I live in the Alpes (mountain) region of the South of France, and I kept putting off the chance to explore the other side of the South of France. But after spending four days in the French Riviera, I am sharing my itinerary and travel guide to the French Riviera.
Disclaimer: The links in this post are not affiliate links and are only used as a reference to my readers.
But for context: the South of France can be confused with the Provence and the French Riviera, especially for tourists. So, let me clear that up first.
What’s the difference between these three?
The South of France refers to cities and departments in the southern part of France, near Italy and Spain. Provence, short for Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur (PACA), refers to a part of the south of France that is mostly vineyards, hills, or countryside. While the French Riviera, also Côte d’Azur, includes cities along the Mediterranean coastline, typically from the Var region to Menton.
There is still a debate on where the Côte d’Azur starts. But we know that it ends at Menton and includes towns along the Mediterranean Sea.
In simple words, the French Riviera + the Provence = the South of FranceBut our focus for this article is sharing my itinerary, tips, and travel guide to the French Riviera. Here, I covered cities from Grasse, Cannes, to the villages in the French Riviera. I covered the French Riviera in a 5-day trip (including the day I arrived). But if you are slow traveling, a week is enough to cover major cities.
Typically, Monaco is added to this list because of its proximity to the French Riviera, so a day trip to Monaco wouldn’t hurt. I didn’t get the chance to explore St. Tropez because of its location from other towns. But that will surely be a post for another day.
Related article: One day in Monaco – A day trip guide to Monaco on a budget
I enjoyed my time at the beach, the late summer sun, long walks through the villages, and exploring old towns. You can also add St.-Paul-de-Vence to the list – a small village perched on a cliff, like Èze.
IN THIS POST:
- What to know before you visit the French Riviera
- How to get to the French Riviera or Côte d’Azur
- Best Time to Visit the French Riviera
- Where to Stay in the French Riviera or Côte d’Azur
- Where to eat
- Getting around the French Riviera
- Itinerary and Travel Guide to the French Riviera
- Tips for visiting the South of France
- Best beach clubs to visit
- FAQs about the French Riviera
- Final thoughts
This travel guide and itinerary to the French Riviera will be a lengthy post, but I will be as brief as possible.
What to Know Before You Visit the French Riviera
Côte d’Azur has a certain charm that appeals to tourists – its coastline, the Cannes Film Festival, and even Monaco. For this travel guide to the French Riviera, here’s what you must know:
- Make Nice your base. The easiest and closest point to lodge if you are planning to visit the Côte d’Azur is Nice. Nice has the best connection to all villages and cities along the Riviera, including affordable accommodations. You can even take a single bus ride from Nice to Menton.
- Plan for the heat wave. The South of France is known for its sunny climate, but there is always a heat wave each year. The temperatures can get too high, and the heat can scorch your skin. So, make sure to pack light clothing, a hand fan, and drink lots of water.
- Book everything in advance. Most upscale restaurants are fully seated during the summer or busy months. So, if you plan to dine at restaurants like Le Plongeoir, be sure to book in advance.
- Public transportation is good. If you are traveling solo, there is absolutely no need to rent a car. But if you are a family or small group, renting a car may be useful for you. The French Riviera boasts of a good public transportation system, so there may be no need to rent a car.
How to Get to the French Riviera or Côte d’Azur
If you live outside France, getting to the Côte d’Azur is easy. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) in Nice is the closest international airport to the French Riviera. Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is also another international airport in the South of France, but it may be a bit far if you plan to stay in Nice.
If you live near Spain or the French-Italian border, the easiest way to reach the French Riviera is by train. The South of France boasts of good train connections to Italy and Spain. These trains make stops at Marseille St. Charles and Nice Ville train stations, respectively.
You can also take affordable travel options like BlaBlaCar or FlixBus to get there.
If you are coming from Paris, you can take a train from Paris Gare de Lyon, Paris Airport CDG 2, or from Paris Marne-la-Vallée (Disneyland). You can book your trip from the SNCF or Ouigo websites.
Related article: How to plan the perfect trip
Best Time to Visit the French Riviera
Typically, there is no bad time to visit Côte d’Azur (except during winter), but the region has been a summer destination for a very long time. The coastline is usually crowded with visitors from June to August due to its sunny climate. But let’s not forget the heat wave.
For this travel guide to the French Riviera, I visited at the end of September – fewer crowds, the waters were blue, and the sun was still up. Of course, there were still tourists in town; you can’t compare that to the summer crowd.
