We’ve travelled along the French Riviera a few times now. It’s consistently on of our favourite destinations, every trip there feels different. The light, the rhythm, the smell of warm salt air and summer jasmine, nothing quite like it. The towns here sit between sea and mountains, small, colourful and full of life. If you’re planning a week or two around the Côte d’Azur, these are the places we feel are worth stopping for.
French Riviera At a Glance
- Fly Into: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
- Best Time: September to early October for warm weather and sea temps plus fewer crowds. Or head around mid-May for the early spring buzz of Cannes Film Fest & Monaco F1.
- Get Around: Rent a car for freedom, or combine train + bus + Uber.
- Trip Length: 7 to 10 days to enjoy without rushing.
- Vibe: Pastel towns, slow lunches, cliff walks, clear swims.
1. Villefranche-sur-Mer
This is one of our favourites along the coast. A quiet town nestled between Nice and Cap Ferrat. Colourful houses line the bay, and the sea here stays calm for swimming. It’s one of the easiest places to base if you want a cute village vibe without crowds while still being close to all Nice has to offer.
Things to Do
Walk up to the Mont Alban Fort for a panoramic view.
Swim at Plage des Marinières.
Have lunch at Papillon or Olivula on the water.
If you’re staying, try the sunset viewpoint from this map link.
Travel Tips
Parking fills up fast. Come early or stay overnight. The train stops right by the beach, which makes it an easy day trip from Nice.
Where to Stay
2. Cap Ferrat
Beautiful peninsula known for its exclusive villas, walks, and clear coves. It’s small and easy to explore in a day. The walk around the coast is one of our favourites, with plenty of swimming and rock diving spots along the way.
Things to Do
Tour Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, then walk the coastal trail around the cape. Stop at Paloma Beach for a swim and lunch. Bring water shoes the rocks are sharp.
Travel Tips
There’s limited parking near the villa. Arrive before 10 am. If you don’t have a car, take bus 15 from Villefranche.
Where to Stay
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3. Èze
Our favourite medieval hilltop village high above the sea. Steep stone streets, galleries, and a famous exotic garden at the very top with panoramic views along the French Riviera.
Things to Do
Visit Jardin Exotique before 6 pm, it gets hot and busy in the middle of the day head up just before they close to get less crowds and glowy afternoon light. The views stretch all the way to Italy. Have a cocktail at Château Chèvre d’Or Terrace Bar.
Travel Tips
The village closes up early. Come late afternoon for soft light and fewer tour groups. Wear shoes with grip, as the cobblestones can be slippery and uneven. In the summer months the hilltop can be covered in sea mist so a morning visit can be best also to beat the heat.
Where to Stay
4. Nice
The heart of the French Riviera. Bright, busy, and full of great food and art. Nice is the best city to fly into to be close to all the best coastal spots along the Riviera. It’s a great base with lots of options but gets pretty busy in the summer months.
Things to Do
Walk the seaside Promenade des Anglais, shop the Cours Saleya market, explore the Old Town, visit the Matisse Museum, and swim off the pebble beach or spend a day at a beach club. For a great view, climb Castle Hill.
Travel Tips
Nice works well as a convenient base. Stay near the Old Town for walking access. Book popular restaurants ahead, they fill fast in summer. We also recommend staying at one of the smaller towns along the coast if you don’t like the busy city crowds and just day trip into Nice.
Where to Stay
5. Menton
Right before the Italian border. Calm, pastel, and slower paced. It has some great swimming beaches and plenty of dining. A nice place to spend the afternoon by the sea watch the sunset and head out to dinner.
Things to Do
Walk the old port and Plage des Sablettes, grab a take away pizza at Chez Lina and watch the sunset on the sea wall, then climb the yellow stairs to Basilique Saint-Michel.
Travel Tips
It’s slightly removed from the main Riviera loop. Best as a night or two if you have time. Many local restaurants close early off season.
Where to Stay
6. Saint-Paul-de-Vence
One of the prettiest stops slightly inland. A walled medieval village filled with art and flowers. Beautiful in the afternoon, and then grab dinner at one of the restaurants but book ahead as it’s busy in the summer months.
Things to Do
Wander the cobbled lanes, visit Fondation Maeght for modern art. Afternoon light is beautiful here, then stay for dinner at Les Remparts or under the tree at Restaurant Le Tilleul. Reserve ahead.
Travel Tips
Parking is just outside the walls. Bring cash for small galleries. It gets crowded midday, go early or after 5 pm. Make dinner reservations in summer as it fills up.
Where to Stay
7. Monaco
A small but glamorous city state between Èze and Menton. Monaco is worth at least a half day visit for its unique mix of old world charm and high end luxury energy.
Things to Do
Explore the Prince’s Palace and the Old Town (Monaco-Ville) for beautiful views over the harbour. Walk through Jardin Exotique de Monaco, visit the Oceanographic Museum, and take a lap around the Monte Carlo Casino. For a quick swim, head to Larvotto Beach.
Travel Tips
You don’t need a car inside Monaco, parking is limited and expensive. Take the train or bus from Nice or Menton. Dress smartly if you plan to enter the casino or fine dining spots.
Where to Stay
- Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo
- Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo
- Fairmont Monte Carlo
- Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
- The Maybourne Riviera
8. Saint-Tropez
Beautiful but can get busy in summer due to its fame. Lots of nice boutiques, restaurants and architecture to explore in the old town, plus world renowned beach clubs over at Plage Pampelonne.
Things to Do
Walk the old port early morning, browse the boutiques, enjoy coffee and tropézienne cake at Sénéquier (touristy but iconic). Brunch at Tiki Kozy, swim at Pampelonne, lunch at Odette or Maison Revka, and have a cozy dinner at HERA Bistrot.
Travel Tips
Summer traffic into town is rough. For a day trip arrive early, park in Sainte-Maxime and take the ferry over. It’s faster and prettier arriving into the harbour. Book beach clubs, dinners, and hotels well ahead.
Where to Stay
- Airelles Pan Dei Palais
- Cheval Blanc St-Tropez
- Hotel Byblos St-Tropez
- Le Yaca Saint-Tropez
- La Bastide des Salins
Quick Extras
If you have time, stop by Port Grimaud, a canal town nicknamed the “Venice of Provence.” Pastel houses, boats, cafés on the water. Great for photos at sunset.
FAQs
What’s the best way to get around?
Rent a car. The trains run well between cities, but smaller villages like Èze and Saint-Paul need a car or bus.
How many days do you need?
Seven to ten days feels right. Less is doable but you’ll rush.
Is it expensive?
Yes, a little. You can balance it with mid-range stays and local bakeries for lunch.
Are beaches free?
Many are public, but private clubs offer loungers and service for a daily fee.
What about parking?
Most towns have small public car parks. Pay at the meter. Early mornings are easiest.
French Riviera
The South of France in summer feels like nowhere else. Slow, the sweet scent of jasmine on the sea air, timeless and romantic. It’s better when you don’t plan too much. Just pick a few towns, drive, swim, wander, and let the Mediterranean vibe set the pace.
While your visiting the French Riviera you might also want to check out the nearby colourful Italian Riviera, or if your heading even further south, check out some of our favourite places to visit on the beautiful Italian island of Sicily here
