TOP 10 Activities to do with kids in the French Riviera
Most travellers assume the Côte d’Azur is a world of red carpets and luxury yachts, yet a closer look reveals a massive, sun-soaked playground. Here, ancient stone fortresses become backdrops for epic games of tag, and quiet islands offer secret coves for afternoon swims.
Families discover that a holiday on this famous shore is less about fancy hotels and more about the simple joy of a shared gelato in a hidden square. Every day offers a new chance to explore a land where history feels alive, and the next adventure is just a short tram ride away.
This guide will help you plan the perfect trip. We will answer your questions about where to stay, the best time to visit, and the top 10 things to do with your children and teenagers.
Planning Your Family Trip
Choosing the right time for your trip is important. The summer months of July and August are very hot and crowded. For a family, the best months to go to the French Riviera are June or September.
In June, the weather is warm enough to swim, but the beaches are not too busy. September is also great because the sea water is still very warm from the summer sun. If you prefer cooler weather, April and May are beautiful because all the flowers are in bloom.
Getting around Nice and the French Riviera: Public Transport Tips
Cannes or Nice for families?
Many parents wonder which city makes the best home base.
- Nice is usually the best choice. It is the largest city and has the best train and bus connections. There are many family-friendly hotels in Nice on the French Riviera. It also has many parks and a large airport.
- Cannes is famous for its sandy beaches. If your family wants to spend every day building sandcastles, Cannes might be for you. However, it is often more expensive than Nice.
Where to stay in Nice, France, with family?
When looking for family-friendly hotels in the French Riviera, try to stay near the Promenade du Paillon or the Old Town. These areas are flat and easy to walk with a stroller. They are also close to the tram lines, which kids usually find fun to ride.
Let’s visit a few places, you can have fun activities with your Kids
1. The Water Mirror at Promenade du Paillon (Nice)
This is one of the best things to do in Nice. The Promenade du Paillon is a long park in the centre of the city. The main attraction is the “Miroir d’Eau” (Water Mirror). It is a giant stone area with a thin layer of water.
Every few minutes, 128 water jets shoot up into the air. Kids love running through the water to stay cool. There are also large wooden playgrounds nearby shaped like sea creatures. It is a great place for children to burn off energy while you enjoy the sunshine.
2. The Oceanographic Museum (Monaco)
If you are wondering what to do in the French Riviera with kids, this museum is a top choice. It is built right into a cliffside in Monaco. It looks like a grand palace for fish!
Inside, you will find massive aquariums with sharks, sea turtles, and thousands of tropical fish. There is a “Touch Tank” where children can learn about sea life by touching starfish or small sharks under the care of a guide. The rooftop also has a playground and a restaurant with amazing views of the ocean.
3. Perfume Making Workshops (Grasse)
The town of Grasse is the perfume capital of the world. While this might sound like an adult activity, it is actually great for children. Places like Molinard offer “Junior Perfumer” workshops.
Kids get to sit at a desk with many small bottles of scents. They can mix their own unique perfume to take home. It is a fun way to learn about nature and science. They get to choose between smells like orange, vanilla, and lavender to create something they love.
4. The Lérins Islands (Cannes)
Taking a boat trip is always a highlight of a family holiday in the Côte d’Azur. From Cannes, you can take a 15-minute ferry to Sainte-Marguerite Island.
The island has no cars and is covered in pine trees. You can explore the old fortress where the “Man in the Iron Mask” was once a prisoner. There are many rocky coves with clear water where kids can swim and look for fish. It feels like a secret adventure away from the busy cities.
5. Sandy Beaches in Juan-les-Pins
Many beaches in Nice are made of pebbles. If your kids want sand, you should head to Juan-les-Pins. This area is known for its soft golden sand and shallow water.
There are many family-friendly beach clubs on the French Riviera in this area. These clubs offer sunbeds, umbrellas, and restaurants right on the sand. This makes it easy for parents to relax while the children play nearby. Juan-les-Pins also has a lovely park with a carousel and many ice cream shops.
