Family Friendly Nice: Easy Adventures from the Heart of the Riviera
Sunshine, Style and a Slice of the Riviera
Nice had always held a special place on our bucket list: the sun-swathed promenades lined with striped parasols, the pastel palette of the Old Town and its hidden gelato shops, the chic beach clubs and the thought of sipping a crisp French rosé. Add in the promise of warmth, even in spring, and it felt like a dream.
We finally made it when our eldest was two and I was pregnant with our second. It seemed like the perfect moment and it truly lived up to our hopes. From Liverpool, the flight was barely a blink: just over two hours in the air. Once we landed, the taxi transfer into the heart of Nice took around 15 minutes. Before we knew it, we were enveloped by the city.
We quickly realised that Nice was more than just a pretty backdrop. It felt clean, safe and walkable. In April, while back home the skies were grey and drizzly, we basked in sunshine and mild air. With Nice as our base, the French Riviera – charming villages and sparkling coastline – was all within effortless reach.
Getting Around: Stress Free Transport for Families
We stayed right next to the Port, not too far from the Old Town, which turned out to be the perfect base. Here is a link to our accommodation, where we stayed as a family of three.
Not only were we surrounded by the charm of winding streets, colourful buildings and lively cafés but we were also within easy reach of the city’s main train station, Nice-Ville.
From here, you can catch trains all along the Riviera. The station is about 1.5 km from the Old Town; we walked it every time, which took around 15 – 20 minutes. If you’d rather save little legs, hop on tram Line 1 (just 5 – 7 minutes) or grab an Uber for a quick 5 – minute journey.
Day Trips Made Easy: Exploring the Riviera by Train
The beauty of staying in Nice is how simple it is to hop on a train and discover the Riviera. The journey itself is part of the adventure, with windows framing glittering sea views, cliffs and colourful villages. Here are a few of our favourite escapes:
- Villefranche-sur-Mer -Only 5 – 7 minutes by train (€3 – €4 each way). A postcard perfect bay with colourful houses tumbling towards the sea.
- Monaco – About 20 – 25 minutes by train (€2 – €6). Luxe yachts, supercars, dramatic hillsides and of course the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo.
- Menton – Roughly 35 – 40 minutes (€4 – €9). Known as the “Pearl of France”, this colourful town near the Italian border is stunning.
- Antibes – Around 20 – 25 minutes (€3 – €8). A lovely mix of sandy beaches, a bustling marina and family friendly museums (like the Picasso Museum).
- Cannes – About 35 – 40 minutes (€4 – €10). Palm lined boulevards, golden beaches and a hint of movie star glamour.
Family Fun in Nice: Beaches, Parks and Playtime
When you’re not riding the rails along the Riviera, Nice itself has plenty to keep families busy.
The Promenade des Anglais is just a short stroll from the Old Town. Cross Place Masséna and you’ll find yourself on the famous seafront, perfect for scooters, pushchairs, or just soaking up the view. The beaches are mostly pebbled, so pack water shoes or comfy sandals or get creative and let the kids paint a few pebbles with a mini travel watercolour set!
Just as close is the Promenade du Paillon, a green oasis with fountains to splash in, shaded seating, and multiple playgrounds – ideal for downtime or a picnic break.
For sweeping views, head up to Castle Hill. The climb takes about 10 – 15 minutes (or you can take the lift when it’s in service). At the top you’ll find a playground, shady spots for a picnic and panoramic views of the bay. We went at sunset and it was magical!
Right in the heart of the Old Town is Cours Saleya Market. Full with flowers and fresh produce, it’s not to be missed.
Gelato stops are everywhere, so little ones can be bribed happily.
Finally, a 10 – 15 minute walk along the seafront brings you to the Port of Nice (Port Lympia). It’s perfect for boat watching with a gelato in hand and feels quieter than the Old Town. Just around the corner is the famous Le Plongeoir, a restaurant perched dramatically on the rocks – such a treat for parents if you can sneak in a cocktail with a view.
Why Nice Works So Well for Families
Nice was, without a doubt, one of our best city breaks with a toddler. It is actually one we are looking to do again! It felt safe, friendly and compact. Even at six months pregnant, I managed to keep up with the walking – the flat, pedestrian friendly streets really helped. The weather in April was a gift: warm enough for sunshine and vitamin D, without the discomfort of summer heat.
The affordable and accessible train service meant we could mix relaxing days in Nice with adventures further afield. For us, that blend of old town culture, seaside fun and easy day trips was exactly what we needed. Every day felt like a ‘choose your own adventure’: explore, relax or do both.
Best of all, Nice gave us built in downtime. Between the parks and the beach, our toddler had plenty of chances to recharge – which meant he was energised and ready to go when it was time for another adventure!
And if you’re nervous about city breaks with little ones, the short flight and quick transfer make Nice an easy win. It’s a destination that combines exploration with practicality and it worked out so well for us.
See More of Our Trip
Want to see more snapshots of our Riviera adventure? Head to Instagram: @little_family_diaries_ where I share reels, tips and plenty of behind the scenes family travel moments.
If you’re planning your own trip to Nice (or thinking about it!), drop me a message – I’d love to hear your questions or your own experiences of the French Riviera.