Last updated on May 5th, 2024 at 02:02 pm
Visiting France has always been a favorite travel destination for us. Since I moved here eight years ago we have tried to do it each year to catch up with our amazing friends there and now sharing it with our children and their children as well. There is so much to do and see in France. If you have read part one of our French adventures you would have seen that our friends have lived in a few locations and one of those was Cannes so while visiting their new home we thought we would go back to Cannes for a day, like old times.
Cannes, France holds a soft spot in my heart. It was the very first vacation Mr P and I took after I moved here to the UK and where I met our close friends (his long time friends). It quickly became the place that his close friends became my close friends and we starting our traveling adventures together. So it was extra special to take the kids to Cannes and show them around. 
You can’t go to Cannes without peaking at the beach come rain or shine and making a few funny duck faces in the process. I love being silly with the kids and making fun adventures for them. I hope they think of me as a fun Mommy while they grow up. We walked through Cannes’ market place and explored the strip of designer shops along the beach. Of course, it’s no fun for kids unless you hop on the carousel and run around the park too. I was a little shocked how scared of the carousel both my kids were at first. B wouldn’t even entertain getting on it. I used to love them when I was little and spend hours getting back on them switching from cars to horses on each one, over and over. MM wasn’t that keen either for the first round but she soon realized how fun it was with Mommy. I often think she gets scared because B is scared and wonder how much is just because of her brother. It was my first carousel ride with one of my kids and it just brought back so many memories for me. It was a sweet little moment to ride it with MM. 
There are carousels everywhere in Cannes and this one below was a three story one which I have never seen before and I was dying to go on it. I may have just on my own and looked like a weirdo! 
We had a great day in Cannes and ended with a lovely dinner out with our friends. It was the perfect ending of catching up with our friends as they had to work the last day we were in France. I am never good at goodbyes I really hope it’s not another year before we get back there again. I am grateful for our friends’ hospitality and always being so welcoming to us. 
Our last and final day was sat soaking the sun rays up and walking through our friend’s little village to meet them for lunch. The kids entertained themselves with their strollers in the courtyard while we sipped coffee and enjoyed the beautiful floral scenery around us. I love that lazy days are just as good as days out to the beach or sightseeing in the city. We made the most of the sunshine that day and came home with a tan. 
I love that Mr P’s friends have become my close friends too. V was the one who got pregnant first and taught me all about routines and making baby food homemade. I followed her parenting style and advice in the beginning so much. It was nice to have that to bond and have someone think the similar way I do when it comes to routines and structure. 
The little moments are my favorite moments like the one above is MM rocking B on the horsey at the park as he wasn’t really feeling strong enough with being so ill to do it himself but she was there to help him. She made him giggle so hard it really melted my heart. Just walking through the village and the surrounding woods was so peaceful. Come nap time it was great to kick back on the bench and enjoy the slow pace life for once. Out of reach of wifi and cell phone service and any other obligations. 
My little lady came to life in a whole different way when she was in France. I can’t believe how much a toddler can change in one long weekend. From her speech to her independence to her exploring new things she was just so grown up in such a short distance. She played in the street with french kids that couldn’t speak english and that she had never seen before in her life. It made me proud. 
Nothing is cuter than when your friend’s kids get along so well with your own kids. It truly made our holiday so much more special watching them bond together. Especially MM and AM our littlest girls, they were loving being together so much and I know in my heart B would have been the same with C their eldest too if he hadn’t been so sick. 
Our France trip was lovely trip minus B getting sick but we really made the most of it. Our family adventures have been so amazing this year before B starts school. We are so grateful to be able to see our friends as often as we do. It’s greedy to say it but I would love to spend more time in France someday. It’s so beautiful and I love the language even if I can only speak about five words in French.
Enjoy a little video of our long weekend in France (excuse the shakiness my first gopro video ever).
Gorgeous Jenny, I love all the photos of Missy Moo, she looks beautiful in that hat. I loved the video too. It looks like a great time you all had. I love France and spent many childhood holidays down there, but Mr E has never been. x
Oh he really must go soon it’s so amazing. Childhood spent there you lucky lately. Hoping for us to go each year too. So much fun. Video was so shaky as my very first time with a go pro. I have so much to learn and practice with it and editing too. But still memories. Thank you hunny.
What a really cute video. Your video was great and not shaky at all. Looks fab. What gopro have you got? I’m considering one but not sure if to or not and if so what one!
At the moment I don’t prefer to use the gopro my video was so shaky and it is hard to video completely blind as there is no screen to see what you are doing and for me that makes it hard to zoom in and out on things. I prefer dslr or even my iPhone to be honest.
