Côte d'Azur Part 2: Cannes, Nice, Menton & Monaco

A new generation of travelers has been growing in recent years. Travel is no longer just about relaxation, vacations and fun, but rather about broadening your horizons and mindset and developing your personality. What a few decades ago was reserved for a few bold ones, is now accessible to many who have a little courage for adventure.

Last year, we set ourselves the challenge of traveling the entire Italian and French Riviera from Austria with our small family in a VW bus. We wanted to test whether we could do without the comfort of hotels in this new constellation with children and family business. Above all, we wanted to avoid environmentally harmful air travel and expand our comfort zone.

It's great to go on a camping trip with friends, but when it comes to children and family needs, it becomes so much more complex. That's why many families miss out on it altogether in the early years of their child's life. We think that's a shame, because nowhere are you as close to people and a country as on a camping trip.

And of course the adrenaline level is high when you are trying to get through narrow Italian towns or search for a parking space. But that's exactly the magic of such a trip (and luckily there is fully comprehensive insurance, we definitely recommend the additional package if you are not traveling with your own car to save nerves ;)

As we had already traveled to the area around Cannes two decades ago, we were naturally curious to see what had changed in the meantime. We had a particularly intense impression of Monaco, which is much more affected by the influx of tourists than it used to be. We therefore recommend a walking tour (there is a huge parking garage near the palace/oceanographic museum). The museum is of course a highlight for children and the view is indescribable.

For overnight stays with a camper, we recommend the peninsula around Saint Tropez (see previous blog on this area). Cannes is a highlight, especially during the festival season if you can get tickets, but it's also a great place for a day at the beach. What we particularly love about Nice is the magnificent market and strolling along the beach promenade. Menton, the “city of lemons”, is famous for its unique works of art made from the fruit that grows so wonderfully here. You should plan at least a whole day for each of the towns to really enjoy the flair. Next week, we'll tell you more about our experiences camping on the French & Italian Riviera and share tips for mindful traveling with small children.