🗺️ Where to go with children in France: comparing sea and ocean resorts

France gives families four different coastlines: the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, the English Channel, and Corsica.

Each one follows its own rules, and that determines what a vacation with a child will be like. On the Croisette promenade in Cannes you can walk 3 km along the sand and shop windows (as of 09/2026, regional tourist office). The Promenade des Anglais in Nice is almost twice as long, about 7 km (as of 09/2026, Nice tourist office).

Choosing is hard not because of the number of places, but because of the climate differences. September in Corsica and September in Cabourg feel like two different seasons. Below are twelve resorts, from the French Riviera to Corsica, with honest strengths and weak points for each.

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How to choose a resort for a family vacation

💡 In short: the French coast splits into four regions, and the easiest way to choose is by water temperature, wave character, and season.

The Mediterranean (Cannes, Nice, Saint-Tropez, Mandelieu-la-Napoule) offers a long season and warm water.
The Atlantic (Biarritz, Arcachon, Soulac-sur-Mer, La Baule) brings waves and iodine-rich air.
The English Channel (Cabourg, Dinard) suits families with toddlers: there are almost no high waves, and the water entry is gentle.
Corsica (Porticcio, Ajaccio) combines a warm sea with a short drive to the mountains.
Beach infrastructure and swimming season: 09/2026, according to French tourist offices

Resort	Coast	Swimming season	Who it's for
Cannes	Mediterranean	May-October	city vacation with ready-made infrastructure
Nice	Mediterranean	May-September	sea plus museums and walks
Saint-Tropez	Mediterranean	May-October	teenagers and water sports
Biarritz	Atlantic	June-September	surfing and active families
Cabourg	English Channel	June-September	families with children under seven
Mandelieu-la-Napoule	Mediterranean	May-October	sailing school next to the hotel
Dinard	English Channel	June-September	thalassotherapy course for adults
La Baule	Atlantic	June-September	restorative vacation
Arcachon	Atlantic	June-September	dunes, pine trees, and calm water
Soulac-sur-Mer	Atlantic	June-September	toddlers and architecture lovers
Porticcio	Corsica	May-October	warm sea and mountains nearby
Ajaccio	Corsica	May-October	warm autumn by the sea

Below, each resort is broken down individually: what the water is like, where to stay, and what to do with children.

1. Cannes

Cannes sits on the shore of the Bay of Napoule and lives to the rhythm of film festivals, yachts, and shop windows. The beaches here are sandy, the entry into the water is gentle, so swimming is relaxed. The Croisette divides the city into two strips: sand and sea on one side, hotels and boutiques on the other. You can walk from the Palais des Festivals to Port Canto in about 30-40 minutes.

Yachts in Cannes harbor with the old town in the background

The Plage du Martinez and Inter Continental Carlton Beach areas offer loungers, cafes, and play areas right by the water, and the hotels have pools and slides for toddlers. Between swims, take a boat to the Lérins Islands or a walk through the old quarter of Le Suquet.

Beaches: sandy, with a gentle entry and lifeguards in season.
When to go: from May to October, the water warms up by June.
Who it's for: families who want a city vacation without a car.

prices at Carlton Cannes on Trip.com

2. Nice

Nice occupies the shores of the Bay of Angels at the foot of the Maritime Alps. The dry air and mild winters made the city a therapeutic destination back in the 19th century, when European aristocrats came here. St. Nicholas Cathedral was built with money from Nicholas II, and it is one of the city's landmarks.

Tram tracks on Avenue Jean Médecin in Nice

Along the promenade you'll find hotels, cafes, and water sports rentals. Kids can join swimming and windsurfing classes, while adults have access to diagnostics and therapeutic treatments at local centers. With little ones, choose morning hours before the sun heats up the air. In February, the city fills with a carnival featuring flower parades. If the weather turns bad, take the family to the Matisse Museum: it houses the largest collection of his works.

