French Riviera

The French Riviera (or Côte d’Azur) is the stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline in the south of France. It runs roughly from Menton (near the Italian border) to around Saint-Tropez – including lovely places like Nice, Cannes, Antibes and more. Think beachy towns, colourful old streets, and beautiful sea views everywhere you look!

Nice is the main hub of the Riviera, and it’s fab for families. It has a beachfront promenade, parks, markets, and easy transport links to other towns, so you can base yourself there and explore the whole region by train or bus. There’s also a big airport which makes travel really easy from the UK.

Honestly, there are loads, but Èze is a real hidden gem. It’s a medieval hilltop village with cobbled streets, flower-covered buildings and unreal sea views. Not ideal with a buggy (lots of steps!) but great for a half-day wander if you’re up for it. For something more practical with kids, Antibes is beautiful and super family-friendly.

May, June, and September are ideal – sunny and warm but without the mega crowds (or prices) of July and August. It’s perfect for beach days, sightseeing, and still warm enough for little ones to paddle in the sea.

It can be, but it really doesn’t have to be. Skip the super-luxury spots like Monaco and Saint-Tropez, and you’ll find plenty of affordable towns with family-friendly accommodation, free beaches, and budget eats (hello, fresh baguettes and picnic lunches!). Travel out of peak season and use public transport to save even more.