The Ultimate Guide to the French Riviera (including the Best French Riviera Cities!)

Planning a trip to France? The French Riviera is one of the most beautiful places in the country! This guide includes all the best places to visit in the Cote d’Azur (including the French Riviera cities you won’t want to miss) and the top things to do in the French Riviera.

Do you want to see an example of what the word “breathtaking” truly looks like? Go to the French Riviera, or should I say Cote d’Azur! With its Mediterranean weather, stunning scenery, absolutely astounding beaches, rich history, and magnificent cobblestone towns, it’s pretty easy to see why the French Riviera is one of the most sought-after destinations in France.

I spent part of my childhood growing up in Mougins and the French Riviera will always be near and dear to me. Now, I try to go back and visit whenever I can… It truly is a special place.

Here’s the ultimate guide to the French Riviera!

How Many Days Do You Need to Visit the French Riviera?

How to Get to the French Riviera

By Plane: The French Riviera’s primary transport hub is the Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur. With daily flights from New York (JFK), Delta is the only airline that flies directly from the United States to Nice. There are numerous daily flights from major cities like London and Paris to Nice on airlines like British Airways and Air France.

By Train: The French Riviera can be reached from other parts of France and the major cities of Europe by train. With the high-speed TGV train, the journey from Paris to Nice takes about five and a half hours.

By Car: The motorway known as “la Provençale” (A8) links Nice to Aix-en-Provence in the west as well as the Italian border in the east. Driving the 950 km (590 miles) between Paris and Nice takes about eight hours.

The Best Time to Visit the French Riviera

There’s never a bad time to visit French Riviera cities, and they won’t disappoint you at any time of year you are planning to visit. There’s always something happening with plenty of things to do in the French Riviera.

However, if you want a traditional resort experience, spring and summer are better times to visit. Throughout the spring and summer, the weather is perfect for going to the beach. However, this season is the busiest with many locals and tourists enjoying the beaches and charming towns.

On the other hand, fall is a more sedate and rainy season, but it is still possible to take a plunge in the Mediterranean in the early months. The winters are mild on the French Riviera, and there aren’t many people around—except for during the busy holiday and carnival times.

How Many Days Do You Need to Visit the French Riviera?

When planning a trip to the French Riviera, set aside at least 3 days and choose a few of the French Riviera’s cities to visit. You could base yourself in either Nice or Cannes to explore the town and maybe plan a day trip or two.

A week would be ideal to see the major highlights from Monaco to St Tropez and take in some of the contemporary metropolises, medieval hilltop towns, and countryside escapes. This amount of time would really allow you to relax and soak in the south of France.

But no matter how much time you spend here, it will never be enough as it will only whet your appetite for more… at least that’s what I’ve found!

How to Get Around the French Riviera

It is very simple to get around the French Riviera by either car or public transportation. There are excellent rail connections between all of the French Riviera cities, and train tickets are, on the whole, not too expensive. Once you arrive at your desired location, the best way to discover it is on foot. You should be able to get a map at any of the tourist information offices that are typically situated within walking distance of the railway station.

Top Things to do in the French Riviera

Looking for the best things to do on the Cote d’Azur? Here are some of the best French Riviera cities and charming towns that you won’t want to miss on your trip to the south of France!

Nice

Nice is a picture-perfect paradise located on the French Riviera that provides its visitors with all they could possibly want during their time away. The city, which is the fifth biggest in France, draws in visitors from all over the globe for a variety of reasons. In the summer, it transforms into a bustling seaside city, and in the winter, it transforms into a peaceful destination for a break in France.

Villefranche-Sur-Mer

The town of Villefranche-sur-Mer is one that seems like it was ripped straight out of a painting. It is full of vibrant colors and sits on a picturesque harbor with a pebble and sand beach. This picturesque coastal town is breathtaking in every nook and cranny, from the historic district to the azure waters of the ocean to the verdant hills in the background.

Monaco

Monaco has a well-deserved reputation for being the playground of the rich and famous. This historical principality is known for its luxurious casino, fancy shopping complexes, lavish bars and clubs, and a man-made beach, all of which draw famous celebrities and tourists throughout the year. The backdrop also has an alluring charm to it, with its turquoise waters, beautiful palm trees, and colorful flowers.

St Paul de Vence

The charming town of St Paul de Vence is perched high above a hill and is home to a number of museums and galleries showcasing modern art. The village boasts breathtaking vistas that extend across the surrounding hills and vegetation all the way to the coast. Walking about the town is a really pleasurable experience since the little cobblestone streets are so charming and life seems to move at a more leisurely pace.

Eze, France | The Best Places to Visit in the French Riviera

Eze

Taking a day trip to Eze is one of the best things to do in the Cote d’Azur. Eze is a picturesque hilltop medieval town in the south of France that is well-known for its outstanding architecture, breathtaking vistas, and remarkable geographical position above the French Riviera.

Menton

The town of Menton, France, is often referred to as the “Pearl of France” because of its picturesque setting between the mountains and the sea. This area is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, along with picture-perfect towns and a wealth of unspoiled natural beauty. Menton is located so close to Italy that it often has an atmosphere that is more Italian than French. This is apparent in everything from the culture and architecture to the delectable cuisine.

