ORGANIZING A FAMILY REUNION: 5 STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING
Host a stress-free family reunion: Check out our tips for choosing a large house, planning meals, and bringing the whole family together in the Ardèche.
1. Choose a large house to bring the whole family together
Whether it’s a family reunion or a gathering of cousins, the choice of venue sets the tone for the get-together. The ideal setting? A large vacation home where everyone can come together, share meals, and enjoy the Stay, without ever feeling cramped.
Why choose the Ardèche for a family reunion?
How about getting the whole family together in the heart of nature? In the Ardèche Verte, the unspoiled landscapes, wide-open spaces, and peaceful countryside offer the perfect setting to slow down and enjoy each other’s company.
Hiking, biking, water sports, culinary adventures, or afternoons by the pool: everyone can tailor their Stay to suit their preferences, balancing shared experiences with moments of relaxation.
Located about 3 hours from Marseille, 3 hours and 20 minutes from Paris, and 3 hours and 30 minutes from Geneva, ExplorHome houses also make it easier for families to reunite when they are scattered across different regions or across the Swiss border.
Check out our " Destination Ardèche" page to discover the many activities available in the region.
Why rent a vacation rental or a large house?
Renting a private house or vacation rental allows the whole family to gather under one roof, in a cozier setting than several hotel rooms. The common areas are perfect for sharing meals and spending evenings together, while the bedrooms allow everyone to enjoy some peace and privacy. Another significant advantage for a multigenerational Stay : the comfort of the bedrooms. At La Ferme des Vignes and La Ferme d’Édouard, each room has its own bathroom. La Ferme de Beauregard has two. This way, everyone can maintain their own routine and privacy, even when the whole family is together.
In the Ardèche, ExplorHome cottages offer the perfect balance of warmth, space, and comfort. From the Ferme de Beauregard, ideal for intimate family gatherings, to the Ferme des Vignes, which accommodates up to 100 people, there are several options available depending on the size of your family. For larger family reunions, the Ferme du Vallon, located near the Ferme de Beauregard, can also provide additional sleeping accommodations.
The amenities also add to the enjoyment of the Stay : the garden, terrace, pool, and recreational areas let you spend more time outdoors, while the spacious interiors provide a place to gather, even when the weather is unpredictable.
La Ferme des Vignes: The Perfect Venue for Large Family Gatherings
With 900 m² of space and the capacity to accommodate 100 guests for receptions and 26 guests for overnight stays, La Ferme des Vignes is designed for large family reunions and gatherings.
This historic building from the 1910s, which has been recently renovated, combines the charm of a characterful home with modern comforts. Each of its 13 suites features a bedroom and a private bathroom.
A gym, a game room, a wellness area, and a multipurpose room round out the living spaces and allow everyone to enjoy the Stay however they like.
The property also has a unique history. Passed down from generation to generation and still owned by the family of Christophe, a founding member of ExplorHome, it retains a special character where heritage and modernity blend naturally.
An ideal place to celebrate, share, and create new memories with your family.
Good to know: Reservations for La Ferme des Vignes are available for stays of at least 2 nights.
Édouard's Farm: A More Intimate Reunion
Ideal for a smaller family, this charming vacation rental with a private pool accommodates up to 16 people in a 300 m² space overlooking the Doux Valley.
Completely renovated, this charming house offers a warm and welcoming setting where you can fully enjoy spending time together. A flower-filled garden, a private pool heated from early May through late September, a pétanque court, a ping-pong table, a foosball table, and a pinball machine provide a variety of activities to enjoy throughout the day.
Here, too, the spaces are spacious enough to share wonderful moments while still maintaining privacy.
Good to know: From early April through late September, stays are available for a minimum of 7 nights, from Saturday to Saturday. From early October through late March, reservations can be made for as few as 2 nights.
La Ferme de Beauregard: The Charm of an Ardèche Country House
With its 120 m² of space and warm atmosphere, the Ferme de Beauregard is the perfect place to gather with family or friends in the heart of the Ardèche Verte.
Surrounded by greenery, the house embodies a peaceful and authentic way of life. The large, flower-filled garden opens onto the surrounding nature, offering a serene setting where colors, scents, and lush green vistas blend together. Whether in the shade of the trees or in the sun, you can settle in to read a few pages, share a cup of coffee, let the children play freely, or simply take in the scenery. On sunny days, the private pool—heated from May through September—extends those sunny afternoons, while in the fall, the fireplace brings young and old alike together around a cozy fire.
