What to do on the French Riviera with the family? The best activities with children
Fancy a family holiday on the French Riviera? With its fine sandy beaches, hilltop villages, and turquoise Mediterranean waters, the French Riviera is the perfect destination for a holiday with children. From Nice to Saint-Tropez, via Cannes, the coastline offers a multitude of family activities: beaches suitable for toddlers, amusement parks, boat trips to the islands, easy hikes, and summer entertainment.
If you're looking for ideas to plan your trip, discover what to do on the French Riviera, a practical guide to making the most of the region. Whether you're traveling with a baby, children, or teenagers, discover the best family activities on the French Riviera for a successful holiday.
The best family beaches on the French Riviera
The French Riviera boasts numerous beaches, but not all are ideal for a family outing. Some, however, stand out for their perfect conditions for children: shallow waters, lifeguards on duty during the season, fine sand, and convenient amenities nearby. These family-friendly beaches on the French Riviera allow you to enjoy the sea safely and spend a pleasant day swimming, playing on the sand, and relaxing in the sun.
Beaches in the Var region for children
The D-Day landing beaches at La Croix-Valmer and Pardigon beach at Cavalaire-sur-Mer are among the most suitable for toddlers in the region. The water is calm, sheltered by the bay. Several beach restaurants and snack bars line the sand: convenient for family days out without having to bring everything. These beaches are supervised in July and August and have showers and restrooms.
Gigaro beach in La Croix-Valmer boasts soft sand and a gently sloping shoreline, making it ideal for children learning to swim. Supervised during the season, it enjoys a pristine natural setting overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, far from the hustle and bustle of the larger resorts. A perfect balance between tranquility and safety.
In Ramatuelle, the beaches of Pampelonne and L'Escalet offer several kilometers of fine sand nestled between pine trees and dunes. Pampelonne is perfect for families, beach games, and picnics. L'Escalet, wilder and less crowded, is better suited to older children who are comfortable in the water.
Les Salins and Les Canoubiers in Saint-Tropez are appealing thanks to their calm waters and easy access by car or bicycle from the town center. These two beaches are less crowded than Pampelonne while still offering a quintessential Saint-Tropez setting. Ideal for a relaxing day out with young children.
More secluded, Estagnol beach in Bormes-les-Mimosas offers an almost unspoiled setting: light sand, umbrella pines, shallow waters. One of the most beautiful beaches in the Var region for a family picnic away from the hustle and bustle.
The Lecques beach in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer completes this Var landscape with its comprehensive facilities: showers, restrooms, picnic areas, and shops nearby. The fine sand and shallow waters make it a reliable option for families who prioritize practical comfort.
Other family-friendly beaches on the French Riviera
Notre-Dame beach on the island of Porquerolles is often cited among the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Accessible only by ferry from La Tour-Fondue or Le Lavandou, it offers a tranquil cove with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by pine and eucalyptus trees. The protected natural setting guarantees clean, calm waters – an unforgettable excursion for the whole family, provided you go early in the season.
In Mandelieu-La Napoule, the beaches of Les Dauphins, Sable d'Or, and Robinson form a well-equipped family-friendly area between Cannes and Théoule-sur-Mer. Sports facilities, a water sports center, lifeguards, and stroller access make it an ideal base for a full day with children of all ages.
Family water sports on the French Riviera
The Mediterranean as your playground changes everything! During your camping holiday on the French Riviera, water is everywhere – and with it, a ton of activities for young and old. From leisurely paddleboarding along the coves to sailing courses for thrill-seeking teens, not to mention boat trips to idyllic islands… there's enough to fill the schedule of every family, whatever the children's ages. So, shall we put on our fins?
Paddleboarding, kayaking and pedal boats: accessible from age 4
Paddleboarding, kayaking, and pedal boating are water sports accessible to families with children as young as four. Most seaside resorts on the French Riviera offer half-day or hourly rentals. The best starting points for family kayaking are the beaches of Cavalaire, the Esterel coves from Saint-Raphaël, and the inlets around Cap d'Antibes. Pedal boats, being slower and more stable, are suitable for children as young as three or four under adult supervision.
