There is something truly magical about the South of France. The way the light hits the azure water, the scent of pine needles in the warm air, and the sheer glitz of the French Riviera make it a bucket-list destination for many. For us at Caravan Adventuring, this trip wasn’t just about the scenic drives and stunning sunsets; it was about family.
This time, we weren't alone on this trip. We were joined for the entire trip by our son Michael, his wife Terena, and our wonderful grandchildren, Faith and Kieran. Michael and Terena stayed in a tent, while Faith and Kieran shared the caravan with us in our Bailey Pegasus GT65 Rimini. Having three generations under the Mediterranean sun made this one of our most memorable adventures yet. If you've been following our vlogs, you’ll know we love a good mix of relaxation and exploration, and this trip delivered exactly that.
Our Base: Camping Sandaya Riviera d'Azur
Choosing the right base in the South of France is crucial. You want to be close enough to the action but far enough away to enjoy the peace of the countryside. We settled on Camping Sandaya Riviera d'Azur, located in Saint-Aygulf, just outside of Fréjus.
The campsite is a haven for families. One of the standout features for us was the pitch setup. We were able to get a spacious spot that allowed us to fully deploy our awning and create a real outdoor living room.
As you can see from our setup above, the pitch was surrounded by lush greenery, providing a bit of much-needed shade during the heat of the day. One of the best perks of this site is that many of the touring pitches come with private sanitary facilities. Having your own shower and toilet right on your pitch is a game-changer when you have the whole family with you!
The kids, Faith and Kieran, were in absolute heaven. The site boasts two massive aquatic areas with a total of six pools. From the waterslides that kept the grandkids busy for hours to the "Caribbean Beach" relaxation area where Michael and Terena could catch a breath, there was something for everyone. We even spent a few afternoons at the semi-Olympic pool getting some laps in: though most of our "exercise" involved chasing Kieran around the water playground!
Exploring Nice: A Walk on the Promenade
Our first major day trip was to the beautiful city of Nice. It’s about an hour's drive from the campsite, and the route along the coast is spectacular. We parked up and headed straight for the Promenade des Anglais.
Nice has a vibe that is hard to beat. The wide, palm-lined boulevard is perfect for a family stroll. Faith and Kieran loved watching the street performers and looking out at the turquoise waters of the Baie des Anges. We made sure to stop at the Jardin Albert Ier, where the kids found a beautiful two-story carousel. Seeing their faces light up as they rode the wooden horses with the Mediterranean in the background is a memory we’ll cherish.
We ended the afternoon in the Old Town (Vieille Ville), wandering through the narrow, winding streets. We treated everyone to some local gelato: lavender and honey for us, and plenty of chocolate for the grandkids!
The Glitz and Glamour of Monaco
No trip to the Riviera is complete without a visit to the Principality of Monaco. It’s a place where everything feels a little more polished, a little more expensive, and definitely more dramatic.
We spent the morning exploring the Rock of Monaco, home to the Prince's Palace. We timed it perfectly to watch the Changing of the Guard, which Faith found fascinating. Afterward, we took the "Petit Train de Monaco," a small tourist train that takes you on a loop past the famous Monte Carlo Casino and through the narrow streets used for the Grand Prix. It was a great way to see the sights without wearing out the kids' legs.
Monaco can be a bit overwhelming with the sheer number of supercars and designer boutiques, but finding a quiet spot overlooking the Port Hercule to watch the massive yachts move in and out was a highlight for Michael and Andy. It’s a different world entirely!
St Tropez: Yachts and Pastel Streets
For our third big outing, we headed west to St Tropez. While it’s famous for its celebrity sightings and high-end beach clubs like Club 55, we found it to be surprisingly charming and accessible for a family day out.
The harbour is the heart of the town, and sitting at a cafe with a coffee while looking at the iconic pastel-coloured buildings is the quintessential St Tropez experience. We spent some time wandering through the La Ponche district, the oldest part of the town, where the streets are so narrow you can almost touch the walls on both sides.
We also took a short drive out to Pampelonne Beach. The white sand and clear water were perfect for the kids to have a paddle. If you're visiting with family, we highly recommend checking out Azur Park just outside the town in the evening: it’s a huge funfair that the grandkids absolutely loved.
Life in the Bailey Pegasus GT65 Rimini
Traveling with six people means the caravan becomes the central hub for snacks, drinks, and planning. Our Bailey Pegasus GT65 Rimini handled the French heat brilliantly. We used a Mestic aircon, and it was a lifesaver, while the layout provided enough space for everyone to congregate without feeling like we were on top of each other.
If you’re considering a similar trip, we’ve found that the Rimini's towing stability is excellent, especially on some of the windier coastal roads. You can read more about our caravan's features in our campsite reviews section.
Reflections on a Three-Generation Trip
Traveling with Michael, Terena, Faith, and Kieran added a whole new dimension to our caravanning life. Usually, it's just the two of us, but seeing the South of France through the eyes of our grandchildren was a joy. Whether it was Faith trying to order a croissant in her best French or Kieran’s excitement at seeing a "giant boat" in Monaco, these are the moments that make caravanning so special.
It wasn't always perfectly smooth: navigating French supermarkets with two hungry kids and trying to find parking for a large tow vehicle in Nice can be a challenge! But the flexibility that a caravan holiday offers is second to none. We could eat when we wanted, change our plans based on the weather, and always had a comfortable "home" to return to at the end of the day.
Tips for Your French Riviera Adventure
If you're planning your own trip to Camping Sandaya Riviera d'Azur or the surrounding area, here are a few tips from our experience:
- Book the Private Sanitary Pitch: It’s worth every penny, especially if you’re traveling with children.
- Use the Shuttle: The campsite offers a free shuttle to Saint-Aygulf beach. Parking at the beach can be a nightmare in peak season, so take the bus!
- Train vs. Car: For Nice and Monaco, consider taking the train from Fréjus or Saint-Raphaël. It runs right along the coast and saves you the stress of finding parking in the city centres.
- Timing is Everything: We visited in April, and the weather was perfect: warm but not scorching. July and August can be incredibly busy and very hot.
We are already planning our next leg of the journey. Where should we go next? Let us know on our contact page or join the conversation on our social media!