Who it's for: parents who want to combine the sea and museums.
When to go: from May to September; in winter only a hardy child goes swimming.
Beaches: city beaches, with rentals and lifeguard stations.

hotels in Nice on Trip.com

3. Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez occupies a peninsula on the Mediterranean coast and ranks among the country's elite resorts. Sandy beaches and pine groves cover the peninsula, while villas belonging to actors and artists line the shore. The town grew after several famous films were shot here.

Panorama of Saint-Tropez with harbor and yachts

The best beach areas for families: Cap Camarat Bon-Terras, Plage de Tahiti, and Cap Saint-Pierre. All of them offer rentals for windsurfing, yachting, and water skiing. With kids, visit the Butterfly House and the Maritime Museum in the 17th-century citadel, where old ships and weapons are on display. You can also swim in hotel pools.

Beaches: sandy, some areas with rentals and lifeguards.
Who it's for: families with teenagers interested in water sports.
Location: a peninsula; getting between beaches is easier by car or bike.

hotels in Saint-Tropez on Trip.com

4. Biarritz

Biarritz grew up on the site of a whaling village and looks directly out onto the Bay of Biscay. A lighthouse separates the Silver Coast from the coves among the Pyrenees cliffs, and the city's symbol, the Rocher de la Vierge rock, stands right at the water's edge. The beaches Grande Plage, Miramar, Milady, and Côte des Basques offer different swimming experiences, from calm to sporty.

Local centers offer thalassotherapy, various types of massage, and baths with mineral water from the Briscous springs. The iodine-rich air and sunshine help children get stronger in a couple of weeks. The Atlantic waves have turned the city into a surfing hub, so bring a board or sign your child up for a school.

Who it's for: active families and teenagers who want to get on a board.
When to go: from June to September; the ocean water is cool.
The catch: in autumn, the waves near the shore are manageable only for experienced surfers.

hotels in Biarritz on Trip.com

5. Cabourg

Cabourg sits on the English Channel coast, and that is its main advantage: there are no high waves here. Two wide beaches and calm water let little ones splash near the shore for hours. The city's recreation areas have playgrounds, and spa centers operate nearby.

Wide sandy beach and promenade of Cabourg

For adults and teenagers, the city offers a racing track, golf, a skate park, a yacht club, and water skiing. Horse racing holds a special place: at the local racetrack, races run from spring to autumn, and you can watch them from the stands or from a restaurant. You can stay at the Grand Hotel, opened in 1907. The Marcel Proust Promenade remembers the writer, who spent summers here before World War I, and during the romantic film festival, actors are welcomed there.

Who it's for: families with children under seven and anyone who doesn't like waves.
When to go: from June to September; the channel water warms up later than in the south.
The catch: the season is shorter than on the Mediterranean.

hotels in Cabourg on Trip.com

6. Mandelieu-la-Napoule

Mandelieu-la-Napoule connects the French Riviera with mimosa, golf, and sailing. The city holds the status of a sailing center, so yachts constantly move through the bays, with convenient moorings set up for them. Golf courses and mimosa thickets spread between the sandy beaches of secluded coves.

Panorama of Mandelieu-la-Napoule with marina and mountains

Everything is set up for children here: the sea, a children's pool, and short walks in the surrounding area. A visit to the old Château de La Napoule adds history and a view of the bay to your beach holiday. In spring you'll catch the blooming of mimosa, the city's symbol, and in summer you can try windsurfing, diving, and yacht trips.

Beaches: sandy, some in coves with clear water.
Who it's for: families who need a sailing school near their hotel.
When to go: from May to October.

hotels in Mandelieu-la-Napoule on Trip.com

7. Dinard

Dinard grew up around sea and seaweed treatments. Modern thalassotherapy centers operate here, and the town itself is considered one of Europe's leading balneological resorts. At these centers, guests can enjoy Turkish and Finnish baths, a jacuzzi pool, and mud wraps using seabed silt.