If you want to avoid crowds and the scorching heat, the best time to visit the French Riviera is from mid-May to early June, and from mid-September to early October. Although summer months will be fun, spring and early fall are great times to visit the French Riviera.
Don’t worry: the beach clubs and ocean-view restaurants will still be open.
If you plan to visit in summer or early fall, make sure to pack light, comfortable clothing and shoes. Throw in a pair of bikinis and sun hats in your luggage, too. And don’t forget sunscreen!
Where to stay in Côte d’Azur
For your trip to the French Riviera, I would recommend choosing your accommodation in Nice. As I mentioned earlier, Nice is a good base for anyone looking to explore the towns and villages along the coastline.
I saw a TikTok post where a creator claimed that it was better to stay in St. Tropez than Nice. C’est pas possible! Even a car ride from St. Tropez to Villefranche-sur-mer will take about 2 hours, so that won’t work.
If Nice is not your thing, I would recommend staying in St-Laurent-du-Var or St. Augustin (the part of Nice close to the airport).
So, book your stay in one location and take day trips from there to other villages.
Related article: How to Spot Red Flags Before Booking Your Hotel
Getting Around the French Riviera
Whether you choose to rent a car or use public transportation, the towns and villages in the Riviera are easy to navigate. I would recommend renting a car if you are with children or a small group friends. But if you are traveling solo or as a couple, public transportation will be a great option.
I recommend renting a car from DiscoverCars because they are mostly used by tourists.
Aside that, using public transportation for your day trips is affordable. I mostly used the bus to get around from Nice to nearby villages, even up to Menton, and it was super affordable. Since I used the bus, I bought the Lignes d’Azur card and recharged it for €7 a day – no trip limits.
I also took the train to Cannes and then to Grasse since it was the most practical option. That cost about €10 between them. Buses 15, 600, and 602 will take you from Nice all the way up to Menton.
If you plan to visit other parts of the Provence, such as Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Grasse, or Toulon, the train will be the best option. I recommend purchasing a Zou! Pass subscription for 1 or 2 days to these areas. A 3-day pass costs €35 and is valid for use on trams, trains, and buses. Affordable, right?
Where to eat
Naturally, I would recommend trying out French cuisine when you visit the Côte d’Azur. But I have already listed a couple of places to eat in Nice, so check that out.
But remember, if you want to splurge at an upscale restaurant, do well to make a reservation. If you walk into Le Plongeoir, Nice, or Circé Restaurant, Beaulieu-sur-mer, you may not find a seat. So, call in advance!
With no specific restaurants in mind, I would recommend that you eat in an authentic French or Italian restaurant. I did that, and the food was delicious!
Related article: 2 Days in Nice – A Complete Travel Guide and Itinerary
Travel Guide to the French Riviera
There are towns you must visit in the Riviera, but this was my itinerary:
Day 1
Grasse
A hillside town, not far from Cannes, and the world’s perfume capital. I started with Grasse because I wanted to begin at the farthest, down to Nice.
The Fragonard Museum and the Museum of Parfumerie are a must-visit, with free entry till 5 pm. Don’t forget to stroll around the old town, take a picture at the Grasse signage, and see the gazebo.
I spent too much time at Fragonard and missed my time at the Museum of Parfumerie (they close by 5 pm). Don’t forget to buy a small bottle of perfume or create a custom scent at Fragonard. I love the floral scents – they are divine!
Cannes
From Grasse, take the train to Cannes and head straight to Rue d’Antibes. If you don’t intend to shop, continue towards Boulevard de la Croisette for a view of the beach. Head towards Marché Forville and continue your way towards Le Suquet, the old town.
To save time, I took a 50-minute train tour right at the Cannes Festival Palace (for €14) to explore Cannes. The tour began at the Palace, towards the old town, and back to the Palace.
Don’t forget to take a picture at the Palace red-carpet stairs. You can also stop by the Casino (just by the Palace of Festivals) and play some slots.
Antibes
I wish I had more time to explore Antibes, but it was beautiful and not as crowded as Cannes. You can take a swim at the beach, have an early dinner, and visit the Provencal Market before you retire to Nice.
Day 2
Nice
It typically takes two days to explore Nice, but you can do it in one day. To explore the city in a short time, I recommend that you use the tour train at the Promenade des Anglais. The tour train costs about €12 and goes from the Promenade, the old town, Castle Hill, and back to the Promenade.