Cannes

The beautiful Croisette, the pristine beaches, and the excellent restaurants along the water’s edge are what bring most visitors to Cannes. It is a year-round destination located on the French Riviera that is adored by the affluent and famous for its luxurious hotels, gourmet eating, and beach culture. Perhaps the city is most well-known for being the site of the glittering Cannes Film Festival.

Antibes

If you are already taking in the magnificence of the French Riviera, a trip to Antibes is certainly something you should consider doing. If you want to satisfy your artistic cravings, you may visit the town that has become famed for its arts scene and offers must-see museums and attractions. This historic town of Antibes is comprised of stunning streets that are paved with cobblestone and adorned with flowers. The streets are also packed with local markets, cafes, bistros, taverns, and art galleries.

Mougins

If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera, Mougins should be on the top of your list of must-see destinations. The village of Mougins is perched on top of a hill and is surrounded by pine trees, olive trees, and Cyprus trees. The moment you set foot in this magnificent town, you will be captivated by the enchantment of the winding pathways, which are decorated with vibrant flowers and lead to magnificent old homes on each side.

Grasse

If you have a taste for fragrances, a trip to Grasse, which is located on the French Riviera and is known as the “Perfume Capital of the World,” might be an aromatic adventure. The city is home to a worldwide museum dedicated to the art of perfume production, as well as three perfumeries that visitors may explore. If all those aren’t enough, you can also visit the fields where fragrant flowers are grown specifically for use in perfumes.

St Tropez

St Tropez is renowned for having some of the liveliest and most exciting nightlife in all of Europe. It is a place that is known for its glitz and glamour, celebrity spotting, extravagant parties, enormous yachts, and breathtaking landscapes. But St Tropez is more than just private beach clubs and upscale restaurants. The enchanting town is also home to quaint olive orchards, a colorful village, beautiful marina, and stunning coastline.

Where to Stay in the French Riviera

You can stay in any of the French Riviera cities that you visit, or you could make one city your home base and then take day trips from there. When planning your itinerary, it’s usually easiest to decide what to do in the French Riviera and where to go on French Riviera, then choose your lodging from there!

From ultra-luxurious resorts to charming apartments, the French Riviera has a wide range of accommodations — here are some of the best options.

Luxury

Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat: This landmark hotel is an iconic of the French Riviera and has hosted famous guests like Elizabeth Taylor and Winston Churchill. The five star resort boasts an outdoor pool overlooking the sea with views from Nice to Monaco. (Cap-Ferrat)
Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa: An elegant and breathtaking hotel perched in the hills of Vence, only 15 minutes from Nice. This hotel is the perfect place to unwind — especially with its fabulous pool and panoramic hilltop views. (Vence)
Hotel Martinez: Known for its’ Art Deco glamour, this recently renovated hotel is located directly on the beach in Cannes and boasts a two-star Michelin restaurant, a beach club, and a fantastic spa. (Cannes)
Le Grand Hotel Cannes: This luxurious hotel offers a retro look with fantastic sea views, a bustling beach club, and a Michelin-starred restaurant on site. (Cannes)
Le Negresco: This iconic spot is one of the top hotels in Nice and features sea views for days! (Nice)
Hotel Belles Rives: The former home of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda, Hotel Belles Rives sits on a stunning beach near Antibes. The rooms are charming and feature sea views. (Juans-les-Pins)

Mid-Range

Hotel Verlaine: This hotel is located in the heart of Cannes and is only a few steps from Rue d’Antibes. You won’t be disappointed once you step into the vibrant interior! (Cannes)
Hotel Barriere Le Gray d’Albion: This central Cannes hotel channels Art Deco style for the contemporary era, and the rooms have recently been renovated, with new balconies and better views. (Cannes)
Hotel Apollinaire Nice: A beautifully designed hotel located in Nice’s city center and only 9 minutes walk to the beach. (Nice)
Hotel Le G: Located in the heart of Nice, this hotel is close to the trams, train station and airport — and features a playful, fun design. (Nice)

Budget

OKKO Hotels Nice Aéroport: Featuring modern, clean rooms with a trendy atmosphere, this is a great option in Nice near the airport. (Nice)
Villa Claudia Hotel Cannes: A former 19th-century home is now an 18-room hotel in a convenient location in Cannes just a short walk from Rue d’Antibes. (Cannes)
Villa Pruly Hotel Cannes Centre: This fashionable hotel is a converted mansion conveniently located between Rue d’Antibes and the Cannes train station. (Cannes)
Hotel Alexandre III: Another fantastic hotel in a historical building, Hotel Alexandre III, is less than 1000 feet from the beach and features air-conditioned rooms, a private garden, a terrace, and free wifi. (Cannes)
Hotel les Vergers de Saint Paul: This quaint hotel features and outdoor swimming pool and a delicious breakfast spread. (Saint Paul de Vence)

It’s quite hard to think of a more idyllic place than the Côte d’Azur in southern France. With its picture-perfect villages, year-round sunshine, and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, there is no better place to enjoy the summer! Let me know in the comments; which is your favorite of the French Riviera cities?