One Week French Riviera Itinerary with Kids: How to See the Best of the Côte d’Azur

The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is one of Europe’s most glamorous destinations and is also (surprisingly) a wonderful family vacation spot. We spent a week and a half in the French Riviera with three little kids under the age of five and absolutely loved this destination for families with kids young or old. From walking the promenade with pastries to exploring the massive local playground, riding the old time carousel and day-tripping to nearby cities, this stretch of southern France offers something for families with kids of all ages.

This French Riviera itinerary is designed for those traveling with children who want one home base and want to see a lot without feeling too rushed. Best of all, it is a breeze without a car, thanks to excellent train connections so you can leave those bulky carseats at home!

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Where to Stay for this French Riviera Itinerary

When you’re spending time in the French Riviera there are many different places you can base yourself for an easy week of exploring the Côte d’Azur. We chose to spend our entire time in Nice and use the train for accessing other nearby cities. I would highly recommend this for anyone traveling with kids so you don’t have to keep packing up and moving around. This also lets you really immerse yourself in Nice and take in this beautiful city.

Our favorite places to Stay in Nice for Families:

• Panoramic Sea View with Terrace
• Apartment with Balcony in Nice Old Town
• Air Conditioned Apartment with 2 Balconies (200m from beach)
• Three Bedroom Apartment 2 Minutes from Beach

Keep in mind that many of these spots book out well in advance, especially during high season. Reserve your accommodations are far in advance as possible for the best availability.

⏭️ READ NEXT: Best Family Friendly Places to Stay in Nice, France

One Week French Riviera Itinerary Day 1

Arrive in Nice and Explore Old Town

Arrive in Nice

Unless you’re arriving from somewhere local via train, most people will arrive at the Nice Airport which is located about a 15 minute drive from the main area of Nice.

Explore Old Town or Nearby Area

Depending on what time you arrive, spend the rest of your day unpacking, relaxing and exploring the neighborhood near your accommodations. We arrived in the late afternoon after a VERY long travel day so we spent our first evening wandering around our local neighborhood, grabbing a quick dinner and heading straight to bed.

If you arrive in the morning, some easy afternoon exploring could include walking along the Promenade des Anglais, wandering the narrow alleys of Vieux Nice (Old Town) or unwinding at a public beach.

Day 2

Nice Beaches & Castle Hill Views

Breakfast

Spend your first full day enjoying Nice at a slower pace – especially if you are adjusting to the new timezone. Start with breakfast at a local café – we loved Bio Brod for their fresh pastries and to go breakfast items.

Promenade des Anglais and Morning Beach

After breakfast (or with breakfast in tow) head to Promenade des Anglais where you can enjoy the morning atmosphere along the coast. Wander until you see an open area at one of Nice’s famous pebble beaches. Our kids loved visiting the beaches in the morning to explore and throw rocks into the ocean. There are public and private beaches along the promenade, you can easily spot the public beaches as areas that are unfenced without chairs.

Carousel de Nice

The Nice Carousel was a core memory of Nice for us. Many mornings after breakfast we would swing by the carousel for a quick ride before we continued about our day. These small stops for the kids really keep them engaged in travel days and make it fun for them as well as for us. Even if you have older kids, don’t miss this quick stop right off the promenade.

Cours Saleya Market

The Cours Saleya Market was probably one of my favorite things to do while we were in Nice. We loved wandering the stalls to buy smoothies, fresh produce and baked goods. The kids loved seeing all the handmade goods and people watching. We would buy dried fruit, cured meats and cheeses that we would enjoy for an afternoon snack or for breakfast the next day.

🍕 Lunch Stop: Within the Cours Saylea Market there is a food stall called Theresa’s Socca. Here you can order and pickup freshly made Socca (the savory chickpea pancake that Nice is known for) or pizza for lunch. The line is usually quite long but trust me, the socca is well worth the wait!

Hours: The Cours Saleya Market is open from 7 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday and is closed on Mondays.

Castle Hill

In the afternoon, make your way up Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for panoramic views over Nice’s rooftops and coastline. It’s one of the best viewpoints on the French Riviera and a must on your French Riviera itinerary. If you have a stroller, opt for the elevator so you don’t have to carry it up all the stairs. If you have older kids, take the stairs for more adventure.

Once at the top, wander around and enjoy the countless viewpoints of the coastline. There is a really fun playground at the top so plan to spend a while letting the kids play with locals.

