Your Dream Trip to the French Riviera

Are you dreaming of a sunny place with blue water and famous cities? Then the French Riviera is the perfect spot for you! This famous part of France is called the Côte d’Azur in French. It means the “Azure Coast.” It is easy to visit, even if you are coming from far away.

This simple guide will tell you everything you need. You will learn where to stay, which places to see, and if you need a big budget.

Where is the French Riviera Located?

The French Riviera is on the southeast coast of France. It is right next to the Mediterranean Sea.

If you look at a map, it stretches from the city of Menton, close to Italy, all the way to Saint-Tropez or sometimes further west. The whole area is famous for its mild weather and incredibly blue sea.

What is the French Riviera Known For?

It is known for a few main things.

First, it is famous for its glamour and luxury. You will see huge yachts in the harbors and fancy shops in the towns. It is a place where many famous and rich people like to visit.

Second, it is famous for its art and history. Artists like Picasso and Matisse loved the special light here. They lived and painted in these coastal towns. You can visit their museums today.

Third, it is known for the color of the sea. The water is a bright, clear blue, which is why the French name is the "Azure Coast."

What Cities are in the French Riviera?

Many great cities and small villages make up this beautiful coast. These are the main French Riviera cities you will want to visit:

• Nice: This is the biggest city and the best starting point. It has a busy Old Town and the famous walkway, the Promenade des Anglais.
• Cannes: This city is known around the world for the Cannes Film Festival. It is full of expensive hotels and great shopping.
• Antibes: A charming city with old stone walls and a huge marina. It has a beautiful Old Town that feels very real and French.
• Monaco: Not a city, but a tiny country inside the Riviera! It is famous for the Monte-Carlo Casino and the Formula 1 race.
• Saint-Tropez: The most glamorous beach town, known for its beautiful port and fun nightlife.
• Èze: A very old village up on a steep hill. It gives you the best views of the whole coast.

Where to Stay in French Riviera: The Best Base City

For a traveler coming from another country, deciding where to stay in French Riviera is the most important step. You do not want to move your luggage every day. You want one easy base.

The best answer is Nice.

• Nice is Central: Nice is right in the middle of the best spots. This makes it easy to take day trips.
• Nice is Easy to Reach: The Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is the main airport. You will likely fly in here.
• Nice has Great Transport: You can use local buses and trains to visit almost every other city. The train runs right along the coast. This is cheap and simple.
• Nice has all the Choices: Whether you want a simple hostel, a nice vacation rental, or a famous luxury spot, Nice has it all.

If you look for French Riviera vacation rentals or hotels, choose an area in Nice like the Old Town (Vieux Nice) or near the main train station (Gare de Nice-Ville) for the best access.

Other Good Options

While Nice is the best base, other cities are great for a shorter or more focused stay:

• Antibes: Choose Antibes if you like a quieter, more local feeling. The old walls are beautiful. It is very easy to get to Nice and Cannes from here.
• Villefranche-sur-Mer: This small town is just next to Nice. It has a beautiful bay and a quieter beach. It is a great choice for couples who want a very pretty and peaceful stay.

Always book your place well before your trip, especially if you plan to visit in the busy summer months.

What to Do in French Riviera: Top Places to Explore

Once you have your base, you will want to know what to do in French Riviera and where to go in French Riviera. Here are the must-see places and activities:

1. Nice: Art, Food, and the Sea

• Walk the Promenade des Anglais: This famous walkway runs right along the beach. Walk, run, or rent a bike. Look at the blue sea and the grand hotels like the iconic Negresco.
• Explore Vieux Nice (Old Town): Get lost in the narrow, colored streets. Stop at the Cours Saleya Market for flowers and fresh local food. Try a local snack called Socca (a thin pancake made from chickpea flour).
• Climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château): You can take an elevator or walk up the steps. The view from the top is the best in Nice. You can see the whole city and the harbor.

2. Cannes: The Film Capital

• Walk La Croisette: This is the main boulevard in Cannes, famous for its palm trees and luxury shops. This is where the movie stars walk during the Film Festival.
• See the Palace: Visit the Palais des Festivals, the building where the festival is held. Look for the handprints of famous movie stars outside!
• Climb Le Suquet: This is the old, historic part of Cannes. You will find small, cheap restaurants and great views from the top.

3. Èze: The Eagle’s Nest

• Visit Èze Village: This small medieval village is built on top of a big hill. It is very old and beautiful. The streets are like small, winding paths.
• See the Exotic Garden: At the very top of the village is the Jardin Exotique. The plants are wonderful, but the views of the sea and the coast are what you came for. The sight is unforgettable.

4. Monaco: The Tiny Country of Richness

• Watch the Changing of the Guard: Every day outside the Prince's Palace, you can watch the guards change their posts.
• Visit the Monte-Carlo Casino: Even if you do not want to gamble, go and look at this beautiful, grand building. You can even pay a small fee to see the inside during the day.
• See the Yachts: Walk around the huge harbor of Monte-Carlo. The yachts here are bigger than most houses.

5. Antibes and Cap d'Antibes

• Explore the Old Town: Walk along the old stone walls. Go to the Provençal Market for local foods and spices.
• The Picasso Museum: Visit the museum dedicated to the artist Pablo Picasso. It is inside an old castle, Château Grimaldi, right on the water.
• Enjoy Juan-les-Pins: This is a part of Antibes known for its nice sandy beaches and jazz music in the summer.

6. Saint-Paul-de-Vence

• This is a famous hilltop village near Nice. Many artists have lived here. The whole village is like a walking art gallery, with small shops and studios. It is a great place to buy art or simply enjoy the beautiful setting.

Is the French Riviera Expensive?

The answer is: It can be, but it does not have to be!

It is a famous luxury destination. Places like Monaco, Cannes, and certain hotels like the legendary Four Seasons French Riviera style resorts are very costly. However, you can save a lot of money and still enjoy the beauty.

• Accommodation: Hotels right on the beach are expensive. Look for hotels or a good apartment rental a few streets away from the main promenade, especially in Nice.
• Food: Eating at restaurants on the main harbors is costly. Choose the small, local eateries in the Old Towns. Look for a "Plat du Jour" (Dish of the Day) at lunch for a good price. Buy fresh bread, cheese, and fruit from a local market and have a picnic by the sea.
• Transport: This is the best news for your budget. The public buses and trains are very cheap. You can get from Nice to Cannes or Monaco for a very low price. You do not need to rent an expensive car.

So, while the Riviera has its very expensive side, a smart traveler can have a wonderful trip on a medium-sized budget.

Final Travel Tips

To make your trip perfect, here are a few simple tips:

• Try to Speak Some French: A simple "Bonjour" (hello) and "Merci" (thank you) goes a long way.
• Pack Good Shoes: You will be walking a lot, especially in the old towns and up to the hilltop villages.
• Check the Beaches: Some beaches are rocky (like in Nice), while others are sandy (like in Cannes). Pack water shoes if you visit a rocky beach.

The French Riviera is a place of amazing blue sea, bright sunshine, and unforgettable charm. It is waiting for you!