Architecture & Art, Books, Food & Drink, France (Outside of Paris), Travel

The Ultimate Guide to the French Riviera

May 9, 2025

From the pastel façades of Menton to the art-filled alleys of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, la Côte d’Azur or the French Riviera offers a sunny blend of culture, cuisine and Mediterranean beauty. While I will always have a special place in my heart for Paris, over the years, I have fallen in love with this little slice of the world, the sun glittering on the cerulean sea, the fantastic flavors of rosemary, olive oil, seafood and crisp rosé wine and the mix of beachy relaxation and art, architecture and music.

This guide takes you through the top towns, must-see museums and architecture, scenic walks, and easy train travel tips to help you plan a trip that’s both inspiring and unforgettable. Note that these are mostly coastal towns. The inland areas of Provence are for a separate post! Please note that this post contains links, that by clicking them, at no cost to you, I may make a commission to help bring readers this content.

Overview: Where Is the French Riviera?

The French Riviera stretches from Toulon in the west to Menton on the Italian border. Along this sparkling coast, you’ll find a mix of beach resorts, fishing villages, artistic enclaves, and hilltop towns—all within reach by train, car, or ferry.

1. Nice – Gateway to the Côte d’Azur

I’ve written a longer post about Nice, which you can find here. Just know that if you could only visit Nice, you would be a happy tourist as it is a vibrant city that offers so much: art, architecture, delicious dining, great shopping and a gorgeous, sand-free beach.

Art & Architecture in Nice

Wandering around Nice, whether in Old Town or in the various piazzas, you will see a variety of Mediterranean architecture with a mix of baroque and Belle Époque façades and cheery yellows and pinks. There are some great art opportunities including the Musée Matisse, Musée Marc Chagall, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Must-Do in Nice

In addition to the museums and architecture, head up to Castle Hill for views of Baie des Anges. Be sure to shop the Cours Saleya market – or better yet, take a half day cooking class, where you shop the market and then prepare a lunch based on that days’ haul. And of course, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and head to the beach. The beaches in Nice are all rocks, no sand, so bring proper shoes to navigate!

Where to Eat in Nice:

As a bigger city, there are many options but a must is the Le Plongeoir, located in the Mediterranean Sea. Be sure to get a reservation as this is a very popular spot to watch all manner of activity in the water like fluttering sails and open-water swimmers avoiding being run over by giant ferries departing for Corsica.

Le Plongeoir Restaurant in Nice, France gscinparis — Le Plongeoir Restaurant in Nice, France

Where to Stay in Nice:

Again, as a larger city, there are many options but Le Negresco is one of my favorite hotels in the world.

However, there are many options to choose from. VRBO is also a great option in Nice!

2. Villefranche-sur-Mer – Underrated Gem

Pretty seaside village of Villefranche Sur Mer, France (copyright gscinparis, LLC)

Art & Architecture in Villefranche Sur Mer

You will want to duck into the Chapel of Saint-Pierre which was painted by the famous avant-garde artist Jean Cocteau in the 1950’s. The Citadel of Saint-Elme is a fortification dating back to the the town’s military history. The rue Obscure, or “Dark Street” in French, has the atmosphere of medieval Villefranche.

Must Do

Villefranche is only a 7-min TER ride from Nice and perfect for a swim at Plage des Marinières.

Where to Eat in Villefranche Sur Mer

Typical for seaside towns in France, there are a number of restaurants on water front in the port to choose from. I can highly recommend La Mère Germaine: when we visited in June of ’24, the year commemorating 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasions, we met a 90-something year old American veteran who had participated in the ceremonies in Normandy and travelled down to Villefranche Sur Mer, where he had been based during WWII. They explained that the owners of La Mère Germaine were incredibly kind and generous to the Americans based there at the time and now here he was, dining there again, 80 years later. What a story!

Where to Stay in Villefranche Sur Mer

3. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – Serene Luxury

This happy little town, also known for its very wealthy population, is full of natural, coastal beauty, elegant homes and buildings, pretty beaches and a vibrant port area.

St. Jean Cap Ferrat, France (copyright, gscinparis LLC)

What to See & Do in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a spectacular palace surrounded by nine themed gardens: the French garden, the Spanish garden, the Florentine garden, the rock garden, the Japanese garden, the exotic garden, the Provençal garden and the Rose garden.

