Côte d’Azur: Family Style
By Kimberley Lovato
There is no shortage of places to visit on the Côte d’Azur - a stretch
of coast in the South of France that extends from Menton, near the
Italian border, to Toulon, though some argue it may even stretch further
to encompass Cassis, near Marseille. It’s world famous for its
glitz and glamour, but the Cote d’Azur can also be a great place to take
the kids. For sun seekers and culture chasers, there are innumerous ways
to thrill and chill an entire family.
Aqualand
When you tire of the sandy beaches of Ste. Maxime and St. Tropez, head
to this water park located near Ste. Maxime, France. There is something
for everyone: Waterslides for all ages, a kiddy pool for
youngsters, sun bathing chairs for moms, a wave pool and a restaurant
all designed to make this a fun day out for the entire family. A two-day
pass allows entry into the larger and more thrilling park in nearby
Frejus. Open from June through September. Adults: 24€. Children
ages 3-12: 17.50€.
www.aqualand.fr/les-parcs,sainte_maxime.html
Ile De Pourquerolles
Porquerolles is the biggest of the three islands of Or in the Hyères
gulf. Located between Marseille and St. Tropez, this 7km long and 3km
wide island is the most popular. It enjoys year-round sunshine (more
than 300 sunny days a year), with mild winters and hot summers.
The island is completely car-free making it a family destination that’s
perfect for hiking, walking and bike riding. Bike rental shops are found
in the village and there are long stretches of beaches and quaint cafes
and inns not far from the port. On the other side of the island
are beautiful cliffs, turquoise calanques, and a lighthouse. There
is even a Michelin-star gourmet restaurant at Le Mas de Langoustier, a
hotel that welcomes families. Access to the island is by 20-minute
ferry ride from La Tour Fondue where you can leave your car. Or, take a
longer 2.5 hour journey from the port of Ste Maxime.
www.provenceweb.fr/e/var/porquerolles/porquerolles.htm
Zoo Cap Ferrat
Once the domain of King
Leopold II of Belgium, Cap Ferrat, located near Nice between
Villefranche and Beaulieu, is now graced with a number of magnificent
villas and vistas that rival any on the Cote d’Azur. Among the high-end
hotels is the Zoo Cap Ferrat – this activity is sure to please your
youngsters. The zoo is small, (3 hectares) neat, green and shady. With
500 animals of different species, children will love that most of the
animals could be hand-fed and there are clear signs when it is
forbidden. There is even a gated in petting zoo (though the goats
are smart enough to get out). Nothing says family fun like trying
to herd goats back into their pen! Open year-round. Adults:
15€, Children ages 3-9: 11€.
www.zoocapferrat.com
Grasse Perfume Factories
If you are looking for a reprieve from the heat and crowds of the coast,
head towards the hills. Just 20 minutes drive from Cannes, 30
minutes from Nice and only 30 minutes drive from a stunning and family
friendly property in the hills, Le Mas de Pierre, the medieval village
of Grasse is considered the perfume capital of the world, and rightfully
so. Perfume has been created here for four centuries. There
is a perfume museum here where you can see perfume bottles dating back
to the Romans. Be sure to check out the local perfumeries where tours in
English demonstrate the art of creating scent. Perfume is also for
sale. The three most popular are Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard.
Two major festivals throughout the year pay tribute to Grasse's most
important commodity - flowers. The Fête du Jasmin is held in August
while the International Rose Festival takes place in May. Perhaps
Grasse’s most famous export is Chanel No.5, the best-selling perfume in
the world whose principal ingredients are the May rose, jasmine, and a
synthetic musk. A few years ago jasmine production in Grasse was damaged
by bad weather and Chanel bought their own farm in the area as a
precaution. It now produces 20 tons of jasmine and 50 tons of May rose
annually, exclusively for Chanel.
www.provenceweb.fr/e/alpmarit/grasse/grasse.htm
Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium of Monaco
Inaugurated in 1910 by its founder, Prince Albert I, this stunning
museum of marine sciences is a monumental architectural masterpiece that
rises majestically above the sea to a height of 279 feet. It took 11
years to build, using 100,000 tons of stone from nearby La Turbie. With
4,000 species of fish and over 200 families of invertebrates, the
aquarium is now an authority on the Mediterranean and tropical marine
ecosystem. Its latest addition, the “Shark Lagoon”, shows off the colors
of the coral reef and its inhabitants. The 1st floor has hundreds of
preserved specimens and reassembled skeletons including that of a baleen
whale. Open year-round. Adults: 12.50€. Children ages
6-18: 6€.
www.visitmonaco.com
Larvotto Beach, Monaco
Monaco may be reputed for its “Grace”-ful Hollywood-turned-royal
princess and its James Bond casino, but families are more than welcome
in this small, jewelry box-esque principality. Just head to
Larvotto beach and see for yourself. Families can easily spend a
whole day soaking up the sun on one of the private beaches and
restaurants. La Note Bleue has drawing tables and a play area for the
younger children, and ping-pong and foosball for those a little older.
In the evening, they often have live music. Neptune Plage has a small
play area and La Spiaggia has foosball and climbing frames. Along
the same stretch of beach, there is also a kids club, called Mini-Club,
where children ages 3-12 will be watched and entertained for half or
full days while parents enjoy some couple time in Monaco.
The mini-club is open only on weekdays throughout July and August.
Enrollment is directly at the club but they require vaccination
information so plan accordingly. Plage du Larvotto, Avenue Princesse
Grace, Monaco.
www.visitmonaco.com
Travel is more pleasant for everyone when you have a comfortable home
base. For information on family-friendly accommodations on the Côte
d’Azur, visit Ciao Bambino -
www.ciaobambino.com - a comprehensive guide to worldwide,
family-friendly vacation properties including hotels, resorts, villas,
and apartments catering to families with kids of all ages.