Top French Riviera T-Shirts for Summer Street Style
6. The Train des Pignes (Mountain Train)
For a break from the beach, take a ride on the Train des Pignes. This small train travels from Nice into the mountains of Provence.
The journey takes you over high bridges and through long tunnels. A great place to stop is the village of Entrevaux. This town is a medieval fortress with a real drawbridge. Kids will feel like they have entered a castle from a storybook. You can hike up to the citadel for a great view of the valley.
7. The Exotic Garden of Èze
The village of Èze is perched high on a hill. It is a “pedestrian-only” village, which means there are no cars. The stone paths are narrow and winding.
At the very top is the Exotic Garden. It is filled with giant cacti and succulents. While the garden is beautiful, kids usually enjoy the maze-like streets of the village the most. There are many hidden corners to explore. It is a great place for teenagers in the French Riviera because the views are perfect for taking photos.
8. Confiserie Florian (Candy Factory)
Located near Nice’s port, Confiserie Florian is a paradise for children. They offer free tours where you can see how candy is made.
You can watch workers turn orange peels into chocolate treats or make jam out of rose petals. They also make colourful hard candies and crystallised flowers. At the end of the tour, there is a shop where you can buy these local sweets. It is a delicious way to spend an hour.
9. Phoenix Parc (Nice)
This is a massive botanical garden and zoo located near the Nice airport. It has one of the largest greenhouses in Europe.
Inside the greenhouse, the air is warm and tropical. You can see flamingos, iguanas, and many types of birds. There is also a butterfly house where colourful butterflies fly all around you. Outside, there are large play areas, fountains, and a lake with swans. It is one of the best family-friendly resorts in the French Riviera for a day of nature with kids.
10. St. Paul de Vence
This is one of the oldest and prettiest towns on the coast. Thick stone walls surround it. Inside, the streets are filled with art galleries and small shops.
A fun thing for kids to do here is watch a game of Pétanque. This is a traditional French game played with metal balls in the town square. It is easy to learn, and sometimes the locals will let children try a throw. The town is very safe and feels like stepping back in time.
Useful Tips for Families
French Riviera with teenagers
Teenagers might find the beach relaxing, but they often want more excitement.
- Water Sports: Many beaches in Cannes and Antibes offer paddleboarding, kayaking, and parasailing.
- Shopping: Nice has many modern shops on Avenue Jean Médecin that teenagers will recognise.
- Photos: Towns like Èze and St. Paul de Vence are very popular with teenagers who like taking creative pictures.
What is the 5 to 7 rule in France?
In France, people often talk about the “5 to 7.” For families, this is the time for the Goûter. This is a late afternoon snack that children have around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM.
Since dinner in France often starts later (around 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM), this snack is very important. It usually consists of a pastry, a crêpe, or a piece of bread with chocolate. Most bakeries will be very busy during this time!
Best family-friendly resorts in the French Riviera
If you prefer to stay in one place rather than moving around, look for resorts in Antibes or Villeneuve-Loubet. These areas often have hotels with large swimming pools and kids’ clubs. They are also close to Marineland, which is a large water park and aquarium.
What to Wear: Style for the Whole Family
When you visit the South of France, you want to look nice but stay comfortable. The style is often called “Riviera Chic.”
For kids and teenagers, simple and high-quality clothes are best. At Atelier Plage, we create clothing that is perfect for a Mediterranean holiday. Our t-shirts and hoodies are made from organic cotton, which keeps you cool under the hot sun.
Towns like St. Tropez and Nice inspire our designs. Wearing an Atelier Plage tee is a great way to remember your trip. The clothes are durable, so they can handle a day of playing at the park or exploring a medieval castle.
Conclusion
Is the South of France child-friendly? Absolutely. Whether you are exploring the deep sea in Monaco or splashing in the fountains of Nice, there is something for every child to enjoy.
By planning and choosing the right activities, your family holiday in Côte d’Azur will be a time of joy and discovery. The French Riviera is not just for the movies; it is a place where your family can write its own story.
Ready to pack your bags? Don’t forget to check out our collection of organic travel wear at Atelier Plage to stay stylish on your adventure!
