The best family memories often happen in the quiet, beautifully unexpected moments—the ones where laughter lingers in the air, where the kids run barefoot through the tide, and where, where exhaustion fades, and the beauty of the place takes over. That’s exactly what happened on this early morning in Saint-Raphaël, where a family, weary from a sleepless night with sick little ones, still chose to step onto the sand, embrace the fresh morning air, and make memories they’d treasure forever.

If you're planning a South of France family vacation, a sunrise beach photoshoot is the perfect way to capture those fleeting, heartfelt moments. The French Riviera is home to some of the most stunning coastal locations, and at dawn, these beaches are peaceful, golden, and utterly magical.

A Family’s Sunrise Experience: From Sleepless Night to Cherished Memories

Some of the most memorable photoshoots happen when families embrace the moment, no matter the circumstances. The morning of our session, Lauren and her family had barely slept—both kids had been unwell the night before. But despite their exhaustion, they arrived at Plage de la Pescade just as the first light of day broke over the horizon. The fresh morning air and the sound of gentle waves lift their spirits, and within minutes, we were laughing, chatting, and strolling along the sand.

We spent about an hour together, moving between different backdrops, playing games, and letting the kids explore. The session felt effortless, like a natural part of their morning rather than a formal event. It was all about connection—between parents and children, between laughter and quiet moments, between their family and this beautiful place.

How I Ensure a Relaxed and Fun Family Photoshoot

As a professional family photographer, I understand that the best portraits come from genuine, joyful moments. That’s why I create a relaxed, engaging experience from start to finish:

Wardrobe Consultations: A week before the shoot, I worked with Lauren to plan cohesive outfit selections—ensuring they looked and felt like themselves, with a timeless elegance perfect for the Riviera backdrop.
Casual Walks & Multiple Backdrops: We keep the session dynamic by moving between different scenic spots, capturing a mix of posed and candid shots.
Playful, Low-Pressure Approach: I use interactive games and fun prompts to encourage natural smiles and laughter—perfect for families with young kids!
No Stiff Posing: Instead of forcing unnatural poses, I guide you with light direction, allowing for authentic interactions.
Breaks as Needed: If little ones need a moment to regroup, we take breaks and enjoy snacks, ensuring a stress-free experience.

After this session, Lauren sent me the sweetest message…:
"Just to say thank you so much for coming out this morning to take photos 🙏 You were really patient with the kids not feeling their best and made us feel very comfortable 🤗 We all had a fun time. Can’t wait to see the photos!"

Making the Most of Your Sunrise Family Photoshoot

Here are some tips to ensure your sunrise session is stress-free and fun:

Prepare the night before: Lay out outfits, pack a bag with water and snacks, and set your alarm!
Keep it relaxed: The best family portraits capture natural moments, so focus on having fun rather than posing perfectly.
Let kids be kids: If they want to run, play, or cuddle, let them! These candid moments often make the best photos.

Choosing a Beach for Family Portraits on the Côte d'Azur

With colourful seaside towns, glitzy promenades and hidden coves all dotted along the coast, the beaches of the French Riviera are famous for a reason. So which is the best for family photos?

In high season, it’s certainly one of the lesser-known gems at sunrise.

This family’s photoshoot took place at the easily accessible, Plage de la Pescade, in Saint Raphael. It’s a charming small beach just steps from street car parking and it offers a large variety for backdrops depending on the direction you face- soft sand, large rocks, a little pavilion, palm trees and of course, stunning coastal views. It makes a perfect location for capturing relaxed, heartfelt moments - without a hike!

But this is just one of the many breathtaking beaches along the French Riviera. If you’re looking for more options, consider:

Plague De La Darse – A little pebbly beach just around the corner from the port in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Quieter than the main sandy beach and the start of the Sentier du Littoral it is one of the many stops we’d make during a shoot in Villefranche-sur-Mer to get a range of backdrops. Note this location is best for older kids who understand risks!
Promenade des Anglais, Nice – A long stretch of coastline bordered by palm trees and bars and taken over by clubs and their deck chairs through summer, perfect for a “European lifestyle” type backdrop!
Paloma Beach (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat) – A postcard-perfect spot with dramatic coastal scenery.
Plage de la Garoupe (Antibes) – A family-friendly beach with shallow, turquoise waters.