A mini-cruise of 30 to 60 minutes is often a highlight for children. From Cannes, shuttles reach Île Sainte-Marguerite in 15 minutes. Ferries also depart from Le Lavandou to Porquerolles, a car-free island ideal for exploring on foot or by bicycle, with swimming at Notre-Dame beach.
Sailing courses for teenagers
Sailing courses are a popular activity for teenagers on the French Riviera. The sailing centers in Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël, Antibes, and Mandelieu-La Napoule offer courses in Optimist dinghies, dinghies, or catamarans for children aged 8-10, led by qualified instructors. Booking is recommended starting in March for July and August.
Snorkeling and discovering marine wildlife
Snorkeling, accessible from age 6 with a mask and fins, allows you to observe Mediterranean marine life (sea bream, wrasse, sea urchins, octopuses). The best family spots include Île Sainte-Marguerite, the coves of the Estérel between Agay and Théoule-sur-Mer, and Notre-Dame beach in Porquerolles. Guided sessions are offered in Cavalaire-sur-Mer and Saint-Raphaël.
Amusement parks and leisure activities for children on the French Riviera
The French Riviera offers a wealth of options for children's days out. Water parks, zoos, treetop adventure courses, playgrounds… there's something for every age and interest. Whether you're looking to burn off some energy or create a memorable day for the whole family, here are the must-visit spots for a successful family holiday in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Zoos, aquariums and animal parks
Phoenix Park · Nice: a large urban park with a tropical greenhouse, exotic animals, playgrounds and extensive gardens. Ideal for a half-day outing with the family.
Tropical Zoological Garden · La Londe-les-Maures: 6-hectare park combining botanical garden and exotic animals in a tropical and exotic atmosphere.
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco : a spectacular aquarium with sharks, jellyfish and a lagoon tank. One of the most popular family visits in the area.
Alpha Park · Mercantour National Park: a park dedicated to wolves with educational trails and observation points. A day trip from the French Riviera.
Water parks
Aqualand Fréjus in Fréjus is one of the largest water parks on the French Riviera, with giant slides, wave pools and areas suitable for young children.
Aquapark Fréjus offers a giant inflatable obstacle course installed on the water, which is very popular with children and teenagers during the summer.
The Roquebrune-sur-Argen lake leisure centre offers a calmer alternative to large water parks: pedal boats, kayaks and water games in an ideal natural setting with young children.
Aqualand Sainte-Maxime completes the offering in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez with numerous water slides and family swimming areas.
Tree climbing and adventure
Family Adventure in Sainte-Maxime brings together treetop adventure courses from age 4, a skatepark and mini-golf on the same site for a half-day with children of different ages.
Grimaud Aventure focuses on zip lines and suspension bridges for 3-12 year olds, in a forest setting near the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
The Village des Fous in Villeneuve-Loubet offers treetop adventure courses, go-karting, water slides, and a summer toboggan run. An outing suitable for both children and teenagers.
Riviera Nature in Grasse: one of the largest adventure parks in the region with zip lines, treetop adventure courses and nature activities.
Canyon Forest in Villeneuve-Loubet: a well-known park with treetop adventure courses, via ferrata and giant zip lines.
Pitchoun Forest in Roquebrune-sur-Argen: very popular with families with children thanks to the courses accessible from a very young age.
Play areas and indoor games
Fun City Fréjus in Fréjus offers a large themed games room with laser tag, trampolines and climbing structures - a sure bet for rainy days or overly hot afternoons.
The Bois des Lutins in Villeneuve-Loubet captivates with its magical world featuring treehouses, giant nets and zip lines, in a nature-inspired setting that is very popular with families.
Urban Jump Villeneuve-Loubet offers a huge indoor trampoline park where children can jump, climb and let off steam.
Royal Kids Antibes offers a large indoor play area with slides, adventure courses and areas suitable for toddlers.
Nature and family hiking on the French Riviera
Beyond the beaches, the French Riviera offers an inland area and a wild coastline ideal for families who enjoy walking and exploring nature. Three areas stand out for their accessibility and landscapes.
Easy walks with children
The French Riviera offers a variety of family-friendly trails, ranging from easy walks in town to gentle hikes in forests or hills, accessible with strollers or young children on designated sections. These short routes prioritize shade, play areas, and rest stops for shared enjoyment without fatigue.