Ah it looks like you had a great time, I really want to go on holiday now! x
Oh thank you ever so much darling. I know it makes me want to go back now lol I am ever so greedy this year on our holidays. lol Thank you.
Look at those beautiful kids! I know they were sick, but it still looks like you had a wonderful time and made lots of lasting memories 🙂
Oh yes my two are troopers when it comes to illnesses thankfully. B really stepped up to the plate to make the most of it even if he couldn’t eat or drink anything really. Thank you.
It is lovely to read about your time in France and about your friendships. Having friends that accept you and also show you about motherhood is of such value.
Oh gosh I couldn’t agree more she really helped me out so very much. It was a lovely trip.
My son doesn’t like the carousel either, but I do 🙂 Love the photos, especially the one of the kids pushing their strollers. Looks like you had a beautiful vacation!
Thanks Tarana we really did. Its a bit grainy but I love that stroller photo too.
This is a lovely post. I love the pictures of you together. The picture of you on the bench is stunning, look like it could be in a magazine. How wonderful to be able to take the children to your special place. Shame that Buba was unwell. Beautiful photos, all of them. MM is looking amazing, so lovely when they really start to grow in confidence and come into their own. I’m off to watch your lovely video now xxx #sharewithme
Oh thanks for watching my video. It was my first with a gopro though so a little too shaky for my liking. But practice is needed. We had a great time. B did very well despite being sick.
I’ve been wanting to take my kiddies yo France for years, it sounds so family friendly. Loved reading about your trip sorry b was ill, it sucks when they’re missing out but I’m sure just having you both around made him better. #sharewithme
Yes it’s a fave place of ours. I think France is really child friendly everywhere you go. B was so ill but made the most of it for us all bless him.
Should’ve put @mum in a nutshell above so you know I didn’t link & run!
Oh don’t worry darling it comes up with your website in the comments so you don’t have to. Hahaha
Great post. I aren’t been to France since I was young and that was to Pairs and to Disney with my parents. I’d love to go back and see some other places, Cannes looks awesome and definitely has been added to my list #Sharewithme
Oh yes Cannes is amazing. The beach is awesome there. We have so many memories there. The restaurants and shopping is great too. Wish it had been hotter for us to really make the most of it. Thanks.
Eek we move there in 20 months! Lovely post, it looks like you had a fabulous time honey. Gorgeous pictures and so lovely that Mr Ps friends have become your friends too x
Oh yes I forgot about your move I am so jealous. Every year I beg my hubby can we please move there. They are so family friendly and its such a beautiful country. I would love to learn French someday too.
I love this part of the world. Looks like you had a great holiday. Isn’t it funny the things that kids are scared of? Often surprises me.
#sharewithme
Thanks hunny. Yes it’s an absolutely beautiful part of the world.
I’;ve only ever associated Cannes with film stars and trying to spot Michael Fassbender 😉 It looks so nice and lilke a lovely place for families to go, love the pics and glad you had a good break!
Thanks hunny. Oh yes it’s lovely for families. I only wish it was hotter so we could have been down on the beach. It’s a lovely long strip beach to play on with lovely family restaurant. We would love to go back again when it’s hotter.
Ahhh! Lovely! The video is super sweet and your photos are great as ever
Thank you Megan. We had a lovely trip and so grateful for all the travels we are doing before B starts school in September where it will all come to a halt.
I love how they have carousels everywhere in France. Except that my kids loved them so much they would shout until they got a ride everywhere we went (we had three weeks in France last summer!) and it gets a little wearing on the coin purse! That photo of you on the bench is gorgeous, you should frame that. You look so tranquil and happy. It’s nice to be out of reach of WiFi for a few days. Looks like you had a brilliant time, this brought a bit of the sun into me on this rainy day. xx
Oh thanks hunny. You are so sweet. Oh yes I do wish my kids liked them but I can imagine if they wanted to go on all of them it would get expensive. They are so fun though. 🙂
Lovely lovely captures, Jenny. It looks like you had the time of your lives in France. That carousel has me mesmerized as well–3 stories?! I would’ve stayed on it all day. France is such a beautiful country and even more so when you’re sharing it with your loved ones and close friends. Glad you had such a fantastic time. Thank you for sharing (and for hosting #sharewithme) this week! Hope you have a lovely day!
Thanks hunny. I know 3 stories who would have thought. Amazing. I would have if my kids weren’t so scared of them. lol Bless. We had a great time. Thanks for joining in. Look forward to reading everyone’s posts.
