Travelling to Provence with young children and wondering how to transport them safely without hauling your own car seat on the plane or train? A transfer with a child seat in Provence is entirely possible — and far simpler than you might think. Here is everything you need to know to arrange your journey with complete peace of mind, from Marseille Airport to your accommodation, with the right equipment on board.

Child seat regulations for private hire vehicles

French law is clear: every child under 10 years old (or under 135 cm tall) must be secured in an approved seat appropriate for their age and weight. This requirement applies to both taxis and private hire vehicles alike. Contrary to a common misconception, there is no automatic exemption for chauffeured transport: the driver is responsible for having the correct equipment if a passenger requires it.

Car seats fall into three main groups:

  • Group 0 / 0+ (infant carrier or shell seat): from birth up to approximately 13 kg, rear-facing
  • Group 1 (child seat): approximately 9–18 kg, from around 9 months to 4 years
  • Group 2/3 (booster seat): approximately 15–36 kg, from around 3 to 10 years

These ranges are indicative — always check your child's weight and height against the manufacturer's specifications.

What NeoShuttle offers for families

At NeoShuttle, baby seats and booster seats are included in the price, at no extra charge. Simply specify your child's age and approximate weight when booking: your driver arrives with the appropriate equipment, already fitted or ready to install.

  • Rear-facing infant carrier for babies and newborns
  • Approved child seat for toddlers
  • High-backed booster seat for older children
  • Private van for up to 8 passengers: ideal for larger families or those travelling with a pushchair and plenty of luggage

The Mercedes van has a generous boot: you can load pushchairs, beach bags, suitcases and holiday gear without wrestling with the limited space of a standard saloon boot. Luggage assistance is included with every pick-up.

Arriving at Marseille-Provence Airport: what to expect

The vast majority of families who contact us arrive via Marseille-Provence Airport (MRS) in Marignane, about thirty kilometres from the city centre. Travelling with one or two young children, pushchairs and suitcases, reaching the centre by shuttle or rank taxi quickly becomes an ordeal.

With NeoShuttle, your driver tracks your flight in real time. If the plane is delayed, he adapts at no extra cost. He waits for you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, helps load the luggage and fits the child seats before departure. All you need to focus on is the little ones.

Approximate journey times from the airport:

  • Airport → Marseille city centre (Old Port): 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic
  • Airport → Aix-en-Provence: 20 to 30 minutes
  • Airport → Cassis: approximately 45 to 55 minutes
  • Airport → Avignon: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Gare Saint-Charles: family transfer from the train

Arriving in Marseille by TGV? Saint-Charles station is well connected, but with children and luggage in tow, climbing the famous 104 steps or hunting for a taxi can be exhausting. Your NeoShuttle driver meets you directly at the platform exit at the agreed time and takes care of your bags all the way to the vehicle.

For families arriving by TGV at Aix-en-Provence TGV station — which sits outside the city and is poorly served by public transport — a private transfer is often the only truly practical option when travelling with children.

Family-friendly destinations in Provence

Provence offers a wealth of day trips perfectly suited to families. NeoShuttle will take you there from Marseille or from your hotel, with the right equipment on board:

  • Cassis and the Calanques: boat trips to sheltered coves, protected beaches — ideal from age 3
  • Aix-en-Provence: fountains, museums, markets — a wonderfully family-friendly city
  • The Camargue: wild horses, flamingos, the long beach at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
  • Les Baux-de-Provence and the Alpilles: medieval fortress, Carrières de Lumières, breathtaking scenery
  • Avignon and the Luberon: hilltop villages, Provençal markets, lavender fields in July

For a day excursion with a return trip, hourly hire can be better value than a one-way fare: your driver stays on hand and brings you back whenever suits you. Ask for a quote — it's instant.

Practical tips for a smooth transfer with children

A few things to keep in mind when planning your journey:

  • Specify each child's age and weight when booking — not just the number of seats
  • Mention any specific equipment needs (5-point harness, particular ISOFIX seat) if you have a preference or a medical requirement
  • Book one seat per child: in a car, a child never shares a seatbelt with an adult
  • Bring something to keep the little ones entertained: even a one-hour journey is easier with a tablet or a book
  • Book at least 24 hours in advance to guarantee availability of the right equipment

Our service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: a very early morning flight or a late-night arrival is no problem. The price is fixed and fully inclusive, confirmed at the time of booking — no meter, no surprises.

Travelling with your family in Provence should be a pleasure, not a logistical headache. If you would like to arrange your transfer with child seats in complete peace of mind, book your journey in just a few minutes: enter your departure point, your destination, the number of children and their ages — your driver takes care of the rest.