The French Riviera is renowned worldwide for its beautiful towns like Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Nice. However, there’s much more to this dreamy region than just these famous names! As one of the most captivating areas in France, it’s the ideal destination for travelers seeking a mix of extraordinary food, exquisite wine, and rich history and culture. Beyond the well-known cities, the Riviera offers charming towns and villages, a thriving art scene, and a highly regarded cultural heritage.
With so much natural beauty and cultural wealth, deciding where to go and what to see can be a challenge. From picturesque seaside cities and hilltop villages to luxurious resort towns, here are my ten favorite places to visit on the French Riviera. Bon voyage!
Where is the French Riviera?
The French Riviera, known in French as the Côte d’Azur, is the stunning Mediterranean coastline located in the southeast corner of France. Spanning about 550 miles, it earned the nickname Côte d’Azur, or Blue Coast, in 1887 due to its turquoise Mediterranean waters. The word Riviera means coast in Italian. While there are no official boundaries, the French Riviera is typically considered to stretch from Cassis, Toulon, or Saint-Tropez in the west to Menton at the France-Italy border in the east, where it meets the Italian Riviera. This breathtaking coastline is entirely within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France. Located where the Alps meet the Mediterranean, the French Riviera enjoys a wonderfully mild to warm climate year-round.
Why is the French Riviera So Popular?
The French Riviera is renowned for its beautiful beaches, stunning views, crystal-clear waters, luxurious yachts, and as a playground for the wealthy. But has it always been this way? In fact, yes. In the late 18th century, the Riviera emerged as one of the first modern resort areas, serving as a winter health retreat for the British upper class. The arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century transformed it into a favored vacation spot for British, Russian, and other aristocrats, including Queen Victoria, Tsar Alexander II, and King Edward VII when he was Prince of Wales.
During the first half of the 20th century, the French Riviera attracted artists and writers like Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Francis Bacon, as well as wealthy Americans and Europeans. Its popularity soared after World War II, drawing famous artists and movie stars such as Brigitte Bardot, Alain Delon, and Romy Schneider, along with other celebrities who cemented the French Riviera’s status as a top destination for luxury travel.
1. Nice
Nice, the largest city and the unofficial capital of the French Riviera, is a picturesque gem with an idyllic coastline along the azure Mediterranean Sea. The best way to soak in the stunning sea views is by strolling down the 7-kilometer-long Promenade des Anglais. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Musée Masséna, an architectural jewel of the promenade. You can also visit the Musée Marc Chagall, which showcases many of the famed painter’s works inspired by the Riviera region itself.
While in Nice, be sure to explore the charming streets of the Old Town (Le Vieux Nice). Then, head to Castle Hill for breathtaking views overlooking the city. Make your way to the outdoor markets along the Cours Saleya to browse stalls filled with flowers, spices, produce, and antiques. Relax under the sun, take a swim, and people-watch at the Baie des Anges. Finally, cap off your day with a sunset cocktail overlooking the ancient city and the beautiful waters beyond.
2. Cannes
Cannes is a true jewel of the French Riviera and one of its most glamorous resorts. Famous for its annual Cannes Film Festival, this city offers much more than just its cinematic allure. The architecture in Cannes is remarkable and even more picturesque at night. The long boardwalk and beachfront, La Croisette, is one of Riviera’s most popular spots for strolling, jogging, enjoying a sunset cocktail, or indulging in a leisurely seafood lunch. It’s also the perfect place to see and be seen ;).
While in Cannes, you must visit the Musée de la Castre, an old fortress, and Notre-Dame d’Espérance, a stunning church, both located in the historic Le Suquet area. Cannes is also home to beautiful beaches and beach bars where you can sip a refreshing cocktail and soak up the sunshine. One of the best activities in Cannes is visiting the Iles de Lerins, a group of four islands just a 15-minute ferry ride from the mainland. Here, you’ll find fantastic beaches and bays that are truly unique.
3. Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez, a charming seaside resort town on the French Riviera, has it all: celebrities, glamour, yachts, exclusive clubs, and some of the best beaches. This iconic destination continues to be a tourism hotspot today. Spend a day or two exploring the famous Pampelonne Beach, made legendary by Brigitte Bardot’s movie Et Dieu… créa la femme.
For a break from the beach, visit the picturesque Citadel of Saint-Tropez and its Museum of Maritime History to learn about the town’s origins as a fishing village. Don’t miss the town’s central square, Place des Lices, where you can savor a slice of Tarte Tropézienne at Le Sénéquier. Enjoy watching locals play pétanque while sipping on a pastis or a café. Finally, take a stroll along Le Vieux Port to admire the impressive boats and yachts. If you wake up early enough, you can catch the fishmongers at the daily fish market.
