Family holidays in France: Velorail at Sainte-Baume in Provence South France

If you are looking for something a bit different that can entertain all ages during your family holiday in South France, then the Velorail at Sainte-Baume in the heart of Provence, is just perfect. So how to describe it?? Well if you remember watching those old Laurel & Hardy films where they used to get stuck on a railway line on an old bogey cart, then that is sort of like Velorail. It is a metal cart with 2 bikes on the front that pedals you along the railway line. Actually, that was a pretty rubbish description, but hopefully you sort of get the idea.

Things to do in Provence with kids

The main thing to focus on is that you are out in the open countryside cycling along an old railway line (on electrically assisted buggy's) that takes your through tunnels and over bridges and viaducts to an old train station. The route takes you from the village of Pourcieux to Saint-Maximin.

The views are great and everyone can take it in turns to pedal, whilst the others sit and admire the view. You cycle for about 1.5 hours and then an old steam train comes and collects you for the return trip. When we did it, we started a trend of holding our hands up and screaming whenever we went through a tunnel. At first the people behind us thought we were mad! But eventually they joined in as well until we had the whole line of carts doing it.

Family holidays in France - Velorail Sainte-Baume

The Sainte-Baume Velorail is located just off the A8 autoroute at junction 33. Velorail opens from 10.00 each day (from 14.00 in the low season from September to March).

The ride takes about 2 hours and they are pretty strict on you departing on time. There are 3 set departure times (10.00, 14.00 and 16.00). This is so that they can arrange your collection by the steam train. I would still aim to get there about midday because there is a nice picnic area.

It costs €40 euros for a party of 5 (basically you get 5 onto one buggy). 

Velorail Sainte-Baume, Provence

Telephone : +33 06 33 81 50 87

Website: Velorail Sainte-Baume

Where to next . . . ?

If you are visiting the South of France this summer, then get the inside track on the best Places to see & visit in the South of France in 2026 (written by people who live in Southern France all year around). Read about the best restaurants to eat at, get local information on the best beaches to visit and discover the best tourist sites, markets and festivals to see during your stay.

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