LA-based photographer and mom Nikki Sebastian shares the all important details from her summer in France with kids. She planned and booked her trip using our Premier travel planning service – read more about her experience with Premier here.
Our Favorite Places
We absolutely fell in love with Ramatuelle and St. Tropez—the light there feels truly magical, capturing the perfect balance of calm coastal charm and lively Mediterranean energy. We also spent time in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a charming town rich in history (Van Gogh lived and painted there toward the end of his life), with winding streets and a wonderfully slow pace that was perfect for exploring with kids.
And of course, Paris holds a very special place in our hearts—it’s where we honeymooned exactly 15 years ago. Returning with our daughters made the experience even more meaningful and surreal, as we shared the vibrant streets, iconic sights, and that unmistakable Parisian joie de vivre together.
What the Kids Loved
Our girls were enchanted by the colorful markets and all the fresh pastries. Cece especially went wild over everything truffle—she still talks about her truffle baguette from the St. Tropez market! They also couldn’t get enough of the pistachio and chocolate ice cream from a little gelato shop in St. Tropez (recommended by Kid&Coe) that quickly became their happy place.
But honestly, their absolute favorite was the beach near Ramatuelle and our day on a boat in the Mediterranean ogling the mega-yachts and snorkeling among sea life. They’re both coastal kiddos through and through, and there’s just nothing like this part of the world for quality time in the sand and sun!
Our Favorite Family Meals
Our favorite meal was at Restaurant La Forge in Ramatuelle, where we savored Tuffoli à la “Norma,” their signature pasta dish—I find myself daydreaming about the day we can return and enjoy it again.
For the girls, they kept it really basic and authentic—fresh baguettes, blocks of cheese and prosciutto, and lots of butter. Those little moments of sharing the simplest fresh food between hours of swimming and sight-seeing are forever etched in my memory!
Where to stay for Summer in France
We stayed in three different homes during our Summer in France: a lovely villa near Ramatuelle, rich with history and full of character; a charming, family-friendly apartment in Saint Remy that was perfect for relaxing and exploring the town—complete with a plunge pool and powerful A/C; and a cozy fifth-floor apartment in Paris’s 11th Arrondissement, offering a peaceful retreat in a quiet residential area after long days on our feet.
Why Spend Summer in France?
France has always been a dream destination for our family—from the art and history to the food and landscapes. We wanted a mix of city excitement and relaxed coastal vibes, perfect for our two explorers and an ideal place for us to slow down as a family and soak up the scenery (and each other).
Book a Vacation with Kid & Coe
Ready to book your next family adventure?
- Get inspiration, planning tips, booking help and more with our dedicated travel planning concierge service – Premier.
- Grab an instant family itinerary for your favorite kid-friendly cities, including Paris, with a Kid & Coe Passport city guide.
- Plan your very own family vacation with Scout, our AI-powered trip planner, where you can build your own itinerary as you plan.
