Family Visit to an Educational Farm

A lot of families with young children often ask if there are any farms in the area that you can take young children to visit and here I will introduce you to a lovely one that you will find up in Saint Cezaire-Sur-Siagne called Terre de Soleil.

It is an association run by volunteers who are all impassioned about animals and their welfare as well as sustainable living. It is a really great place for children to visit and both parents and children alike learned a lot during our guided visit.

The children petting one of the 'residents' called Rooster

The farm (or refuge as they are now known) houses abandoned and rescued animals. Some have come from private individuals who can no longer look after them, some have been left on their doorstep, and some have been rescued from laboratories. They have a wide array of different animals from llamas to chickens, from gerbils to peacocks plus everything in between and they house upwards of 170 animals currently.

A peacock showing off for the visitors 

The farm welcomes visitor from 0 – 110 years old (not sure why you can’t go aged 111 but…!) It is run as a non-profit organisation and the fair entry fee is charged to cover their running costs and feed for the animals etc.

Entry fee: Adults €5, Children €4, Under 1’s Free.

We took a guided visit in French but they are available in English as well. The kids were able to feed the goats, pet the guinea pigs and watch the courting male peacock showing off his colours! We then ‘fed’ the horses and llamas by throwing bread to them, watched the ferret run around his obstacle course cage and picked yellow flowers to feed the 90 year old tortoise and her children and grandchildren.

You will find dogs, chickens and pigs wandering around the whole place and the children were told they are allowed to pet them a little but not to overwhelm them and to always be careful.

Petting one of the rescued pigs that is roaming around

There is a shady place to sit and picnic (beware the chickens don't get your lunch!) and a kids play area with bikes and scooters etc that have clearly all been donated. There are places to sit and get a drink at the little ‘shop’ – coffee, tea, ice-cream, fresh eggs at €2.50 for 6, and even some sunloungers  (though they looked like they had seen better days). It is all a bit rough and ready but that only added to the charm of the place. 

The price list at the bar

It is not run like farms you may have visited in the UK or Ireland with hand basins and disinfectant after every animal enlosure  - there is a 'dry' toilet with a jerry can of water and a bar of soap to use after the visit is over. This is of course sufficient but you may wish to bring some anti-bacterial gel to have on hand in addition to this,

There is even a play area specifically reserved for autistic children which looked wonderful.

We all learnt something new in the allotment area –  who knew courgettes and cucumbers are actually fruit (!) and we came away with a renewed energy for sustainable living.

Opening hours: It is only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays:

·         Wednesdays – 3 - 5pm – guided visit at 3pm

·         Saturday – 11am and 5pm - guided visits at 11am and 3pm.

In addition to supporting the farm by visiting them you can also become a member or a volunteer in the association, sponsor an animal or make a donation online.  To sponsor one of the animals it costs between 20-50 EUR per month to cover a portion of their food and living costs – in return you are able to visit the farm on Wednesdays and Saturdays to take care of your ‘godchild’ and each quarter you will receive a report on their wellbeing and health.  More information on this can be found on their website Terre de Soleil Farm

Feeding the goats

Access:  2921 Route de Grasse le Font du Brusquet, 06530, Saint Cezaire Sur Siagne.

The farm is located just off the D13 as you approach Saint Cezaire sur Siagne from Le Tignet. About 40 minutes drive from Cannes and there is plenty of shady parking available.

TOP TIP: Why not partner a visit to the farm with a visit to the caves in Saint Cezaire – only 7 minutes drive away. See my earlier blog entry Let's Go Underground Blog

One of the llamas waiting for his bread

Accommodation:
Visiting the French Riviera and haven't booked your accommodation yet? Why not check out our wonderful centrally-located, self catering, townhouses and apartments sleeping from 2 - 11 people. All our properties are air-conditioned and are located on pedestrian streets within 5 minutes walk of the beach. We are a small family-run company so we are on hand for anything you may need before, during or after your stay!
Chic Gites - Accommodation Cannes