The south of France, and in particular the region of Provence, is an absolutely extraordinary place to spend a family vacation. There’s so much to see and do as a family, and spend quality time together in the beauty of nature. As a family photographer in Provence I was so delighted to photograph this adorable young family and create a family photoshoot that they would treasure forever.
Why Families Should Visit Arles, France
Arles, France, is a wonderful small town in the south of France in Provence, and an ideal place for a family photoshoot. Famous for its rich Roman history, the town is even inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, it offers something for every family.
Located just 20 minutes south of Avignon by train, and 45 minutes north of Marseille, France’s second largest city, Arles is easily accessible by car, train and bus. There are so many wonderful places to stay in Arles, such as the Arlaten Hotel and numerous Airbnbs, should your family wish to cook some meals during your stay.
Arles has some of the best Roman ruins in Provence, including the magnificent Arles amphitheatre, also known as “les arènes”. Completely intact, it’s a showcase of Roman architecture and to this day still hosts events, such as the Cocarde d’Or in July. Kids love to run around on the steps of the amphitheatre, and pretend they could be a Roman gladiator. There are also other Roman ruins to visit, such as the old Roman theater, the Roman baths, and more.
For families who love art and culture, there are so many incredible events that take place throughout the year in Arles, such as the Fete du Dessin (Festival of Drawing) every spring which highlights amazing artists who draw, the Rencontres de la Photographie (Photography Festival), showcasing incredible photos and video, the Fete du Costume (Festival of Costumes), which highlights the rich Provençal culture and traditional costume. There are so many festivals and fun things to do in Arles!
Additionally, for families who love the thought of shopping at a traditional Provence market, Arles has one of the biggest markets in the region, taking place every Saturday. There’s also a smaller market on Wednesday. Vendors sell everything from spices, vegetables, meats, clothing, lavender and antiques. It’s so much fun to browse around.
For families who love nature activities, Arles is on the doorstep to the Camargue, a natural nature area that boasts white horses, flamingoes, and seaside towns such as Saint Marie de la Mer, a wonderful place to spend a day!
Arles also boasts so many restaurants, serving delicious foods for all tastes. It’s truly a wonderful place for a family vacation.
A Family Photoshoot in Arles
I was delighted to meet Emily and her husband Jeremy in Arles, and their 1-year old son, Killian. Emily contacted me to say that she and her family were visiting Saint Remy-de-Provence and inquired about a family photo session there, but when she saw the colorful images from my website from Arles, she thought Arles would be a great idea.
We began our Arles family photoshoot on the steps of the old Roman amphitheatre. Killian was absolutely adorable, dressed like his dad, and with a cute hat, too. It wasn’t long before I fell under his charming spell, he was so fun to photograph! I love photographing children of all ages, but especially the really little ones, because I know these are family memories they may not remember, but can look back on when they get older, and cherish.
After the amphitheatre, we walked around more of historic Arles, Killian happily in his stroller, and then captured some delightful images in the town square. One relic of the old Roman circus, where they had chariot races, remains in the town square, the obelisk. This beautiful square also includes the important church of St. Trophime, which is well worth a visit, as well as its cloisters.
From here, we visited the green and colorful La Roquette neighborhood, one of my favorites in Arles. All year long residents have plants outside their homes, and in spring and summer you’ll see rose bushes blooming, as well as jasmine. A walk through La Roquette, particularly in spring, is a sensory delight. I so enjoyed photographing this young family as they made their way around Arles. Killian seemed to enjoy it too, and I loved capturing these treasured family memories for them!
Karina Leigh Photography
If you’re visiting the south of France and would love to capture your family memories too, I’m happy to welcome you!
