Teenagers dip a toe in the river

THOUGH OCEAN cruising has reinvented itself as a childfriendly option, most travellers would still assume river cruising is not for families. But with free places for those aged 15 and under on A-Rosa River Cruises, one of several operators targeting the family market, river voyages are no longer the preserve of the older generation.

On board the A-Rosa Stella, travelling through the Côte du Rhône and down to the Camargue, each day offers a different cycle tour, with teens often accompanying parents — most trips are suitable for age nine and above. As I navigate paths and lanes crossing ancient farmland on a 12-mile ride around the Ile de la Barthelasse at Avignon, I hanker after some of their teenage energy and technique — although the glorious scenery makes the uphill climbs worthwhile. Hectares of sunflowers, peach trees and glorious sun make for an unforgettable experience, reminiscent of the paintings of Vincent van Gogh, who lived in Arles (one of the other ports of call on our route).

Best day out for families is the Camargue 4x4 safari. Clambering within 50 miles of departure airport. Book with Cosmos, cosmos.co.uk. Bike tours from £20; 4x4 safari from £85 aboard open-top vehicles, we drive off into the early morning chill. Only a mile or two outside of the city, the marshy land of the Camargue takes over. Beyond the mist, white horses trot through purple fields — nowadays these animals are mostly broken to ride, rather than wild. Soon, the area’s distinctive black bulls are visible, before being upstaged by flocks of flamingos posing in lakes.

Scenery like the paintings of Vincent van Gogh’