A trampoline, a pétanque court, foosball, ping-pong, and a barbecue punctuate the days with joyful, spontaneous moments. Between swims, lively games, and meals that go on and on, there’s something for everyone, and memories are made as we share these moments together.
A charming, characterful home where nature invites you to slow down, where the spirit of togetherness truly comes to life, and where you can savor the joy of being together.
Good to know: The Ferme de Beauregard requires a minimum stay of 2 nights from October through March, and can be reserved for exclusive use for stays of 7 nights or more from April through September.
The comfort of home, the amenities of a luxury location
When you choose ExplorHome, you can also enjoy time with your loved ones without having to worry about all the logistics.
Upon your arrival, the beds will be made, and sheets, bath towels, towels for the wellness area, soap, shampoo, and cleaning supplies will already be provided.
Our local teams will welcome you personally and can also assist you in planning your Stay. Whether it’s recommendations, activities, customized services, or little touches—the ExplorHome concierge service ensures you’ll make the most of your family getaway.
You bring the family together. We'll take care of the rest.
Be sure to check out La Ferme du Vallon, our nearby vacation rental that sleeps 6.
2. Plan ahead for dates, budget, and accommodations
The larger the family, the more important it is to plan ahead! Start by checking everyone’s availability, then choose a date that works for as many people as possible. This will give you more options when booking your family reunion accommodations in the Ardèche, especially if you’re looking for a large house with a pool to bring everyone together.
When it comes to budgeting, be sure to break down your expenses into accommodations, meals, groceries, and activities. A shared fund makes planning easier.
Our tip: Choose the off-season—especially fall or winter—to enjoy a stay at Stay at a rate that’s often more affordable than during the peak summer season, depending on the dates and availability.
At ExplorHome, we know that bringing the whole family together requires flexibility. Our homes are perfect for both short stays in the Ardèche and longer getaways, depending on the booking terms. From family homes to large estates designed for extra-large family gatherings, everyone can find the setting that suits the size of their family and their plans for a reunion.
Finally, take the time to plan out the sleeping arrangements. Young children, grandparents, and large families don’t always have the same needs. The comfort of the bedrooms, the number of bathrooms, and the common areas make all the difference in ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy their Stay experience. In ExplorHome houses, everything is designed to combine warmth, comfort, and privacy, allowing everyone to feel at home during these wonderful reunions.
3. Create the guest list
Before you start thinking about accommodations and activities, you’ll naturally need to decide who you want to invite: close family, distant cousins, family friends, or multiple generations.
The number of adults, children, and seniors will largely determine your choice of accommodations. Also consider everyone’s specific needs: young children, people with limited mobility, or guests who prefer a quieter environment.
The layout of the rooms is also worth considering. Having spaces suited for families, rooms that are more accessible for seniors, and—above all—a private bathroom for everyone provides real comfort when traveling in a large group.
At ExplorHome, this diversity is taken into account. Cribs are available upon request, and at La Ferme des Vignes, an elevator provides easy access to the pool and the outdoor kitchen.
Beyond the number of beds, be sure to consider the available space: a large family gathering is all the more enjoyable when everyone can enjoy the common areas while still having their own privacy.
Ensuring Everyone's Comfort
A successful family reunion is also one where the organizers know how to stay out of the way. Beds made upon arrival, linens provided, and appropriate amenities allow everyone to unpack and immediately enjoy the reunion.
At ExplorHome, our local teams are here to welcome you and can help you plan your Stay : recommendations, activities, customized services, or little touches.
You bring the family together. We help you enjoy the rest.
4. Plan meals
At a family reunion, meals play a central role. It’s often around the table that conversations go on for hours and memories come flooding back. That said, it’s best to avoid having just one person handle all the meal preparation.
Potluck meals, buffets, barbecues, plancha grills, catering, or a private chef: there are several options to suit the number of guests and the desired atmosphere.
ExplorHome cottages feature spaces that are particularly well-suited for these moments of togetherness. On sunny days, the outdoor kitchens at La Ferme des Vignes and La Ferme d’Édouard allow you to prepare meals outdoors and enjoy the garden or the pool.
Also, be sure to ask about allergies, food intolerances, and special dietary needs ahead of time. A quick survey will help youanticipate everyone’s needs.
And to start your day without having to prepare breakfast, our partner, L’Âne Têtu—located just a few minutes from the houses—offers a variety of options to suit your tastes.
