Our South of France itinerary with kids! My husband and I took our 3-year-old and 5-year-old boys to the French Riviera for ten days and had the absolute time of our lives. This was our first time traveling overseas with our kids and, as everyone knows, trips with little ones can be unpredictable—but they did amazing. They surprised us with how well they adapted to being on the go and away from their usual routine at home.
We spent five days along the magical Côte d’Azur, based in an Airbnb in Antibes, before driving into the countryside of Provence. There, we stayed in a renovated 18th-century château and spent four full days wandering through small villages, exploring wineries, and soaking in a completely different pace of life. We really tried to do a mix of everything—beach clubs, a yacht day, long, easy lunches, a few bucket-list dinners, a visit to a medieval castle, and enough downtime that it never felt like we were rushing from one thing to the next. I planned the itinerary myself and was honestly shocked at how smoothly everything flowed together.
Is France Kid-Friendly?
You don’t really need to plan specific “kid activities” in the South of France because it’s such a family-centered place. Everywhere we went, there were families with young kids—at beach clubs, in little boutiques, even at nicer restaurants in the evenings. My husband and I have always loved France and visited many times before kids, but experiencing it with little ones was something completely different in the best way. We felt so welcomed everywhere we went.
I’m sharing our full day-by-day South of France itinerary with kids in case it’s helpful if you’re planning your own Riviera + Provence trip or just looking for ideas to piece together your own version. I highly, highly recommend it.
Trip Overview: 10 Days in the South of France With Kids
Days 1–2: Traveling to Nice and Arriving in Antibes
Day 3: Exploring Antibes and a Beach Club Day
Day 4: Cannes and La Guérite Beach Club
Day 5: Yacht Charter Around the Lérins Islands
Day 6: A Slow Morning in Antibes and an Evening in Nice
Day 7: Driving to Provence and Checking Into Château de Fonscolombe
Day 8: Exploring Lourmarin and Château La Coste
Day 9: Ansouis, Château de la Gaude, and Cucuron
Day 10: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Gordes, and Our Final Day in Provence
Day 11: Departing France
10 Day South of France Itinerary With Kids
DAY 1
DEPART FOR FRANCE
We flew Delta and honestly had such a great experience from start to finish. Our route was Nashville → Atlanta → Nice. There are several daily flights from Nashville to Atlanta, but we intentionally chose one that got us in about 4 hours early before our international leg—just to give ourselves a buffer in case anything went wrong. Thankfully, everything went totally smoothly with zero delays.
Our flight to Nice left at 10:30pm, which was well past the boys’ bedtime, but they rallied and stayed in good spirits the entire time. As soon as the in-flight dinner service wrapped up, we got them settled into their sleep setups and within about an hour they were both completely out. They slept for a solid 7 hours of the 8.5-hour flight… absolute miracle status. Hallelujah.
We landed at noon the following day and made our way through customs in under 30 minutes. All our bags made it and we went to get our rental car from airport rental facility. From there we drove 30 minutes to Antibes.
DAY 2
ARRIVE IN NICE + CHECK IN TO ACCOMMODATIONS IN ANTIBES
There are so many beautiful hotel and rental options in Antibes, but we ended up choosing an Airbnb in Old Town because we wanted something that felt easy and grounded with kids… somewhere we could just walk everywhere and not feel like we were constantly loading into a car.
I also really wanted the ability to do simple things like making breakfast and quick lunches for the boys instead of eating every meal out. Our Airbnb honestly exceeded expectations. It was an old carriage house right in the heart of Old Town, but so thoughtfully renovated. We had laundry, a huge kitchen with everything we needed, and a gorgeous walled courtyard that became the perfect little safe play space for the boys.
Two things to note: the stairs inside are very steep, so I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone with mobility concerns or little ones who aren’t confident on stairs yet. Also, there’s no parking in Old Town since cars aren’t allowed. We had to be a little strategic with our rental car—keeping up with street parking renewals to avoid tickets. There was decent street parking nearby plus a paid lot about a 2-minute walk away, but it did get busy at times so we occasionally had to circle and wait. Not a dealbreaker at all, just something to be aware of.
I’d definitely recommend not over-scheduling your first afternoon and evening. Plan to just settle in, wander Old Town on foot, and grab a super casual dinner followed by gelato so you can ease into the rhythm of the town.