The Sentier du Littoral coastal path wraps around the cape. Bring a picnic and take in the coastal views from a garden bench (pictured above).

Where to Eat in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

For a casual but lovely lunch with classic French fare and a view of the port, head to “Le Bar du Port”. For a Michelin star experience with a fabulous ocean view, get a reservation at Le Cap, located in the Grand Hôtel du Cap.

Le Bar du Port, St. Jean Cap Ferrat, France

Where to Stay in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

The Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat is an iconic destination which opened in the early 20th century in all its Belle Epoque grandeur. Again, VRBO is also a great option with small homes and apartments available with ocean views!

4. Èze – Cliffside Medieval Village

Èze is a beautiful little medieval town, perched high up on the hill, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea. It is crowded and full of tourists, for good reason. Give yourself some time to explore the town and the views. I have, of course, a whole post about Èze, which you can read here.

Eze_view_gscinparis_2024_8 — View from the top of Èze, France (copyright, gscinparis, LLC)

What to See & Do in Èze

Here you will spend the day wandering through vaulted stone passageways and medieval walls. Make your way to the top and definitely pay to explore the exotic garden at the summit with the panoramic sea views. Don’t miss the 12th-century church as you bob in and out of the charming boutiques and art galleries, nestled into the stone.

Where to Eat in Èze

The Chateau Eza offers fine dining PLUS the incredible views plunging down the steep hills to the sea.

Château Eza, Èze, France (copyright gscinparis, LLC)

Where to Stay in Èze

There are two very famous, luxury hotels in Èze: Hôtel Chateau de la Chèvre d’Or and Chateau Eza. For something a little less pricey, there is Les Terrasses d’Èze.

5. Monaco – Luxury in a Microstate

Spend the day seeing how the 0.0001% live in the wealthiest country per capita. A 20km (13 mile) distance from Nice, it is easy to travel by car or train to this little slice of luxury. And if you go to the Mairie (city hall), near the Palace, they will stamp your passport!

What to See & Do in Monaco

The main points of interest you will want to explore are the Monte Carlo Casino, the Prince’s Palace, and the impressive, built-in-a-cliff Oceanographic Museum. Spend some time wandering through the gorgeous gardens on the cliff, with an elegant statue dedicated to the beloved Princess Grace Kelly. There is also the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco. Locals along the French Riviera will also head to the Opèra Monaco for theater or musical performances. If you time your visit right, you can catch a Formula 1 race.

Place du Palais, Monaco (copyright, gscinparis, LLC)

Where to Stay in Monaco

There is no shortage of luxury lodgings in this corner of the world, most of which are on the Monte Carlo side, closer to the casino.

6. Cannes – Where Cinema Meets the Sea

One of my favorite movies of all time is “French Kiss” with Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline. Yes, Mr. Kline is an American faking an over the top French accent but it is such a perfect rom-com that is set in beautiful France, we can overlook the silliness. My favorite part about the movie is that after the beginning set in Paris, the movie moves on to showcase other beautiful parts of France, including, Cannes!

What to See & Do in Cannes

Perhaps best known for its annual star-studded film festival, Cannes is a lovely city where you can stroll along the seaside Boulevard de la Croisette and head up to Le Suquet historic district. For film afficianados, visit the Palais des Festivals, where the Cannes Film Festival takes place. You can also take the short ferry to Île St. Marguerite.

The Chapel Bellini from 1894 in Cannes, France

Where to Eat in Cannes

La Table du Chef has some of the best reviews as a small bistro just a few minutes from Rue d’Antibes which “never disappoints” and provides great value for money.

Where to Stay in Cannes

7. Antibes & Juan-les-Pins – Seaside Culture & Jazz

Enjoy the 16th century Fort Carré and the medieval ramparts. Visit the Grimaldi Castle, which was built on what had been the ancient Greek Acropolis of Antipolis, and then a Roman castrum and a Medieval bishopric. In 1966, Grimaldi Castle was turned into the Picasso Museum. Juan-les-Pins is known for pretty, sandy beaches and the jazz festivals.

Where to Eat in Antibes & Juan-les-Pins

Louroc – Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is a Michelin starred restaurant located in the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc.

Where to Stay in Antibes & Juan-les-Pins

The Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is THE place to stay along the French Riviera!