Splash at the Fountains (Fontaine Miroir d’Eau)

Save an hour in the late afternoon to let the kids play in the fountains at Fontaine Mirror d’Eau at the southern end of the Promenade du Paillon. Especially on hot summer days, this stop is sure to be a winner with kids of all ages but especially the little ones.

Dinner

By the end of the day, our three little ones were really dragging. Instead of muscling through a sit down meal, we opted for easy, low key dinners. Enter Uber Eats Nice. Every night we found somewhere on Uber Eats and grabbed pick up on our walk back to our apartment. Then we ate on our balcony overlooking Nice while everyone could unwind without having to sit quietly at a table. We did this every night of our trip. Did we miss out on some epic French restaurants, sure. But we also recognize that we’re in a season of traveling with littles and finding a way to make travel more enjoyable for everyone is just where we’re at right now.

Some of our favorite restaurants were:

• Loka Bar + Kitchen
• ZenDoner
• Pokawa
• O Burger

Day 3

Explore Nice

We planned two relaxing days in Nice after our arrival because we knew we would all still be dragging by day three and we were right. Thankfully, there are lots of things to do in Nice with kids so a second day was still just as fun as the first.

Breakfast

Enjoy a slower morning with a sit down breakfast at EDMOND Cafe or grab breakfast items at Cours Saleya Market – in my opinion, you can never spend too much time at the market.

Play at One of the Coolest Playgrounds (Aire de Jeux)

In part of Promenade du Paillon you’ll find a massive playground (Aire de Jeux) where the kids can run off that breakfast and play with the locals. Complete with in-ground trampolines, giant wood climbing structures and tree forts, the kids will absolutely love this stop!

Tip: If your kids are younger and don’t thrive in huge crowds of other kids, head here on a weekday morning while most local children are at school. You’ll find only younger ones here during that time and the play structures will be more available. Note that local school children do often take breaks here over the lunch hour so plan around that as well.

Place Messéna

After breakfast, head to Place Masséna, a vibrant open square connecting old town to the newer area of Nice. This is an easy stop to combine with the Promenade du Paillon and Old Town as it sits perfectly between both. Enjoy some people watching and don’t miss Fontaine du Soleil – the kids always enjoy a good naked statue now and again.

🥪 Lunch Stop: Stop at The Original Focà – Italian street food in Nice right off Place Messéna for a relaxed eatery with awesome focaccia sandwiches.

Explore Old Town (Vieux Nice)

The Old Town area of Nice is so beautiful. You can get lost all afternoon just wandering along the cobblestone, exploring as many alleyways as you can find. Make your way to Place Rossetti for beautiful views of Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate.

🍨 Glace Stop: While you’re in Vieux Nice, be sure to sample some Artisan Glace (Ice Cream) from one of the shops in the Place Rossetti area. Our favorite was AZZURRO Artisan Glacier but Fenocchio was a close second.

Afternoon Beach Time

Now that you’ve spent your morning exploring and playing, spend your afternoon relaxing at one of the public beaches (free) or enjoying a private beach club for a more luxury experience. If it’s available to you, bring an umbrella as the sun is quite hot, even on cooler days.

💡 Tip: The rocky beaches can be rough on the feet. Be sure to wear water shoes or sandals to walk along the beach.

Day 4

Èze & Monaco Day Trip

Èze

Today combines medieval charm with modern luxury. Start your morning by traveling to Èze, a hilltop village perched high above the sea. Èze is only a 15 minute train ride from Nice-Ville so it’s very easy to get there from Nice. Once there, walk its cobblestone streets, browse artisan shops, and visit the Exotic Garden of Èze, which offers some of the most breathtaking views on the Riviera.

NOTE: This can be a challenging stop with little kids that can’t go in a carrier or walk to the top on their own as Èze is NOT stroller friendly. If you have young kids, consider skipping this stop and spending more time in Monaco.

Monaco

In the afternoon, continue on to Monaco. Explore the Monte Carlo, see the famous casino, and walk around the harbor filled with luxury yachts. Walk up the hill to the Prince’s Palace in Monaco-Ville and see the changing of the guard (if you’re here in the morning and timing allows this is really fun for kids). If your kids are into cars, stop at the Prince’s Royal Car Collection or explore the route of the famous Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.

