So we’ve been in Cannes for the last week after a blissful 6 days in Avignon where we’re returning on Thursday-and it must be said, holidaying by the coast with my kids is totally different to my usual champagne-fuelled film festival shenanigans (naturally)- but it’s been just as awesome (despite the constant urge to get booty shaking by night)!
Spending many a summer in the South of France as a child, I literally couldn’t wait to bring my own offspring here, and each year at the fest, I’d get all misty-eyed as I passed little ones bobbing up and down on the carousels on my way to a movie premiere-making this holiday a dream for me.
You see, because I’m always at the festival in April, the husband and I always choose somewhere else for our summer holiday and that my friends, in retrospect has been all kinds of silly, because Cannes is such a babe, it’s worth a bi-annual visit every year for sure.
And while I’m all for travelling the world and hope to hop around the globe to as many countries as possible en famille, Cannes will always have a special place in my heart…it’s somewhere I’ve made memories since I was a baby and now my kids are!
Cookies the size of your head are everything!
Now on to the meat (or beef carpaccio!) of my post… After sharing my piece on the things I’ve learnt on holiday in Avignon, I wanted to share more lessons racked up in Cannes.
I’ll be writing a big round-up travel post as per, bursting with pics of our holiday (standard) when I get back to Blighty of course (so get the pot of Earl Grey and Rich Teas at the ready for that one) but first…
Here are the things I’ve learnt on holiday with kids in Cannes-
1. Yes Cannes will always be synonymous with the film festival to me- and a lot of partying (hic)- but it’s also the perfect location for a family holiday with its pristine coastline, bright sunshine with a breeze thanks to the sea, playgrounds in the shade at every turn and the most delicious, child-friendly food… I’m not sure we’ve ever collectively eaten as many croissants!
2. Speaking of food…even in one of the culinary capitals of the world, I’ve learnt my kids will still ask for McDonald’s when they see one (because…kids)! To be fair, it was the best McDonald’s we’ve ever eaten (because…South of France)! Insert crying with laughter emoji!
3. Travelling by TGV to Cannes from Avignon was easy as apple pie (tarte de pommes). So speedy at just 2 hours 20 minutes, clean and with plenty of space on board, it was a joy to travel by train to the coast. We also nabbed First Class tickets for less than Standard (I know!) and the kids loved peering out of the window as we passed the Southern French countryside on our travels.
4. Kids want to buy everything they see (this much I knew) but in places like Cannes, those things are far pricier than pretty much anywhere else in the world… So, take the fairground in the centre of the Croissette for examp10-minuteminute play with an electric toy boat on a makeshift pond was 5 euros (!)- and with two kids, everything doubles too (eek). Food, drinks, ice cream, toy cars are definitely not cheap and while you can look around for deals at restaurants, or hit the supermarket for picnics, be prepared for spending le dosh!
5. The sea is EVERYTHING. I’m a total water baby and am happiest by the ocean. However in April/May during the fest, the sea here tends to be a little too cold for a dip, so it’s been utter bliss to enjoy the warm waves here and spend hours by the beach.
6. Siestas are the way forward people. If only it was hot enough to justify them in the UK hey. Having a midday snooze meant going out later at night and feeling like we got the most out of our day allowing us to enjoy the bright lights of Cannes by night- and that extortionate fair again (!)
7. Finally, I’ve learnt that I’d like to be a Kimye-style squillionaire please so my family and I can basically spend half the year in Cannes living the good life, ideally with our own yacht. Just putting it out there to the universe!!!
À bientôt for now folks, there’s a croissant with my name on it!
Pin it!
Buy my bestselling book in paperback or audio
Mumboss: The Honest Mum's Guide to Surviving and Thriving at Work and at Home
Available on Amazon or Audible
One day I will have pinched enough pennies to make the trans-Atlantic flight; until I will look at your wonderful pictures wistfully. #brillblogposts
Sounds lovely! I’ve only ever been to Cannes very briefly – literally a day trip – but would be nice to go for longer. #brilliantblogposts
Silly Mummy recently posted…Friday Frolics – 2nd September 2016
Such a lovely part of the world isn’t it. We have taken a few trips that way when our daughter was smaller and loved it. It must be a real joy to take the children to a place that is so close to your heart Vicki. I did laugh at the fair! Thank you for hosting #brillblogposts
Nicky Kentisbeer recently posted…Up On The Roof (Loft Conversion)
It really was, such a wonderful holiday xx
Sounds like you guys had an amazing time. That one about the mcdonalds – so true. Our little one asked for it in Dubai! Cant wait to see the round up post with pics, I bet theyll be amazing 🙂 Emily #BrilliantBlogPosts
Aw glad it’s not just my kids then! Will be sharing in the coming weeks and a vlog too! xx
Sounds (& looks) like you’re all having a fab time. I’ve never been to Cannes or the South of France might have to add to my list!