What lovely, lovely photos!! They really capture what a gorgeous time you all had. I just can’t get over how much more Buba is looking like you — I see it more and ore as he gets older!! He’s like a carbon copy of you!! Thanks for hosting #ShareWithMe
Caro | http://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk
Oh thank you Caro. I think so too but everyone says he looks more like Daddy still if they know him. I actually think he looks more like my brother. We had the best time despite B’s illness. Bless him. Thank you.
It looks like you had such a wonderful holiday, its so lovely spending quality time together as a family isn’t it. Such precious memories for you and the children!
This is the first time I’ve joined in your linky so thank you for hosting lovely- I hope I’ve done everything correctly!
Luisa
Oh hello Luisa, thank you so much for joining in and a huge welcome hun. Glad you found me and my linky. I hope you enjoy it and I really look forward to reading your post. I am sure you have done everything correctly. 🙂 Thank you, we really did have such a great time.
France is a beautiful country. We’ve had our best vacations over there. I’d love to go back again. Sounds and looks like you had a great time. So Lucky to have friends over there! 🙂
It really is a beautiful and amazing country. I would live there for a year if I could just to learn the language and be there to explore. I am very grateful for our international friendships. Thank you.
Sounds like a great weekend – love the photo of the carousel. Hope B is feeling better. #sharewithme
Debbie
http://www.myrandommusings.blogspot.com
It has mended thanks just hope he stays healthy for our next trip to Spain soon. lol 🙂 Always the way isn’t it. We had a great time.
How lovely! The carousels look amazing as does the weather 🙂 #sharewithme
The carousels were out of this world, talking 3 stories high. I could have road them all day long. Amazing. Yes I know they were for the kids couldn’t help it. hahaha Mine were scared of them anyways. lol Thanks hun.
Beautiful photos Jenny and so glad that you had such a wonderful time in spite of B being poorly. Cannes is such a beautiful place and I love French carousels too – looks like you had fun once you overcame B’s and MM’s fear. So lovely to read about how well the children played together too 🙂
Thanks Louise, they are fun but I was so shocked how scared they were of the carousel. It was weird I have always loved them even as a child. B just wouldn’t go near it at all but MM finally got on. We had a great time. Thank you.
Looks like you had a lovely time Jenny – absolutely gorgeous pics! #sharewithme
Thanks Talya. It’s a lovely part of the world.
I have old friends that don’t live in the area anymore and there is nothing better than seeing our kids get along immediately when we all get together.
Oh it’s always so lovely when friends kids get along as much as the parents. Isn’t it?
I would love to see Cannes. I’ve only been as far south as Orléans, such a beautiful place.
It scares me how in one day our kids can grow, both physically and mentally, won’t be long, and they will be flying the nest. :,(
Oh I know it really does feel that way and is such a scary thing how fast life can go.
Looks like a perfect holiday! I am so jealous of this trip! Carousels are an acquired taste?
I think you are right. They really must be. Lol thanks Hun
Lovely photos and clearly an amazing trip! We love France too – I was actually lucky enough to be in Paris this time last week and I’m having serious withdrawals!
Great post!
Xx
Oh yes definitely an amazing trip and I love having friends there to share it with and make so many great memories together. Thank you.
What beautiful photos, looks like plenty of memories were made :).
Thanks for hosting x
Thank you Jayne. Yes so many great memories indeed.
Amazing photos, looks like you had a wonderful time! I would love to visit France someday! Thanks for sharing!
It’s definitely a great place to go again and again. Great for friends or family trips too.
Sounds like the perfect holiday Jenny. I love sharing holidays with friends, it makes it all the more fun and memorable for all of us. Photos look amazing! x
Thanks Suzanne. Oh it really does I couldn’t agree more. And even better when the whole family can have fun together with friends kids too.
Ah this is such a lovely post with beautiful photos. I have only visited France once before to go skiing, so would love to visit Cannes.
It really is scary how fast toddler seem to develop, My son amazes me every day with new things he has learnt buts its bittersweet.
#Sharewithme xx
It really does take you off guard when they change so fast doesn’t it? But at the same time so fun to see what’s next. Thanks Becky.
What a lovely scenery and that Mary go around is so beautiful. I love those sort of things! 😀 Beautiful pictures, I’ve never been to France..yet 😉
Oh me too so fun. Didn’t know kids were ever scared of them. Lol we had a great time though. Thanks.
Wow, I have holiday envy!!
Your pictures are amazing. Hope you all had a great time 🙂
#ShareWithMe
Oh thank you that means a lot as I am trying to get better and better at my photography skills. We had a brilliant trip.
