The 10 best family activities on the French Riviera (Part 1)
If you’re planning a family vacation to the French Riviera, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the myriad of indoor and outdoor activities that will appeal to children of all ages, abilities, and preferences. There are also activities to fit any budget. Here are 10 ideas that are sure to be a hit with your kids:
1. The Côte d’Azur: through the eyes of the masters
Spend some time discovering the French Riviera in the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest artists and see the Côte d’Azur through their eyes.
From Monet to Duffy, Renoir to Chagall, Bonnard to Cocteau to Soutine and more, this unique program will become a permanent exhibit, giving visitors the chance to see first-hand the landscapes that inspired some of the world’s greatest painters. . This walk goes from the villages of Cannet to Menton and is a wonderful family walk that will allow your children to experience a unique view of the French Riviera. You can see a reproduction of a famous painting in front of the landscape that inspired it. (And since many of the originals are on display at local museums, you’ll enjoy visiting them afterwards to see the originals. Dogs are allowed on a leash. What Brig: Walking shoes, sweater if it’s cold, bottled water, camera. Location, contact information and hours of operation: Cannet – Menton Tel +33 (0)4 93 37 78 78 http://www.guideriviera.fr
2. The Nice Tourist Train
Since parking can be a problem, especially during the tourist season, consider taking the train to Nice and walking around the city to explore. Another option is the little “tourist train” that gives you a tour of the best places to visit in Nice.
You will leave the Promenade des Anglais and comfortably ride to the top of the cliff where a castle once stood, protecting the old part of the city. Stop here to let the children play in the children’s play area and enjoy a delicious ice cream while enjoying the view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Then it’s “All Aboard” and the journey continues through the open air flower market and an exploration of the “vielle” (old) part of Nice. Finally, you’ll want to have your camera ready as you travel along the Baie des Anges waterfront and Quai des Etats-Unis.
This is an activity suitable for everyone, and dogs are welcome too, as long as they are on a leash. What Brig: Sweater during cooler weather, camera, hiking shoes, bottled water Location, contact information and hours of operation: Board the train at the Promenade des Anglais exit (in front of the Albert 1er garden) Tel +33 (0)6 16 39 53 51 Fax +33 (0)4 93 62 85 48 [http://www.petittrainnice.com]
Open: all year except from November 20 to December 20 and from January 1 to January 20. Open every day in summer from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and in winter from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Consult schedules and rates for groups.
3. 3. Antibes Land – Amusement Park
The Antibes amusement park offers fun for the whole family. It is always brilliantly lit at night and can be seen for miles. There are 30 “international rides” that appeal to the young and the young at heart. There are also places where you can sit and enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner, or you can eat at any of their little cafes that also offer a selection of beers and wines. Part of the park is wheelchair accessible (although not all of the attractions), and leashed dogs are allowed. What Brig: bottled water, healthy snacks, tissues (in case toilet paper is not available) Location, contact information and hours of operation Cra Mozart Antibes http://www.azurpark.com
Open: from April 1 to September 30, from 8:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. April-mid-June, weekends and holidays, from 2 to 7 p.m. Open later on Saturdays; Mid-June-August, every day, from 8:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 3:00 p.m., September, weekends from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
4. Matte and Water
If your family enjoys more adventurous activities, then the Mat and Water will be just the thing for you. Featuring the best in whitewater activities, half or full day water activities are a great way to explore a different side of the Côte d’Azur. Try hot dog, hydrospeeding, rafting, water tours and cannoning. Note: All participants must know how to swim, and the owners suggest that children must be at least six years old.
What Brig: tennis, bathing suit
Location, contact information and hours of operation: 1177 Madone Street
Telephone +33 (0)6 81 56 21 56 / +33(0)6 83 18 48 74
http://www.mat-et-eau.com Call for rates and hours. Reservations are recommended during high season.
August 5
Come prepared for a day at this 70-acre park and preserve that offers walking trails, a miniature adventure trail (just inches off the ground, making it perfect for young children), an adventure trail for children (approximately one meter from the ground suitable for children from 5 to 8 years old – you can walk with your children) and other adventure and climbing tracks that are located in centenary trees and much higher from the ground.
They offer 85 different workshops on 7 different tracks, best suited for anyone aged 5 and over. There are also activities for parents and children that they can do together.
Don’t miss the small farm with animals that love to be petted. Take any of the walking trails to learn more about the Provence forests and nature.
You can buy sandwiches and drinks on site, or bring your own picnic lunch, but please place all containers in the appropriate recycling bins.
What Brig: Walking shoes, sweaters, bottled water, picnic lunch, and if you have a baby, make sure the stroller can handle rocky, uneven terrain; otherwise, you may want to use a baby carrier or backpack.
Location, contact information and hours of operation: Cedar Park, Domaine Rouvière Tel +33 (0)6 12 58 02 26 Fax +33 (0)4 94 86 10 92 http://www.aoubre.fr
Open on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and school vacations, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in summer and from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in winter. Reservations are required. Check out the next five best family activities on the French Riviera in the second part of this article!