Visiting the French Riviera with children might be seen by some as a contradiction in terms, since the area is known as more of an adults playground, a mecca for famous starlets as typified by Sixties pin-up Brigitte Bardot back in the day. Now, there is so much to be discovered by way of activities for children that they too can enjoy this beautiful part of Europe in style.
Cimiez, Nice
In the heart of Nice is Cimiez, a beautiful neighbourhood that boasts an amazing park with Roman ruins, the Matisse Museum and the Archaeological Museum. The Matisse Museum was renovated in 2006 and displays some works of his art and numerous personal artefacts from his nearby studio. Cimiez is great for young children for approximately half a day and can be accessed from the Promenade des Anglais.
Nice Beach and Old Town
The beaches from Nice to Antibes are stone beaches – which for children means more skimming and less sand everywhere for parents to clean up! In the summer, the beaches are watched over by lifeguards and are accessible for all. After some time spent at the beach, the old town is a wonderful place to wander, look at the people and satisfy the children’s no doubt burning desire to have an ice-cream at this point. It is worth paying a visit to Crema di Gelati on the Place du Palais in front of the Courthouse. And if you happen to visit on a Saturday, if your children happen to be bookworms, stalls are set up by booksellers with some wonderful antique books and prints for sale.
Cap d’Antibes, Antibes/Juan-les-Pins
Cap d’Antibes is home to numerous mansions and a lighthouse in the middle of the promontory. The city of Antibes has created a walkway around the rocky edge of the cape and taking this trip on foot will take around an hour or so. With young children, it might take longer but there are plenty of places to stop and have a swim. You can start and end your walk at the Plage Garoupe that has a small public beach.
Fondation Maeght, St.Paul de Vence
Located adjacent to the beautiful village of St. Paul de Vence is the Fondation Maeght – a contemporary art museum in a modern building surrounded by landscaped gardens. The museum has a great atmosphere with lots to see and children under the age of 10 have free admission.
La Croisette, Cannes
The famed Croissette in Cannes is synonymous with the French Riviera. Start at the Place du Festival where you can pretend to be world famous movie stars and take lots of pictures. For younger children, located nearby is a small playground, a double-decker carousel and small carnival rides. And after walking the length of the Croisette there is another much bigger playground to suit all young age groups. There are also several snack bars selling sandwiches, ice cream and cold drinks to satisfy hungry children en route.
Iles des Lérins, Cannes
The car free and beautiful islands in the bay of Cannes and wonderful for children. St. Marguerite is the larger and closer of the two islands but the island of St. Honorat has a working monastery and old fort for kids to run around in. There are lots of trails across both islands which are great for exploring and older children will enjoy swimming in the rock pools.
Monaco Aquarium
If it happens to rain on your trip and you are looking for an indoor amusement then the aquarium is the best place to visit. Children can see all sorts of marine life and enjoy the Shark Lagoon, Turtle Island and the Tactile Tank where children can touch the creatures.
Nice Chateau
The Nice chateau is situated between the Old Town and the port and was the site of the fort that guarded the city when it eventually fell in 1706. Climb the steps all the way to the top to not be disappointed by a spectacular view. There are also ruins to visit and a playground for children to play in.
