Updated Post: Paris to South of France and back - with kids!

Refreshing this post as I have more details:

Hi everyone!

April 5 - headed from Toronto to Paris (April 6) April 7 to 10 - will be in Paris for training April 10 - checkout

I’d like to travel with family (wife, kids ages 2 and 4) so for the first 5 days they’ll be in Paris while I wrap up work. Then we can explore and I can plan a return from CDG for either April 16 (approx. 5 days + 1 day near CDG) or April 19 (approx. 5 days + 4 days).

What’s a recommended option to explore the South of France. Parameters: minimize lengthy train travel (unless no choice), minimize excessive walking with stroller and luggage, minimize areas that are unsafe, and maximize comfort, some exploration and limited sight-seeing (e.g. won’t be doing museums with the toddlers).

If we just stay an extra 5 days (5 because of Marriott’s fifth free night), a decent option seemed to be Nice but the journey is almost 6 hours back and forth.

Alternatively, could we do Paris to Bordeaux, then Montpellier, then Merseille and then back to Paris? Would mean skipping Nice given it seems far from all these places. If this is better, which area should we do 5 nights?

Any suggestions welcome! The return flight absolutely has to be from CDG. We can go from a train station straight there, or stay at an airport hotel if necessary. Thank you!

Edit: Can also do other areas - eg Paris to Strasburg and then elsewhere.