Best Things To Do with Kids in Midi-Pyrénées

Looking for an area of France that’s got something to offer the whole family? The Midi-Pyrénées might not have any beaches, but it more than makes up for it with its selection of mountains, hills, lakes, and rivers. If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Midi-Pyrénées that include adventure, exploration, or just a little relaxation in some stunningly beautiful surroundings, it’s a great choice of destination.

Pyrenees summer family holidays are full of excitement, from hiking and sightseeing to fun-filled amusement parks. There’s even more to do if you bring the kids, thanks to a great selection of historical and cultural places of interest. To give you an idea of what’s on offer, we’ve listed the best things to do in Midi-Pyrenees below, so all you need to do is browse our selection of luxury chateaux in the region to find yourself somewhere to stay!

1. Watch Knights Battle During Durandal

Do your little ones dream of knightly adventures? Let them witness medieval antics first-hand with this exciting outdoor Durandel performance. During this show, a cast of horse-riding knights re-enacts the legend of Roland and his powerful sword, performing nail-biting, edge-of-seat stunts, jumps, and tricks. 

The dialogue is in French, so it’s worth familiarising your kids with the tale before you go; that way, they – and you – can better follow what’s happening during the show. Afterwards, take them to see the fabled Durandal sword, which is said to be embedded in the cliffs above the Notre Dame church in Rocamadour. 

Local monks claim the sword here to be the real deal, but not all are convinced of its authenticity. This is a fantastic activity to include in your Pyrenees family holiday itinerary!

Location: Marcayou, 46500 Rocamadour, France

Book: Call +33 6 19 39 18 00

2. Monkey Around at La Forêt des Singes

Take your little monkeys to meet some real little monkeys at this 20-hectare forest. La Foret des Singes is home to about 150 Barbary macaques, who are free to move to and fro among the trees with no cage or bars to keep them from you. 

What’s more, these cheeky primates are anything but shy, particularly if you happen to have a handful of the popcorn provided at the entrance on your person. No doubt your kids will want to know more about the macaques – luckily, qualified guides will be on hand to field their incessant questions. 

A visit here is perfect for those enjoying family summer holidays in the Pyrenees. It’s also a wonderful way to introduce children to wildlife conservation and learn about the importance of protecting these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.

Location: L’Hospitalet, 46500 Rocamadour, France

Book: Call +33 5 65 33 62 72

3. Get to Know the Gauls at Le Village Gaulois

Most kids won’t mind a little history lesson as long as it’s wrapped up in a fun package, which is exactly what they’ll get here at Le Village Gaulois. This quirky park celebrates the Gauls, the Celtic people who lived here prior to the arrival of the Romans. 

There are old-fashioned games and pastimes to play, as well as workshops and craft demonstrations with staff showing off their basketry, blacksmithing, and weaving skills. Everything at the park, from the rowing boats to the wooden carousel to the large catapults, is human-powered, making it a great place for some screen-free quality family time. 

It’s an ideal day out during Pyrenees holidays in summer, combining education, entertainment, and outdoor fun in a unique setting.

Location: Parc du Radôme, 22560 Pleumeur-Bodou, France

Book: Call +33 2 96 91 83 95

4. Go Climbing with Vertige de l’Adour

Ever heard of via ferratas? Italian for ‘iron paths’, via ferratas are mountain trails (most commonly found in Italy), which have been fitted with various ladders, cables, zip lines and bridges to allow amateur hikers to traverse incredibly scenic but otherwise dangerous routes. 

Often, thrill-sports like this are a no-go zone for those with kids, but with this particular via ferrata, children from as young as three are welcome to participate – albeit on a scaled-down course – while those age nine and over can go the whole hog and attempt the full route. Who knows? You might be giving your little treasures their first taste of adrenaline at Vertige de l’Adour, sparking a lifelong love of adventure during your Pyrenees family holiday.

Location: Artigues, 65200 Bagnères-de-Bigorre, France

Book: Online at Vertige de l’Adour or call +33632710796

5. Cosy up to Camels at La Maison des Chameaux

French speakers will know what to expect at this countryside park whose name – La Maison des Chameaux – literally means house of camels. It’s a hidden gem for families looking for a hands-on experience with a variety of friendly creatures. 

Not only can children pet and groom camels, but they can also learn how to care for them and even take part in short camel treks. The park is home to an array of other animals, including miniature goats, llamas, alpacas, hens, ducks, and even a fully trained pig named Carla. 

The interactive experiences don’t stop there – kids can help feed the animals, watch wool-spinning demonstrations, and even go on a family walk alongside a llama, which will helpfully carry your picnic basket. It’s a fantastic way to break up your Pyrenees holidays in summer with some wholesome, hands-on fun.

Location: Quartier La Loncagne, 67500 Castelnau-Rivière-Basse, France

Book: Call +33 5 62 33 36 24

6. See Slithering Snakes at Reptiland

Reptiland is a specialist zoo with enough scaly and slithery creatures to keep kids enthralled for a few hours. They’ll be agog as they watch chameleons showing off their camouflage skills, lizards hunting crickets using their long, sticky tongues and –depending on when you visit – perhaps even a snake being fed its main meal, usually a mouse or small rodent. The park is also home to several crocodiles. 

Call ahead to learn about feeding times so you can see the inhabitants at their liveliest. The educational aspect makes this one of the best things to do in Midi-Pyrenees for curious minds, while the sheer variety of creatures ensures that even the youngest visitors stay entertained.

Location:  Reptiland D 840 46600 MARTEL

Book: Call +33 5 65 37 41 00

 7. Get wet at Quercyland

The Midi-Pyrenees may be landlocked, but that’s no reason to leave your swimsuit at home. Besides the lakes and rivers of the region, there are also some kid-friendly waterparks where splashing and thrashing about is all part of the fun. 

For some water-related fun, head to Quercyland, where you’ll find several heated pools of different depths to suit different ages and swimming capabilities as well as a couple of water slides and a multi-lane racer that allows several people to speed down simultaneously. Then there are pedal boats, trampolines, go-karts, mini-golf, a bouncy castle and other inflatables – lots to keep those little rascals occupied for a day and an absolute must-visit for families enjoying Pyrenees summer family holidays.

Location: Rue des Ondines, 46200 Souillac, France

Book: Online at Quercyland

Picked a few things to do with kids that they are going to love? You might want to talk to our concierge team next! They can help you book one of our luxury holiday homes, or even find the perfect one for you – just let them know what you’re looking for and they’ll search through our portfolio to find one that’s just what you and your family are looking for.

And if you need any more inspiration for your holiday in the Midi-Pyrénées…:

Top 10 family villas in the South of France
5 most rewarding hikes in the Pyrénées 
Top 10 tips for a perfect family holiday