en-Provence.

Getting Around: Stroller vs. Scooter Realism

• The Stroller: In Aix, the cobblestones are relatively smooth, but in Marseille’s older districts like Le Panier, there are constant stairs.

• Kid Scooters: Marseille’s Vieux Port (Old Port) and the Corniche are flat, paved, and perfect for scooters.

• The Car: Essential for Provence. Be prepared for very tight parking in city centers, look for “Parking Public” and be ready to pay for the convenience.

Housing:

• Marseille Housing: A 2-bedroom apartment in a family-friendly area like the 7th Arrondissement ranges from $3,000–$5,500/month in July.

• Aix-en-Provence Housing: For a more polished, walkable experience, focus on the streets surrounding Cours Mirabeau or the quieter Mazarin district. With a car, you can also explore the more rural houses for more space. Expect to pay between $3,500–$5,500/month in July.

• Pro tip: I highly recommend prioritizing a rental with a pool. The heat in July is intense, and having an immediate way for the kids to cool off in the afternoons will keep everyone happy.

The “American Reality” Check:

• Air Conditioning: Provence gets hot. You must verify that your rental has A/C, especially in Marseille where the stone buildings trap the heat.

• Sunday Closures: Except for a few tourist-heavy spots, Sunday is a ghost town for retail. Stock up on Saturday, or join the locals at the Sunday morning flower and food markets.

• Laundry: Standard European setup of a washer in the kitchen, but no dryer.

The Weather: What to Expect in July

• The Temperature: Dry and hot. Expect highs between 85°F and 92°F.

• The Evening Vibe: Perfection. The temperature drops just enough to be comfortable, and the “golden hour” in Provence lasts forever.

The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Food Scene & Typical Schedule

What to Eat:

• Navettes: Orange blossom-scented biscuits from Marseille. They are hard and boat-shaped; kids love dipping them in milk.

• Panisse: Chickpea flour fries. They are a Marseille staple and the ultimate kid-approved savory snack.

• Ratatouille: The classic summer stew. It’s the best way to get kids to eat Mediterranean produce.

• Rosé & Pastis: For the parents, a chilled glass of Provence Rosé or a cloud of water-diluted Pastis at 6:00 p.m. is the local law.

Typical Eating Schedule:

• Lunch: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Many restaurants stop serving at 2:00 sharp.

• The “Goûter”: 4:30 p.m. The mandatory afternoon snack (usually a pain au chocolat or fruit).

• Dinner: 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. It’s a bit earlier than some other European countries but still a late affair compared to the U.S.

Things to Do With Kids

• The Calanques by Boat: Rent a private boat from the Vieux Port in Marseille to swim in the hidden turquoise coves of Sormiou or Morgiou.

• Le Petit Train: Every French city has one, but the Marseille version that climbs up to Notre-Dame de la Garde is actually a thrill with great views.

• Château d’If: Take the ferry to see the island fortress where the Count of Monte Cristo was “imprisoned.”

• The Haribo Museum: Located in Uzès (about an hour away), it’s a sugar-coated rite of passage for every kid in the region.

• The Luberon Villages: Spend a day hopping between Gordes and Roussillon. Roussillon has the “Ochre Trail,” which is basically a giant orange sand-box for kids to hike through.

• Aqualand St Cyr Sur Mer: A classic, massive water park about 30 minutes from Marseille for when the kids need a “non-culture” day.

• Day Trip to Cassis: This is one of the most stunning Mediterranean towns I’ve ever been to. Book a boat tour from the harbor to see the turquoise inlets, or if you have older kids, take the hike to a secluded beach in the Calanques for a truly world-class experience.

Things to Do Without Kids

• Rosé Tasting in Cassis: The white and rosé wines here are elite. Visit Clos Sainte Magdeleine for a tasting right on the edge of the sea.

• Shopping in Aix: The boutiques in the old town are incredible.

• Dinner at Le Vallon des Auffes: A tiny, hidden fishing port in Marseille with world-class seafood and a very romantic vibe.

• The Carrières des Lumières: An immersive art show projected onto the walls of a giant limestone quarry in Les Baux-de-Provence.

• Evening at a Rooftop Bar: Head to Les Réformés or La Caravelle in Marseille for cocktails overlooking the city.

Local Support

• Sitly.fr: Very popular in France for finding local students and sitters.

• Babysits.fr: Great for finding English-speaking caregivers in the more international hubs like Aix.

• Average Rates: Expect to pay €12–€18/hour.

The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Summer Camp List

I’ve found 10 super fun camps for ages 2.5 to 17!