A Dreamy 7-Day French Riviera Itinerary for Under $2000

The French Riviera, or the Côte d’Azur, often conjures up images of super-yachts, private jets, and celebrities sipping champagne on secluded terraces. It has a reputation for being an expensive playground for the elite, but there is a secret that the locals know:

The true beauty of the Riviera—the scent of the pine trees, the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, and the vibrant colors of the old towns—doesn’t cost a thing.

If you have ever dreamed of wandering through the cobblestone streets of Antibes or watching the sunset over the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, you can do it without breaking the bank.

With a budget of $2,000, you can spend a full week exploring this iconic coastline while enjoying comfortable stays, delicious food, and unforgettable views.

 

Day 1: Finding Your Rhythm in Nice

Nice is the heartbeat of the Riviera and the most practical home base for any budget-conscious traveler. After landing at the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, skip the expensive taxis and hop on the tram for a few euros. It glides through the city, offering your first glimpse of the palm trees and grand Belle Époque architecture.

Check into a boutique hostel or a budget-friendly hotel near the Nice-Ville station. From here, the entire coast is just a train ride away.

Spend your first afternoon in Vieux Nice (the Old Town). It is a labyrinth of narrow alleys where the air smells of lavender soap and fresh bread. Grab a warm slice of Socca—the famous local chickpea pancake—from a street vendor for a few euros and find a spot to people-watch.

As evening falls, walk up to the Colline du Château (Castle Hill). You don’t need to pay for a view this good. From the summit, you can see the entire Bay of Angels stretching out toward the horizon.

• Daily Estimate: $150 (Accommodation: $100, Food/Drinks: $40, Transport: $10)

 

Day 2: The Art of Living in Antibes

Just a short, scenic 20-minute train ride from Nice lies Antibes, a town that feels like a well-kept secret. Antibes is where the glamour of the Riviera meets the rustic charm of a fishing village.

Start your morning at the Marché Provençal, an open-air market where locals buy their olives, cheeses, and spices. It is the perfect place to assemble a budget-friendly picnic. From there, walk the ramparts of the old sea wall toward the Picasso Museum.

Even if you don’t go inside, the building itself, the Château Grimaldi, is a masterpiece perched right over the turquoise water.

If you’re feeling adventurous, hike the Sentier du Littoral around the Cap d’Antibes. It’s a rugged coastal path that leads you past hidden villas and limestone cliffs.

Traveler’s Choice: For those breezy coastal hikes, our Antibes, France Fitted Beach Sweatshirt offers the perfect layer of warmth without losing that effortless Mediterranean style.

• Daily Estimate: $155 (Accommodation: $100, Food/Drinks: $40, Train: $15)

 

Day 3: The Golden Sands of Juan-les-Pins

While many beaches on the Riviera are made of smooth pebbles, Juan-les-Pins is famous for its soft, golden sand. It’s a sister town to Antibes and has a distinctly youthful, upbeat energy.

Spend the morning lounging on the public beach or exploring the pine-shaded parks that give the town its name. In the afternoon, wander through the boutiques that line the waterfront. Unlike the high-fashion districts of Cannes, you can find unique, local treasures here that won’t drain your savings.

• Daily Estimate: $145 (Accommodation: $100, Food/Drinks: $40, Train: $5)

 

Day 4: Cinematic Dreams in Cannes

Cannes is a city that knows how to put on a show. Famous for its international film festival, it can feel intimidatingly expensive, but the “Red Carpet” experience is surprisingly accessible.

Walk the Boulevard de la Croisette to see the famous hotels like the Martinez and the Carlton. For a change of pace, take the 15-minute Ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite.

The island is a forest-covered escape where you can explore an old fortress and swim in crystal-clear coves. It’s the perfect antidote to the bustle of the city.

For dinner, head back to the mainland and explore Le Suquet, the historic quarter. The winding streets are filled with charming bistros that offer “Prix Fixe” menus, allowing you to enjoy a three-course French meal for a reasonable price.

Style Note: Blend in with the chic Cannes crowd in our Cannes, France Oversized Beach T-Shirt Black, designed for those who value both comfort and high-end aesthetics.

• Daily Estimate: $185 (Accommodation: $100, Food/Drinks: $55, Ferry: $20, Train: $10)

 

Day 5: A Glimpse of Royalty in Monaco

Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world, and it is packed with luxury. While a hotel room here might be out of reach, a day trip is incredibly easy and affordable.

Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Prince’s Palace at noon, then wander through the St. Martin Gardens, which offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean. If you want to see the famous Monte Carlo Casino, you can admire the architecture and the parade of supercars out front for free.

Pro-Tip: Buy your lunch at a local supermarket in Nice before you leave. Eating a sandwich while overlooking the Monaco harbor is just as satisfying as a five-star meal, and significantly cheaper!

• Daily Estimate: $160 (Accommodation: $100, Food/Drinks: $50, Train: $10)

 

Day 6: The Pastel Magic of Menton

Often called the “Pearl of France,” Menton sits right on the Italian border. It is famous for its lemons and its microclimate, which makes it feel like it’s always springtime.

The Old Town is a vertical rainbow of terracotta and ochre buildings. Spend your morning climbing the stairs to the Basilique Saint-Michel, then head down to Plage des Sablettes for a swim with the most colorful backdrop in France. Because it is so close to Italy, the pasta and pizza here are world-class and very affordable.

• Daily Estimate: $160 (Accommodation: $100, Food/Drinks: $50, Train: $10)

 

Day 7: Farewell in Villefranche-sur-Mer

For your final day, take the train just one stop away from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer. This deep-water bay is one of the most beautiful in the world. It’s smaller and quieter than the other cities, making it the perfect place to reflect on your journey.

Explore the Citadelle Saint-Elme or sit by the water with a final café au lait. It’s a moment to soak in the “Art de Vivre”—the art of living well—that defines the French Riviera.

• Daily Estimate: $145 (Accommodation: $100, Food/Drinks: $40, Train: $5)

 

The Final Tally: Riviera Luxury on a Real-World Budget

Category	Estimated Cost
Round-Trip Flights (Average from major hubs)	$800
Accommodation (7 nights in Nice)	$700
Dining (A mix of markets, street food, and bistros)	$315
Local Transport (Trains and trams)	$85
Activities (Museums, ferries, and fun)	$100
TOTAL	$2,000

 

Bringing the Spirit Home

The French Riviera isn’t just a destination; it’s a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, quality, and beauty. That same philosophy is what drives us at Atelier Plage.

Our brand was born in the heart of the Riviera to provide high-quality, sustainable clothing that reflects the effortless elegance of the Mediterranean. We believe that fashion should be as timeless as a sunset in Antibes and as responsible as the future of our planet.

Before you set off on your Mediterranean adventure, explore our Founder’s Faves Bundle. Featuring our signature Nice and Saint-Tropez pieces, it’s the ultimate sustainable wardrobe for your travels.

The Riviera is waiting for you. Are you ready to discover it?