DINNER RESERVATION: Chez Jules, Old Town Antibes
If you can, try to sit outside on the street—it genuinely feels like you’re in a movie.
DAY 3
EXPLORE ANTIBES + BEACH CLUB DAY
We started the morning just wandering the streets of Old Town and the famed Marché Provençal– Antibes open-air farmers’ market that’s open daily. We grabbed coffee and pastries, and then headed to Plage de la Gravette to let the boys dip their toes in the water and take in the bay. By lunchtime, my younger sister’s flight had landed and she’d made her way to us in Antibes. We had plenty of space in our Airbnb and I was so happy that she could join us for the first few days of our trip.
For the afternoon, we headed to the Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel (you can Uber or drive—about a short ride away). We reserved sunbeds at the beach club (everything is PINK and very Barbie!), ordered lunch from the beachside restaurant and spent the rest of the day there swimming, relaxing, and letting the kids play. There’s a small beach area with crystal-clear water, plus a heated pool, which was absolutely perfect for the kids.
DINNER RESERVATION: The Grill at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes
This was our big “wow” dinner of the trip. Everything about this property feels special—from the setting to the service to the views. Dining here is definitely a splurge, but in my opinion completely worth it for a bucket-list experience.
They also had a surprisingly expansive kids’ menu—my oldest ordered the salmon and didn’t leave a bite behind. Make sure to build in time before or after dinner to walk around and take photos along the rocks and the iconic pathway up to the hotel (if security allows). I had read that the famous photo path is often restricted to hotel guests, but on the night we went, restaurant guests were able to take photos there, which was a nice treat.
COCKTAIL BAR: Absinthe Bar, Old Town Antibes
If you still have energy for a post-dinner drink, I highly recommend the Absinthe Bar in Old Town Antibes. My husband took on bedtime duty with the kids so my sister and I could sneak away for a little girls’ night out, and it ended up being one of my favorite evenings of the trip.
The bar is tucked away in a historic stone cellar beneath the streets of Old Town, and walking down into it feels like discovering a secret speakeasy you would never find on your own. One of the highlights was the live string band playing throughout the evening. It gave the whole place this old-world, almost cinematic feel that fit perfectly with the setting. Between the music, the candlelit stone walls, and everyone packed into this underground space, it felt like we’d stumbled into a scene from a movie. We stayed much longer than we planned, laughed until our cheeks hurt, and walked back through the quiet streets of Antibes feeling like we’d gotten the perfect little taste of nightlife without needing a full night out.
DAY 4
EXPLORE CANNES + AFTERNOON BEACH PARTY AT LA GUÉRITE
We spent the morning in Cannes just walking around and soaking it in. We reserved beach chairs at Vilebrequin La Plage, one of the many beach clubs and restaurants located along Boulevard de la Croisette. FYI we just walked in without a reservation and had no issues getting chairs. The beach was so clean and had the softest whitest sand. I ended up walking to a nearby tourist shop to buy the boys some cheap beach toys so they could play. We ordered some fruit and a light lunch for the kids directly to our chairs.
Around 3PM, we headed to the port in Port Pierre Canto in Cannes to catch our boat transfer for our 3:30PM reservation at La Guérite, the famous island beach club restaurant. From the moment you arrive at the port, it already feels like part of the experience—check in, hop on the boat shuttle, and take a short ride over to Île Sainte-Marguerite where you’ll dock and find the restaurant tucked into the rocks. Heads’ up there is a 25€ fee per adult to ride the boat shuttle, but kids are free.
La Guérite is lively, loud, and very much a party atmosphere, especially if you book the 3:30PM seating, which we did purposely. Within 30 minutes of being seated, everyone around us was dancing on their chairs and tables and waving their white napkins to the DJ playing ABBA. There were multiple other families with children and everyone was just having a ball. We told our boys this is your one chance to dance on a table so get after it. It was just such great energy and SO MUCH FUN. We literally could not stop smiling and dancing. The food is simple Mediterranean and definitely hit the spot, but honestly the setting and energy are what you’re really there for.
DINNER RESERVATION: COYA, Monte-Carlo
We actually planned this as a date night since my sister was in town with us, so we snuck away for a night in Monte-Carlo. In hindsight, it was a little ambitious after such a lively afternoon, but life is too short not to rally for a night in Monte-Carlo.
