Vacation on the French Riviera
General Information
The French Riviera is a magical family destination, attracting families from all over Europe, ideal for star trips with wonderful family accommodations, a wide variety of attractions, and best of all: really not expensive!
This article is meant to shatter the myths that the Riviera and its surroundings are considered a luxurious and expensive destination and suitable (in the eyes of most Israelis) for adults only, and as a place to rub shoulders with the beautiful and wealthy, visit impressive casinos and beaches, to see and be seen.
The Riviera and its immediate surroundings: Monaco and Provence have a lot to offer the traveling family ranging from amusement and animal parks, nature trips and active vacations to charming towns and vibrant cities full of markets and atmosphere. You can live for a whole week in a holiday apartment in a central location and visit a variety of attractions and sites all within an hour's drive. Anyone who has lived in holiday villages in Holland or northern Italy will be happy to discover another attractive destination suitable for any age, style, and budget.
Accommodation:
On the Riviera there are numerous holiday villages located in pastoral areas in the heart of a nature reserve or near the beach, from which the driving distance to a variety of family attractions and classic tourist destinations is only up to one hour's drive.
You can find holiday apartments in the villages at various levels and in a variety of prices. Some are privately owned and some belong to large chains, suitable for any style and budget.
The Riviera abounds with famous and beautiful coastal cities like the Principality of Monaco, the cities of Cannes, Nice, and Grasse.
Pierre & Vacances Cap Esterel Holiday Village
For anyone interested in combining an active vacation in a holiday village full of options with trips in the immediate surroundings, it is recommended to choose the largest holiday village in Europe:
The village is located in a pastoral place opposite the spectacular beach of Saint-Raphael - St. Raphael and in the heart of a nature reserve. It spans an area of 2100 dunams. It has 40 attractions for children and adults including unique activities such as a circus skills course for children, riding in buggy cars, archery, and diving lessons alongside craft workshops and various activities. The village offers a selection of sports facilities: a gym, tennis, basketball, and golf courts, a karting track, mini-golf, and more. The village has numerous playgrounds, a huge pool with facilities overlooking a breathtaking view – and 3 additional pools, two lakes, two beaches, and 11 restaurants, bars, and cafes. Along a picturesque street in the heart of the village you will find boutiques and shops, a mini-market, an ice cream parlor, a bakery (highly recommended to buy a hot and steaming baguette in the morning) and an area tour center.
The village organizes many activities such as tours in the area, entertainment evenings, fashion shows, cabaret, concerts, and markets. The park also has activity clubs for children of all ages starting from three months old up to youth clubs.
In all areas of the village there is no car traffic (you can bring the car into the place only on the day of arrival and departure and the rest of the time it is parked in the huge parking lots adjacent to the village) and therefore children can safely ride bicycles and walk around without any fear. An internal train departs from the center of the village every 15 minutes and with it you can also reach the beach or the golf courses.
The site has 1300 housing units ranging from double hotel rooms to holiday apartments designed for 6 vacationers, which have an equipped kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and a spacious balcony. The view from the balconies is breathtaking: turquoise sea or towering mountains. Each unit has a portable air conditioning unit.
It is recommended to dedicate at least two full days to spending time in the village and its facilities and use the rest of the stay for trips throughout the Riviera and Provence.
Holiday Village Pierre & Vacances Villa Francia
The holiday village is close to the city of Cannes, built in a Mediterranean style and abounding with greenery and vegetation. The site has 420 apartments designed to accommodate 3-6 people. From 80 percent of the apartments there is a wonderful view of the sea and the bay. The village has two swimming pools, a supermarket, and several sports facilities.
Holiday Village near Cannes MMV Resort Cannes-Mandelieu
This is a luxurious and impressive site with innovative and invested design in a relaxing and pampering atmosphere with a private lake and green view. The site has spacious apartments equipped to a high standard.
The resort opened in 2008, built on a green area of 60 dunams around a natural lake, in the center of which is a small island, 900 meters from the famous beach of Mandelieu known for its rich variety of water sports activities. Adjacent to the resort are golf courses. The resort has 281 holiday units ranging from double studio apartments to three-bedroom apartments, a spacious living room, a huge balcony, and an equipped kitchen. Each apartment has a washing machine and air conditioning. All units have internet connection (for a daily fee).
The resort has a 600 square meter swimming pool, children's pool, chef restaurant, buffet restaurant, bar, luxurious lobby, spa with Jacuzzi, hammam and sauna, sports fields, a playground, and a bicycle rental pavilion.
The resort offers diverse entertainment activities such as water aerobics classes, music and dance evenings, cooking classes, and more.
The accommodation at MMV is especially suitable for those looking for spacious accommodation of a high standard and in a central location from which they can go out daily for trips and entertainment on the Riviera.
General map of the Riviera with the location of the holiday villages:
Also for those who prefer to stay in a private vacation home that is not part of a holiday village, there are plenty of successful options in the area.
