Trips to French Riviera

Discover the French Riviera – sun, flavors, and culture by the Mediterranean

The French Riviera is one of Europe’s most iconic coastal regions, famous for its azure waters, charming towns, and rich history. Stretching from Menton on the Italian border to Toulon in the west, it has long been a popular destination for visitors looking to combine seaside relaxation with culture and gastronomy.

Beaches and scenic coastal experiences

The French Riviera offers a variety of beaches, from long sandy shores to small, secluded coves. Nice features popular pebble beaches along the Promenade des Anglais, while Villefranche-sur-Mer attracts visitors with its golden sand and crystal-clear water. Antibes offers several family-friendly beaches, and for a more exclusive experience, the private beach clubs in Saint-Tropez or Cannes provide a luxurious setting.

For those who want to combine sunbathing with outdoor activities, there are several coastal hiking trails, including the Sentier du Littoral at Cap d’Antibes and the scenic route around Cap Ferrat. Both trails offer spectacular views over the Mediterranean. Inland, the Verdon Gorge is one of the region’s most impressive natural wonders and a perfect destination for a day trip.

Cities and attractions on the French Riviera

The French Riviera is a diverse region where each city has its own unique character and attractions. Here are some of the most important destinations and what they have to offer.

Nice – city life, art, and beaches

Nice is the largest city on the French Riviera and offers a perfect combination of culture, history, and seaside relaxation. The Old Town, Vieux Nice, is filled with narrow streets, local markets, and traditional bistros where visitors can enjoy local specialties like socca and salade niçoise. The Promenade des Anglais stretches along the coastline, offering a beautiful seaside walk, while the Colline du Château viewpoint provides a stunning panoramic view of the city.

Nice is also home to several renowned museums, including the Matisse Museum and the Marc Chagall Museum. In summer, the Nice Jazz Festival, one of Europe’s oldest jazz festivals, brings world-class musicians to the city.

Cannes – film festival and elegance

Cannes is synonymous with glamour and celebrities, largely due to its annual film festival, which attracts stars from around the world. However, the city has much more to offer than the red carpet.

Le Suquet, the Old Town of Cannes, features charming cobbled streets and breathtaking views over the harbor. Rue d’Antibes and the Croisette Promenade are the top shopping areas, while the Îles de Lérins, located just off the coast, offer a peaceful getaway surrounded by unspoiled nature.

Monaco – luxury and history in the principality

Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world, yet it offers one of the most exclusive experiences on the Riviera. Monte Carlo is renowned for its legendary casino, but there’s much more to see. The Prince’s Palace, home to Monaco’s royal family, sits atop a cliff with spectacular views over the harbor.

The Oceanographic Museum, founded by Jacques Cousteau, is another highlight, housing an impressive collection of marine life. Motorsport fans should not miss the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the world’s most prestigious Formula 1 races, held in late May on the city’s streets.

Antibes – history and coastal charm

Antibes is one of the oldest settlements on the Riviera, offering a beautifully preserved Old Town with ancient city walls, narrow streets, and lively markets. The city is also known for its beaches and the large marina, Port Vauban, which hosts some of the world’s most luxurious yachts.

Art lovers should visit the Picasso Museum, located in Château Grimaldi, which features a collection of works created by the artist during his time in Antibes.

Saint-Tropez – relaxed luxury

Saint-Tropez has long been a favorite destination for celebrities and jet-setters, but despite its glamorous reputation, the town also offers a more laid-back side. Pampelonne Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the area, while the picturesque old harbor is filled with fishing boats, restaurants, and boutique shops.

For those looking for a more traditional experience, the hilltop village of Gassin, just outside Saint-Tropez, offers breathtaking views of the coastline.

Menton – the colorful town near the border

Menton, located near the Italian border, is one of the most picturesque towns on the Riviera. The city is famous for its lemon groves and its annual Lemon Festival in February. The Old Town features colorful facades and steep alleyways leading up to viewpoints offering stunning panoramas of the Mediterranean.

Menton is also home to some of the Riviera’s most beautiful gardens, such as Serre de la Madone and Jardin botanique Val Rahmeh, where subtropical plants flourish thanks to the mild climate.

Cuisine and gastronomy

The French Riviera’s cuisine blends Provençal and Italian influences. In Nice, socca, a chickpea pancake, is a popular street food dish often found in markets and small restaurants. Bouillabaisse, a flavorful fish stew from Marseille, is another classic dish served in coastal towns.

Fresh seafood plays a major role in the region’s gastronomy, with oysters, mussels, and lobster often served straight from the Mediterranean. Ratatouille, a traditional vegetable dish from Provence, is also commonly found on menus across the Riviera.

Getting to and around the French Riviera

The French Riviera is easily accessible from across Europe, with Nice Côte d’Azur Airport serving as the main international gateway. The well-connected train network makes it easy to travel between Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco, while regional buses provide access to smaller towns and beaches.

For those who want to explore at their own pace, renting a car is a popular option, especially for trips to more remote destinations such as the hilltop villages of Provence or the Mercantour National Park. During the summer months, ferries operate between Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez, offering a scenic way to experience the coastline from the water.