The drive from Antibes to Monte-Carlo was about an hour and super easy. Dinner at COYA was fantastic. Imagine really creative cocktails and shareable tapas. Afterward, we walked around the Casino de Monte-Carlo and checked out all the insane supercars parked outside, which honestly felt like its own attraction.
DAY 5
FULL-DAY YACHT CHARTER
We booked our yacht through Click&Boat and did a full day (11AM–5PM), and I genuinely think this was my favorite day of our entire South of France itinerary with kids.
Our captain took us around the Lérins Islands just off the coast of Cannes. We anchored near Île Saint-Honorat and stayed there for almost three hours just swimming, floating, and exploring the little coves. The water was unbelievably calm and that perfect crystal blue you dream about.
One of the most fun surprises was the “food boats” that come straight to you—basically floating mini food trucks that circulate between yachts all day. We ordered pizza for lunch and ice cream for dessert, and there were also boats serving sushi, cocktails, and seafood. It felt unreal.
DINNER RESERVATION: La Môme, Cannes
This was our second date night and probably my favorite meal of the trip. The vibe was just so good—lively but still chic.
I got talked into ordering the seabass carpaccio special without realizing it was $250, but honestly… I can’t even be mad because it was incredible. My husband had lobster pasta and I had truffle pasta, and everything was 10/10.
DAY 6
MORNING RESET IN ANTIBES + EVENING IN NICE
By this point we were definitely starting to feel the pace of the trip, so we kept the morning really low-key. We went back to Plage de la Gravette so the boys could play in the sand and walked around town.
We also stopped at the carousel in Port Vauban, which was such a sweet little moment. For lunch, we grabbed pita wraps from Pitadine Antibes and ate back at the Airbnb, easy and perfect for a reset day.
Around 3PM we drove to Nice. We had a 5PM dinner reservation, so we spent about an hour walking through Old Town Nice beforehand. Honestly, Nice felt a bit overwhelming after Antibes. It has a lot of charm, but on a much bigger, busier scale. I was happy we saw it, but also didn’t feel the need to spend a ton of time there.
DINNER RESERVATION: Le Plongeoir, Nice
This is the iconic cliffside restaurant you see everywhere online, and it really is just as stunning in person. The setting is unreal.
The menu was a bit more limited than I expected, and while everything we ordered was good, nothing was especially memorable food-wise. That said, the atmosphere alone made it completely worth it, the views and experience were the highlight here.
DAY 7
DEPART ANTIBES FOR PROVENCE
If you didn’t rent a car for the first part of the trip, today is when you’ll want one so you can head into the countryside region of Provence. We checked out of our Airbnb by 10AM and made the drive in about 2.5 hours, including two toddler potty breaks and a snack stop that definitely saved us.
Pulling into Château de Fonscolombe felt like stepping straight into a fairytale. The property is a beautifully restored 18th-century estate surrounded by vineyards, towering trees, and perfectly manicured gardens. It has that quiet, romantic “old world France” feel, but still feels warm and approachable rather than overly formal.
There are plenty of château-style hotels in Provence, but what really sold us was their Family Suites. They offer two separate rooms connected by a galley-style walk-in closet, which was perfect for us. I know some families are totally fine all sharing a room, but we really value having a little separation at night after full days with the kids.
After getting settled, we headed straight to the pool where we swam, ordered lunch, and eased into Provence life before heading into Aix-en-Provence for a casual dinner.
DINNER RESERVATION: La Rotonde, Aix-en-Provence
I had the most incredible burger here—honestly not what I expected to rave about in France, but it was that good. The restaurant sits right in the center of town, so make sure you take a stroll after dinner when everything is glowing and lively.
DAY 8
EXPLORE PROVENCE
After breakfast at the hotel, we drove to the charming village of Lourmarin, home to the beautiful Château de Lourmarin. This 11th-century medieval fortress was later transformed in the 15th century and is now open for self-guided visits.
Our boys were very determined about wanting to see a “real castle” in France, and this absolutely delivered. It’s not overly large, which made it perfect with kids, and you can easily see everything in under 30 minutes. They also had a sweet little scavenger hunt that kept the boys engaged the entire time—honestly one of the best kid-friendly touches we came across.
Next, we headed to Château La Coste, an organic wine estate known for its sculpture park and multiple restaurants spread across the property. It was a hot day, so we skipped the art walk and went straight to lunch at L’Italien. We shared pizzas, the boys cooled off with lemonade, and my husband and I enjoyed a bottle of rosé while everything slowed down in that perfect Provence way.