Dinard, view of the town and rocky coast from the sea

Plage de l'Écluse sits right next to the town center, surrounded by Victorian-era villas. The Villa Eugénie houses a museum that tells the story of Dinard. There are dedicated areas and short wellness programs for children. You can alternate swimming with walks along the rocky coastline and trips inland to Brittany, where medieval abbeys still stand.

Who it's for: families where the adults need a thalassotherapy course.
When to go: June through September, the ocean is invigorating even in summer.
The catch: few beaches in the center, you'll have to drive for wide stretches of sand.

hotels in Dinard on Trip.com

8. La Baule

La Baule spreads across southern Brittany along the Bay of Biscay. The sandy strip runs for many kilometers, and parks rustle between the buildings and the water. The ocean is felt everywhere, and it sets the rhythm for the entire vacation.

Sandy beach of La Baule with promenade and houses

The resort is known for its large thalassotherapy centers. One of them operates at the Royal hotel and welcomes guests with back pain, chronic fatigue, and excess weight. The Thalasso Baule-les-Pins center has a seawater pool, hydromassage baths, baths and saunas, and its programs are designed for different ages. Pine plantings protect the town from sand and make the air therapeutic. With kids, you'll ride catamarans and water skis.

Who it's for: families who combine vacation with recovery.
When to go: June through September.

hotels in La Baule on Trip.com

9. Arcachon

Arcachon sits on the shore of the bay of the same name on the Atlantic Ocean. The climate here is therapeutic: clean water, pine forests, sea air, and plenty of sun. Parks, flower gardens, and promenade boulevards complete the landscape.

Aerial view of Le Moulleau and Arcachon Bay

Nearby rises the Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe. It is almost 3 km long and reaches 106 m in height (as of 09/2026, official Grand Site website). It's best to climb early in the morning, before the sand heats up. In town, the Sainte-Anne des Abatilles mineral spring is worth seeing. Arcachon is called the oyster capital, and that's another reason to stay for dinner.

The catch: the bay beaches don't have loungers and umbrellas, bring your own towels and a mat.
Who it's for: families who want dunes, pines, and calm water.

hotels in Arcachon on Trip.com

10. Soulac-sur-Mer

Soulac-sur-Mer lies on the Atlantic coast in the Aquitaine region. The central beach stretches along the ocean, and the water stays clean even at the height of the season. Cozy hotels, restaurants, and shopping streets make the town convenient for a long stay.

Street in Soulac-sur-Mer with villas and pine trees

On the water you'll find catamarans and water skis, while on land there are pools and children's wellness programs. The old quarters have preserved around five hundred 19th-century villas, and the Notre-Dame-de-la-fin-des-Terres basilica was built in the 12th century and is listed by UNESCO (as of 09/2026, Gironde Tourisme).

Who it's for: families with young children and architecture lovers.
When to go: June through September.

hotels in Soulac-sur-Mer on Trip.com

11. Porticcio

Porticcio occupies the south of Corsica and looks out over turquoise bays. White beaches and clean water receive the Blue Flag every year: the award goes to beaches and ports with a well-designed sustainable tourism policy (as of 09/2026, Pavillon Bleu).

View from the sea of the Porticcio shore and mountains

Swimming here goes hand in hand with activity: water skiing, boat trips, diving, and games on land. Hotels have pools with slides, and playgrounds and entertainment programs fill the day. Adults should try Corsican cuisine and book a tour of Napoleon-related sites.

Who it's for: families who want a warm sea and a short drive to the mountains.
When to go: from May to October, with September being especially pleasant.

hotels in Porticcio on Trip.com

12. Ajaccio

Winter in Ajaccio is mild, although light frosts do happen here too. Summer days are hot, and in the evenings the square, the seafront, and the narrow streets fill with music. Many consider September the best time, when the heat eases but the water stays warm.