Don’t forget to visit Port Lympia and see the Russian Cathedral. I already have a full travel guide for Nice – you should check that out.
Day 3
Villefranche-sur-mer
By 9 am, I was already on Bus 15 from Place Garibaldi, Nice to Villefranche-sur-mer (because it was easier). You can take the train if you want, but the bus is easier for this route.
When you arrive at the train station, you will see the signs directing you towards the beach or the old town. If you take your left, you will find your way towards Plage des Marinieres. But if you continue to your right, you will find your way to the old town.
Villafranche-sur-mer is a small village that you can explore on foot. From the train station, walk towards the old town and take in the old buildings. Don’t forget to explore Rue Obscure.
From the old town, find your way towards Welcome Hotel for a view of the Port – Port de Villefranche-sur-mer. Then continue towards St. Pierre’s chapel.
You will find some restaurants at Place Amélie Pollonais for lunch, and continue towards Citadelle de Villefranche-sur-mer. The aerial photos from here are beautiful. If you have time, you can head back towards the beach for a panoramic view of Villefranche-sur-mer. Use these directions.
St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Once you’re done at Villefranche-sur-mer, head towards Octroi bus stop and take the Bus 15 or 600 to St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. There isn’t much to see here except the beach, so I stopped at Passable/Rothschild bus stop and walked towards the Villa.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a paid attraction (€18 for adults and €12 for children) that shows the living arrangement and 7 gardens of Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. It’s a beautiful villa – in and out, and it is a must-visit if you are in Côte d’Azur.
If you can, feel free to visit Paloma Beach Club to rest your feet.
Beaulieu-sur-mer
Once you are done at the Villa, head back towards Passable/Rothschild bus stop and take Bus 15 to Beaulieu-sur-mer. I stopped at Baie des Fourmis (bus stop) and walked along the beach. It was September, so the beach was barely crowded. Just beside the beach, you will find Port Associatif des Fourmis, and a view of Villa Kerylos.
From the beach, I walked toward the road and found myself in front of the Casino. From there, I walked around Verdun Square, just around the Circé Restaurant. Those tall palm trees are beautiful. You will find a small garden/park around the square.
Not too far from the square is Villa Kerylos. I had to ask the locals if it was open to tourists because the villa is usually closed for a short time. Thankfully, it was open and the entrance fee cost €13.
Day 4
Monaco
After a good night’s rest, I took the train to Monte Carlo for a budget day trip to Monaco. When you arrive at the train station, follow the board signs for direction to the Prince’s Palace or the Casino area.
If you are having trouble with your internet, go to the tourist office and ask them to help you connect to the free internet. Monaco offers free internet within the city (except the old town), but it can be tricky.
I have a full itinerary for Monaco, even if you are on a budget. You will find it here. Of course, Monte Carlo is not a French city, but if you are in the Côte d’Azur, Monaco is a hit!
Day 5
Èze
Pronounced ‘ez’, it is a small village perched on a high cliff, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Going to Èze can be a bit tricky if you take the train. If you are coming from Nice, go to Place Garibaldi and take Bus 602 to the Èze village itself. If you take the train, you will have to wait for Bus 83 going to the village.
I was at Beaulieu-sur-mer, so I took the Bus 600 from Villa Kerylos to the Èze village. It takes several steep stairs to get to the top of the village itself, so brace yourself. If you have a baby, a baby stroller will be cumbersome, so use a baby strap.
At the village, you can wander through the cobbled streets, visit the Jardin Exotique (€8), and take pictures of the view below.
Menton
I will rate Plage des Sablettes as the most beautiful beach in Côte d’Azur. From the train station (if you took the train) or from Casino Barrière (if you took the bus), find your way to Rue Saint Michel.
From there, it is easy to find the beach, the famous steps, St. Michel Basilica, and Chapel des Pénitents-blancs. Don’t forget to grab a lemonade or lemon gelato on your way and take a picture with the Menton sign.
Related article: 47+ Travel Hacks & Trips for a Perfect Trip
Tips for Visiting the French Riviera
Download Google Translate. Remember, you are in France, not Turks & Caicos. The locals speak French and information signs are also in French. However, there are locals who speak English, but learn to say ‘Bonjour’ before any conversation, and use the Translate app.