Promenade du Paillon in Nice: 1.2 km of paved path in the heart of a park with water jets, playgrounds and green spaces, perfect for toddlers in strollers.
The Croisette in Cannes: 3 km of wide sidewalk lined with palm trees, carousels and fountains, accessible to all ages with ice cream breaks.
The Menton-Roquebrune-Cap-Martin seafront: 6 km mostly flat with Mediterranean views and swimming spots, ideal from 4 years old.
The Cap d'Antibes trail: 2 hours of moderate loop (from 6-7 years old), slightly rugged, but fun with coves and observation breaks.
Castle Hill in Nice: Gentle climb (1 km) towards panoramic views and shaded picnic area, with ruins to explore for children from 5 years old.
The Garde forest in Six-Fours: 3 km easy walk under pine trees with a fun course (short zip lines) and picnic tables, suitable for ages 3 and up.
The Fennel Trail in Saint-Laurent-du-Var: 2 km loop along the river, mini suspension bridges and natural play areas for ages 4+.
These marked trails (1-6 km, <2 hours of walking) are safe, often with playgrounds and benches, to combine nature discovery and family relaxation.
The Estérel: family walks between red rocks and the blue of the Mediterranean
The Esterel Massif, between Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus, is one of the most spectacular hiking areas in the region. Its red-orange volcanic rocks plunging into a turquoise sea offer unique landscapes. Two routes are recommended for families, with baby carriers advised for toddlers.
The Dramont trail from Saint-Raphaël is accessible from age 5: approximately 3 kilometers round trip, little elevation gain, with views of the Île d'Or (which inspired Tintin's Île Noire) and several coves for swimming.
The Corniche d'Or road allows you to stop at panoramic viewpoints by car, without having to walk: ideal with young children or in hot weather.
Hilltop villages accessible to families (for a fun 1-2 hour walk)
Not all hilltop villages on the French Riviera are suitable for families with young children; cobbled streets and stairs can make navigating with a stroller difficult. Some villages are better suited to a family visit. On the agenda: entirely pedestrianized streets, fun breaks designed for children, and panoramic views with a guaranteed "wow" factor.
Bormes-les-Mimosas has a compact historic centre with flowery alleyways, shops and viewpoints accessible in a few minutes on foot from the car parks.
Grimaud, near the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, is flatter than the average hilltop village and offers a short visit ideal for children - allow one hour on site.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence remains accessible but very busy in summer; a morning visit is preferable to avoid the crowds and enjoy the quieter streets with children. The atmosphere is often lively with musicians and street performers.
Gourdon, above Grasse (760m altitude), reveals its straight streets and a 360° view of the Esterel mountains and the coast; lower parking with free shuttle, gentle path to the medieval castle (interactive visit for children) and glass/perfume crafts to touch and smell
Sainte-Agnès, above Menton, rises to 700 meters · it is the highest coastal village in Europe · with its Maginot fort in the background; easy car access, shaded playground and flat walk to the castle of the Gods (story panels for children).
The weather isn't always cooperative, even on the French Riviera. Interactive museums, aquariums, creative workshops, or indoor play areas—there are plenty of alternatives. We've gathered all the best ideas for rainy-day activities in a dedicated guide: What to do on the French Riviera when it rains?
What to do on the French Riviera depending on the age of the children
The French Riviera caters to all ages, provided you choose the right activities. Here's a selection by age group to help you avoid wasted days.
With a baby or a child under 3 years old
When on holiday with a baby or a child under 3, opt for simple, short activities: walks in nature or with a stroller, the beach and playing in the sand, educational farms, swimming pools or paddling pools, and playgrounds. The key is to respect the child's rhythm, with few activities and plenty of rest time.
With children aged 4 to 10 years old
Children aged 4 to 10 can fully enjoy the destination. Kayaking, snorkeling, treetop adventure courses in Grimaud or Sainte-Maxime, excursions to Porquerolles, or walks in the Esterel mountains offer numerous possibilities, easily combined into a single day. Parks like Aquapark City in Fréjus or Aventure Famille in Sainte-Maxime are also very popular.
