43
13 minutes readWhere is the French Riviera?
‘The French Riviera’ is the term used to describe the Mediterranean coastline in the Southeast of France. While there’s no official definition for what falls into this category, most travelers consider the French Riviera to stretch from Toulon to Saint Tropez and Menton, close to the Italian border. The region also earned the nickname “Côte d’Azur” from Stephen Liegard’s 1887 book.
‘The French Riviera’ is the term used to describe the Mediterranean coastline in the Southeast of France.
Photo: DroneTop / Shutterstock.com
When is the best time to visit the French Rivera?
The Mediterranean coastline gets almost year-round sun, meaning it’s nearly always the perfect time to visit. While May to September is considered the best time to visit, August is when you can expect towns and villages along the coastline to be busiest. If you’re on a budget – or want to get more for your money – May and September offer some of the best deals without the higher temperatures.
The region gets an average of 300+ sunny days each year, making it a great year-round option if you’re looking for winter sun or an early spring escape.
Tips for visiting the French Rivera
Most tourists start their journey by flying into Nice or taking the train from Paris or Marseille if they’re already in France. Whether it’s your first time in the area or you’re planning a return visit to this famous region, we’re sharing our top tips for planning a trip to the French Riviera.
Most tourists start their journey by flying into Nice.
Photo: Stockbym / Shutterstock.com
A rental car is optional
When you’re planning a multi-stop itinerary, it’s normal to consider hiring a car for going to the beach or exploring nearby towns. If you’re not confident driving in another country or want to save money, there is an extensive train network that operates throughout France.
You can expect to pay €1.50 per bus ticket if you’re traveling between towns. Although train tickets are more expensive, they can offer faster routes. Planning your itinerary in advance will help you decide if you need a car for your visit.
The French Riviera stretches over 150 kilometers with a linear shape, which means you’re likely to be moving back and forth. If you’re driving, make sure to keep coins or a credit card at hand to pay for toll roads.
When you’re planning a multi-stop itinerary, it’s normal to consider hiring a car.
Photo: Drozdin Vladimir / Shutterstock.com
Choose your must-sees
There are several bucket list destinations dotted along the coast, many of them worthy of their own trip. Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez are some of the most famous places in Europe and could easily take up multiple days of your itinerary. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of towns that attract tourists, you might prefer to focus on coastal towns to spend your time at the beach.
Buy tickets in advance
Whether you’re heading to the Cannes Film Festival or attending the Monaco Grand Prix, book your tickets in advance. Many of these events attract international tourists and sell out quickly. If you’re building your itinerary around these events, book these tickets before you confirm flights or accommodation.
Plan your outfits in advance
The Côte d’Azur is one of the most stylish places in the world – so plan your packing list accordingly! You’ll need to pack for every type of occasion, whether it’s dressing for a fine dining meal or sipping cocktails by the pool. In general, jeans and sneakers are a go-to for dinner or if you’re planning on exploring the French nightlife. If you’re visiting any historic churches in the area, plan to dress modestly and bring layers to cover your shoulders and thighs.
The Côte d’Azur is one of the most stylish places in the world – so plan your packing list accordingly!
Photo: Zigres / Shutterstock.com
South of France travel guide: 7-day French Riviera itinerary
If you’re planning on exploring the French coast, you’ll want to spend at least seven days in the region. Even spending a week in the region isn’t enough to see everything, so choose your priorities and must-sees before curating your itinerary.
We’re sharing our recommendation of a 7-day French Riviera itinerary to help you plan your vacation to the Mediterranean coast.
Day 1: Nice
Where to stay:
- Budget-friendly: Hotel Bristol
- Best for couples: Nice Pam Hotel
- Splurge-worthy: Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa
For most visitors, Nice will be your first destination. Famous for its picturesque beaches and old town, you can easily spend a few days exploring just Nice itself. It’s an ideal choice of base due to its transport hub, making it easy to take day trips around the French Riviera. The relaxed nature of the town makes it great for helping you get over jet lag.
Promenade des Anglais/Colline du Chateau Hill
Make the most of your mornings in Nice to see the sunrise from Promenade des Anglais or the Colline du Chateau Hill, specifically at the foot of it, known as Rauba Capeu. It’s a great spot for memorable holiday photos and will give you a stunning panoramic view of the coastline.
Make the most of your mornings in Nice to see the sunrise from Promenade des Anglais.
Photo: Nataliia Gr / Shutterstock.com
Vieux Nice and Place Massena
The old town – known as “Vieux Nice” – is where you’ll find some of the best independent restaurants and stores. The Cours Saleya market is hosted daily, except for Mondays, and is a great place to pick up handmade souvenirs to bring to family and friends back home. Don’t forget to check out the flowers. You’ll find them sold in almost every store in Nice, meaning you’ll also want to pack allergy meds if you’re sensitive to pollen.
