Europe · Best Jun–Sep
Provence packing list for families
Provence is a slow road trip of markets, lavender, pools, and Roman ruins. A little planning around the heat and the mistral wind makes packing for kids straightforward.
Photo by Antony BEC on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Provence
- Lavender usually blooms from mid-June to mid-July, and harvest can start soon after, so check bloom reports if that's the reason for your trip. Go early in the morning for softer light and fewer people.
- Each village has its market on a set day, so plan your week around them. I bring a market basket for each kid and let them choose the picnic.
- Provence is a driving trip with hot afternoons. My favorite rhythm is a morning outing, lunch, then the pool, and a swim in the river below the Pont du Gard is a summer favorite with kids.
Best timeJun–Sep
PlugsType E, bring an adapter
MoneyEuro
PassportYes
Seeing more of France on this trip? Start with the France packing list.
Your packing edit
Provence
This time of year
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Carry-on19
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
French market basketKristina's pickPerfect for market mornings and picnics.
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Light sweater for windy daysThe mistral wind can make evenings chilly.
Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.
Shoes4
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Water shoesRiver swims at spots like the Pont du Gard are rocky.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Little ones14
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Travel booster seatYou will be driving between villages.
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech19
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType E, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Desert tones
Terracotta, sand, sage, bone
For the grown-ups
For photos
- Warm tones glow at golden hour
- Sage or white keeps it fresh
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Provence weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50°F 10°C | Cool and sunny, with mistral wind days | Black truffle season and winter truffle markets |
| February | 53°F 12°C | Cool and sunny, with mistral wind days | Black truffle season and winter truffle markets |
| March | 60°F 16°C | Spring, cool mornings and warm afternoons | Black truffle season and winter truffle markets |
| April | 65°F 18°C | Spring, cool mornings and warm afternoons | |
| May | 73°F 23°C | Spring, cool mornings and warm afternoons | Gypsy pilgrimage in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in late May |
| June | 81°F 27°C | Hot and dry, lavender season | Lavender fields in bloom on the Valensole plateau and around Sénanque |
| July | 87°F 31°C | Hot and dry, lavender season | Lavender fields in bloom on the Valensole plateau and around Sénanque Festival d'Avignon theater festival in July |
| August | 86°F 30°C | Hot and dry, lavender season | |
| September | 78°F 26°C | Warm September, cooler with fall rain | Grape harvest in the vineyards |
| October | 68°F 20°C | Warm September, cooler with fall rain | |
| November | 57°F 14°C | Warm September, cooler with fall rain | Black truffle season and winter truffle markets |
| December | 51°F 11°C | Cool and sunny, with mistral wind days | Black truffle season and winter truffle markets Christmas markets and santon fairs |
Questions families ask
Provence with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Provence with kids?
The best time is Jun–Sep. Spring, cool mornings and warm afternoons
What's the weather like in Provence?
Typical daytime highs range from about 50°F (10°C) in January to about 87°F (31°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Provence?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Provence?
Type E, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Provence with kids?
Lavender usually blooms from mid-June to mid-July, and harvest can start soon after, so check bloom reports if that's the reason for your trip. Go early in the morning for softer light and fewer people.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.