Sounds like you had a lovely trip and the perfect mixture between adventures and relaxation. It’s always nice to have friends in places you visit. As always, gorgeous pictures! They always look so happy and beautiful., they inspire me to want to be able to take better pictures myself (though I’m still far off that). x #sharewithme
Oh I bet you aren’t as far as you think you are doll. I think mine are awful sometimes. It just takes practice I supposed. They are definitely better than a year ago. Oh embarrassing to look back now. Hahaha
Lovely photos and so glad you had some lovely happy times despite the illness. I love it that our boys get on with our best friends family it makes me so so happy x
Oh it really makes a huge difference when the kids get along too. Thanks Sarah.
Love that carousel – I’ve been on one like that in France too, why don’t we have them much in England?! x
I don’t know you are right I haven’t seen them around much. But then I don’t see them everywhere except in France. Maybe it’s a French thing. Either way love them. Lol
I’m so sorry B was sick, but it does look as if you had a wonderful time. Gorgeous photos of your two, and you!
It’s typical every time we go on holiday. We are off to Spain tomorrow and we just got back from the doctors as he has a chest infection. Poor immune system is shot I swear.
Hi Jenny, this is the first time I’ve read your blog and your children are so cute I really enjoyed reading your post. I love the fact that you had a friend, V, who could help you with baby routines and food etc, I had a baby 10 months ago and my mummy friends with older children have been so so helpful! Lovely pictures, it looks like you had a gorgeous holiday xxx
Oh thank you Karen and welcome. So glad you found my blog and linking up. That’s fantastic. I look forward to reading them all. We had a great time.
Lovely photos and post honey. I’d love to spend more time in France – I’ve only been once when I was a lot younger and it rained the whole time and flooded! So we didn’t get to see much. You’re so lucky to have some friends in Cannes; I might have to send some of my friends to live there so I can go and visit them! 😉 You always look so lovely in photos 🙂 xx
Oh you are too kind Louise don’t always feel it. Hahaha but great to be with friends on holiday.
How cool was that 3 storey carousel?! And that photo of Missy Moo with the hat is gorgeous 🙂 xx
I know I just wanted to leave the kids and ride it all day. Such a big kid here at heart. Hahaha love MM in her hat although she didn’t keep it on long. Lol
I’ve never been to Cannes, you may have just inspired me! I love the photo of the carousel, so pretty 🙂 #sharewithme
Sabrina x
Oh yes I love when people say I have inspired them to go somewhere. I love sharing various parts of the world. Cannes is amazing. Thanks.
I haven’t been to France since my 6th form days – trying to practice and get my ear in before my (pretty disastrous) A level.. Oh, and a day trip with a friend which also wasn’t’ great. So it’s not really on my list of places to visit even though it’s so close.
Gorgeous photos, and it’s lovely that you’ve friends out there.
Funny how yours weren’t keen on the carousel.. I love scary rides, but I’ve never been keen on carousels. However, the first one that N spotted, he was on like a shot (dragging me on too) – although on one of the cars, rather than a horse. They are beautiful though.
Oh yes if B ever got the courage it would have to be a car not a horse. Hahaha Funny I love carousels not scary rides. Lol
Looks like you had a wonderful time in Cannes – I’ve been once and absolutely loved it. I definitely want to take Zach when he’s a little older! The carousels are just gorgeous aren’t they?! 🙂 xx
#sharewithme
I wish we had more carousels around here or any. Hahaha it’s so fun and I think my kids would love them if they were used to it.
Lovely photos. All that sun makes me want to go on holiday! #sharewithme
Oh I know we were lucky with the weather really. Hoping to be that lucky this weekend in Spain. Fingers crossed this girl needs a tan!!!
Oh it sounds so perfect! I`ve never been to France…how silly is that given how close it is! I really want to go asap and Cannes sounds beautiful! x
Cannes is a beautiful place to visit and some many places in southern France are close. St Tropez is just around the corner. It’s great to sightseeing on various beaches too. You should go it can be really cheap to fly there if you shop around.
Oh what gorgeous photos! Looks like you had an amazing time x x x
Oh thank you so much bunny we really did. Just wish the kids would sit still long enough to take a photo without arms and hands in the air. Hahaha
The Mother says – I’ve loved reading about your adventures in France. It looks like you had a super time :0 #sharewithme
We really did thank you so much.
What a lovely, lovely time Jenny. It’s so nice when you can share such special memories with close friends. #sharewithme
Thank you Carol. Yes I think so too. Life is so much more happier and fuller when you have close friends to share things with.