Panorama of Ajaccio port and promenade with palm trees

More than two dozen beaches hide in turquoise bays beneath the cliffs. You can rent water sports equipment right on the shore. The city's infrastructure is geared toward family vacations, and tours of Napoleon-related sites will explain why squares, streets, fountains, and parks are named after him. Ajaccio remains the capital of Corsica, and the old town has preserved Catholic churches, palaces, and the remains of the citadel. The ferry arrives at the port several times a day. You can fly to the island via Ajaccio airport.

Who it's for: families who want a warm autumn by the sea.
When to go: from May to October, best in September and early October.

hotels in Ajaccio on Trip.com

Resorts in France on the map

All the resorts from the list are marked on the map. This way you can estimate how far it is from the English Channel to Corsica and which coast to choose for your first trip.

French resorts for family holidays with kids

Places on the map

1Cannes Promenade de la Croisette and gently sloping beaches of Napoule Bay
2Nice Bay of Angels, the Matisse Museum and city beaches
3Saint-Tropez Upscale peninsula with sandy beaches and villas
4Biarritz Surfing hub on the Bay of Biscay, thalassotherapy
5Cabourg English Channel beaches without big waves, for kids up to seven
6Mandelieu-la-Napoule Sailing centre with mimosa and a castle
7Dinard Balneological resort with thalassotherapy on the Channel
8La Baule Long sandy stretch on the Bay of Biscay and thalasso centres
9Arcachon Bay next to the Pilat dune, calm water and pines
10Soulac-sur-Mer Atlantic beach with 19th-century villas and a UNESCO basilica
11Porticcio South of Corsica, "Blue Flag" and turquoise bays
12Ajaccio Corsica's capital with a warm autumn and Napoleon sites

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to France with children?

From late May to September. On the Mediterranean, the water warms up by June and stays warm until October. On the Atlantic and the English Channel, the season is shorter, but July and August offer the most comfortable evenings. If you're going for the sea and sightseeing, September is often more convenient than July: the heat eases while the water stays warm.

Where is the sea warmest?

On Corsica and the French Riviera. Porticcio and Ajaccio have the warmest water, while Cannes, Nice, and Saint-Tropez keep it warm almost as long. The Atlantic resorts of Biarritz, Arcachon, Soulac-sur-Mer, and La Baule warm up more slowly, but the air there is rich in iodine. On the English Channel, the water is cooler, but there are almost no waves.

Where to go with toddlers?

To Cabourg. The resort sits on the English Channel, where there are no high waves and the water entry is gentle. In Dinard, there are few beaches in the center, so you'll need to drive for wide sand. Arcachon adds calm bay water and a dune right next to the beach. If your child is older and a confident swimmer, choose the Mediterranean: Cannes and Mandelieu-la-Napoule offer sand and ready-made infrastructure.

What to do with children if the weather turns bad?

Explore the city. In Nice, the Matisse Museum is open; in Saint-Tropez, the Butterfly House and the Maritime Museum in the old fortress are open; in Dinard, the city history museum occupies the Villa Eugénie. In Biarritz, teenagers head to surf schools, while adults go to thalassotherapy centers. Rain on the Atlantic coast is usually short, and by evening the beaches are working again.

Do you need a car at the resort?

Not necessarily. In Cannes, Nice, and Ajaccio, you can walk to the beach and museums, and reach neighboring towns by train or bus. A car is useful for La Baule, Cabourg, and Saint-Tropez: there, it's easier to get to beaches and castles on your own. In the center of large resorts, parking is paid, so look for a spot near your hotel.

In short: what to book

Twelve resorts are spread across four coasts, and the choice depends on your children's ages and the season.

If you have a toddler: choose Cabourg.
If your child is a confident swimmer and wants warmth: Cannes, Nice, or Mandelieu-la-Napoule.
If you want surfing: Biarritz.
If dunes and pine trees matter: Arcachon or Soulac-sur-Mer.
If you want a warm autumn and mountains: Porticcio or Ajaccio.
If the trip is for back recovery: Dinard or La Baule.

The easiest way to compare hotel prices for your dates is on Trip.com.

Where to go with children in France: Mediterranean, Atlantic and Corsica resorts