Cote d'Azur Base with Kids
 

I would really appreciate some feedback regarding which towns would be best for us. If you are familiar with Finale Ligure or Senigallia in Italy, then you know what are looking for. We enjoyed the setting in both those towns, albeit they are somewhat different. We loved the strolling along the beach, and the choice of simple kids activities (carousel, mini trains, inflatable bouncers, mini parks, etc ) that were within walking distance. We also loved the food. As much as we enjoy those towns, however, we are keen to try the coast of France this year and plan to be there in early September for about a week. Well, I guess I should say I am keen to try this area, my husband would rather go back to Italy as he thinks it will be more relaxing and not as glitzy and fancy.

We may take some half day/day trips, but we want to be within walking distance to a beach and shops/restaurants and a "boardwalk" for lack of a better word, where there may be random kid activities such as a carousel, bouncing structure, playground, etc.


Surprisingly, based on my current research, I am thinking Cannes as it seems to have what we are looking for. I found an apartment within walking distance to the beach. However, we are not sure if we will be comfortable there, as we are more simple and not "rich and fabulous" (I apologize for the stereotype, but it is something we are wary of).

Other areas I've read about that seem like good options include Antibes, Juan Les Pins, and Villefranche Sur Mer. But do they have the kids activities we are looking for? In addition, we prefer to keep the costs down, so in general, is there a significant price difference between restaurants in Cannes vs. a smaller town (e.g., Anitbes? J-L-P, etc.)? Nice is of course, also an option, and we can be convinced to go there despite the lack of a sandy beach ( I think V-S-M is also not a sandy beach). We like to walk a lot and would love to be able to walk from our base town to a nearby town (e.g., from Finale Ligure to Varigotti).

I hope I have provided enough detail and look forward to your replies. Thanks in advance!

Antibes would be a good one - nice beach and there are things like Aqua Splash - a water park families love in nearby Biot-sur-Mer. My kid was was 10 or so when we camped right next door to it - there is also bumper cars, etc. Just a few miles from Antibes.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Provence.html

We really enjoyed Cannes a few years ago when our daughter was small - train so you could take trips to nearby places, plenty to do there including small playgrounds, carousels, the "petit train" guided tour around Cannes, lots of restaurants, watching the old guys play petanque in the square etc. There seemed to be a little green area every few blocks so although there were no big playgrounds, or no fantastic facilities as such, we had plenty of opportunities to run around.

We are not rich or famous either and enjoyed it very much; our trip was at Easter time so there was not much going on in terms of the ritzy-glitzy side of things. Haven't stayed in Antibes though, so am sure that is a good option too.

There's a lot more to Cannes than glitter and glamour. It has a great sandy beach, and nice old part with lots of restaurants. As Littlejane says, there are small playgrounds and merry-go-rounds. And it has good rail links to other places along the coast.

Juan les Pins is also good; long sandy beach, and activities for the kids along the boulevard. Probably a bit more family oriented than Cannes.

Antibes has a lovely old town, but if you want to be close to a beach, you would be to the west of town. Still walking distance to the old town, but not so much activity as in Cannes or Juan. There's a tiny beach right in the old town as well, but I don't think there are any facilities there.

If you like to walk, do the path around Cap d'Antibes; it's not a difficult walk, ok for kids older than 6 or so. Start at Plage de la Garoupe, and return there after the walk for lunch.

I second the suggestion for Acquasplash; probably not too busy in September.

For what you describe, I would go for Cannes.

I'm a fan of Antibes but for kids I would suggest Jaun Les Pins as probably being more suitable. I would not suggest Cannes at all.

As the trains trundle along the Riviera constantly you can easily take the kids to Cannes La Bocca for one of the finest beaches in the world - outside of Cannes proper.

Consider renting a caravan and staying in one of the camps at Biot/sur/Mer - this is like moving into a French, Italian, German - European neighborhood - kids all over - play areas, swimming pool - comfortable caravan - do your own cooking - gather food from nearby markets - quite something different but that's what I did a lot when my kid was young and he loved campint and the campings themselves. Lots of agencies and camps rent out ready to go stay in place caravans.

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/ant...n-mobile-home/

take a look at the caravans in one of the Antibes/biot camps - all on the sea - well right across the busy road from braod beaches - some of the most popular beaches in France (not the nicest sandy ones though) - cut costs and give the kids a real European family experience you cannot get in a hotel room.

Those campsites are not near town, and the beach near Biot is a pebble beach with a road and railroad right next to it. The campsites are on the other side of the railroad.

Families with kids will have left by then (early September) as schools start again. Only those with very small children or without school-age kids will be there early September.

I think for what you are looking for, Cannes and Juan would be good - Cannes is larger, and busier all year, compared to Juan les Pins, which is more of a holiday/beach/summer destination.

Restaurant prices will be about the same, but Cannes does have more high-end expensive restaurants. Plenty of pizza places too, though. If you have an appartment you can do your shopping at Marche Forville.

Thanks everyone for your great advice. I am looking to see what is available in Juan, as it may be out best yet. But lemme throw in a wrench just because...my husband is thinking about Elba island. Any comments?

Tulips - for some reason I though it were August - probably because that's when I was there. Yes after Sep 1 everyone clears out except throisieme age types and permanent campers - so good point.

the camp was not noisy however due to either the road or rail line and was very close to Antibes - I used to walk there every morning for coffee and people-watching - don't miss Antibes - to me one of the nicest towns on the coast.