Family holidays to the South of France
The South of France is fabulous as a family holiday destination; whether it be basking on glorious beaches and exploring the beautiful countryside or the region’s top towns and key attractions like the magnificent Roman ruins at Arles, Aix or Cathar castles in historic Avignon. It’s a good idea to slow down and go with the flow though as the locals are relaxed with many of the shops in this part of the world closed for two to three hours during the day so that the workers can enjoy a leisurely lunch!
Family days out in the South of France
There is plenty to keep every member of the family busy and smiling while in the south of France; even your teenagers! Check out the Riveria chic playgrounds of the rich and famous as they are filled with celebrities, luxury and glamour. Holidays to the South of France can be as action packed or relaxing as you like – head to the theme parks along the coast, relax on the beach or try your hand at some of the numerous water sports!
Cannes - Famous for her glitzy hotels, cars, beaches, and well-known visitors this magnificent city is host to many important events including the annual Cannes Film Festival. Grab the kids and see if you can spot a celebrity or two!
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Nice - is a colourful destination where both adults and children will delight in the vibrant festivities of the Promenade des Anglais as they enjoy the freedom of the seaside walkway and carnival atmosphere that is truly Nice as well as nice!
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St. Tropez - Modern and stylish with a backdrop of blue waters of the Golfe de Saint-Tropez this is a popular destination. The children will enjoy the harbour filled with stunning boats, including some very large luxury yachts!
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Monaco - is a remarkable independent nation and was deemed as the world's safest travel destination by US travel expert. Check out the aquarium set up by renowned Jacques Cousteau just for children.
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Montpellier - An old historic walled city with its very own Arc de Triomph, with the added bonus of pedestrian friendly streets – so safe for the kids! There is a daily outdoor market well worth visiting and dozens of café terraces to enjoy a quiet coffee. The kids will also love the double-decker carousel in the town’s main square, Place de Comédie. This is the home of Musée Fabre, one of the foremost museums in Europe. The museum’s collections include both old masters and the contemporary work of Pierre Soulages, Hantai, Viallat, Bioulès and Dezeuze.
Beaches - Ready for a swim? Many of the beaches offer windsurfing, sailing and canoeing equipment for rent, while others offer an abundance of motorized water sports, such as power boats, jet bikes and water skiing.
Child friendly accommodation and places to stay in the South of France
Some family friendly accommodation that you may wish to check out- or rather in to!
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Eden Hotel - Close to the Cannes city centre, beaches and only steps from the famed Croisette promenade which is perfect for leisurely strolls with the family after a busy day touring the region.
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Hotel Le Guihem - lies in the heart of Montpellier close to the Botanical Gardens. Take advantage of the beautiful terrace overlooking the garden, whilst tucking into a croissant and café au lait!
Lovely for a treat; but do have a look at self-catering options as this is usually the way to go with kids in tow!
Family cuisine in the South of France
The word chic comes to mind when describing the cuisine of the region; seductive and aloof but always characterised by a certain je ne sais quoi... indeed the place to eat and drink to your heart's content. May I suggest a crusty baguette for the young ones? Kids may, or rather will turn up their delicate noses to the more regional cuisine!
Le Bistro à Vin - As its name implies, the wine at this rustic bistro are marvellous. The accompanying fare - including tapenade (a paste made from puréed black olives, capers, and anchovies of the area) and a mouth-watering selection of artisan cheeses; well you must simply try them!
Family events in the South of France
Cyclists for the Tour de France will arrive in Marseille and then stay overnight in Montpellier on July 19th- exciting news for followers of the great race! Early October sees a regatta in the bay of Saint-Tropez drawing many classic yachts up to 50 metres in length. The harbour is a hive of activity at this time with lots of tourists flocking to the region; it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on the little ones!
South of France - useful tips
Although winter is usually quiet, and spring is deemed the best time to visit; your family will have fun no matter when you go. Don’t worry as there are loads of festivals so anytime is a great time to spend your holidays in the South of France. If you want to avoid sky-high prices then don't plan your holidays around May. All hotels and holiday operators increase their prices as the film festival attracts crowds from all round the world! To enjoy the beaches, June through Early September is best in regards to the weather but the traffic and beaches will be chaos!
