French Riviera · France · Things to do
5 things to do on the French Riviera with kids
The five best things to do on the French Riviera with kids are swimming off Nice's pebble beach, visiting Monaco, climbing to the hilltop village of Eze, wandering Nice's old town and market, and strolling the seafront in Cannes. Everything sits along one stretch of coast linked by trains and buses, so you can base yourself in Nice and make day trips.
What to do, in order
- 1
Swim at Nice
Nice has a long curve of pebble beach along the Promenade des Anglais, with clear blue water and a wide pedestrian path behind it. Some stretches are free public beach and others are private clubs that rent loungers and umbrellas. Bring water shoes, since the stones are hard on small feet. Go in the morning when the sea is calm and the sun is gentler. The promenade is flat and good for scooters, and the old town is a short walk away for lunch.
- 2
Peek at Monaco
Monaco is a tiny principality, reached from Nice by a short train ride along the coast. Walk the old rock for the palace and the changing of the guard, then head down to the harbour to see the superyachts. The Oceanographic Museum is the best option for children, built into a cliff above the sea. The Grand Prix circuit runs through the streets, so you can walk parts of it. Half a day is enough, and everything is compact.
- 3
Climb to Eze village
Eze is a medieval village perched on a rocky hilltop above the sea, between Nice and Monaco. Its stone lanes are steep, narrow and full of small galleries, with a cactus garden at the top and views along the coast. It is reachable by bus from Nice, and there is a steep footpath up from the coast for older, fit children. Go early or late in the day, as the village gets crowded and hot in midday summer. Wear shoes with grip.
- 4
Wander Nice's old town
Vieux Nice is a grid of narrow lanes in pastel ochre and red, with tiny squares, churches and shops. The market on Cours Saleya sells flowers, fruit and local snacks, and is best in the morning. Try socca, the thin chickpea pancake that is a Nice speciality, and stop for gelato. The old town is walkable in an afternoon. Cobbles and crowds make strollers awkward, so a carrier or a small folding model works better.
- 5
Stroll the Cannes promenade
Cannes has a palm-lined seafront boulevard, La Croisette, with a long sandy beach beside it, which is gentler for small children than Nice's pebbles. Many beach sections are private, but public stretches exist, so check before you spread out a towel. The old quarter of Le Suquet, up the hill, has a small church and a good view. Cannes is about forty minutes from Nice by regional train. Avoid the film festival in May unless you plan well ahead.
Plan it
- Best time
- May, June and September are warm and less crowded. July and August are hot, busy and expensive. Spring and autumn are good for walking, and winters are mild but quiet.
- How long
- Five days from a base in Nice covers these five at an easy pace. Three days works if you skip Cannes.
- Getting around
- Regional trains run along the coast through Nice, Eze-sur-Mer, Monaco and Cannes, and are quick and cheap. Local buses cover Eze village. You rarely need a car.
Good to know
- Sun is strong in summer. Plan beach time for the morning and shade in the afternoon.
- Avoid driving. Parking is scarce and traffic on the coast road is heavy in summer.
- Look for lunch menus in the old town set at fixed times.
Frequently asked
Is the French Riviera good for families? +
Yes. The coast is compact, trains link the main towns and beaches are safe and well organised. Pebble beaches need water shoes, and prices are high in summer, so apartments and market lunches help.
Where should you stay on the French Riviera with kids? +
Nice is the best base. It has the most choice, a beach, an airport and train connections to Monaco, Eze and Cannes. Cannes is calmer but more spread out and less central.
How do you get from Nice to Monaco? +
By regional train, which takes about twenty minutes, or by bus along the coast road. Trains are faster and more comfortable. Services run frequently through the day.
Are the beaches in Nice sandy? +
No. Nice's main beach is pebble. Sandy beaches are found in Cannes and a few spots farther along the coast. Bring water shoes for small children on the stones.