Sarah | Digital Motherhood recently posted…New Ted Baker Kids’ Bedding Range At Debenhams – Our Review
Ooh you must, you’ll love it. In London now before school starts on Tues x
Cannes is on my bucket list but with four children that would be 20 euros for a ten minute play! My cousin lives between Cannes and Nice, so maybe we might manage a trip soon! #brillblogposts
Wow that’s a lot of euros, you should def visit her, amazing part of the world and perfect for kids x
I love France – we used to spend our summers at Euro Camp! Not quite Cannes though ha ha. Looks amazing though, I’ve aways wanted to go! Thanks for sharing and hosting #brillblogposts
Aw bet it was totally fab! xx
I also spent many childhood summers in the south of France and have such happy memories. Would love to recreate with my own kids too. Sounds like you all had an amazing time #brillblogposts
So special when you’ve been to those places as a kid too huh, we’ve had a lovely holiday and really enjoying our London hols now before back to school next week x
Oh my, Cannes is one of my favourite places in the world! I love Villefranche too just down the coast. Lovely – glad you had an amazing time 🙂 #brillblogposts
Amy – No More Shoulds recently posted…I love my second child more
Gorgeous part of the world huh xx
The south of France is so beautiful but you are right tres expensive with kids in tow. I love the trains in Europe they are so much more civilised than the UK. #brillianblogposts
lynn @ More4mums recently posted…Not feeling the Love ? Bonding with Baby
Aw we love the trains in the UK too, been a fab trip and def worth the bucks. We were lucky that we were invited to Avingon by Eurostar as well and had the best time in Avignon, it’s been wonderful x
I want to vacation so bad right now! What a great family trip. I think I will also ask the universe to be kimye rich… You never k ow what the universe has in store!! Glad you had a great time!
Kim recently posted…7 Tips for Surviving the First Month with a Newborn
Haha so true, go ask girl, I am! Such a fab holiday 🙂
Thanks for sharing this. I’ve been to this beautiful part of the world lots as a singleton but not yet as a Mumma (or wife for that matter!) Would love my Little Miss to experience a trip there – she’ll be three next year. Not sure if that’s a bit too you to really appreciate it……? What are your thoughts? X
Mrs O (Candid Cake Club) recently posted…Keep it simple – a day in the park
No not too young, perfect for babies, I have been going since I was a baby, beautiful beaches, lovely restaurants and bistros, you can travel around if you want to Antibes, Grasse, St Tropez etc too- enjoy x
I’ve only ever been to Cannes on a day trip when staying further along the coast near Nice but I fell in love with the place, so beautiful. Gorgeous pics x
#Brillblogposts
Alana – Burnished Chaos recently posted…Monthly Bucket List – September 2016
Nice is beautiful too, such a wonderful part of the world x
Aww sounds amazing, fab photos! I haven’t been but I know a lot of people who go year after year and say its beautiful! We have managed to get away this year which is disappointing but fingers crossed for next year! 🙂
#brillblogposts
becca farrelly recently posted…The Body Confidence Program Intro Review
It’s a lovely part of the world, fingers crossed for next year, we love staycations at home too, some of our best hols have been in the UK x
looks like you had a fab time. lol re macDonalds 🙂 id never think of Cannes as a family place but this is great to read 🙂 fab tips #brillblogposts
Emma me and b make tea recently posted…The Cove – Start of Dolphin Hunting Season
Wonderful for families, so many there when we were-pristine beaches and such a stunning place xx
It looks truly amazing. What stunning beaches. I’d never have thought to take kids there. I always thought of it about the film festival and all that jazz. I’ve never thought about it from a family point of you. It looks lovely and definitely somewhere I’d consider xx
Susan Mann recently posted…A Wonderful Weekend Away In Aberdeen
It’s a wonderful place for family, we’ve been going since I was a baby-you guys would love it x
It looks amazing. I’ve always associated it with film, glitz and glamour so it’s really interesting to see it from a family point of view. It’s such a nice place!!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…The National Wallace Monument
Yes so well known and it’s still a glam destination but so family-friendly, we had the best holiday x
I love your pics. Cannes seams so lovely. I’ll definitely put it on my travel list 🙂
I’m a sea person also. I like to stay in the water as much as I can.
#brillianblogposts
Same, you will love it there x
Wow this looks like such a special holiday – and i agree about the sea. It is everything for me. xxx #Brilliantblogposts
Same, makes me feel so happy xx
enjoy that croissant. Looks like a fantastic time #brilliantblogposts
jeremy@thirstydaddy recently posted…We ( I ) Survived
We’ve loved all the croissants thanks 🙂
Love this!! Travel and culture with kids is so important and you make it seem super easy peasy… Love it <3
Haha this holiday has been easy, husband and I are still in shock at how good the kids have been, loving it! x
That beach looks gorgeous, and eating a cookie as big as your head sounds awesome. Shame about the McD’s request lol.
