The French Riviera with Teens: Why I Can’t Wait to Go Back

The French Riviera had been on my wishlist for a long time, but I didn’t expect to fall for it quite as quickly as I did. I recently spent three nights there with my two teenage daughters and, even with a packed itinerary, I came home knowing one thing for certain: I’ll definitely be back. In just a few days we explored Nice Old Town, Menton, Monaco and the hilltop village of Saint‑Paul‑de‑Vence. Each place had its own personality and charm, and with so many beautiful spots lying so close together, it was tempting to try and squeeze in “just one more” every day.

Where we stayed: Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée

For our base, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée on the iconic Promenade des Anglais, and it was absolutely wonderful. The hotel has been recently refurbished throughout and it really shows: stylish, high‑end interiors, a light and airy feel, and all the comforts you want from a luxury city‑seaside stay. The location could not have been better for travelling with teenagers. We were directly opposite the beach, just a short stroll from Nice Old Town, and within easy reach of shops, cafés and restaurants. It made it incredibly easy to head out exploring in the day, then wander back in the evening for a relaxed dinner or sunset walk along the seafront. Choosing the right hotel really can elevate your holiday from “great” to “unforgettable”, and this stay was a perfect reminder of that.

How we spent our three nights

Even though our time was short, we made the most of every day:

• Nice Old Town: Colourful facades, winding streets, local markets and plenty of places to stop for an ice cream or a coffee. It has a lovely, lived‑in feel that my daughters really enjoyed.
• Menton: A softer, pastel‑coloured town right by the Italian border, with pretty squares and sea views. It feels a little more laid‑back compared to some of the busier resorts.
• Monaco: Glamorous, polished and fascinating to wander around, especially if you enjoy people‑watching, marinas and a touch of “how the other half live”!
• Saint‑Paul‑de‑Vence: A beautiful medieval hilltop village with cobbled lanes, art galleries and sweeping views. It felt like stepping into a painting and was a real highlight of the trip.

Travelling with teenagers, the mix of beach time, city buzz and day trips worked brilliantly. There was always something new to see, but the distances were short enough that we never felt we were spending all day in transit.

What this trip taught me

Even as a travel professional, every trip teaches me something new. Here are a few of the key lessons I took away from our three nights on the Riviera.

• 1. Consider travelling in shoulder season. We travelled in peak season, which meant a buzzing atmosphere but also busy streets and popular spots booking up quickly. Next time, I’d love to experience the Riviera in shoulder season when it is a little quieter and easier to soak in the atmosphere without quite so many crowds. If your dates are flexible, spring and early autumn can be a fantastic sweet spot: warm enough for beach days and al fresco dinners, but calmer and often better value too.
• 2. Stay longer than you think you need. Three nights gave us a wonderful taster, but it also made it very clear that there is so much more to see and do. With so many beautiful places clustered together, you will almost certainly find yourself wanting “just one more day” to discover another town, take a boat trip, linger over lunch or simply relax by the pool. If you can, I would recommend allowing at least five to seven nights, especially if you want a balance of exploring and downtime.
• 3. Pre‑book the special spots. If there is a particular beach club or restaurant you have your heart set on, do not leave it until you arrive. The most sought‑after places on the Riviera can book up well in advance, particularly in high season. In our case, the beach club we visited was fully booked for the entire summer. Thanks to the hotel concierge, who arranged everything for us before we travelled, we ended up with a front‑row spot looking straight out over the water. It was one of those moments where everything just came together beautifully, and it happened because we planned ahead.
• 4. The right hotel makes all the difference. Our experience at the Palais de la Méditerranée is a perfect example of how the right hotel can transform a short break. From the upgraded interiors and premium feel to the fantastic location and helpful concierge team, it added an extra layer of ease and indulgence to our stay. Having support on the ground, in the form of a good concierge or local host, can open doors that are hard to access on your own: fully booked venues, insider recommendations and seamless arrangements that you do not have to worry about once you are there.

Why I love sharing these experiences with my clients

One of the things I love most about being a travel consultant is being able to share these little details and first‑hand insights with my clients. It is not just about finding flights and a hotel, it is about helping you choose the right base, travel at the right time and secure those extra touches that make your holiday feel truly special.

From recommending which towns to combine, to suggesting the best time of year for your style of travel, to pre‑booking your beach clubs and restaurants so you do not miss out: these are exactly the sorts of things I can take care of for you. If the French Riviera is on your list, I would be delighted to help you plan a stay that suits you perfectly, whether you are travelling as a couple, a family with teens like us, or a group of friends looking for chic coastal escapes and long, lazy lunches by the sea. French Riviera, I will definitely be back. And if you are ready to discover it for yourself, I would love to help you start planning.