An Easter break in the South of France - why not?

Think of a holiday in France and you're likely to think of Paris with its boulangeries, brasseries, boutiques and of course, the Eiffel Tower. But there's far more to France than the City of Lights, and you're missing out if you don't book a holiday and explore all the south of the country has to offer.

Perfect timing

The weather in the South of France is great at Easter time - expect an average of 15 to 20 degrees centigrade, depending on where you visit. There are plenty of towns, cities and pretty villages to explore and families can enjoy a range of activities both indoors and outdoors for all ages. Don't forget to organise your family travel insurance before you jet off!

Carcassonne

France's most famous medieval citadel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of Carcassonne retains a sleepy feel and is a great stopping off point for a holiday in the South of France. With its impressive history and imposing castle - France's second most visited tourist attraction after the Eiffel Tower - the city is also home to plenty of beautiful picnic spots. Why not rent a canal boat and pootle down the Canal du Midi to take in the sights?

The Cote D'Azur

Also known as the French Riviera, the Cote D'Azur is probably the most famous holiday spot in the South of France. Golden, sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning coastal towns attract holidaymakers year round, and this is a great spot to relax with the family. Head for St Tropez for some of the world's best beaches, wander around Monaco Harbour or stroll down Nice's renowned Promenade des Anglais. The city of Marseille is a beautiful place to spend a long weekend - wander around the Old Port, explore the Capucin district with its souks and spice markets and don't miss the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology, where you'll find the second largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in France.

Provence

No trip to the South of France is complete without at least a few days in Provence. Kids of all ages will enjoy a visit to the Zoo de la Barben, situated midway between Marseille and Avignon and home to almost 600 species. Mum and Dad will love the relaxed setting of Saint Remy and the cosy cafes and boutiques of Aix-en-Provence, or head for Parc Jungle Laye - it's the largest forest climbing park in Europe, just 10 minutes from Gap. Don't forget your family annual multi-trip cover to protect you, no matter what you get up to!