Vacation with children in the South of France: 10 tips for a great family holiday

The South of France is the perfect destination for a family holiday. Enjoy sun, sea, nature, and culture without the youngest family members ever getting bored. Provence and the Côte d’Azur are brimming with child-friendly excursions and adventures – from water fun to zoos and magical villages. Below, you’ll find 10 tips for a child-friendly vacation in the South of France.

In Aoubré Nature Park, children aged 3 and up can enjoy adventurous climbing courses among the trees. There are over 130 play stations, a barefoot trail, animal enclosures, and a botanical garden. This park combines education and action in the heart of nature. Parents can either join in or watch from a shady spot.

Aqualand is the largest water park on the Côte d’Azur. It offers water slides of all shapes and sizes, a wave pool, a toddler area, and a lazy river for relaxed floating. Thanks to its extensive facilities, this park is ideal for families with children of different ages.

The Gorges du Verdon is an impressive canyon with turquoise water – ideal for families who love nature and adventure. Rent a canoe or paddle boat at Lac de Sainte-Croix, or follow a child-friendly hiking trail along the river. There are also quiet beaches where children can play and splash around.

At the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, you can discover more than 6,000 marine animals – from sharks and jellyfish to colorful reef fish. The museum combines spectacular aquariums with interactive exhibitions on oceanography and nature conservation. On the rooftop terrace, there is a play area with a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s an ideal destination for a rainy day during your family holiday in the South of France.

This park is designed for children aged 2 to 10 and combines fairy tales, mechanical figures, and play areas. Children can stroll through gnome houses, climb castles, and ride mini trains. All of this takes place in a wooded setting, making it especially pleasant on warm days.

La Barben Zoo is a well-maintained animal park with more than 600 animals, spread across a green area of 30 hectares. The park offers educational shows and has a small playground. The zoo is located on a hill, and a mini train takes visitors to the top.

The Tuesday market in Lorgues is one of the best-known in the region. Children can discover local products such as goat cheese, honey, and lavender soap. There are often street musicians, candy stalls, and attractions for children.

In this covered park, La Ferme aux Crocodiles, more than 350 crocodiles, giant tortoises, snakes, and exotic birds live. Children can learn in a playful way about reptiles, their habitats, and the importance of nature conservation. The tropical greenhouse is a unique experience and one of the most exciting places to visit during your holiday with children in the South of France.

An original way to discover a city without the children getting tired is by taking a ride on the tourist train. In Nice, it takes you along the Promenade des Anglais, through the old town, and up to the hill of the castle park. In Antibes, you can explore the historic center and the harbor. Fun and informative for the whole family.

Not every beach on the southern French coast is suitable for children. Beaches that are particularly good for a child-friendly holiday include Plage de Pampelonne (Ramatuelle), Plage de la Nartelle (Sainte-Maxime), and Plage de l’Estagnol (Bormes-les-Mimosas). These beaches offer fine sand, shallow water, and amenities such as showers, first-aid stations, and lifeguards.