A large selection of vacation homes in the Cannes area can be found here
Attractions on the Riviera:
The Riviera has attractions suitable for every age, desire, and style: ranging from animal and amusement parks, nature and active vacation sites, sea vacations, visiting picturesque towns, vibrant cities, touring museums, villas, and gardens, and even fascinating tours in factories (such as chocolate, candy, and perfume factories).
Amusement and Animal Parks:
Marineland
The largest oceanarium in Europe and the only one on the continent where killer whale shows are held. In addition, dolphin and sea lion shows take place there. In the summer, impressive evening shows are also held there. It features many aquariums, including a shark tunnel, penguins, polar bears, and more. www.marineland.fr located in Antibes in the heart of the French Riviera.
Water park named "Aquasplash"
Adjacent to the marine animal park is a water park called "Aquasplash" featuring various types of slides, a variety of pools, and the newest and coolest attraction of all is sliding through a transparent tunnel where many sea creatures swim.
You can purchase a combined ticket at a discounted price for both parks. You can also purchase a ticket for four attractions which also includes a visit to the successful mini-golf located nearby and to the La Ferme Du Far West park especially suitable for young children.
Amusement park "Antibesland"
Daring thrill-seekers will enjoy spending time on the rides of the nearby amusement park: "Antibesland" which features about 30 amusement rides, including options for action and adrenaline enthusiasts. Admission is free – you pay per ride.
OK Coral Amusement Park
Another successful amusement park, located in Provence, near Aix-en-Provence at a distance of less than an hour and a half drive from the Riviera holiday villages, is: OK Coral. A wild west-style park where in addition to a variety of amusement rides there are also shows and a wild west atmosphere. You can combine a visit there with a visit to one of the famous touristic towns of Provence.
Labyrinth
The Le Labyrinth de l'aventure adventure maze is a giant maze with paths totaling about 4 kilometers in length and many surprises along the way. Located in the town of Villeneuve Loubet.
Located adjacent to it:
Adventure Park:
Canyon Forest featuring a rope park, zip-lining through the forest, and other active outdoor activities.
Go-Kart Track:
One of the longest tracks in Europe is located 31 km from Nice in the town of Le Bar sur Loup. The site has several tracks, including a track in the forest.
www.fun-karting.com.
Diverse Day Trips:
A mandatory day trip is to Monaco:
The small principality abounds with charm and attractions:
You can see the changing of the guard at the Palais du Prince palace every day at 11:55, visit the Musee Oceanographique oceanarium which combines an aquarium and a maritime museum. Do not miss the spectacular view of Monaco and the bay upon which it is located from the observation deck on the second floor of the museum. Another cool museum is the Prince's Car Museum The Private Collection of Antique Cars of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III - an impressive collection of luxury cars from various periods that any driving enthusiast will be happy to discover.
In the small principality there are also botanical gardens built on a slope overlooking the bay and of course the famous casino. Even if you do not plan to visit it, it is worth observing the impressive building from the outside and especially the adjacent parking lot and the cars parked in it...
You can take a tour of Monaco (as well as in many other cities on the Riviera) on a small train traveling between the various points of interest, including the impressive yacht harbor.
For garden and landscape enthusiasts, it is strongly recommended to stop on the way back from Monaco to the Riviera at the villa of Rothschild Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild https://www.villa-ephrussi.com built on a narrow spit of land in the sea, which has nine magnificent gardens overlooking an amazing view of the bay and several other stunning villas (each worth 30-40 million Euros), including Bill Gates' villa.
Trip to Grasse and its Surroundings
A wonderful and diverse day trip is to Grasse and its surroundings. The city is known for its perfume industry. You can take guided tours (free of charge) in several perfume factories in the city. The oldest and most popular of all is the Fragonard perfume factory https://www.fragonard.com. In some of the factories you can formulate your own personal perfume. For example, at the Parfumerie Molinard factory https://www.molinard.com you can take an expedited perfume-making course where you will learn to distinguish between 80 different scents and mix them. All factories naturally have fragrant factory stores.
Those who prefer to taste rather than smell are invited to visit (free of charge) the Confiserie Florian candy factory, where handmade candies from fruits and flowers (for example: rose-flavored candies), preserved fruits, jams, and dreamy chocolates are produced. A real celebration for sweet lovers who will get plenty of free tastings.
In addition to taste and scent factories, the entire area is known for its charming nature and the variety of active vacation and adventure trip options it provides.
Stalactite Caves:
Near Grasse are two stalactite caves where guided tours are held:
Grottes de Saint Cezaire, at a depth of 40 meters below ground level.
And the cave in Saint Vallier de Thiey, where an underground river flows and features special music and lighting effects.
You can take adventurous tours in the caves that include climbing with ropes and crawling through crevices (suitable for children from age 8).
