What ever happened to the village? Where multiple generations came together. Where people cooked, ate, built, laughed, learned, and lived together. Where childhood wasn't completely scheduled.

With ReCreation Nation in France, we found such a place. ReCreation Nation is not a classic family hotel, not a typical retreat, and not a kids' club. It's more of a seasonal family village: a place where families can immerse themselves in a different rhythm for a while, with nature, communal meals, creative learning, free play, coworking, workshops, and plenty of family time.

What is ReCreation Nation?

ReCreation Nation is a family travel concept in the South of France, primarily aimed at families looking for more than a classic holiday with accommodation, a pool, and childcare.

The central idea is that of a modern family village. Families stay in private apartments, eat together, spend time in nature, participate in workshops, and can enroll their children in age-appropriate programs that are strongly influenced by outdoor learning and creativity.

Founders Justin and Louisa both have many years of experience working with children, families, theater, creativity, outdoor learning, and experiential learning. From this experience, the question arose: What is missing for many families in their daily lives today? Their answer: the village, an environment where children can move freely, play with other children of different ages, share meals, experience nature, and adults don't have to bear all the burdens alone.

Where is ReCreation Nation located?

ReCreation Nation is located in Saint-Étienne-de-Serre in the Ardèche, a particularly natural region in the South of France. The Ardèche is known for its river valleys, forests, mountains, small villages, local markets, and outdoor opportunities. For those seeking a family holiday in France away from the classic coastal resorts, this region offers nature, activity, and deceleration.

The place is situated in a former silk factory, nestled in a green, wild river landscape. Nature here is not just a destination but a part of everyday life. The river, the pool, forest trails, and outdoor areas are part of the daily routine.

Accommodation: private apartments in an old silk factory

The heart of ReCreation Nation is an old French silk factory that has been converted into a family-friendly place with private apartments and communal areas.

Families stay in apartments designed for longer stays and traveling with children. The apartments are not intended as classic hotel rooms, but rather as their own small temporary homes.

There is intentionally NO Wi-Fi on the premises, except in the co-working space, to consciously minimize screen time.

Depending on the apartment, features include:

• sleeping areas for parents and children

• private living area

• kitchen or kitchenette

• private bathroom

• child-friendly areas

• natural materials and calm decor

• some with balconies overlooking the surrounding nature

Accommodation options for different family models

ReCreation Nation is not only aimed at the classic four-person family. The concept is designed to be flexible and takes different family constellations into account.

In addition to the private apartments, there is also an option that is particularly suitable for single parents or smaller families. Here, the community idea is even more central, without families having to compromise on comfort.

For teenagers, there is also the option to stay in Bell Tents as part of the Teen Program. This option is part of the Ikigai Teen Camp and is especially exciting for older children and teenagers who want a little more independence.

Farm-to-Fork Restaurant and Shared Meals

An important part of the concept is shared meals. At ReCreation Nation, seasonal, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients are used as much as possible. The cuisine follows the farm-to-fork philosophy: simple, good ingredients, plenty of vegetables, regional products, and meals that bring families together.

There are options for different dietary needs, including vegetarian and plant-based dishes as well as dishes with meat. Children experience food here as a communal ritual. Families get to talk to each other. You meet other parents and children quickly make friends.

Coworking for Parents

One aspect that makes ReCreation Nation particularly interesting is the coworking space. Many families today want to travel for longer or better combine work and family time. That's exactly what the quiet workspace with fast Wi-Fi on site is for. Parents can work there while the children participate in the Nature Club or are otherwise occupied. This is ideal for families who want to try out remote work, workation, or worldschooling.

Pool, river and natural play areas

A large part of life at ReCreation Nation takes place outdoors. On site, you'll find:

• a saltwater pool

• access to the river

• natural swimming spots

• forest paths

• hammocks by the river

• climbing and play areas

• barefoot paths
  

The Nature Club: not a classic Kids Club

One of the most important components of ReCreation Nation is the Nature Club. It differs significantly from traditional hotel childcare. Children participate in projects and activities that focus on nature, creativity, practical learning, and community.

Children experience something, create something of their own from it, and then share or celebrate the result with the group. This could be a creative project, a natural find, a small play, something built, or something to eat. It's about reconnecting learning more closely with real life.

Wild Explorers: for children aged 3 to 6 years

For younger children, there is the Wild Explorers program, aimed at children aged approximately 3 to 6 years.

