OUTDOOR FAMILY ACTIVITIES ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA:

FAMILY PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS…

Once you have reserved your holiday villa on the Cote d’Azur, it is time to start planning your holiday activities. If you have not yet decided on your holiday property, please contact us, we would be happy to suggest properties that suit your requirements and budget. We look forward to helping you choose your holiday accommodation and give you details on the area you will be visiting.

You will want to take advantage of the wonderful weather on the French Riviera and plan outdoor activities for you and your family. The Cote d’Azur has many wonderful nature parks that have lots of space to run around and explore, bring a picnic lunch, hike along walking trails, kick a ball around or just relax. Many also have children’s outside playgrounds and activities.

Most of the villages and towns have a playground area for smaller children. For example, Valbonne has 2 such areas; the larger is located next to the maternelle school and post office at the top of the village and the other is located at the bottom of the village, around the corner from the Historical church. The village of Valbonne is approx. a 20 minute walk from certain of our holiday villas, such as Villa Peyrebelle, Villa La Garaigue and Villa ValbonneVillage (which is actually located directly in the center of this charming village).

Nature parks and playgrounds …

1.  Parc Phoenix:  This beautiful Park has much to offer; located at 405 Promenade des Anglais in Nice, it is opposite the Seaside, just before the Airport as you come from Nice center. There is a botanic garden, and indoor dome with birds, butterflies and reptiles, an outside animal exposition, beautiful manicured gardens, large playground area, grassy areas for picnics, a café, restaurant, train ride, musical fountains, and sometimes even inflated bouncy castles. Well worth the entrance fee of Euros 2 per person (over the age of 12).

2.  Parc Naturel de Vaugrenier:   Located across the beaches of Villeneuve Loubet/Biot this is a wonderful park, no entrance fee. There is a great enclosed playground for children, a duck pond, open grassy areas for picnic or ball games and trails and a fitness track. It is located off of the RN7 just outside Villeneuve Loubet on the way towards Biot.

3.  Parc Naturel Valmasque:   Located slightly inland in Sophia Antipolis, this park is ideal for walks or bike rides in the nature. There is also a large enclosed playground and a 1.4 km fitness trail. There are many car parks along the route de la Valmasque, so it is easily accessible.

4.  Nice Promenade and Cannes Croisette: These well known towns have wonderful promenades along their beaches and the entire bays. On the Cannes Croisette, towards the marina on the East side of the Croisette, is a great playground for smaller children (fun up to age 10 approx.). Right next to this playground is a small amusement park with some games, rides and a trampoline jumping area.

At the East end of Promenade des Anglais, overlooking Nice harbor, is the Parc du Chateau. It can be reached by car, foot or the miniature train which leaves from the Promenade des Anglais. Located high on the hill, it has breathtaking views of over Nice, large play area and historical ruins.

In addition to these playground areas, the Cannes Croisettte and Nice Promenade are of course flat and smooth, so a great place to bring children’s bikes, rollerblades…