A successful company that organizes tours in the caves is Fun Trip. The company also organizes wet tours in the rushing river within a deep canyon surrounded by towering cliffs Gorges du Loup near Grasse. The "canyoning" tours include sliding down natural slides inside waterfalls, swimming in turquoise pools and in the river. Everything is under close guidance and with special equipment and clothing. Suitable for children from age 6. Those who are less daring but love nature are invited to walk along the river in a magical landscape along a well-maintained and comfortable walking path. Ideal for combining a picnic in nature.
The company also organizes diving and snorkeling tours on the beaches of the Riviera.
Those who prefer to see animals in nature above sea level are invited to join a dolphin and whale watching cruise in the open sea. The 4-hour cruise departs during all summer months from Villefranche sur Mer, at 09:30 daily www.dauphin-mediterranee.com.
The sports and marine vacation options all along the Riviera are very developed. You can rent jet skis, kayaks, motorboats, and soar on parasails.
A wonderful family experience for the whole family is watching horse races at the Riviera Hippodrome HIPPODROME DE LA COTE D’AZUR, by the sea, between Cannes and Monaco.
A Riviera tour is not complete if you do not visit one of the medieval towns in the area. The most famous of all is EZE. An artists' village with narrow alleys winding up the mountain.
The view from it is breathtaking. Do not miss a visit to the charming Le Jardin d'Eze tropical gardens spread across the hilltop. Another charming village is SAINT-PAUL DE VENCE which also has narrow alleys full of galleries and artist shops, cafes, and a magnificent view.
♦ The Central Cities Nice and Cannes:
The largest city on the French Riviera is Nice where the main airport of the Riviera is also located. An equally famous city is Cannes known for its film festival. Both have an old quarter with narrow alleys, markets, castles, museums, beaches, promenades, vibrant pedestrian malls, and plenty of atmosphere.
Cruise ships cruising the Mediterranean also arrive at these two cities, and their passengers depart from these ports for trips in these cities and their surroundings.
Booking Trips in Nice and Cannes for Cruise Ship Passengers from Viator:
The trips include port pickup and drop-off:
Trips from Port of Nice (Villefranche):
Trips from Port of Cannes:
Recommended Guided Tours in Hebrew in Marseille and Surroundings with Sarit
Sarit has guided tours in Cannes, Marseille, and Provence which can be found on her website. Below are two tours from Cannes:
♦ Tour from Port of Cannes: 2.5-hour walking tour of the film city guided by Sarit Zadok who is also a screenwriter and director participating in the Cannes Film Festival every year. Come hear stories about Tarantino, Jane Fonda, and other stars. An exceptional tour. Group discounts. Phone/WhatsApp 33695690781
Guided Tours in Cannes and the Riviera with Port Pickup in Cannes:
Nice
In Nice it is worth joining a 45-minute tour on a small toy train called Trains Touristiques di Nice, which starts its tour near the famous sea promenade Promenade des Anglais, continues through the old city and the port to the heights of the Colline du Chateau fortress located on top of a hill offering an excellent view of the city and its beaches.
A successful tour for those who want to stretch their legs a bit is a guided tour (3 hours) on electric bicycles around the city (booking via Viator):
Nice City E-Bike Tour with a Local Guide
Cannes
From Cannes it is recommended to take a cruise to one of the two nearby islands: Sainte-Marguerite Island or Saint Honorat Island. The catamaran cruise in each direction takes about 20-25 minutes.
Both islands have an excellent ferry service from the port of Cannes.
On Sainte-Marguerite Island it is nice to walk around, swim in one of the hidden bays, have a picnic, and visit the famous prison where the "Man in the Iron Mask" was imprisoned.
On Saint Honorat Island there is an active monastery where monks reside who are engaged among other things in growing vineyards and producing wine. On the island are the ruins of an ancient 4th-century monastery that you can visit. A climb of about 80 steps will lead you to the top of the structure and a wonderful view of the entire island. The island has an excellent and recommended restaurant!
Another tour in Cannes for those who love bicycles is a guided tour (2-3 hours) on electric bicycles around the city (booking via Viator):
Cannes
E-Bike Guided Tour
Shopping and market enthusiasts will also not be left out on the Riviera.
Various markets are held in each of the towns. For example:
Antibes :
Local market – every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Massena Square; additionally: flea market on Saturday at Place Nationale.
Cannes:
Provence market at Foch Square – every Sunday until noon; antique and flea market: every Saturday and Sunday at Allees de la Liberte. Additionally, the city has a covered market open daily featuring vegetables, fruits, fish, and flowers.
Nice:
Food market: daily except Monday at Cours Saleya
Fish market: daily except Monday at Place Saint Francois
Flower market: Cours Saleya daily except Sunday and Monday. In the evening, a souvenir and handicraft market is held there.
Flea market: Cours Saleya every Monday.
