When I think of Southern France, I think “lifestyles of the rich and the famous”, not “what a perfect family destination”. But let me tell you, I was so wrong. Southern France (and Nice in particular) ended up being an amazing destination for a family trip with little kids. Our kids were 4, 2 and 8 months for this trip and we found endless activities that we all loved. The blend of relaxation, vibrant culture, and natural beauty made the French Riviera an unforgettable family escape.
This post may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our work!
Where to Stay in Nice with Kids
Because you can get around so easily by train in the French Riviera, you can choose a home base for your trip and still explore many other cities without having to move accommodations. We stayed in Nice for eight days and loved it as a home base option because it’s right in the center of all the other stops and it offers plenty to do right in the city. With kids, try to stay near the Promenade du Pavilion and Old Town for the best location to kid friendly activities.
Entire Apartment Options
- 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
⏭️ READ NEXT: Best Family Friendly Places to Stay in Nice, France
Top 10 Things to Do in Nice with Kids
1. Visit the beach and enjoy views of the Mediterranean
It’s hard to come by sandy beaches in the French Riviera but I found that to be kind of a win for my boys. They loved looking through all the rocks to see what “cool” ones they could find and they could throw rocks in the water for hours before getting bored. Sure sandy beaches are fun for littles but the rock beaches are so unique and still offer plenty to do.
Pro Tip: The rocks can really hurt your feet. My kids didn’t seem to mind but I found it pretty hard to walk comfortably around the beach. I definitely preferred wearing sandals around as opposed to barefoot. Also, if you prefer a sandy beach, consider visiting Juan Les Pins in Antibes, known for the best sandy beaches in the region.
Before visiting Nice, I couldn’t find a lot of information about what public beaches to visit while we were there. But during our visit I realized you don’t need to have specific beaches in mind. Just walk along the Promenade Des Anglais and walk down to any public beach location. Between every private beach club you will find stairs with public beach access.
2. Play at one of the coolest playgrounds (Aire de Jeux)
France has set a new bar for what a playground should look like and the Promenade du Paillon play area was the creme de la creme of playgrounds. Wake up America, it’s time to get on Europe’s playground level. We’re talking in-ground trampolines, giant fish climbing structures, wooden sail boats, a rope course… I mean seriously, this place was so much fun. Kids of all ages will have a great time at the Promenade Du Pavilion playground.
Pro Tip: This playground was almost always extremely busy but we found that if we could get there on a school day in the morning or early afternoon we had the best luck with it being a bit more quiet. School kids in Nice head to the playground over lunch time to eat and play so pre- and post lunch hours on a school day was a real win.
3. Splash at the fountains (Fontaine Miroir d’Eau)
Pairing the Promenade du Pavilion playground with the splash fountains on the southern end is a little kid’s dream. Walk a couple blocks south of the playground and you’ll find a huge open space with splash fountains that go off every 10-15 minutes. Your kids will have a blast running through the fountains or just splashing around in the water. Great for all ages!
4. Ride the most beautiful carousel (Carousel de Nice)
What kid doesn’t absolutely lose their mind over a carousel! My kids will spot one from a mile away and could ride for an hour if we let them. There are a couple of carousel options in Nice but we loved the one across from the Promenade Des Anglais in the Jardin Albert Park. This double decker antique carousel is so dreamy and is the perfect stop to bring a big smile to your kid’s face. Purchase single ride tickets or three/five ride packages at a discount.
5. Explore the local market (Cours Saleya Market)
I don’t know about you but I LOVE a good local market and European markets are to die for. Fresh produce, meats and cheeses, homemade goods, flowers… the list goes on and on. The Cours Saleya Market in the Old Town was a frequent stop during our one week stay in Nice. We would walk over in the morning and buy fresh fruit for the kids to eat while we wandered to see what gems we could find that day. Some days we bought meat and cheese, other days bread and jam. Sometimes we would eat while exploring the market, other days we would grab food and walk back across the street to enjoy our finds by the ocean.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip getting Soca from the Theresa’s Soca stall in the middle. The line is always very long but it is so worth the stop! Buy your soca tickets in the front before getting in line to pick up your soca in the back.
6. Enjoy the views and playgrounds at the top of Castle Hill
Near the end of the Promenade Des Anglais, head to the top of Castle Hill. If you have older kids, trek up the stairs to the top for a fun climbing adventure. On Castle Hill you’ll find some beautiful views of Nice, walking paths and a giant playground for the kids. The castle sounds a cannon every day at noon so be sure to get up there in the morning if you want to experience the cannon blast (otherwise, don’t worry – you can hear it from everywhere in Nice).
