The Magic of Easter in the Heart of Southern France
(Reading time: 8 minutes)
Holidays in France cottages in the spring can deliver an incredible family experience. Among the rolling hills and blossoming trees, in quaint villages and medieval towns, along country lanes and beside rivers and lakes, you’ll find that the entire country is bursting into life.
In Occitanie, Easter is a time of joy and tradition, with families gathering to celebrate the dawn of new life. Whether it’s chocolate-laden Easter egg hunts, delicious feasts, or outdoor adventures for the whole family, this region offers an idyllic escape if you are seeking quality time together.
Nestled in 30 acres of car-free countryside, Country Kids offers a unique and safe getaway destination for families with discerning tastes. Your children can experience farm life first-hand. You get to indulge in luxury amenities, and everyone can take part in the region’s vibrant Easter festivities.
Yes, Easter in southern France is more than just celebration. It’s your chance to immerse in our unique culture, enjoy nature’s beauty, and create lasting family memories. With its traditional villages, outdoor activities, and fantastic seasonal food, it is no surprise that this is one of the best ‘off-the-beaten-track’ holiday destinations in France.
How Do the French Celebrate Easter? Unique Traditions in Occitanie
Easter customs have been passed down through centuries of tradition in this part of France. Yes, Easter bunnies and chocolate eggs are common (after all, Easter wouldn’t be Easter without them, would it?), but France has its own fascinating traditions, especially in areas like Occitanie.
Many visitors staying in holidays in France cottages enjoy the region’s unique take on the Easter season, where culture and history blend effortlessly. Here’s a taste of what you can expect at this time of year.
The Mystery of the Flying Bells (Les Cloches Volantes)
In French folklore, church bells take on a magical role. From Good Friday to Easter Sunday, bells across the country fall silent as they “fly to Rome” to receive the Pope’s blessing.
Upon their return, they scatter chocolate eggs and sweets in gardens, igniting children’s excitement who will then eagerly hunt out these hidden delights.
The Easter Feast: A Culinary Celebration
Of course, the French are known for their love of good food, and Easter is a perfect time to put a delicious feast front and centre. Families gather for a long, leisurely lunch, with the traditional menu including:
- Agneau Pascal (roast lamb), symbolising renewal, seasoned with Herbes de Provence and slow-cooked to perfection.
- Freshly baked baguettes, ideal for soaking up rich sauces.
- Gâteau de Pâques, a traditional Easter cake that is often decorated with springtime motifs.
Those who choose holidays in France cottages during Easter can enjoy these delicious feasts in the comfort of their own countryside retreat, or visit local restaurants to experience the best regional cuisine.
Local Easter Events: Festivities Across Occitanie
Many towns and villages across southern France hold Easter markets, parades, and church services. Put it all together, and you get a real sense of what Easter means to the people of our region. The result? An unparalleled and festive atmosphere unlike any other.
For families enjoying holidays in France cottages, Easter is the perfect time to experience the region’s history, culture, and warm spring weather:
- As you wander cobbled streets, the buzz of French ‘je ne sais quoi’ drifting through the air, you can explore the Easter markets and search out artisan stalls for exquisite handmade chocolates.
- In our warm climate, why not attend an open-air mass in an historic church?
- Or simply join the throng of people lining the street to witness an Easter procession, complete with costumed performers and traditional music.
Where to Find the Best Easter Egg Hunts in Occitanie
Of course, Easter isn’t complete without an Easter egg hunt, is it?
Where better than in this part of France? Here, you’ll find vineyards, orchards, historic estates, and countryside that stretches for miles providing the most picturesque setting for this beloved family tradition.
When you choose holidays in France cottages in the Occitanie region, you have the opportunity to experience amazing Easter egg hunts, such as:
- Château de Flaugergues, Montpellier – A majestic Easter egg hunt set within the gardens of a 17th-century château.
- Saint-Chinian Vineyards – An Easter egg hunt in the vineyards, where parents can enjoy a wine tasting while children search for hidden treasures.
- Lac du Salagou – A lakeside egg hunt paired with outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, and just a few kilometres from Country Kids.
Easter Egg Hunts at Country Kids
As our guests at Country Kids, your family can enjoy an exclusive Easter egg hunt, designed to delight and excite. You can expect:
- Handmade artisan chocolates hidden around the grounds.
- Surprise-filled Easter baskets for little adventurers.
- A fun farmyard hunt where children can search among orchards, vegetable gardens, and even the animal enclosures.
With its safe, enclosed grounds, you’ll discover this is one of the most enchanting Easter experiences in the South of France. Many visitors who typically stay in holidays in France cottages opt for this type of Easter experience, where fun meets French tradition.
What Are the Best Family Activities for an Easter Holiday in France?
Beyond egg hunts and chocolate feasts, Occitanie is an ideal destination for active families. Spring is the perfect time to leap into the outdoors, enjoy cultural activities, and for children to take part in our creative Easter-themed workshops (like painting eggs and making ‘Nid de Pâques’). Indeed, families who book holidays in France cottages will find endless activities to enjoy.
Children love the daily farm activities at Country Kids, too. Every morning, we take the kids to the farm on a trailer pulled by the tractor driven by Farmer Syl. At the farm, they’ll find our horse Apache (who definitely thinks he is Lord of the Manor here), cuddly bunnies, and friendly farm animals. Each morning, it is the kids who get to collect the eggs for breakfast.
For many families who typically stay in holidays in France cottages, such a hands-on countryside experience is a highlight of their trip.
Outdoor Adventures in Occitanie
For families who love holidays for active families, Occitanie offers a wealth of activities:
- Horseback riding through forests and scenic countryside trails.
- Cycling around Lac du Salagou, a stunning volcanic lake.
- Nature walks, where children can spot local wildlife and hunt for springtime flowers.
Many families on holidays in France cottages use this time to explore the beautiful countryside, taking in the sights and sounds of spring.
Create Unforgettable Easter Memories in the French Countryside
Easter in Occitanie blends tradition, adventure, and countryside tranquillity. From charming Easter egg hunts to hands-on farm experiences, the region is one of the best holiday destinations in France for families.
For those seeking holidays in France cottages, Country Kids offers the perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for child-friendly holidays in the South of France or an all-inclusive holiday with a touch of luxury, this is the place to be.
What are you waiting for? Book your family getaway today and experience the magic of rural France at Country Kids.