4. Antibes
Antibes, located between Nice and Cannes, is a renowned resort destination surrounded by fortified walls overlooking the sea. Beyond its megayachts and picture-perfect beaches, Antibes is celebrated for its literary and artistic history. At the Villa Saint Louis, now the Hotel Belles-Rives on the Cap d’Antibes, F. Scott Fitzgerald spent summers and began his work on Tender is the Night. Additionally, the Picasso Museum, formerly Château Grimaldi, was Picasso’s home and workshop in 1946 and remains a significant cultural attraction in the town.
Stroll through the historic old town’s charming streets, and explore the Provencal food market (Marché Provençal) to shop for seasonal fresh produce. Besides delving into the rich history of Antibes, be sure to enjoy its wonderful beaches, perfect for relaxation and soaking up the sun.
5. Menton
Menton is a charming, picturesque town located between Monaco and the Italian border, set against the stunning backdrop of the Alpes Maritimes mountains. Known for its breathtaking gardens, well-preserved old town dating back to the 13th century, and beautiful waterfront, Menton is one of the most scenic spots on the French Riviera. The town is also home to La Citronneraie, a citrus grove with 450 trees of the unique “Citron de Menton” variety. A great time to visit this lovely town is from mid-February to early March during the popular La Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival). Don’t miss a visit to the Palais Carnolès, the former summer residence of Monaco’s princes.
6. Monaco
Although not technically part of the French Riviera, Monaco is a must-visit destination. A trip to Monte Carlo offers stunning beaches, scenic waterside paths with dramatic views, rugged mountain surroundings, and vibrant nightlife. Be sure to visit iconic landmarks like the Monte-Carlo Casino. This lavish Belle Époque building, dating back to 1863, has been featured in classic films like To Catch a Thief and Never Say Never Again. Also, explore the Cathedral of St. Nicholas and discover Monaco’s museums, including the Musée Océanographique. Don’t miss the Princess Grace Rose Garden, created by Prince Rainier III in memory of his wife, Princess Grace.
7. Èze
Just a short distance from Nice, Èze is one of the most stunning spots on the French Riviera. This picturesque village, with its charming cobblestone streets, is perched on a cliff thousands of feet above the Mediterranean. Visit the Jardin Exotique d’Èze, located in a former medieval fortress (which you might recognize from Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief), to enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the French Riviera. Take your time exploring the cobbled medieval streets and charming storefronts that make Èze so enchanting. Don’t miss the 14th-century Chapelle de la Sainte-Croix, a historic site once used as a meeting place for those aiding plague victims in the Middle Ages.
8. Saint-Paul-de-Vence
One of the oldest medieval towns in the region, the walled town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, perches high on a rocky spur at the eastern edge of the Riviera. This picturesque village offers sweeping views of the French Prealps and the Mediterranean Sea. Renowned as an artist’s haven, Saint-Paul-de-Vence has attracted several famous painters, including Marc Chagall, who lived here and is buried in the village’s historic cemetery. Pablo Picasso, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir were among the many artists and intellectuals who frequented the village, its restaurants, and its bars during the 20th century.
Spend some time wandering through the cobbled medieval streets, stopping at the many art studios and galleries, or shop for Provencal specialties. Saint-Paul-de-Vence’s charm and artistic legacy make it a must-visit destination on the French Riviera.
9. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Once a quiet fishing village, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has become one of the Riviera’s most sought-after spots for vacationers and locals seeking a touch of old-fashioned chic. Once favored by European aristocracy, this charming peninsula boasts striking architecture and five public beaches. The most popular is Paloma Beach, frequented by famous figures like Henri Matisse, Sean Connery, and Elton John.
In town, explore the old port and the 11th-century Saint-Hospice Chapel. Consider taking a drive to admire some of the area’s legendary, lavish villas, including the stunning Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Whether you’re strolling through town or lounging on the beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat offers a perfect mix of elegance and relaxation.
10. Porquerolles Island
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Côte d’Azur, Île de Porquerolles is the perfect retreat. Just a 10-minute boat ride from the Riviera town of Hyères, this island is a serene oasis with pristine sandy beaches, turquoise waters, varied hiking trails, dramatic cliffs, and winding maritime creeks. In 1912, Belgian explorer François Joseph Fournier bought the entire island as a wedding gift for his wife. In 1971, the French government purchased 80 percent of the island to preserve its natural beauty, keeping Porquerolles unspoiled over the years. You can relax on several sandy beaches, including Plage Notre Dame, La Courtade, and Plage d’Argent, each offering its own unique charm.
i’ve always wanted to go to Èze! it looks so beautiful