With summer now in full swing, I find my mind sometimes wandering away from work, towards images of sandy beaches and brightly colored umbrellas against a sparkling sea…

(Source: Azur Alive)

This year I’m dreaming of a summer holiday on the French coast, but with my sons both still very young, we have to be careful about the kind of place we pick. It’s not as easy travelling with two little ones – a far cry from the carefree holidays we used to take before they were born- just pick up and go! But still, I think being able to spend time with the boys, playing on the beach and splashing in the water, would be the perfect family vacation!

I’ve always loved the south of France – the glamor of Monaco, the style and chic of Nice. But this year I think we’ll be looking for somewhere a little less high-octane and a little more family-friendly. I’ve been looking into a darling little place called Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the Cote d’Azur, about ten kilometers from Nice. Its name means ‘beautiful place on the sea’ – apparently named so because of the surrounding lush vegetation, year-round sun, and warm, shallow waters. Sounds just perfect for us!

(Source: Costa Azzura Pocket)

What’s not to love- beach club for kids, and I hear they have floating trampolines in the water, which I’m sure the boys would love. As for me, I could spend the evenings strolling around the little French village and exploring some of the tiny boutiques.

(Source: La Reserve Beaulieu)

Plus there would be lots of luxurious homes and gardens to get inspiration from – this is the French Riviera after all! Look at this lovely, classically designed hotel room against a palette of pale yellows & cream. This does not look like it is footsteps away from the ocean-luxurious! Now, I just have to convince dear hubby to travel halfway around the world to enjoy the perfect family vacation-ha!