French Riviera Travel Guide: Best Things to Do Along the Côte d’Azur

Welcome to the French Riviera, or as the locals call it, La Côte d’Azur. This sparkling stretch of Mediterranean coastline in southeastern France has been the playground of the elite, the muse of artists, and the dream destination for sunseekers and romantics alike.
 

Whether you crave luxury in Monte Carlo, artistic allure in Antibes, the cultural richness of Nice, or the boho elegance of Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera has it all — turquoise waters, historic towns, culinary delights, and unforgettable views.

🌍 Where Is the French Riviera?

Location: Southeastern France, stretching from Menton near the Italian border to Saint-Tropez

Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Major Cities: Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, Saint-Tropez

Best For: Beaches, luxury travel, art, food, history, Mediterranean landscapes

🧭 Why Visit the French Riviera?

Bask on sun-soaked beaches with crystal-clear waters

Explore historic old towns and colorful markets

Dine on Provençal cuisine and fresh seafood

Attend world-famous festivals like the Cannes Film Festival or Monaco Grand Prix

Discover scenic mountain villages and coastal hikes

✈️ Getting to the French Riviera

By Air

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) – Main international hub

Direct flights from Paris, London, New York, Dubai, and more

By Train

TGV (high-speed trains) from Paris (~6 hours), Lyon, or Marseille

Scenic regional trains (TER) connect Riviera towns

By Car

Drive along the A8 autoroute or the iconic Corniche roads

Parking in cities can be tricky — best for exploring hill towns

🏖️ Top Destinations on the French Riviera

1. Nice

Cultural capital of the Riviera

Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais

Wander the Old Town (Vieux Nice) and climb to Castle Hill

Visit the Matisse Museum and Marc Chagall Museum

2. Cannes

Known for its film festival, luxury shopping, and glamorous vibe

Relax on La Croisette and its private beaches

Day trip to the Lérins Islands (Île Sainte-Marguerite is a must)

3. Monaco

Microstate of royalty, casinos, and Formula 1

Visit the Monte Carlo Casino, Oceanographic Museum, and Prince’s Palace

Try your luck or just admire the luxury yachts in Port Hercules

4. Antibes

A laid-back town with artistic soul

Explore the Picasso Museum, perched on a sea-facing fortress

Discover Cap d’Antibes for hiking, beaches, and scenic views

5. Saint-Tropez

Boho glam meets traditional fishing village

Beach clubs like Club 55 and Pampelonne Beach

Charming Old Port, art galleries, and designer boutiques

6. Èze

Medieval hilltop village with cobbled streets and botanical gardens

Jaw-dropping views of the sea

Visit the Fragonard Perfume Factory

7. Menton

Nicknamed “The Pearl of France”

Known for gardens, pastel houses, and lemon festivals

Close to the Italian border — perfect for a dual-country day trip

🎨 Culture & Art on the French Riviera

Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, Chagall all lived and worked here

Art museums to visit:

Picasso Museum (Antibes)

Matisse Museum (Nice)

Fondation Maeght (Saint-Paul-de-Vence)

Chagall National Museum (Nice)

Traditional Provençal culture thrives in markets, festivals, and village life

🍽️ What to Eat on the Riviera

Local Dishes

Salade Niçoise – Tuna, eggs, olives, anchovies

Bouillabaisse – Rich fish stew from nearby Marseille

Socca – Chickpea flatbread, best fresh from Nice’s markets

Pissaladière – Onion tart with anchovies and olives

Seafood platters – Fresh oysters, mussels, and prawns

Best Dining Experiences

La Colombe d’Or (Saint-Paul-de-Vence) – Legendary, artist-loved restaurant

Le Louis XV (Monaco) – Michelin-starred fine dining by Alain Ducasse

Bistrot d’Antoine (Nice) – Cozy and authentic French flavors

Beachside eateries – Fresh Mediterranean meals with a sea breeze

☀️ When to Visit the French Riviera

Pro Tip: May–June and September offer ideal weather with fewer crowds.

🏨 Where to Stay on the Riviera

Luxury

Hotel Negresco (Nice) – Iconic Belle Époque hotel

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc (Antibes) – Elite elegance by the sea

Hôtel de Paris (Monaco) – Classic opulence overlooking the casino

Mid-Range

La Bastide de Saint-Tropez – Mediterranean charm

OKKO Hotels (Nice) – Chic and centrally located

Royal Antibes – Contemporary with sea views

Budget

Hotel Florence Nice – Eco-friendly and central

Ibis Styles Cannes Le Cannet – Good value near Cannes

Hostel Meyerbeer Beach (Nice) – Great location and backpacker vibes

🚗 Best Day Trips & Excursions

Saint-Paul-de-Vence – Artistic hill town with galleries and stone alleys

Grasse – Perfume capital of the world

Gorges du Verdon – Dramatic river canyon with kayaking and hiking

Cassis & Calanques – Limestone cliffs and hidden coves

Italian Riviera – Just a short drive or train ride to Ventimiglia or Sanremo

🎉 Events & Festivals

Cannes Film Festival (May) – Glitz, premieres, and red carpets

Monaco Grand Prix (May) – Formula 1’s most iconic race

Nice Carnival (February) – Parades and giant floats

Menton Lemon Festival (February) – Citrus-themed sculptures and parades

Jazz à Juan (Antibes) – Legendary open-air jazz festival (July)

📸 Most Instagrammable Spots

Promenade des Anglais, Nice – Sunset selfies and palm trees

Eze Village Gardens – Views to infinity

Monte Carlo Casino – Old-school glamour

Port of Saint-Tropez – Yachts, pastel buildings, and reflections

Calanques near Cassis – Turquoise coves and cliffs

💡 Travel Tips

Public transport is excellent: regional trains and buses connect all major towns

Rent a car or scooter if you want to explore the hilltop villages and countryside

Try to speak a bit of French – locals appreciate the effort

Book early in summer — hotels fill up fast, especially in July and August

Many beaches are pebbled, especially in Nice — bring water shoes

🧳 Is the French Riviera Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt. The French Riviera offers a magical blend of luxury and authenticity, history and hedonism, and natural beauty with cultural depth. Whether you're sipping rosé in a beach club, hiking a cliffside trail, or browsing a sunlit market, the Côte d’Azur is guaranteed to enchant.