Dreaming of sun-drenched coastlines, charming medieval villages, and a touch of glamour for your next family holiday? The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, might sound like a playground for the rich and famous, but I’m here to tell you it's one of the most accessible and exciting destinations for families—especially when you know how to plan it right.
After countless hours of research and planning for my own family getaway, I’ve crafted the perfect 10-day itinerary that balances beach time, cultural adventures, and unforgettable day trips.
Our secret? Using the vibrant city of Cannes as a home base and relying on the region's fantastic public transport.
This guide is packed with destination inspiration, themed itineraries, and pro tips to make your family travel dreams a reality.
Ready to explore? Let's dive in!
Why Cannes is the Perfect Family Hub
Forget juggling hotels every few nights. Staying in Cannes allows you to unpack once and explore the entire Riviera with ease. Here’s why it works:
- Central Location: Perfectly positioned between gems like Nice, Monaco, and the hills of Provence.
- Superb Transport: An efficient train and bus network makes day trips a breeze (and budget-friendly!).
- Family-Friendly Beaches: Cannes boasts beautiful sandy beaches that are perfect for little feet.
- Endless Food Options: From bustling markets to kid-approved pizza joints, there’s something for even the fussiest eaters.
The 10-Day Ultimate Family Itinerary: A Snapshot
This itinerary is designed for a perfect mix of sightseeing and relaxation, ensuring nobody gets burned out.
- Day 1-2: Cannes Discovery & Beach Bliss
- Day 3: Nice Day Trip by Train
- Day 4: Art & Beaches in Antibes
- Day 5: A Touch of Glamour in Monaco
- Day 6: Island Adventure to Île Sainte-Marguerite
- Day 7: Cross-Border Thrills: A Day in Italy!
- Day 8: Provençal Dream: Hilltop Villages by Car
- Day 9: The Scent of Grasse: A Perfume Journey
- Day 10: Final Croisette Stroll & Departure
The Detailed Day-by-Day Family Guide
Days 1-2: Settle into Cannes
Your first couple of days are all about soaking up the local atmosphere. Start by exploring Le Suquet (Old Town), a charming labyrinth of cobblestone streets that leads up to a stunning panoramic view of the bay. Afterwards, head down to the famous Boulevard de la Croisette and let the kids find their favourite movie star’s handprint outside the Palais des Festivals, home of the Cannes Film Festival. Balance the sightseeing with plenty of time on the sandy Plage du Midi.
- Foodie Tip: Dive into the Marché Forville for fresh produce. It's a feast for the senses and perfect for stocking up your apartment kitchen for easy family meals.
- Kid-Approved: A simple pizza dinner at La Pizza Cresci in the Old Town is a guaranteed win after a day of exploring.
Day 3: A Taste of Nice
A quick 35-minute train ride takes you to the vibrant heart of the Riviera. Get lost in the colourful Italianate alleys of Vieux Nice (Old Town), wander through the fragrant Cours Saleya flower market, and then take the elevator or hike up Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for the best view in the city.
- Travel Tip: On weekends, grab a Zou! Family Pass for the regional bus (€10 for a family of four) for an incredibly cheap and scenic, albeit slower, journey.
- Fussy Eater Approved: Don't leave Nice without trying socca, a delicious chickpea pancake. It’s simple, savoury, and a hit with kids.
Day 4: Art & Sandy Toes in Antibes
Antibes is just a 15-minute train ride away and offers a perfect blend of culture and fun. Start at the Musée Picasso, housed in the stunning Château Grimaldi overlooking the sea. Afterwards, marvel at the mega-yachts in Port Vauban before hopping over to neighbouring Juan-les-Pins for its beautiful sandy beaches.
- Family Fun: The massive historic ramparts of Antibes are perfect for a family walk with epic sea views.
Day 5: Glamour in Monaco
Yes, you can do Monaco with kids! The one-hour train ride is scenic and builds excitement. Witness the Changing of the Guard at the Prince's Palace (11:55 AM sharp!), then dive into the underwater world at the world-class Oceanographic Museum, a must-do for families. While the kids won't get into the famous Monte-Carlo Casino, they'll love spotting supercars parked outside.
- Fussy Eater Approved: For a fun and relaxed lunch, head to Stars 'n' Bars on the port. It's an American-style diner with a menu that has something for everyone.
Day 6: Island Fortress Adventure
Escape the city buzz with a 15-minute ferry ride to Île Sainte-Marguerite. This tranquil island is famous for its fortress, where the legendary "Man in the Iron Mask" was imprisoned. Explore the walking trails through fragrant eucalyptus forests and discover secluded coves for a swim.
- Pro Tip: Pack a picnic! Grab fresh baguettes, cheese, and fruit from a Cannes market for a memorable and budget-friendly lunch on an island beach.
Day 7: Cross-Border Thrills to San Remo, Italy!
This is a top travel trend and an unforgettable experience for the family. Taking the train from Cannes to the border town of Ventimiglia, then a short Italian train to San Remo, feels like a true adventure. Spend the afternoon indulging in authentic Italian pizza and gelato, exploring the medieval old town (La Pigna), and enjoying the different vibe of the Italian Riviera.
- Travel Itinerary: Cannes Gt; Nice Gt; Ventimiglia (border) Gt; San Remo. The entire journey takes about 2.5 hours and is a scenic coastal ride.
- Last Train Home: Trains run late, so you can even stay for an early dinner in Italy! The last connections will get you back to Cannes around midnight.
Day 8: A Provençal Dream (Car Hire Day)
While the coast is amazing by train, the hilltop villages of Provence are best explored by car. This is the one day I recommend hiring one. Our route:
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence: An official "Most Beautiful Village in France," this walled medieval town is an artist's paradise.
- Gourdon: A dramatic "eagle's nest" village perched 760m high with breathtaking views all the way to the sea.
- Tourrettes-sur-Loup: The "Village of Violets," known for its artisan shops and violet-infused treats.
- No Car? No Problem! The best village to visit via public transport is Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Take the Bus 200 from Cannes to Cagnes-sur-Mer, then connect to the hourly Bus 400.
Day 9: The Scent of Grasse
A 45-minute bus or train ride from Cannes takes you to Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. The best part? The factory tours are free! Visit historic perfumeries like Fragonard or Molinard to see how scents are made.
- Hands-On Fun: Many factories offer perfume-making workshops where kids and adults can create their own unique fragrance—the ultimate souvenir!
Day 10: Farewell, Côte d'Azur!
Spend your final morning enjoying one last stroll along the Croisette, grabbing some last-minute souvenirs on Rue d'Antibes, and having a final, leisurely beachfront lunch.
- Travel Tip for Departure: The Bus 210 offers a direct and incredibly cheap service from Cannes to Nice Airport, giving you one last scenic look at the coastline you’ve spent 10 amazing days exploring.
This itinerary is just a starting point—the true magic of the French Riviera is in its flexibility. Whether you spend an extra day on the beach or discover a new village, you’re guaranteed to create family memories that will last a lifetime.
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