The French Riviera is the perfect playground for families during the summer. But what about the winter months? Is there enough to keep the children occupied when visiting in the ‘off-season’? From toddler to teenager, in this blog we explore the vast range of winter family activities you can enjoy in the South of France.
Discover a whole new world at the Oceanographic Museum
Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum is less than an hour’s drive from Parc du Cap and makes for a great day trip. The museum is renowned throughout the world for its expertise and has more than 6,000 sea fauna specimens on display. This means you can marvel at an expansive array of sharks, turtles, rays, seahorses, jellyfish, starfish, crabs, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, eels and cuttlefish, all day long.
As well as taking in the tropical and Mediterranean ocean dwellers, if they’re feeling brave the kids can get up close and personal with baby sharks in the touch tank. The museum is also home to the world’s largest collection of marine world curiosities, such as sea animal fossils, model ships and diving equipment. Furthermore, as the museum is located right on the water, you can round off the day by going for a scenic stroll to discuss everything you’ve seen.
Enjoy a thrilling adventure with various nature parks
Nothing beats getting out into nature on a sunny winter’s day. Luckily, being a resident of Parc du Cap, you are spoilt for choice on nature parks. For example, head 45 minutes’ north to Grasse and you’ll find Riviera Nature. This adventure park is open all-year-round and has numerous tree-top courses to suit all ages and abilities. Adults and kids alike will find themselves flying down zip lines or hanging about in the trees, up to 12 metres above the ground. For younger ones aged 4-6 there are two smaller courses. If you choose to make a day of it there are picnic tables and BBQs, and there are even cabins and treehouses for overnight stays.
Another great option is the Monts d’Azur Biological Reserve, which is proof you don’t have to visit Africa to go on Safari! Just 1 hour 15 minutes’ drive from Parc du Cap, this is a 700-hectare nature reserve wholly dedicated to more than 500 species of diverse wildlife – which roam totally free. These include European bison, wild horses, deer, wild boar and foxes, many of which are protected by international conventions. Explore this unique site through immersive safaris, such as guided walks and horse-drawn carriage rides.
For further nature park options, visit this website.
Find new foodie favourites with a cookery class
Bring the family together in a fun foodie experience that’ll have everyone licking their fingers in glee. There are several local cookery classes to choose from that will encourage the little ones into the kitchen, however for one that’s specifically geared towards a younger audience, try Spicy Lia.
Based in Antibes, Julia from Spicy Lia chooses recipes that make it as easy as possible for children to learn new dishes and have a go at different baking techniques. The two-hour classes are offered in English, French and German, and each month Julia has a different theme. This winter she will be hosting ‘Cakes for Christmas’ classes where the kids will have fun getting stuck into cake making, from the dough stage through to cutting techniques and decorating.
For more cookery classes visit this website. Who knows; these might even inspire the kids to give you a hand with dinner in future!
Learn to ski and explore nearby resorts
Cap d’Antibes is one of the few places where you can wake up on a clear winter’s day and be on the slopes within 90 minutes. What’s more, with Parc du Cap you can pack in a day’s skiing before returning that evening and marvelling at the mountains you’ve just been skiing down. Life doesn’t get better than that!
The French Alps are a breathtaking destination for families to ski together and have fun, surrounded by majestic mountains. Try the main Côte d’Azur ski resorts of Auron and Isola 2000 – the biggest and most popular, or Valberg which offers a truly traditional atmosphere. Families in particular will benefit from the smaller Gréolières-les-Neiges. Most resorts have multilingual instructors and those from the Ecole du Ski Français are trained to teach children from the age of three.
In addition to skiing, many resorts offer alternative activities like tobogganing, ice skating and swimming. And of course, there’s always the option to end your day on a mountainside restaurant with a traditional cheese fondue or huddled around a bonfire toasting marshmallows.
Race the family on Europe’s biggest kart track
Just 45 minutes’ drive from Parc du Cap is Fun-Kart in Le Bar-sur-Loup, one of the biggest karting circuits in Europe. Open to all ages, the kids can enjoy lessons or even compete ‘Grand Prix’ style against the rest of the family. Feel the adrenaline rush with a choice of four circuits across eight hectares. Open Wednesdays to Sundays until nightfall during the winter, there is also a road reserved specifically for little ones.
Get cosy and treat yourself at Parc du Cap
Parc du Cap residents have access to exceptionally high-standard facilities, right on their doorstep. Children can play in the heated indoor swimming pool or enjoy a pampering session in one of the treatment rooms. Meanwhile, parents can relax in the Zen Area, choosing from the Jacuzzi, Hammam or ice room. For families who like to stay fit there is a large, fully equipped gym as well as a flood-lit outdoor tennis court, with many existing residents ready to play a game or two.
When you add to all of the above: low airfare, cosy Christmas markets, hearty winter cuisine and general Mediterranean warmth, it’s easy to see why the Côte d’Azur is the ideal home away from home, all-year-round.
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