No matter where you stay along the Côte d'Azur, you’ll find incredible locations for a family photoshoot—each offering its own unique charm and atmosphere.

What to Wear for a Beach Photoshoot in France

To make your portraits look effortlessly elegant, consider these outfit tips:

Light, neutral tones: Whites, pastels, and soft blues complement the coastal scenery.
Flowy fabrics: Dresses, linen shirts, and loose-fitting clothing add a touch of movement.
Barefoot chic: Shoes aren’t needed—embrace the soft sand beneath your feet!
Avoid overly bright or neon colors: These can be distracting in soft, natural light and may not blend well with the serene beach backdrop.

Where to Stay on the Côte d'Azur for a Family-Friendly Experience

If you're wondering where to stay on the Côte d'Azur with young kids, you have a few options.

Many families choose between Nice and Antibes as their base, both ideal for those relying on public transport, with a variety of self-contained apartments available. However, if you have a car and are seeking a more relaxing experience, a beach resort might be a better option—especially if a kids' club is a priority.

Consider these family-friendly accommodations near Nice, Antibe and along the coast:

Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat – A Four Seasons property in one of the most prestigious areas of the Riviera, offering the ultimate luxury experience and on-site kids activities
Kaliopé Hotel & Résidence – Further west along the coast is this wonderful family-focused, beach front resort is Le Lavandou
Hôtel Les Roches Rouges – A freshly renovated luxury beachfront hotel with a relaxed atmosphere and a family suite available, conveniently located in Saint-Raphaël
Club Med Opio - Less than an hour inland from Nice airport is this stunning resort with kids club and more. It’s a bit more affordable than the coastal options and you’re more centrally located to explore both Provence and the Riviera!

Exploring Nice and nearby with Young Kids: Other Things to Do on Your Vacation

A Riviera family vacation isn’t complete without fun activities for the little ones. While in the South of France,, be sure to:

Take a boat trip to Île d’Or for a mini adventure on the water.
Visit Aqualand Fréjus, just a short drive away, for a fun-filled day of waterslides.
Explore the Esterel Mountains for a family-friendly hike with stunning coastal views or the more challenging Roquebrune Trail.
Stroll through the charming Old Town’s of Antibe, Saint Raphael, Eze, Menton and more, where kids will love the colorful market stalls and delicious local treats.
Walk through the gardens of a Colline du Château in Nice, past waterfalls and up to the amazing viewpoint.

Capture Your Family’s French Riviera Memories

A sunrise beach photoshoot in Saint-Raphaël is a magical way to document your family’s South of France vacation. Whether you’re visiting with young kids or extended family, these portraits will become cherished keepsakes of your time on the Côte d'Azur.

Want to take home stunning keepsakes from your French Riviera adventure? Let’s create something truly special together! Reach out to schedule your session and take home memories as breathtaking as the French Riviera itself.

Learn more about a photoshoot in France

Hi, I’m Kirstie

Photographer and Australian expat living her best cheese life

In 2025, we traded Italy’s rolling hills for a new adventure in France’s sun-drenched south, drawn by its world-class cheese, wine, and breathtaking landscapes. When I’m not flying between clients (and countries), you’ll find us embracing the slower rhythms of French life—wandering through vineyards, lingering over long lunches, and chasing the golden light across rolling hills and medieval villages.

I know you’re eager for these kinds of experiences, too, and I can’t wait to capture them for you! Along the way, I’ll happily share my best insider tips during our wardrobe consultation. We’ll chat three weeks before you leave home to finalize your shoot’s details and outfits—each session is completely customized to capture the spirit of your family.

With over a decade of experience, I’ll help you feel relaxed in front of the camera and guide you in selecting the perfect images for your albums and walls, bringing the beauty of your travels home with you.

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