#BrilliantBlogPosts
suz recently posted…Planning my picture book video
Haha yes although it was a tasty McDonald’s!
I hadn’t really thought of Cannes as a family holiday destination. Your photos look dreamy and I love how big that cookie is! I think we share a love for the beach. #brillblogposts
Annette, 3 Little Buttons recently posted…Get Involved With The #SummerOfBratz
Oh yes, love the beach and Cannes is perfect for a family holiday x
Sounds like a fab family holiday. Have not been to Cannes but it does look amazing staring at your photos. Hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday. #brillblogposts
Cheryl @ ReimerandRuby recently posted…First day of school 2016
It’s utterly stunning, love the South of France x
Cannes does look so glam. We always went to the South of France as kids. Going down on the train is a great idea! #brillblogposts
Sunita recently posted…Lucky Things Blogger: 7 tips for setting up a blog
Aw us too, so many special memories, perfect holiday destination huh x
Beautiful pics?looks like a dream of a holiday!
This sounds like a great family holiday.Think i would have to have a few bottle of champagne seen as how it’s Cannes. It would be rude not to . #brillblogposts
The UnNatural Mother recently posted…Wicked Wednesday’s
Haha we have had quite a lot of bubbles and vino this holiday!
It looks absolutely gorgeous! I never used to like the sun much but as I’m getting older, and can now actually catch a colour, I can actually enjoy it.
I could just travel non-stop to sunny destinations, so dreamy!
This looks amazing! Yes, kids always ask for some MackieD’so and everything they can see.. Love number 7.. haha.. A squilionare ?? … Glad you had such a beautiful and memorable time away… xx #brillblogposts
One Messy Mama recently posted…For the NOT so SKINNY mom.
Hehe, having the best time xx
I have never been to Cannes, but you makes it sound so wonderful. Love those gorgeous photos of both the place and your lovely family x #brilliantblogposts
So dreamy, you’d love it, thanks for your kind words hun x
Oooh Cannes sounds lovely – never been, but would really like to one day! Love the South of France – we made it down as far as Bandol this year, which was also lovely – probably a little quieter than Cannes (!), but still with gorgeous beaches and yes I can totally agree with most of the things here – yes, the kids just loved being on the beach and in the water and yes, they wanted to buy everything! Mean Mummy and Daddy made them eat baguette sandwiches in a proper French cafe rather than Le McDo, though! And 100% with you on point 7 obviously!! Xx
Eb Gargano recently posted…Quiche Lorraine Style Frittata
So lovely, you would love it and not very busy, we’ve had the most perfect holiday, onwards to London tomorrow night for 4 more days of holiday then it’s back home xx
Cannes is so beautiful, some amazing photos and it look likes you are all having a great time. Enjoy the rest of your break #brillblogposts
Andrea @ Topsy Turvy Tribe recently posted…A year ago today…Surgery
Thanks darling, back in Avignon now and we’re having the best holiday xx
Oh I do love the South of France and you can’t be at the Cote D’Azur for glamour and to burn a hole in your purse! Living over here we are making the most of the TGV trains (double deckers as our kids call them!). So get you about the kids and food, amazing food in France and our kids want burgers, pizzas and chips – when they see them!
Tooting Mama recently posted…How to help your adopted child succeed at school
Haha so true, where are you based? SOF one of my most favourite parts of the world. Kids hey!
Ha I love a good croissant and that beach looks stunning! I’ve never been to Cannes but it sounds wonderful. I’m glad you’re enjoying your holiday #BrillBlogPosts
Lucy (@Lucy_at_home) recently posted…North Wales: 10 Adventures With Kids
You would love it, having a gorge time thanks, back in Avignon now and just had dinner under the stars-how are we ever going to leave, ha x
Sounds amazing! I’ve never been but would love to take the children!
Aw you should, gorgeous place x
I would love to introduce siestas to the UK, but you’re correct. Not hot enough. And the TGV is awesome. Great post and look forward to your big round up. Thanks for hosting #BrilliantBlogPosts
John Adams recently posted…House of Experiments: easy science experiments for children on YouTube
Thanks John, TGV is amazing huh!
Oh I want to go all the more now #brillblogposts
Rach recently posted…V Festival 2016: My 10 Best Bits
You must x
Gorgeous photos! Looks like a fantastic place for a holiday. Being in landlocked Switzerland I miss the sea so much! We love travelling by train too. It’s such a nice way to get a sense of distance rather than just flying and landing. #brilliantblogposts
Kate Orson recently posted…How A Connection Helps Picky Eaters
Ooh we love Switzerland, my Dad used to have a place there. Must visit again, train travel is awesome huh x
Cannes so so lovely, You have started me off now wanting to look for holidays I can book,
Natasha Mairs recently posted…Making My Son’s Bed into a Reading Nook with the Clip on Desk Lamp
Do it! xx