STROLLER NOTE: Monaco is also very hilly and not the most stroller friendly city. We did bring our stroller and made it work but we had to fold it and carry it a few times and we had to push it up all the stairs to the top of the Prince’s Palace. If you have the ability to visit Monaco without a stroller (i.e. a baby that will go in a carrier instead), I’d suggest leaving it back.

Return to Nice via train. From Monaco back to Nice is about 30 minutes.

Day 5

Day Trip to Ventimiglia, Italy & Menton, France

Ventimiglia, Italy

Don’t miss a chance to see a small slice of the Italian Riviera on this French Riviera itinerary. Take the train from Nice to Ventimiglia, Italy and enjoy gorgeous views of the coast during your one-hour train ride. In Ventimiglia, grab some amazing espresso and cannoli, wander through the beautiful old town and explore the famous Ventimiglia market. If you can plan this trip on a Friday morning like we did, you’ll be rewarded with the once-a-week seaside market Ventimiglia is known for. If you’re traveling on a different day of the week, you can still explore the daily indoor market.

When you’ve had your fill of this taste of Italy, head back to the train and take a 15 minute ride back west to spend your afternoon in Menton, France.

Menton, France

Menton, France is probably my favorite place in the French Riviera. It is often called the prettiest town on the Côte d’Azur and for good reason. Known for its pastel buildings and citrus gardens, Menton feels more Italian than French. We spent the afternoon in Menton and ended up coming back later in our trip to spend more time in Menton because we loved it that much.

While you’re here, wander through the adorable old town, visit the absolutely gorgeous Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange, and spend some time at Plage des Sablettes where the kids can finally enjoy a sandy beach — a rarity on this coast.

If we ever return to the French Riviera, I will definitely consider spending one or two nights here to really get the local vibes of the city in the evening. If you only do one day trip during your time in the French Riviera, make it Menton!

Once you’ve had your fill of this beautiful little seaside town, take the 35 minute train ride back to Nice.

Day 6

Villefranche-sur-Mer & Port Lympia

As you near the end of your French Riviera itinerary, assess how you’re all feeling. If you’re up to explore another new area, head to Villefranche-sur-Mer or if you’re feeling a little sick of the train station, spend another day revisiting all your favorite things to do in the heart of Nice.

PSA – There is no shame in choosing a slower repeat day instead of seeing something new! Especially when traveling with kids. It’s very likely they are starting to get burnt out (any maybe you are too) so choosing something enjoyable over something new is sometimes the best choice for everyone involved.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Head over to Villefranche-Sur-Mer, one of the most colorful towns in the south of France, for a relaxing day filled with beach time, wandering through the old town, exploring the citadel and visiting the chapel. Have a relaxing lunch overlooking the harbor or bring snacks to enjoy while you hang at Plage des Marinieres (the main beach). Villefranche-Sur-Mer is gorgeous and a really easy visit from Nice. Board the train at Nice-Ville and take it two stops to Villefranche-Sur-Mer – piece of cake.

Explore Port Lympia

Port Lympia is a fun little area on the east side of Nice where you’ll find a more local vibe. If you visit Villefranche-sur-Mer in the morning, you can take the train one stop back west to Nice-Riquier and walk 20 minutes south to see Port Lympia. If you don’t want to do Villefranche-sur-Mer, you can walk to this area without having to take the train or you can use the tram from Place Messena which ends at Port Lympia.

While you’re here, stroll along the quay where you’ll find colorful fishing boats and cafes lining the water. Port Lympia is much less crowded than the Promenade des Anglais and can be a fun off-the-beaten path area to explore.

Lunch Stop: Grab lunch at Ô Cap – Nice right on the port where you can enjoy some fresh seafood with a view.

If you’re with littles who love a little park break, keep walking past the port by the cruise harbor and you’ll find a small little playground on your left. It’s nothing special but can be a nice place to let them run wild and get the wiggles out.

Day 7 – Last Day on this French Riviera Itinerary

Continue On

Today is your last day on this French Riviera itinerary. Continue on to your next stop, or head to the airport for your flight back home. Don’t forget to book your airport transfer ahead of time so you don’t have to bring all your luggage on the train.

With More Time

If you have more time to spend on your French Riviera itinerary, consider adding another home base such as Antibes or Cannes. Either one will give you a good base to explore the west side of the French Riviera. More time would also allow you to visit more cities along the coast. You can never spend too long in the Cote de Azur!

