You’ve booked a trip of a lifetime to the The French Riviera and now you want to plan some fun things to do with the kids! I’m a mother to a gorgeous 2 year old boy and thought I’d share my favourite activities to do with children in the Côte d’Azur. Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, there’s something for everyone.
The French Riviera boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Plage de la Gravette in Antibes, Plage Passable in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Plage du Port Gallice in Juan-les-Pins are excellent choices for families. The shallow waters and soft sands make it easy for kids to play. Plus you have facilities like restaurants and sun loungers for a comfortable day out.
Le Petit Train d’Antibes is a great activity for small children. My son absolutely loves it! It’ll take you from the beautiful Cap d’Antibes, the sandy beaches of Juan-les-Pins, to the Old Town in Antibes. Make sure to check the timetable and book tickets during the summer months as it’s very popular!
the Oceanographic Museum is a fantastic place for kids to learn about marine life. The museum features a vast aquarium, interactive exhibits, and educational displays that will captivate young minds. Don’t forget to check out the shark lagoon. The traffic on the drive to Monaco can be bad during rush hour, so try and avoid being on the road at these times to avoid frustrated little ones!
If there was ever a time to organise a family photo shoot then surely it’s whilst you’re visiting the French Riviera! Our children change so quickly and it’s so precious to capture these special memories to look at in years to come. You can plan the photoshoot for sunrise or sunset on one of the stunning French Riviera beaches. Or you can go for a wander around one of the Provencal villages such as Valbonne, Eze or Antibes. You can see example photo shoots I shot in the South of France below:
Sunrise Beach Photo Shoot in Cannes
Provençal Village Family Photo Shoot
Lavender Family Photo Shoot in the Luberon
For families with older kids, the Adventure Park in Villeneuve-Loubet is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. The park features treetop courses and zip lines that cater to various age groups and skill levels. It’s a fantastic way to get active and tire your kids out! It obviously gets very hot in the summer, so try and visit during the morning or afternoon when the temperatures are cooler.
This is my absolute favourite thing to do in the Summer. The islands are just a 15 minute boat ride from Cannes and are truly stunning. There are two islands called Île Sainte-Marguerite and the Île Saint-Honorat. I prefer the smaller island of Île de Saint-Honorat as it has an active monastery built between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries. I’d recommend taking a walk across the island to visit the monastery and it’s beautiful gardens. The monks divide their time between prayer and producing red and white wines, honey and lavender oil that you can buy in the shop just at the entrance to the monastery. The island is also an outstanding natural heritage with 150 hectares of a forest of eucalyptus and Aleppo pine trees. Don’t forget to bring a packed lunchbox with Baguette, cheese, juice and wine!
The French Riviera with kids is a fantastic family destination with its stunning beaches, rich history, and a plethora of activities, you won’t get bored! I could go on and on with recommendations of things to do in the area, so don’t hesitate to contact me if you want any advice or more recommendations!
Have a fabulous holiday!
Abbi