Afterward, we went back to the hotel to swim and reset before dinner.
DINNER RESERVATION: L’Insolite, Lourmarin
Lourmarin completely stole our hearts. It’s one of those villages where everything feels effortlessly charming—stone streets, small shops, and people dining outside under string lights with live music drifting somewhere in the background. Dinner here felt relaxed but still special, and the whole atmosphere was just pure Provence magic.
DAY 9
EXPLORE PROVENCE
After breakfast, we drove to the village of Ansouis to wander its cobblestone streets and visit Église Saint-Martin d’Ansouis, a 13th-century medieval church tucked into the heart of the village. We also made a quick and very worthwhile stop at Pâtisserie Volpert for something sweet—definitely don’t skip this if you’re nearby.
From there, we continued to Château de la Gaude, a beautifully restored 18th-century estate that now operates as a hotel, winery, and art space. This property was stunning in every direction, and the boys especially loved the hedge maze—they could’ve run through it for an hour if we let them.
We had considered lunch here as well, which would be a great option, but we were feeling a bit tired, so we went back to the hotel for something light and spent the afternoon relaxing and letting the kids play in the château’s playroom, which was FANTASTIC and had so many different toys including an entire costume rack. Julian insisted on wearing his “knights armor” every evening.
DINNER RESERVATION: Restaurant Au Lavoir Cucuron, Cucuron
We originally had reservations elsewhere, but last minute decided to try walking into Au Lavoir instead—and I’m so glad we did. This might have been our most authentically French dining experience of the entire trip.
The restaurant is incredibly small and intimate, with just a handful of tables. You’re basically eating in the kitchen with the chef, who also happens to be your server and host. There’s no rush, no fuss—just beautifully simple food and a very personal, home-style approach to dining that makes the whole experience feel special in a completely different way.
DAY 10
EXPLORE PROVENCE
For our last full day, we tried to pack in a mix of exploring and slowing down. We drove about an hour to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a town known for its antique shops and famous weekend market. Since we visited on a weekday, the market wasn’t running, but there were still plenty of boutiques open and it was a great place to wander and shop at an easy pace.
Next, we headed to Gordes.
Gordes is one of those hilltop villages that feels almost unreal when you first see it. The stone buildings spill down the hillside in layers, overlooking sweeping views of the valley below. It’s incredibly photogenic, but also just has this quiet, lived-in beauty when you walk through the narrow streets. Even with the crowds, it still manages to feel special and worth the stop.
LUNCH RESERVATION: La Bastide de Pierres, Gordes
We made lunch our “main event” of the day and this was such a good call. The restaurant sits right in the heart of Gordes with a classic Provençal feel—linen tablecloths, outdoor seating, and that slow, lingering lunch atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you don’t feel rushed at all, even if you sit there for hours.
After exploring the village, we hopped back in our car and drove about 10 minutes to Abbaye de Sénanque, a working Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century known for its stunning lavender fields. The lavender wasn’t in full bloom yet, but the setting was still incredibly beautiful and a perfect spot to take some photos.
By 3PM the kids were done for the day, so we started making our way back to Château de Fonscolombe, but made sure to drive through the village of Roussillon along the way. Roussillon is famous for its dramatic ochre cliffs and warm, rust-colored buildings that make the entire village feel like it’s glowing in shades of red, orange, and gold. We didn’t stop for a full visit this time since the boys were over it, but even passing through was a treat.
Shortly after we got back, I received a DM from Audrey, a local photographer offering a complimentary family shoot. I told her we were leaving the next morning, but if she happened to be nearby and available, we’d love to meet at the hotel. It honestly felt like perfect timing—she was free and only about 30 minutes away.
Within an hour, we were outside the château doing photos, and even though the boys were in full overtired silly mode, she was amazing with them and somehow captured the sweetest moments. It turned into one of those unexpected highlights we’ll always be so glad we said yes to.
That evening, we had our final dinner at the hotel restaurant. We ordered the boys’ meals first so they could eat quickly and head off to the château playroom just a minute away. Once they were settled and playing, my husband and I actually got to enjoy a quiet dinner together—such a rare luxury and the perfect way to end our time in the South of France.
South of France Itinerary With Kids