With Less Time

If you don’t have a full week to spend in the French Riviera you can still enjoy exploring the main area of Nice while also having the flexibility to use the train for quick stops to nearby areas. I’d suggest spending at a minimum of two full days exploring Nice and adding in day trips via train as time permits (my number one day trip suggestion is Menton).

Getting Around for this French Riviera Itinerary

One of the best things about this French Riviera itinerary is how easy it is to follow without a car. Trains run frequently along the coast, connecting Nice with Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, Menton, and more. Short walks fill in the gaps for hilltop villages like Èze.

If you prefer flexibility or plan to visit more remote spots, renting a car can be useful — just be prepared for narrow roads and limited parking.

Frequently Asked Questions About a French Riviera Itinerary

How many days do you need for the French Riviera?

If you’re trying to see a good amount of the French Riviera, I would suggest 5-7 days at a minimum. If you’re stopping in Nice during a larger trip to France and you are planning to move around, I think you could get by with 3-4 nights in Nice if you aren’t planning to see a lot of the surrounding area. A 7+ day French Riviera itinerary gives you enough time to explore Nice, Monaco, Èze, Antibes, Menton and/or other nearby coastal villages without rushing.

What is the best base for a French Riviera itinerary?

Personally, I think Nice is the best base for a French Riviera itinerary. It has excellent train connections, a major airport, a lively old town, beaches, and is centrally located for easy access to Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, and Menton. Staying in Nice allows you to explore the coast without changing hotels frequently.

Another popular home base in the French Riviera is Antibes which is located about 30 minutes southwest of Nice. Antibes is a bit quieter than Nice but still has a lot to offer including the best sandy beaches in the French Riviera. Since we knew we wanted to hit a lot of the eastern coastal cities (Ventimiglia, Menton, Èze, Monaco) we preferred Nice over Antibes but if you’re planning to visit more western cities (Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Nice, Villefrance-Sur-Mer) and don’t want to venture as far west, Antibes can be a great choice for your family.

Do you need a car for the French Riviera?

No, you do not need a car for most French Riviera itineraries which is my favorite part about this location – especially for family holidays. Trains run frequently along the coast and connect all major towns. A car can be useful for visiting hilltop villages or traveling at your own pace, but parking can be expensive and limited in coastal cities. Unless you have a specific off-the-beaten-path location you are trying to see, using public transport will be just fine.

What is the best time of year to visit the French Riviera?

The best time to visit the French Riviera is May–June and September. These months offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak summer. July and August are ideal for beach lovers but are the busiest and most expensive months.

We visited in the first half of May and I highly recommend it. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and the crowds were very manageable. The third week in May begins busy season in the French Riviera with the Cannes film festival and the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix both happening in the second half of the month. If you can swing a trip at the end of April/Early May, you will not regret it.

Is the French Riviera expensive to visit?

The French Riviera can be expensive, but it’s possible to visit on a moderate budget. Staying in Nice, using public transportation, dining away from tourist hotspots, choosing cheaper to go meals, utilizing the grocery store, and visiting public beaches can significantly reduce costs. Luxury travelers will also find plenty of high-end hotels and dining options. The French Riviera can really be whatever you make it.

We spent approximately $200/night on an apartment that slept five and $175/day on food and transportation for a family of five. (Note: We were traveling with three little ones who didn’t eat too much and received discount fares on their train tickets).

Are the beaches sandy or rocky on the French Riviera?

Most beaches on the French Riviera are pebble beaches, especially in Nice and along much of the coast. However, you’ll find sandy beaches in places like Cannes, Antibes, and Menton.

Is the French Riviera good for first-time visitors to France?

Yes, the French Riviera is excellent for first-time visitors. It offers a mix of culture, beaches, history, and scenic landscapes, with easy transportation and English widely spoken in tourist areas.

Is the French Riviera family-friendly?

Yes, the French Riviera is very family-friendly. Many towns offer calm beaches, boat trips, parks, playgrounds and walkable old towns plus don’t forget all the glace (ice cream in France)!

More French Riviera Travel Guides

• Complete Guide to the French Riviera with Little Kids
• Best Family Friendly Places to Stay in Nice, France
• How to Get Around France with Kids: Trains, Cars, and Strollers
• One Magical Day in Menton France with Little Kids
• Things to Do in Monaco With Kids: The Perfect Family-Friendly Guide
• The Ultimate Family Day Trip to Ventimiglia, Italy: Kid-Friendly Activities on the Italian Riviera

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