Best places to visit in the French Riviera

Welcome to the French Riviera –  a stunning stretch of coastline in the South of France located between the sea and the mountains. It’s a dream destination for anyone looking for a taste of the good life. With its elegant promenades, charming old town, and world-class museums, Côte d’Azur exudes a unique blend of sophistication and relaxation that has captured the hearts of travellers from all over the world. 

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How to get to French Riviera

If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera, Nice is likely to be your first point of arrival. With excellent connections to major cities across Europe but also Dubai, Istanbul, New York and more, you’ll find getting here is a breeze. Check the latest deals on Kiwi.com  

If you prefer to travel by train ( book here ) , France has one of the most extensive and reliable rail networks in Europe, making it easy to catch a train from major cities like Paris and Cannes. And if you’re looking to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace, renting a car is a great option. The French highways are known for their high quality, although you should be prepared to pay tolls.

When to visit French Riviera 

While it’s always tricky to predict the weather, the French Riviera is known for its year-round pleasant climate. Although some argue that the summer season isn’t too hot due to the nearby mountains, I visited in August and can tell you it was very very hot! It was a challenge to explore the city’s attractions, and all I craved was a shaded spot on the beach. So, if you’re after a classic sun-soaked vacation, summer is the perfect time to visit. But if you’re more interested in leisurely strolls through the charming streets, admiring the scenery, and taking in nature, then spring or autumn is the best time to plan your visit.

Where to go in French Riviera

Nice 

Nice is a charming coastal city located on the French Riviera. It’s known for its stunning sea views, gorgeous beaches, and mild Mediterranean climate. The city boasts a fascinating history, with influences from various cultures and architectural styles, evident in its charming Old Town. Nice offers a blend of sophistication and relaxation with its elegant promenades, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife. The city is also known for its delicious cuisine, including fresh seafood, cheese, wine, and pastries

Where to stay in Nice 

Budget Hotel – Hostel Ozz,  Villa Saint Exupery Beach Hostel, Hotel Du Pin 

Luxury Hotel – Hyatt Regency,  Le Negresco, Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel

Family friendly – Byakko,  Le Meridien, Apollinaire 

Romantic – Hotel La Pérouse,  Le Windsor,  Jungle Art Hotel Hotel Petit Palais 

What to do in Nice: 

• Visit Old Town – charming and colourful neighbourhood with narrow streets, traditional architecture, and plenty of shops and restaurants

• Grab a lunch at Place Masséna –  main square in Nice
• Walk around Port Lympia – The Old Port of Nice – picturesque harbour 
• Spend day at the boat and discover Villefranche 
• Watch sunset at The Promenade des Anglais  –  beautiful and iconic seaside promenade
• Hike to Castle Hill Park – green space in the heart of Nice, offering breathtaking views of the city and the sea, as well as historical landmarks and gardens to explore.
• Spend a day at Ruhl Plage – expensive restaurant with iconic umbrellas 
• Book Sunset Boat Tour
• Book Provence Wine Full-Day Tour

Top restaurants in Nice 

Le Panier, Le Frog, Bistrot Gourmand, Les Sens, Restaurant JAN, La Réserve de Nice, La Langouste 

If you’re planning to hop around the French Riviera get the Sud Azur Pass. It offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and trams across the region.

Menton

Menton is about 30 km (19 miles) from Nice. A one-way train ticket from Nice to Menton cost €5 to €8 and it takes 35 to 45 min

Menton is a charming town, located close to the Italian border.  Known for its sunny climate, picturesque beaches, and colourful architecture, Menton is an ideal destination for those who love the Mediterranean lifestyle. The town boasts a rich history, evident in its stunning baroque architecture, and it’s also famous for its world-class gardens, including the Jardin Serre de la Madone and the Jardin Botanique exotique de Menton. 

Where to stay in Menton 

Budget – Ibis Budget Menton , Hotel Parisien 

Luxury – Hôtel Royal Westminster Vacances Bleues, Villa Genesis, Best Western Premier Hôtel Prince De Galles

Family Friendly – Best Western Hôtel Méditerranée Menton,  Hotel Riva Art & Spa, Hotel Napoleon 

Romantic – Hotel Riva Art & Spa, Hotel Lemon, Hôtel Balmoral Vacances Bleues 

What to do in Menton 

• Explore Old Town – book a walking tour here 
• Walk the Promenade
• Spend a day on the beach 
• Shop at Les Halles market
• Visit The Cimitière du Vieux Chateau, or the Old Castle Cemetery
• Spend a day exploring Menton including Citrus Farm, Old Town, Botanic & Boat Tour – book here 
• Book a food and wine tour 

Top Restaurants in Menton 

Mirazur, La Trattoria, Restaurant Le Galion, L’Orangerie, Le Stanley, Le P’tit Resto

Cannes 

Cannes is about 30 km (19 miles) west of Nice. A one-way train ticket from Nice to Cannes costs between €7 to €10 and it takes 35-45 min

Cannes is a beautiful city, known for its film festival, elegant promenade, and golden beaches. Its charming old town features narrow streets, quaint shops, and delightful restaurants, while its luxurious marina is filled with impressive yachts. You can also explore museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks, and indulge in haute cuisine and designer shopping. 