Pro Tip: If you have a stroller, you can take the lift to the top so you don’t have to carry it up all the stairs. The lift runs constantly and the line moves quickly.
7. Walk the Promenade Des Anglais
Bask in the sunshine while you stroll along the Promenade Des Anglais. This seven kilometer seaside boulevard is lined with palm trees and beach clubs while providing stunning views of the sea. A perfect area to walk with the kids and the stroller for a break from the cobblestone chaos of everywhere else in Nice. You’ll often find people sitting out playing live music, doing bike tricks or our personal favorite – blowing giant bubbles for the kids to chase.
8. Wander through Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Wander through Old Town Nice to explore the charming maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with ochre-colored buildings, bustling markets, and family-run shops that have stood for generations. Make your way to Place Rossetti for beautiful views of Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate and meander through other alleyways to see what gems you can find.
9. Eat as much ice cream as possible
Ice cream every day was my sell to get the kids excited for our trip to Southern France and Nice absolutely delivered with some amazing ice cream. There are many places to get ice cream in Nice but the best places can be found in Old Town. Our favorites were AZZURRO Artisan Glacier and Fenocchio. With endless flavor options, you can try something new every day (or don’t because you found a winner that shouldn’t be messed with – I’m looking at you Speculoos).
10. Take the train to explore a nearby city
One of the best parts about staying in Nice for your vacation in Southern France is how close you are to so many other amazing cities. This makes it easy to choose a home base city such as Nice or Antibes for the entirety of your trip while still being able to see so much more than just one city. In under an hour you can get from Nice to Italy on the east or Cannes on the west and everything in between.
Getting Around in Nice with Kids
Is Nice Stroller Friendly?
YES! Nice was definitely stroller friendly and was actually the easiest spot we visited with the stroller. Because Nice doesn’t have too many hills, navigating throughout the city with a stroller was pretty easy. If you need to get from one end of the city to the other, head to the Promenade Des Anglais or Promenade Du Pavilion to have a straight walking path without having to navigate all the intersections. I found the most annoying part of the stroller in Nice was the non-accessible bumps at many street corner intersections where you would have to tilt the stroller back to get it up onto the sidewalk from the street.
Nice Stroller Rating: 8/10 – Overall not to bad navigating Nice with a stroller. See our stroller ratings for other day trip cities further down in this post.
Our Favorite Travel Strollers
Single Strollers
Double Strollers
Is Nice Walkable?
Nice is a very walkable city especially in the main areas. If you are staying in or near Old Town it is an easy walk to the beach, all the main sights and the train station.
Is the Train Easy with Kids?
The train is no problem with kids. Buy tickets ahead of time or at a ticketing kiosk at the station and be sure to enter their ages so you pay the discounted fare. Within the station, use accessible boarding gates to get through with a stroller when scanning your ticket. Use lifts to get around with a stroller and be sure to fold down strollers before boarding the train.
Pro Tip: Download the SNCF Connect app before your trip so you can skip the kiosk line and easily buy tickets during your visit. Or if this is intimidating, many stations have a desk you can use to have someone help you purchase your tickets.
What about the Tram?
Nice has a tram available in addition to the train. The tram is great for getting around the local Nice area and getting to/from the airport.
Pro Tip: Get more information on the tram and check out the route map here.
How Do I Get From the Nice Airport to My Accommodations?
After a long day of travel, the LAST thing I’m doing when I arrive at a destination is figuring out the local transit system with three kids and a lot of bags in tow. Pro tip for any family trip in my house is to pay the extra money to have a car service ready to pick us all up from the airport on arrival and drop us at the door to our apartment. The best thing money can buy after a long trek to your destination.
If you would prefer a cheaper alternative upon arrival:
- Public Transportation: Take the tram from Airport Terminal 1 or 2 to the stop in Nice closest to your accommodations.
- Taxi: Take a taxi from the airport upon arrival. The taxi queue is located outside Terminal 1 and 2 at entrance A3.
Day Trips in the French Riviera with Little Kids
1. Menton, France
Menton, France quickly became our favorite day stop along the Côte d’Azur. We loved it so much in fact that we went back a second day instead of exploring somewhere new – now that is saying something. Located between the Italian border and Monaco, Menton is a coastal gem known for its pastel buildings that give Cinque Terre vibes. Wander the alleyways of Old Town, climb up the steps to explore the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange, or enjoy the Plage des Sablettes beach nestled along the perfect calm bay.
⏭️ READ NEXT: One Magical Day in Menton France with Little Kids
Stroller Rating: 6/10 – Overall, Menton was fairly easy to navigate with the stroller. Going from the Plage des Sablettes to Basilique Saint-Michel Archange was the most challenging part due to all of the stairs. We did have to boot the kids out and carry the stroller up and down a couple times. On the other hand, there was a lift to/from the beach which was a true blessing.
