Family Holiday on the French Riviera: 20 Activities for Kids

The French Riviera is not only a destination for couples or jet-set enthusiasts. Its exceptional concentration of kid-friendly activities — from gently sloping beaches to water parks, horse riding and interactive museums — makes it an ideal family destination. Here is our complete selection of activities, tested and approved.

Beaches suited to children

Gigaro and its shallow waters

Gigaro beach in La Croix-Valmer is one of the safest beaches on the peninsula for children. The water deepens gradually over 20-30 metres, with a sandy bottom free of rocks. Lifeguards are present in July and August.

From Villa Canopy, count 3 minutes by car or 15 minutes on foot to descend to the beach.

Cavalaire — Plage du Pardigon

Large family beach two kilometres long, awarded the Blue Flag. Ideal for children with its facilities (showers, toilets, kayak rental). Suitable restaurants on site.

Pampelonne — Bonne Terrasse Beach

Northern section of Pampelonne, quieter than the central zones. Sandy bottom, clear water, few waves. Parking easier than at the centre of the beach.

Tahiti Beach (Pampelonne)

Accessible for families in the morning, livelier in the afternoon. Warm water, adjustable loungers. Beach restaurant with children’s menu.

Water parks and leisure

Aqualand Saint-Maxime

25 minutes from Villa Canopy. A complete water park with slides for all ages, toddler areas, wave pool. Count a full day on site. Price: €30 adult, €24 child.

Luna Park — Saint-Aygulf

Small traditional amusement park (ghost trains, bumper cars, shooting gallery) open in the evening in July-August. Perfect for a nostalgic end to the day.

Azur Park — Gassin

Outdoor play park 10 minutes from Villa Canopy. Mini-karting, trampolines, summer sledging, inflatable games. Ideal for ages 4-14. Day pass €20-25.

Adventure Parc — Fayence

Tree-climbing course among the finest in the Var. 20 courses of different levels from age 3. 1h30 drive from La Croix-Valmer, but the experience is worth the detour for children over 6.

Horse riding

La Croix-Valmer Equestrian Centre

10 minutes from Villa Canopy. Offers pony rides (from age 4), private lessons, horseback treks for older children. Family atmosphere, well-cared-for horses.

Haras de Gassin

More upscale centre offering beach horse rides early in the morning (5:30-7am in summer). An unforgettable experience for children from age 8. Reservation essential.

Ranch Azur — Sainte-Maxime

Specialised in family treks in the Maures mountains. Trips from one hour to a half-day with picnic. Professional guides.

Sea outings with children

Boat trip to Cap Taillat

Short trip (30 min) from Gigaro or Cavalaire, mooring in a protected cove for swimming and snorkelling. Ideal with children who cannot endure long boat trips.

Porquerolles — Discovery day

A day on Porquerolles island is a classic of family holidays. Crossing from Cavalaire (1h), bicycle rental on site, Notre-Dame beach for swimming, lunch in the village. Bicycle reservation recommended in high season.

Snorkelling at Cap Lardier

The underwater trail at Cap Lardier (La Croix-Valmer) is marked to observe marine life with mask and snorkel. Suitable for children from age 6-7 who are good swimmers. Free, access via the coastal path.

Museums and suitable visits

Haribo Candy Museum — Uzès

A bit far (2h drive) but a reference for children. The story of candy told in a playful way. Best combined with a day in Uzès.

Monaco Oceanographic Museum

1h30 from Villa Canopy. The historic aquarium founded by Prince Albert I, with sharks, turtles and tropical fish. Fascinating for ages 4-12. Price: €19 adult, €12 child.

Fort Carré — Antibes

16th-century fortification in Antibes. Guided tour possible, plenty of space to run, magnificent view. Free for under 18s.

Annonciade Museum — Saint-Tropez

For children interested in art, an accessible post-impressionist collection. Very well explained, takes no more than an hour. A good complement after a morning at the beach.

Nature experiences

Coastal Trail

The coastal trail starting at Gigaro offers a walk accessible to children (from age 7-8). The first 30 minutes give access to magnificent coves. Landscapes, Mediterranean scents, wildlife to observe.

Port-Cros National Park

Accessible by boat from Cavalaire, Port-Cros island is a protected national park. Easy walks, wild beaches, marked underwater trail for learning snorkelling. A memorable day of adventure.

Plaine du Var Observatory

Star-gazing sessions with telescope, night-time activities adapted for children in summer. A magical moment after a day at the beach.

The Saint-Tropez Carnival

Every February-March, the Saint-Tropez Carnival animates the town with parades, costumes and floats. For children visiting off-season (during February holidays).

Creative workshops and activities

Pottery workshops — La Môle

Introduction to traditional Provençal pottery for children and adults. 1h30 sessions, each child leaves with their creation.

Cooking classes — Saint-Tropez

Several local chefs offer Provençal cooking workshops adapted for children (tarte tropézienne, pissaladière, aioli). Budget: €60-80 per child for 2 hours.

Weaving workshops — Ramatuelle

A rare and beautiful activity: weaving tablecloths or placemats in a village workshop, with a local artisan.

Best restaurants for children

La Plage Blanche — Ramatuelle

Beach with playground for children, creative children’s menu, attentive service for families.

Les Graniers — Saint-Tropez

Family beach with calm water, beach restaurant with balanced menu.

La Table de La Maison Bleue — Gassin

Magnificent garden where children can run freely, menu specially designed for little ones, adapted service.

La Pinède Plage — Gigaro

3 minutes from Villa Canopy. Welcomes families with great kindness. Fine, gently sloping sand in front of the beach.

Practical tips

On-call pharmacy: those of La Croix-Valmer and Cavalaire alternate shifts. Pharmacy number: 3237.

Paediatric emergencies: Saint-Tropez Hospital or Clinique Oxford in Cannes (better equipped). Bring the European health insurance card for international families.

Baby-friendly shopping: Intermarché in La Croix-Valmer or Super U in Cavalaire for baby formula, nappies, organic baby food.

Babysitting: our concierge has a network of English-speaking and French-speaking nannies, available day and evening. Rate: €18-25/hour.

Why the French Riviera for families?

The Saint-Tropez peninsula offers a rare combination: the luxury of the adult experience (starred restaurants, shopping, evenings) without sacrificing children’s activities. Short distances between sites, gentle climate, beach safety and quality infrastructure make it an ideal destination from the age of the first sea baths (2-3 years).

Villa Canopy, with its 7,000 m² enclosed estate, its pool with gradual depth and its 5 independent suites, is designed for family stays. Children can play safely in the garden while adults relax by the pool. It’s a rare balance, which we have cultivated for several seasons with happiness.