This program focuses on free play, sensory experiences, natural materials, stories, music, and simple creative projects. Children can muddy, build, collect, plant, create, and be outdoors.

Village Makers: for children aged 7 to 12

For children aged approximately 7 to 12, there are the Village Makers. This program is particularly well suited for children who enjoy being active, building things, cooking, creating, or exploring. Children take on small tasks, work on projects, and contribute their own ideas.

Ikigai Teen Camp: for teenagers aged 13 to 18

For teenagers, there is the Ikigai Teen Camp. It is aimed at teenagers aged approximately 13 to 18.

The program is based on the Japanese concept of Ikigai: What do I love? What am I good at? What does the world need? And where do I find meaning? The focus is on practical experience, independence, and personal development.

We particularly like that teenagers here are not just "entertained" or provided with a room full of game consoles. They are given responsibility and can try new things.

Family workshops and shared activities

In addition to the children's and teen programs, ReCreation Nation also offers activities that families can experience together.

Depending on the season and program, these may include shared cooking, pizza nights, movie nights, and much more.

A typical day at ReCreation Nation

Generally, a day at ReCreation Nation might look something like this:

The day starts with breakfast and settling in. Afterwards, the children go to their respective groups: Wild Explorers, Village Makers, or Teen Camp. Parents can work, read, rest, or exercise during this time.

At midday, families come back together. They eat, chat, and take a break. In the afternoon, there's time for the pool, river, workshops, excursions, or free play. Evenings involve shared meals, small events, music, or campfires.

There's a rhythm, but no rigid schedule. There are offerings, but no recreational stress. There's community, but also opportunities for retreat.

Who is ReCreation Nation suitable for?

ReCreation Nation is particularly well suited for families who are looking for a different kind of family holiday in France.

The place is suitable for families who:

• enjoy slow travel

• seek nature and outdoor activities

• are open to community and shared meals

• want to provide their children with creative learning experiences

• are interested in worldschooling or alternative educational approaches

• want to travel longer or integrate remote work

• want to meet other like-minded families

• are not looking for classic hotel entertainment

• value good food, nature, and encounters

ReCreation Nation is probably less suitable for families who expect maximum privacy, classic luxury service, a very formal hotel concept, or round-the-clock scheduled children's entertainment. This place thrives on embracing community, nature, and a slightly different rhythm.

What can you do around ReCreation Nation?

The Ardèche is an ideal region for families who enjoy being outdoors. Around ReCreation Nation, there are rivers, swimming spots, forests, small villages, markets, and many opportunities for excursions.

Canoeing trips and swimming days on the Ardèche are particularly popular. A well-known excursion destination is the Pont d’Arc, the natural stone arch over the river. Hikes, picnics, and local markets are also ideal for families.

Getting to ReCreation Nation

ReCreation Nation is located in a rural area of the Ardèche. This is precisely what makes the place special, but it also means that a car is highly recommended on site.

If you are traveling from Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, or the Netherlands, your own car offers the most flexibility. Alternatively, you can travel by train to Valence TGV and rent a car there. From Valence, the onward journey to Saint-Étienne-de-Serre takes approximately one hour.

If arriving by plane, airports such as Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Grenoble, or Nîmes may be considered, depending on the connection. Here too, a rental car is recommended afterwards.

Ideal travel time

The best time to travel depends on how you want to travel. Spring and early summer are ideal for families looking for mild temperatures, green landscapes, and plenty of time outdoors. In July and August, the focus is on the pool, river, and being outdoors. Late summer and early autumn are particularly beautiful for families who can travel outside of school holidays. It's often still warm then, but quieter than in the high season.

How long should one stay?

ReCreation Nation is not a place for a quick weekend trip. The concept works best when families have time to settle into the rhythm of the place.

Depending on the season and program, different lengths of stay are offered. For the full experience, we would recommend planning at least one to two weeks. For families who want to integrate remote work or worldschooling, a longer stay can also be very suitable.

Conclusion: A family village for those who want to travel differently

ReCreation Nation in France is not a classic family hotel and not an ordinary holiday concept. It is a seasonal family village in the Ardèche for families seeking nature, community, and slow travel.

For us, ReCreation Nation is exactly the kind of place we at kidswelltraveled love to feature: special, well-thought-out, and with a clear idea of what family travel can look like today. A place where family travel feels a little more like a village again.

Visit the ReCreation Nation website