With teenagers
Teenagers enjoy activities that combine adrenaline and independence. Sailing courses in Antibes or Mandelieu, zip-lining, hiking in the Esterel mountains, or rigid inflatable boat trips in the Calanques offer more dynamic experiences than traditional family holidays. In the evenings, the night markets of Fréjus and the summer events in Saint-Raphaël provide a lively atmosphere, while remaining family-friendly.
Wide range of accommodations
From bungalows to chalets and Premium villas, in both villages.
Water parks to suit all tastes
Heated swimming pools, water slides, water garden and spa.
Sports facilities & activities
Fields, tournaments and supervised lessons all summer long.
Activities for the whole family
Kids' clubs, teen area and evenings to share.
Changes can be made free of charge up to 15 days before the event
Are your dates changing? We'll adjust them at no extra cost.
Compliance with hygiene and sanitation rules
Protocols followed across all facilities.
Events and festivals for children on the French Riviera in summer
Summer on the French Riviera is brimming with free or affordable events that families love. Here are some ideas for outings and events that can easily be incorporated into a family itinerary:
Summer fireworks in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez: several towns organize fireworks displays in July and August, visible from the beaches or ports.
Cannes Pyrotechnic Art Festival: six major fireworks displays launched in July and August, visible free of charge from the Croisette - an impressive spectacle even for young children.
Open-air cinema: many towns like Antibes or Fréjus organize family screenings in parks or squares.
Small summer funfairs: present all summer in seaside resorts like Sainte-Maxime or Saint-Raphaël, they offer rides, games and cotton candy in a very holiday atmosphere.
Night markets featuring local crafts: very common in Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël or Menton, with colorful stalls, ice cream and small activities for children.
Street performances and village entertainment: magic, circus or small free concerts in the squares during the summer, particularly in villages like Vence.
The Bravades of Saint-Tropez: a large traditional festival celebrated in May with parades in costumes, drums and musket fire in the streets of the village.
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez: at the end of September, dozens of classic sailboats and modern yachts fill the gulf. A fascinating spectacle for families.
The Grimaldines in Grimaud: a world music festival in the narrow streets of the medieval village. The concerts and street performances create a very friendly atmosphere.
As the programs are updated every year, remember to check the Côte d'Azur Tourism website for the 2026 dates.
Yes, fireworks in Cannes, open-air concerts in Vence, workshops in Biot… Summer is punctuated by numerous free or affordable family events. Check Kidiklik or Côte d'Azur Tourisme for the 2026 programs.
FAQ · Your questions about the French Riviera with your family
April-May (spring break) is the ideal time to visit. Temperatures are pleasant and tourist sites are significantly less crowded than in the height of summer. For families traveling in July-August, it's best to choose activities early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and long queues.
The French Riviera, as we know, has a reputation for being a bit pricey. Especially for accommodation during peak season, where a night in a hotel in Nice, Cannes, or Saint-Tropez can easily cost around €150! A family campsite on the French Riviera is a great alternative: Montana Parc campsites – a 4-star site in Gassin in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, and a 5-star site in Puget-sur-Argens in the Esterel mountains – offer comfortable mobile homes in convenient locations at affordable prices. On-site amenities include a heated swimming pool, kids' club, playground, multi-sports courts, proximity to beaches, water sports, and paintball.
Nice is a convenient base for exploring Monaco, the Nice hinterland, and the hilltop villages of the Alpes-Maritimes. Cannes and Antibes offer a good balance between sandy beaches, water sports, and excursions to the Lérins Islands. The Gulf of Saint-Tropez appeals to families who want to alternate between sandy beaches, Provençal villages, and the Var countryside—with fewer crowds than Nice or Cannes, off the beaten track. Puget-sur-Argens, in the heart of the Esterel Massif, is an ideal destination for families who want easy access to the Var beaches, the Esterel coves, and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez—all within 30 minutes in every direction. This allows them to explore the entire region without the hustle and bustle of the coast.
Yes, fireworks in Cannes, open-air concerts in Vence, workshops in Biot... Summer is punctuated by numerous free or affordable family events. Check Kidiklik or Côte d'Azur Tourisme for the 2026 programs.
Summer awaits you
Ready to experience your best summer ever?
Book your village, we'll take care of the rest. Any questions? We'll answer with a smile.