8. Saint-Tropez – Chic Coastal Icon

Another must-stop along the coast is the stylish town of Saint Tropez, where you can wander the streets of the old town, visit the Citadelle, enjoy the beach and for the energetic, there is a bustling night club scene.

What to See & Do in Saint Tropez

The Annonciade Museum in St-Tropez is an intimate chapel-turned-gallery with an impressive collection of impressionist and expressionist paintings and sculptures, all linked to St-Tropez and its Cote d’Azur roots. Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Paul Signac, and Georges Seurat are just a few famous artists on display.

What to Eat in Saint Tropez

La Terrasse is a Michelin starred restaurant inside Le Cheval Blanc hotel. In the shade of umbrella pines, looking out over the Bay of Saint Tropez, the restaurant features Mediterranean flavors and high-quality ingredients. The quintessence of French art de vivre…

Also, while in Saint Tropez, you must order the Tarte Tropézienne, a brioche cake filled with cream and coated in sugar. It was created in Saint Tropez in 1955 but was popularized by Brigitte Bardot, who suggested the name “La Tarte Tropézienne” while filming “And God Created Woman” in the area.

Where to Stay in Saint Tropez

The Hôtel le Cheval Blanc is the best place to stay in Saint Tropez.

9. Menton – Citrus and Color

Menton is the final French town before the Italian border—and one of the Riviera’s most underrated gems. Known for its sunny microclimate, lemon groves, and Italianate pastel architecture, Menton feels like a tranquil blend of France and Italy.

What to See and Do in Menton

Stroll the Old Town’s steep streets, visit the Jean Cocteau Museum, and explore lush gardens like Val Rahmeh or Serre de la Madone. In February, the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) transforms the city with dazzling citrus sculptures and parades.

Where to Eat in Menton

Mirazur is an exceptional 3-star Michelin restaurant between the mountains and the sea, with spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

Where to Stay in Menton

As a smaller town, you will find more boutique hotels in Menton.

10. Saint-Paul-de-Vence – Art in the Hills

Just 19km (12 miles) from Nice, up in the beautiful green hills above the sea is the ultra charming town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, with its 16th-century ramparts and preserved medieval gates, pretty stone buildings, art galleries, restaurants and boutiques. A short walk away is the incredible La Fondation Maeght, which you can read all about here and is home to one of Europe’s best modern art collections, featuring Miró, Giacometti, Chagall and more.

St Paul de Vence Building, France — St. Paul de Vence, France

Where to Eat in Saint-Paul-de-Vence

La Colombe d’Or restaurant, opened in the 1920’s, once accepted payment in paintings. Additionally, because of its location where artists would flock, many famous painters dined at this historical establishment.

Where to Stay in Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Getting Around: TER Train Line

The French Riviera region is blessed with a fantastic public transportation option. The TER (Transport Express Régional) is the Riviera’s scenic railway lifeline. There are frequent trains between Marseille and Ventimiglia (Italy), with stops in Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco, Menton, and more. The tickets are quite affordable and often under €10. You can travel from Nice to Monaco in 22 minutes.

Buy tickets via the SNCF app and validate them at platform machines before boarding.

Getting Around: Car

I have typically rented a car in Nice and this is a great option for leisurly exploring the coast. Parking can be a hassle, especially in a tiny town like Èze, but it can also be nice for going off the beaten path.

What to Wear

It is quite sunny and hot during the late Spring and summer, so dress accordingly. And, you may have gathered from the post above, much of your time is spent going from the beach to a museum to a church to a chic restaurant, so you will want to have some coverups for the swim-wear. Head to my LTK page for French-inspired fashion:

Must-Try Riviera Dishes

I love French Mediterranean food (think olive oil, citrus, rosé wine) so be sure to try dishes like Bouillabase, Pissaladière, the Tarte Tropézienne or a salade Niçoise. Two great South of France cookbooks include “Le Sud” by Rebekah Peppler and “Niçoise” by Rosa Jackson

Best Time to Visit

Because of my teaching schedule, I am there in the summer, best for enjoying the beach but not great for all the crowds (not just foreign tourists, but the French as well head to the South in August!). From April to June, there are many festivals. From September to October, you have nice weather, less crowds and wine harvest season. From November to March, it can be rainy and cold sometimes but with that, you have lower rates, the lemon festival and Carnival in Nice.