Nice has a pebbled beach while other towns like Cannes have sandy beaches. I noticed that Baie d’Anges, Nice, was the only pebbled beach along the Riviera (correct me if I’m wrong). If you find it uncomfortable for your feet, you can swim at Antibes or Villefranche-sur-mer.
Have a budget. Visiting the Riviera can be expensive, especially in the summer. And if you get carried away with the buzz, you can dent a hole in your wallet. So, I recommend that you set a modest budget for your trip and stick to it.
Plan your itinerary carefully. You can be overwhelmed by how many villages you want to visit and attractions to see. But just like I did, I recommend that you make a draft of the places you’d like to visit in a day. You can take a cue from the itinerary I laid out above.
Again, make one city your base. Every town or village along the French Riviera is about an hour away from Nice or from each other. Instead of hopping from one hotel to another every 2 days, just choose one base and take day trips from there.
Skip the beach in the morning. In the summer, Baie d’Anges, along Promenade des Anglais, is typically crowded from 10 am. You can skip the beach in the morning and take a swim later in the afternoon (from 4 pm) after exploring for the day.
Related article: Solo Travel 101 – How To Start Traveling Alone
Best Beach Clubs to Visit in the French Riviera
While I was in Côte d’Azur, I briefly visited certain beach clubs, and here are my beach recommendations for a travel guide to the French Riviera:
Plage Beau Rivage, Nice – close to Hotel Negresco and along Promenade des Anglais. The restaurant has a local menu and you should head there if you wish to use a lounge in the sun.
Castel Plage beach club, Nice – just by the Castle Hill, but a little pricy. You will pay for sun lounge chairs, and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
Plage du Midi is a free public beach in Cannes around the old town. If you wish to tan in the sun for free, use this beach.
The beach clubs in Antibes are a bit pricy (lounge chairs cost about €40 – €80). If this is above your price point, I’ll recommend that you find your way to Plage de la Gravette for a day at the beach. If you don’t like the pebbled beach at Nice, just come here.
You can also enjoy a day at the beach at Baie des Fournis (Beaulieu-sur-mer) or Plage des Marinieres (Villefranche-sur-mer). I was there in September, and the crowd was non-existent.
Also read: 5-Day Multi-Country Europe Itinerary
FAQs About the French Riviera
I would say 5 days is enough to visit the Côte d’Azur. However, if you plan to go further towards Aix-en-Provence or Marseille, or the hillside, a 7-day trip will suffice.
Of course, you can! The cities are baby stroller-friendly, and you can ask restaurants for high chairs for babies. However, Èze is not baby-friendly, because you have to climb several steep stairs to get to the top of the village. So, you have to strap your baby or carry them.
Nice, Nice, Nice! Book your accommodation in Nice and take day trips from there to other parts of the Riviera. It’s just easier!
If you mean the South of France, you will hardly scratch the surface. But you can visit the Provence and the French Riviera in one week.
Technically, yes, since it shares the same coastline with other French towns. But don’t forget that Monaco is a sovereign state on its own.
Your budget for a trip to Côte d’Azur depends on your time of visit, where you stay, and the experiences you wish to have. It is less expensive to stay in Nice or St-Laurent-du-Var than in Cannes.
If you’d love to have luxury experiences with some shopping, you’ll need to pad your wallet.
For my budget solo trip, I spent about €250. This includes my accommodation, feeding, public transportation, and paid attractions. If you think this is too cheap, I have my ways!
Avenue Jean Médecin, Nice, is a good place to do your shopping. You can also shop at Rue d’Antibes, Cannes. But if you want some luxury shopping, Boulevard de la Croissette, Cannes, is the place.
Also read: Headed to Paris? Top Scams to Avoid While in Paris
Final Thoughts
If you are visiting France, a trip to the Côte d’Azur will be a great addition to your itinerary. I have curated this travel guide to the French Riviera to show you the places to visit and how to plan your 5-day itinerary.
I have a gallery of all the pictures I took while I was in the French Riviera. If you are planning a day trip to Monaco on a budget, do well to check out my day trip guide to Monaco. And while you are in the South of France, you should also read my full travel guide and itinerary for Nice.
I hope this travel guide to the French Riviera has all the information you need. As you enjoy your trip, remember to slow down and enjoy every view, meal, and walk. The French Riviera isn’t just a destination – it’s an experience. So, pack light, get your camera ready, and keep your sunscreen close.
Toodals!