2. Monaco
Monaco is the true state of luxury and elegance along the French Riviera. During your visit you can admire the endless sports cars, take in the elegance of the yachts in the harbor, and admire the architecture of the world famous Monte Carlo Casino. The city provides beautiful views of the Mediterranean from high and low but especially from the hilltop location of the Prince’s Palace. This can be a trickier stop with little kids with all the hills but just plan on it being a slower paced day with lots of breaks.
Stroller Rating: 2/10 – Monaco is a very hilly, winding city. Pushing the stroller up and down very steep hills was not the easiest task. Overall, it is not a the most stroller friendly city. If you can easily switch to a baby carrier/hiking backpack for a younger kid (instead of a stroller) you’ll appreciate not having to deal with the stroller all day.
3. Ventimiglia, Italy
Ah finally, a stop with good coffee! I wouldn’t say we went all the way to Italy just to get a good espresso but I was not mad about finally finding an enjoyable cup of coffee. Located just across the border from France, Ventimiglia is a laid back coastal town with beautiful views of the Ligurian Sea and the surrounding hills. Known for its Friday Market near the river, Ventimiglia comes alive on Friday mornings bustling with locals looking to buy anything from Italian leather and handmade goods, produce, meat and cheeses. Get lost in the Old Town known as Ventimiglia Alta where cobblestone streets, ancient churches and stone archways create a timeless atmosphere.
⏭️ READ NEXT: The Ultimate Family Day Trip to Ventimiglia, Italy: Kid-Friendly Activities on the Italian Riviera
Stroller Rating: 6/10 – Ventimiglia was decent with a stroller. As with every city, there were spots we had to lift the stroller or cross the street for a wider sidewalk but overall it wasn’t too bad.
4. Eze, France
Amidst a screaming mess of three tired, jet lagged children who were about to be forced to walk for the entirety of the morning we decided last minute to re-schedule our day trip to Eze for later in the week which never ended up happening. So, unfortunately we did not make it to the beautiful city of Eze. But especially for those with older kids or a young kid in a carrier, Eze would make a wonderful morning day trip stop during your time in the French Riviera.
Stroller Rating: 1/10 – I can only stroller rate this based on my knowledge of the city but Eze is a very steep walk with a lot of stairs meaning you need to leave the stroller at home or carry it to the top. This made Eze a tricky play with three little kids who rely heavily on the stroller.
Where to Eat with Kids
Traveling with three littles means you need to get creative with food – not only because they are picky eaters but because kids sitting at restaurants for slow service European meals is less than ideal in my opinion. When we travel with the littles, especially to Europe, we opt for fast, easy, on the go meals.
Breakfast
Cafes with counter service are perfect for breakfast since you can take your food on the go. As mentioned earlier in this post, we also loved getting food from the Cours Saleya Market for breakfast the following day. You can load up on fruit, meat, cheese, bread and jam to make your own breakfast at home. Other favorites for an eat out breakfast spot include:
Lunch/Dinner
For dinners, Uber Eats came in clutch while we were in Nice. We used it to find places with quick takeout food we could grab on our way back to the apartment at the end of a long day. Here were some of our favorite places:
When to Visit the French Riviera
The best time to visit the French Riviera is from May to September, when the weather is warm, sunny, and ideal for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities.
- May and June: Warm, pleasant temperatures (around 20–26°C / 68–79°F) and fewer crowds. Great for sightseeing and coastal hikes.
- July and August: Peak summer season with hot weather (up to 30°C / 86°F) and a vibrant, lively atmosphere. Expect high prices and crowds.
- September: Still warm, but with fewer tourists. The sea is perfect for swimming and prices begin to drop.
We visited in early May and found it absolutely perfect. The weather was beautiful every day with warm sun and a nice breeze. It was rarely too hot or too cold. I found the sea too cold to swim in but the rest of my family found it pleasant enough for a dip. Even without swimming, the beaches were perfect to enjoy in the afternoon. Overall, no where felt overly busy or crowded. With the Cannes Film Festival and F1 Monaco Grand Prix in late May, tourism really picks up the last two weeks in May. For that reason, I can’t recommend visiting in early May enough. It’s was the perfect balance of amazing weather and minimal crowds.
Other French Riviera Travel Guides
- 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
- Best Family Friendly Places to Stay in Nice France
- One Week French Riviera Itinerary with Kids: How to See the Best of the Côte d’Azur
Pin Now, Read Later
Leave a Reply