After exploring the old town, you’ll naturally find yourself walking through Place Massena as you move towards the newer parts of town. This spot is ideal for grabbing a coffee (cappuccinos not later than 11am!) and indulging in people-watching.
Pro-tip: Bring water shoes or comfortable flip-flops when visiting the beach as you’ll find plenty of stones along the walking paths.
The old town – known as “Vieux Nice” – is where you’ll find some of the best independent restaurants and stores.
Photo: Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com
Day 2: Cannes
Where to stay:
- Budget-friendly: Cannes City B&B
- Best for couples: Kyriad Cannes – Mandelieu
- Splurge-worthy: Hotel Victoria
Known for the iconic Cannes Film Festival, held annually in May, this French getaway is beloved by Hollywood starlets, the international jet set, and everyday tourists. Just 40 minutes from Nice, you can reach Cannes by train or bus. Even if you’re not a cinephile, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in the area, from its sandy warm beaches to the postcard-worthy harbor.
If you want to be active and explore outdoors, you’ll find several hiking trails and beaches throughout Cannes.
Even if you’re not a cinephile, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in the area, from its sandy warm beaches to the postcard-worthy harbor.
Photo: Evannovostro / Shutterstock.com
Here are some of the top things to do in Cannes:
- Visit the Palais des Festivals, home of the Cannes Film Festival
- Head to the Pier for dinner and drinks in the evening
- Explore the volcanic red-brick rocks at Massif Esterel and Le Trayas
- Have a mid-day Aperol Spritz in Old Town
One of the most interesting places to visit in Cannes is the Lerins Islands, just a 15-minute ferry from the harbor. Boats leave regularly from 7:30am to 6:30pm with a round-ticket costing €17.50.
Although there are four islands, Saint-Honorat and Saint-Marguerite are the most popular and ideal if you’re only doing one day in Cannes. Saint-Marguerite is nearest to the harbor and is known for its royal fort, famous for housing the “man in the iron mask”, whose identity is still a mystery today.
If you prefer to stay on land, head to Croisette promenade along the waterfront to take in the historic architecture. You’ll find plenty of luxury hotels here with public bars and al fresco dining restaurants with stunning views out to the Lerins islands.
One of the most interesting places to visit in Cannes is the Lerins Islands.
Photo: yonder / Shutterstock.com
Day 3: Villefranche-Sur-Mer
Where to stay:
- Budget-friendly: Hotel Le Provencal
- Best for couples: Hotel Carlton
- Splurge-worthy: Le Reserve De Beaulieu
Take things a little more casual for day 3 by heading to Villefranche-Sur-Mer. The bay here is one of the most beautiful in the world, nestled between Cape Ferrat and the Cape of Nice.
It’s just 5 minutes from Nice and 10 minutes from Monaco, ideal for a day trip if you’re using either of these places as your base while in France. The easiest way to reach the town is by train – a great option if you want to visit a beach without hiring a car.
You can take things easier in Villefranche, which has a one-kilometer-long beach perfect for soaking up the sun or having an impromptu picnic. Amongst the narrow streets, you’ll find pastel architecture with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Pro-tip: If you’re renting a car, you’ll get the best views of the sea from just outside of Villefranche on Boulevard Napoleon II.
The bay here is one of the most beautiful in the world, nestled between Cape Ferrat and the Cape of Nice.
Photo: SCStock / Shutterstock.com
Day 4: Saint-Tropez
Where to stay:
- Budget-friendly: La Mandarine
- Best for couples: Hotel Le Mandala
- Splurge-worthy: Lou Pinet
Few places in the world are as glamorous as Saint Tropez. Although it began as a fishermen’s village, it rose in popularity during the 1950s to become the home of millionaires and the international jet set. Although it’s worth an overnight stay to experience the nightlife, it’s also a convenient day trip from Cannes.
You’ll find lavish villages alongside designer boutiques, chic coffee shops, and famous nightclubs. It’s where you’ll find many European celebrities vacationing during the summer, usually on a yacht anchored at Saint Tropez’s port.
If you’re driving to Saint-Tropez, take a detour to Pointe des Sardinaux to get a view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez without the crowds. It’s worth taking a few minutes to explore the beach and the crystal-clear water.
Few places in the world are as glamorous as Saint Tropez.
Photo: Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com
Once you head into Saint Tropez, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of Brigitte Bardot, the celebrity who was considered the face of the town, helping to put this former military base on the map as a vacation destination.
Make a point to try local cuisine. You’ll find some of the best food in Provence here with a mixture of traditional French and Mediterranean cuisine. Look out for fish soup, a local favorite that’s typically served with cheese and croutons. Le Schpountz is a street where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, ideal for a mini food tour or if you’re staying for a few nights.
If you’re spending an evening in Saint-Tropez, head to Vieux Port (the Old Port) for some of the best nightlife and atmosphere in the town. When the weather is hotter, you’ll find that most of the nightlife happens around Pampelonne and Tahiti beaches with DJs, beach bars, and late-night swimming.
