French Riviera vs English Riviera: A Family Showdown
Earlier this summer, we set ourselves an unusual challenge: a Riviera family holiday comparison. We wanted to see how the French Riviera stacked up against the English Riviera of Devon, with Paignton at its heart.
So how do they stack up against each other for a family holiday? Here’s our verdict.
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Beaches — Sand vs Pebbles
On the French Riviera, the beaches are mostly pebbly. Nice has long waterfronts lined with private beach clubs, where you pay for the privilege of a sunbed and a sliver of Mediterranean glamour.
In Paignton, it’s a different story. Golden sand, donkey rides, arcades, and kids with buckets and spades. Maybe not the same prestige, but if you ask our boys which they preferred? Sandcastles beat pebbles every time.
For families, beaches are the heart of any Riviera family holiday comparison.
A Surprising Connection — The Red Riviera
Here’s something we didn’t expect — both Rivieras have a touch of red about them. In France, the Esterel coast near Cannes glows with dramatic red rocks plunging into the sea. In Devon, the red cliffs and sandy stretches around Paignton light up in the sun. Different continents, but the same warm glow.
Harbours & Boats — Mega Yachts vs Modest Marinas
By the time we got to Monaco, we’d seen enough superyachts to last a lifetime. What caught our eye instead were the supercars. In Torquay, a Porsche parked on the harbour made people drool. In Monaco, Ferraris and Lamborghinis were so common they felt like Ford Fiestas back home.
The vibe in Torquay harbour was far more approachable. Instead of velvet ropes and designer boutiques with security guards at the doors, there were reasonably priced restaurants circling the water, full of families and friends having a good time. Elaine browsed the gift shops — fudge, shortbread, and “thanks for looking after the cat” presents. Monaco’s shops, meanwhile, kept us firmly outside the velvet ropes.
Transport — Double Deckers vs Steam Trains
One of the biggest surprises in France was the value of the public transport network. For around £180 we bought a seven-day family pass covering trains, trams, and buses. The trains were clean, frequent, and often double-decker. The boys loved racing upstairs no matter how short the journey, though I did worry about getting down in time when our stop suddenly appeared!
There were surprises too. On the way back from Monaco, the train was stopped for passport checks, like something from a wartime film. The buses were just as good — air-conditioned, cheap, and scenic. One trip from Èze to Cap d’Ail felt like a full holiday excursion in itself.
In Paignton, transport meant the Dartmouth Steam Railway. The train ran past our caravan every half-hour, whistle blowing, smoke puffing, passengers waving. We never tired of it — shouting “Steam Train!” like it was the first time, every time.
Transport is another big factor in a Riviera family holiday comparison.
We booked a trip from Paignton to Dartmouth, not realising we had reserved seats. First, we sat in cosy Harry Potter-style compartments — only to be moved on. Then we tried a normal carriage — moved on again. At least the journey made up for it: a coastal ride, a ferry across to Dartmouth, and even a Royal Navy training ship thrown in for good measure.
Food & Drink — Rosé vs Cream Teas
France surprised us. It’s possible to eat well without spending a fortune — if you’re careful. By following the locals and looking out for the plat du jour, we often got a main course, dessert, and even a glass of wine for less than a Harvester meal back home. Elaine and I ordered the set menu, the boys had pizzas, and then promptly stole our desserts. Ice cream problem solved.
In Devon, the food was simpler but no less satisfying. Fish and chips in paper wrappers (even if not real newspaper anymore) always taste better by the sea, especially when the air is chilly. Elaine and the boys tucked into fresh hot donuts while I daydreamed about a sugar-free version that probably wouldn’t qualify as a donut at all.
At Kents Cavern, we ordered a cream tea — one sweet, one savoury — and settled the eternal debate. In Devon it’s jam first, then cream. Frankly, that’s how it should be everywhere.
Accommodation — Riviera Apartments vs Caravan Comfort
Our French Airbnb in Villeneuve-Loubet didn’t start well. Locked gates, no host in sight, and a hot wait until Isabelle finally arrived. But once inside, we were blown away: a huge apartment with a panoramic balcony overlooking the pyramid apartments and the sea, plus another balcony facing the mountains. I spent late nights out there, listening to music, plane-spotting at Nice airport, and remembering my parents.
In Paignton, we booked a private caravan at Waterside Holiday Park. Small, dated, and a 200-metre walk from the car — but perched on a terrace with a sea view and the steam train running right past. No WiFi, but Samuel turned a Firestick into a smart TV by hijacking the pool’s signal. The boys learned to swim properly in that same pool after years of trying — a twin milestone as memorable as the sea view.
Attractions — Caves vs Canyons
In Devon, a rainy day took us to Kents Cavern. We discovered that you still get rained on underground — that’s how stalagmites form! Rather than wrangle two buses, we took a taxi arranged by the campsite. The ride became its own excursion, showing us new corners of the Riviera. Our guide, a teenage girl, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic — and quickly caught the attention of Samuel and Thomas.
In France, we didn’t make it to the Gorges du Verdon, but it’s firmly on our list for next time. Often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” its turquoise waters are famous for kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding. It’s the wilder, more adventurous side of the Riviera, and one we’ll be back for.
Cost & Value — Euros vs Pounds
Comparing the two isn’t simple — we spent ten nights in France and four in Paignton — but here’s a rough guide.
- Paignton: £470 for the caravan, £60 diesel, £22 taxi to Kents Cavern, £77 steam train (including ferry).
- France: £180 for a seven-day family travel pass (excellent value), otherwise about £10 per bus journey. Meals varied, but the plat du jour often kept costs sensible.
Neither Riviera was “cheap,” but neither was eye-wateringly expensive either. Both can be affordable if you’re careful — and both can be ruinous if you’re not.
Vibe & People — Glamour vs Friendliness
The French Riviera had clear groups: flashy wealth showing off with revving engines, quieter wealth with quiet manners, locals who knew the bargains, and tourists like us providing the audience. The atmosphere was chic but surprisingly well-behaved.
In Paignton, things felt more modest. Harder to tell locals from visitors, more people willing to chat, and the odd drunken group but nothing dramatic. Shop staff and waiters seemed warmer and more talkative. Both had their charms, but only one had Isabelle, our frosty Airbnb host who vanished at checkout.
Final Verdict — Heart vs Home
I grew up camping on the French Riviera with my parents, so even before we left Bristol I knew I’d love being back. What I didn’t expect was the wave of nostalgia, or how emotional it would feel to visit my parents’ ashes in Juan-les-Pins with Elaine and the boys. Watching them splash in the same Mediterranean I once did was a heartwarming, full-circle moment.
France still dazzles me — the cars, the coast, the sheer variety — and for me, my heart will always be on the Côte d’Azur.
But Paignton gave us something too: a steam train soundtrack, buckets and spades, oversized deck chairs, and two boys finally learning to swim. Looking back, this Riviera family holiday comparison showed us that both destinations have unique strengths.
If you enjoyed this comparison, you might also like our other family travel stories:
Butlins Bognor at 60 – A Surprisingly Brilliant Break,
Mums Like Tanks Too – Tank Museum Dorset, and
Parkdean Sandford Holiday Park Review.