Discover our meal partners
L’Âne Têtu – vegan restaurant
LR Catering
MAISON MOUGEY – Deli and Butcher Shop
GASTRONHOME – In-Home Chef
SAISON Catering
5. Plan activities for all ages
With several generations together, it’s best to offer a variety of activities without trying to fill every moment of the Stay.
The spacious outdoor areas of ExplorHome houses are perfect for family games: mini-Olympics, badminton, volleyball, treasure hunts, or orienteering for the little ones. A hike, a bike ride, or a picnic are also great ways to explore the Ardèche countryside in a different way. Our partner, Intersport St. Agrève, also offers electric bike rentals—the perfect way to explore the region together, no matter your skill level.
For more relaxed moments, consider board games, creative or cooking workshops, family trivia nights, old photo slideshows, karaoke, or theme nights. A yoga session or a visit to a local market can also bring different generations together in a unique way. Our accommodations also feature games and activities for indoor family gatherings: foosball, pool, pinball, hot tubs, saunas… there’s something for everyone.
The goal isn't to plan a packed schedule, but to give everyone the chance to find an activity that suits them.
Discover our activity partners
INTERSPORT ST AGREVE
FILAGES—Event Planning and Escape Games
ABENA'S ELEGANCE – In-Home Massage
ELISE JOURDAN, PHOTOGRAPHER
What to Do in the Ardèche?
The Ardèche is brimming with natural treasures and charming villages just waiting to be explored. From volcanic landscapes and lakes to medieval heritage and encounters with wildlife, discover our selection of five must-see places to visit during your Stay at one of our accommodations.
TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT IN THE ARDÈCHE
1. The Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park: Breathtaking landscapes, featuring dormant volcanoes, refreshing waterfalls, lush forests, and spectacular views. An ideal playground for nature lovers and hikers.
2. Mount Gerbier-de-Jonc: Explore this famous volcanic peak, recognizable by its distinctive silhouette, and the iconic site where the Loire River has its source. A must-see for anyone wishing to admire the wild landscapes of the Monts d’Ardèche.
3. The medieval village of Désaignes: Step back in time as you stroll through the narrow streets of this charming village, surrounded by ramparts, ancient stone buildings, and well-preserved heritage. Nearby, the hills of the Ardèche invite you to extend your walk at nature’s own pace.
4. The Peaugres Safari: Embark on a true wildlife adventure to encounter numerous species from around the world. An exotic getaway to enjoy with your family, filled with wonder, discovery, and an appreciation for biodiversity conservation.
5. The Descours Arboretum: Treat yourself to a break in nature at this space dedicated to exploring flora and fauna. It’s the perfect place to observe nature, take a stroll, and simply reflect, allowing you to appreciate the full richness of the Ardèche’s natural heritage.
Our tip: Make the most of your Stay to take the time to explore these places at your own pace. The Ardèche reveals itself just as well along a hiking trail as it does through the narrow streets of a village or in an unexpected panoramic view.
Be sure to check out our page dedicated to the Ardèche region to find ideas for outings and activities to enjoy during an intergenerational weekend… Whether you’re an athlete, a lover of beautiful scenery, a fan of heritage and traditions, or seeking thrills, there’s something for every taste and every age.
A big house, memories to last a lifetime
In conclusion: the most important thing is to be together
Organizing a family reunion or a large gathering is about much more than just bringing everyone together in one place. It’s an opportunity to rekindle memories, pass down family stories, and create new ones through shared meals, laughter, and spontaneous moments.
Whether there are ten, twenty, or forty of you, the most important thing is to find a place where everyone feels comfortable, where different generations come together naturally, and where you can fully enjoy the pleasure of being together.
So, whether it’s for a weekend or just a few days, treat your family to a special getaway. A spacious house, a garden where the kids can play, a long dinner table, and evenings that seem to go on forever… All these little joys, when added up, become the precious memories we love to share, year after year.
In the Ardèche, ExplorHome cottages offer the perfect setting for family gatherings, surrounded by nature, wide-open spaces, and shared moments. A meal that goes on and on, an impromptu swim, an evening spent putting the world to rights…
Because beyond the venue and the planning, a family reunion is, above all, a rare opportunity to take the time to be together.
What if your next reunion started right here?
Discover our vacation rentals in the Ardèche that accommodate 6, 10, 16, or 26 people, and find the perfect place to bring your whole family together.