If you’re spending an evening in Saint-Tropez, head to Vieux Port.
Photo: Nancy Pauwels / Shutterstock.com
Day 5: Monaco
Where to stay:
- Budget-friendly: Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo Curio Collection by Hilton
- Best for couples: Hotel Port Palace
- Splurge-worthy: Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo
Monaco is the playground of the rich and famous, iconic for being a backdrop to many James Bond movies and as part of Grace Kelly’s iconic Hollywood love story. Although a microstate, Monaco packs a lot into its 2 square kilometer city-state.
While you’ll want to budget more for your day in Monaco, you’ll see everything from a zoo to an ancient fortress and the legendary casino. The Monaco Grand Prix, part of the “triple crown” of motorsport, uses the same streets you’ll walk through during your visit.
Within the old town, you’ll find the Prince’s Palace at the top of the Rocher du Monaco, otherwise known as the “Rock of Monaco”. Pack your comfiest travel shoes if you’re planning to walk up the rock! Otherwise, you can take a bus right to the top.
Within the old town, you’ll find the Prince’s Palace at the top of the Rocher du Monaco, otherwise known as the “Rock of Monaco”.
Photo: OSTILL is Franck Camhi / Shutterstock.com
If you’re heading to Monaco because of your love of motorsports and race cars, explore the car collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco. While this might look like a museum, it’s the personal car collection of the state’s reigning Prince, who is known with his fascination of race cars, particularly Formula One.
Although the Casino de Monte-Carlo is one of France’s most recognizable locations, not everyone can go inside. You’ll need to bring your passport as Monaco citizens are not allowed to gamble if you’re planning to try your luck at the roulette table.
After dinner or before you leave, head down to the harbor to look at some of the most expensive yachts in the world. Keep your eyes peeled for A-listers and royalty, as you never know who might be in town!
Although the Casino de Monte-Carlo is one of France’s most recognizable locations.
Photo: ecstk22 / Shutterstock.com
Day 6: Menton
Where to stay:
- Budget-friendly: Hotel de Londres
- Best for couples: Hotel Riva Art + Spa
- Splurge-worthy: Villa Genesis
Want a taste of Italy while you’re in France? Head to Menton, known as the “pearl of France”. This town encapsulates the sleepiness and quiet tranquility of the coast with its palm trees, red brick roofs, and Mediterranean villas. Menton feels equal-part French and Italian, making it a great stop for day 6 of your itinerary, especially if you’re not able to get to Italy during your European vacation.
While you can easily reach Menton by car, it’s easiest to reach by train from Nice. This town is the opposite of the craziness of Monaco, which can often leave you feeling overwhelmed by the glitz and glamour. Worthy of an overnight stay, Menton is a great option for a day of indulging in savory snacks and pastries.
The Marche des Halles food hall is ideal if you want to pick up food for a picnic on the beach, with plenty of bakeries and independent stalls. As it’s a covered market, it’s a great option if you get unlucky with the weather or want to escape the heat during summer.
This town encapsulates the sleepiness and quiet tranquility of the coast with its palm trees, red brick roofs, and Mediterranean villas.
Photo: fokke baarssen / Shutterstock.com
Day 7: Return to Nice or Stay in Eze
Where to stay:
- Budget-friendly: Eze Hermitage Hotel
- Best for couples: Chateau Eza
- Splurge-worthy: Hotel Cap-Estel
All good things must come to an end! Spend your final day back in Nice before heading home or stop by the nearby town of Eze for a change of scenery. If you’re returning home via Paris, you can take the direct TGV train to the French capital (which also stops in Cannes). With an almost six-hour journey time, it’s best to catch the 10am train. This journey is the perfect way to say goodbye to France as a scenic route that takes you through iconic towns and picture book-worthy villages.
If you’re not heading home via Nice, you can spend your final day on the coast at Eze. This destination is easiest to reach by car, but the views (which overlook Monaco and Nice) are worth the journey. Eze is the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere of the Côte d’Azur one last time.
One of the most popular attractions is the Jardin Exotique, located within the town’s medieval fortress at the hilltop. Sitting at over 450 meters above sea level, this exotic garden isn’t just a feast for the senses with its majestic flowers, but also stunning views to finish off your trip to the French Rivera.
One of the most popular attractions is the Jardin Exotique, located within the town’s medieval fortress at the hilltop.
Photo: Ion Sebastian / Shutterstock.com
Experience the beauty of the French Riviera with ZenHotels
Live out your Old Hollywood fantasy by indulging in the beauty of the French Riviera, from the billionaire playground of Monaco to the sleepy town of Menton. Secure the best rates on accommodation and hotels in France and over 220+ countries other countries on our website or download the ZenHotels mobile app to access exclusive rates.
