South of France with Kids: A Travel Guide
Port Pin Beach in Parc National des Calanques
We recently explored the coastline between Marseille and Nice with our two daughters, ages 4 and 7, and had the most incredible summer vacation. From off-the-beaten-path beaches to glitzy beach clubs, we researched the best places to eat, drink, and stay for your next family trip to the South of France.
Marseille port as dusk
Marseille
Marseille is a large city that has recently shed its reputation as a large port town that’s only good for a stopover on your way in or out of Provence. We found this beautiful city to be well worth exploring on its own.
Stay: Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites This apartment-style hotel has a lobby right on the bustling port, but our actual suite was a couple blocks away from the port on a quiet side street right next to some of the best shopping in Marseille. The suite was perfect for a family of four with one bedroom with a king bed, a pull-out queen sofa in the living room, plus a full kitchen and dining table.
Eat: Entre Terre et Mer has a simple, but delicious menu of raw shellfish and charcuterie. It’s also located on a bustling pedestrian street with some great people-watching. For a wonderful prefix dinner, try La Mercerie, and be sure to also stop by the bakery next door, Petrin Couchette.
Do: Shop til you drop on the side streets next to the port. There are some wonderful high-end stores, think Isabel Marant, Petite Bateau, and local boutiques like Lulli. Be sure to check out Maison Empereur, the oldest hardware store in France, that is choc-full of gifts and other oddities. Be sure to also check out the mirrored-marvel that is Vieux Port Pavilion.
The charming town of Cassis
Cassis
Cassis is an incredible town where we had the privilege of an extended stay. Read our full guide on Cassis here.
Dining with feet in the sand at Welcome Beach in Le Lavandou
Hyeres/Le Lavandou
Stay: Hotel Domaine de la Mer in Hyeres enjoys a stunning setting on a sandy beach.
Eat: Eat with your toes in the stand at Welcome Beach in Le Lavandou.
Do: From Hyeres, you can easily access Porquerolles, a quaint island off the coast, described as the Nantucket of France. This is a car-free island, so be sure to rent a bike when you get off the ferry.
Views from Hotel La Villa Douce
Canadel Sur Mer
Stay: Hotel La Villa Douce has stunning views across the Gulf of St. Tropez and a delicious restaurant to boot. While not directly on the beach, there is a complimentary car service that will shuttle you to the beaches in the area. Additionally, this hotel is great for families with two-bedroom suites (with bunk beds that our girls loved) available.
Eat: Tropicana Club is a wonderful restaurant and beach club on Rayol-Canadel-Sur-Mer Beach. There is a kid’s menu and beautiful views of the bay.
Do: In the summer, there is no better way to spend the day than at the beach. There are lots of great beaches to explore nearby. The biking and hiking here are also top notch.
Beach club Jardin Tropezina in Saint Tropez
St. Tropez
Stay: Airelles Château de la Messardière is a stunning property overlooking the Gulf of St. Tropez. There is a wonderful kid’s club that is also available to non-guests.
Eat: Jardin Topezina, in a beautiful setting overlooking the ocean, has a wonderful lunch and dinner menu and can easily accommodate children of all ages. Gigi Restaurant has it’s own dedicated kid’s circus to entertain your children while you have a leaisurely lunch by the pool. Note: Gigi’s is one of the few restaurants on Pampelonne Beach that doesn’t actually overlook the beach. The stunning pool and kid’s club make up for the lack of ocean views though.
Do: The farmer’s market on Saturday can be a total zoo, but definitely worth checking out early before the crowds descend. A beach club in St. Tropez is also a must. We found Club 55 and Jardin Tropezina to be the most kid-friendly.
Tips: All of the restaurants mentioned are suited for children, but that doesn’t mean you will find the traditional kid’s menus you may be used to in the U.S. The kid’s menu are usually limited to one or two options, that are generally healthier than the fried options you may find in restaurants in the states. Think a piece of fish or pasta, french fries and vegetables, and a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
Note: It is difficult to find hotel rooms in the South of France that accommote large families. There are few options with pull-out couches or two double beds, but it is possible to find. The hotels we listed above can all accommodate families of four in one room, a bit of a rarity for the area.