Where to stay in Cannes 

Budget – Ibis Budget Cannes Centre Ville,  Hotel Le Florian,  Chanteclair 

Luxury – Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes, JW Marriott Cannes, Mondrian Cannes 

Family Friendly – Hotel de Provence, Hotel Martinez Cannes, Canopy By Hilton Cannes 

Romanic – Hotel de Provence, Hotel Le Cavendish, Hotel Villa Claudia

What to do in Cannes 

• Spend a day in one of many beach clubs 
• Do some shopping on Rue d’Antibe
• Feel like celebrity and take a photo on the famous stairs at the The Palace of Festivals and Congresses
• Visit Le Suquet – Cannes’ old quarter
• Explore Sainte-Marguerite Island – book a ferry here 
• Explore the town in a vintage bus – book here 
• Visit Calanques of the Esterel 
• Book perfume making workshop 

Top restaurants in Cannes 

L’Assiette Provençale, La Table du Chef, Black Sails – A Pirate Tavern By Chef LeChat, Le Bistrot Gourmand, UVA – restaurant cannes, L’Affable, Restaurant EricKa

Eze

Eze is about 8 km (5 miles) east of Nice. A one-way train ticket from Nice to Èze-sur-Mer costs between €2 to €4 and it takes 15min

Eze is a mediaeval village perched on a hilltop between Nice and Monaco, overlooking the French Riviera and offering breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding countryside. The village is famous for its cobblestone streets, quaint stone houses, and ancient ruins. Eze is also home to the Jardin Exotique, a beautiful botanical garden filled with rare cacti and other exotic plants. 

Where to stay in Eze 

Eze Roc, Villa Mirano, Hotel Cap Estel

What to do in Eze

• Wander Through the Narrow Streets of the Medieval Village 
• Visit the Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique d’Èze)
• Visit the Èze Village Church 
• Hike the Nietzsche Path
• Relax by the Sea

Top restaurants in Eze

Le Nid d’Aigle, Château Eza, La Table de Patrick Raingeard, La Vieille Maison, La Casa

Monaco

Monaco is about 20 km (12 miles) east of Nice. A one-way train ticket from Nice to Monaco costs between €4 to €6 and it takes 20-30min

Monaco is a tiny but glamorous city-state on the French Riviera, known for its luxurious lifestyle, breathtaking scenery, and fascinating history. From the famous Monte Carlo Casino to the Prince’s Palace and the stunning Mediterranean coastline, Monaco offers a unique blend of sophistication, culture, and natural beauty

Where to stay in Monaco

Budget – Hôtel de France, Apartments Monaco, Ambassador 

Luxury- Hotel Metropole, Hôtel de Paris, Hôtel Hermitage 

Family Friendly – Fairmont Monte Carlo, Novotel, Le Méridien Beach Plaza 

Romantic- Hotel Metropole, Port Palace Hotel, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

What to do in Monaco

• Visit the Monte Carlo Casino
• Visit the Prince’s Palace (Palais Princier) and qatch the Changing of the Guard ( Every day at 11:55 AM ) 
• Wander Through the Old Town
• Visit ​​the Oceanographic Museum – book here 
• Explore Monte Carlo on Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – book here 
• Book Formula One Circuit Guided Walking Tour – book here 
• Relax at Larvotto Beach

Top restaurants in Monaco

Le Grill, Blue Bay Marcel Ravin, Nobu Fairmont Monte Carlo, The Pearls of Monte-Carlo, Buddha-Bar, La Note Bleue, La Môme, Pavyllon Monte-Carlo

St Tropez 

St Tropez is 70 km (43 miles) from Nice. To travel from Nice to Saint-Tropez you have to take a train to Saint-Raphaël (about 1 hour, costing €10-€15) and then a bus (1.5 to 2 hours, costing €3-€5) or a boat (1 hour, costing €15-€25), as there is no direct train route, with the total journey taking around 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

St Tropez is a glamorous coastal town, famous for its luxurious lifestyle, high-end fashion, and lively nightlife. The town is also surrounded by stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and picturesque views. It’s a popular destination for celebrities, but anyone can appreciate the charm of the narrow streets, historic buildings, and laid-back atmosphere. Its a great place to stay for few days or have a day trip from Nice 

Where to stay in St Tropez  

Budget – Les Lauriers, Un nid à Saint Tropez,  Hôtel Playa 

Luxury – Villa Cosy Hôtel & Spa, Hôtel de Paris,  Althoff Villa Belrose 

Family Friendly – Kube Saint-Tropez,  Tartane Saint-Tropez, Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez 

Romantic – Villa Cosy Hôtel & Spa,  Le Pre de la Mer, Yaca 

What to do in St Tropez 

• Spend a day at the Pampelonne Beach. 
• Explore the Old Town (La Ponche)
• Stroll Along the Old Port (Vieux Port) where you can Admire the Luxury Yachts
• Book Kayak Experience in Ramatuelle Reserve 
• Experience the Nightlife
• Shop at Luxury Boutiques

Top restaurants in St Tropez 

Restaurant Arnaud Donckele & Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton, La Part Des Anges – Brasserie Bistronomique Saint-Tropez, Le Girelier, L’Opéra – Saint-Tropez, La Table de Léon, Pearl Beach Saint-Tropez

The French Riviera is an exceptional destination, offering a blend of glamour, culture, and natural beauty that will captivate any traveller. Nice, with its stunning sea views, charming old town, and world-class museums, is a must-visit. Menton, Cannes, Eze, Monaco, and St Tropez are also worth exploring, each offering unique experiences that showcase the charm of the region. All of those cities are easily reachable via train so make sure to plan a day trip when visiting Nice