The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is a glittering stretch of Mediterranean coastline that has captivated artists, royalty, and travellers for generations with its turquoise waters, glamorous resorts, and timeless charm.
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Nice: The Vibrant Capital of the Riviera
Nice is the unofficial capital of the French Riviera and a perfect base for exploring the region. The city’s Promenade des Anglais, a 7-kilometre palm-lined boulevard along the Baie des Anges, is one of the most famous waterfront walks in Europe. The old town, Vieux Nice, is a maze of narrow streets filled with colourful buildings, bustling markets, and authentic bistros serving socca and pissaladière. The Cours Saleya market offers fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts every morning except Monday. Art lovers should visit the Musée Matisse and the Marc Chagall National Museum, both housing world-class collections. Nice has excellent transport connections including an international airport, a major train station, and frequent bus services along the coast. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels around 30 euros per night to luxury hotels starting at 200 euros as of 2026.
Cannes: glamour Beyond the Film Festival
While Cannes is world-famous for its annual film festival, the city offers year-round glamour and beauty. The Boulevard de la Croisette is the iconic seafront promenade, lined with luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and private beaches. The old quarter, Le Suquet, provides panoramic views of the harbour and the Lerins Islands from its medieval hilltop. Cannes also boasts excellent shopping, from the high-end stores on Rue d’Antibes to the covered market at Marché Forville. The Lerins Islands, just a 15-minute ferry ride away, offer peaceful nature trails, medieval monasteries, and secluded beaches. Day trips to the islands cost around 15 euros return. The city hosts numerous events beyond the film festival, including fireworks competitions and regattas throughout the year.
Monaco: The Ultimate Luxury Enclave
The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state that packs extraordinary wealth and beauty into just 2 square kilometres. The Monte Carlo Casino, with its Belle Époque architecture, remains the most famous gambling destination in the world. The Prince’s Palace, perched on the Rock of Monaco, offers guided tours and the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony. The Oceanographic Museum, founded by Prince Albert I, is one of the finest marine science institutions in Europe. Monaco’s harbour is filled with superyachts, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit winds through the city streets each May. Visitors can arrive easily from Nice by train (20 minutes, around 4 euros) or bus (45 minutes, 1.50 euros). While Monaco has a reputation for expense, it is possible to visit on a budget by bringing your own picnic and exploring the free attractions, including the Japanese Garden and the Monaco Cathedral.
Saint-Tropez and the Western Riviera
Saint-Tropez, once a quiet fishing village, became an international sensation in the 1950s when Brigitte Bardot put it on the map. Today, it balances its glamorous reputation with authentic Provençal charm. The Vieux Port is lined with colourful fishing boats and luxury yachts, while the Place des Lices hosts a lively market twice weekly. The surrounding beaches, including Pampelonne and Tahiti Beach, offer golden sand and clear waters. Further west, the towns of Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël provide a more relaxed alternative with Roman ruins and family-friendly beaches. The Massif des Maures mountains offer excellent hiking trails through cork oak forests with coastal views. Reaching Saint-Tropez requires a bit more effort – buses from Nice or Toulon take around two hours, or you can arrive by ferry from Nice or Cannes for approximately 30 to 40 euros one way as of 2026.
Antibes and the Cap d’Antibes Peninsula
Antibes sits between Nice and Cannes and offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty. The old town is encircled by 16th-century ramparts and features the Picasso Museum, housed in the Château Grimaldi where the artist lived and worked in 1946. The Port Vauban is one of the largest marinas in Europe, home to some of the world’s most impressive superyachts. The Cap d’Antibes peninsula offers a beautiful coastal walking path, the Sentier du Littoral, which winds past exclusive villas, hidden coves, and the famous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Juan-les-Pins, within Antibes, is known for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, including the annual Jazz à Juan festival each July. Antibes train station provides frequent services to Nice (15 minutes) and Cannes (10 minutes), making it an ideal base for exploring the wider Riviera.
Which French Riviera destination calls to you most – the glamour of Monaco, the art of Nice, or the beaches of Saint-Tropez?
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The French Riviera doesn’t have to break the bank if you know the tricks. Stay in Nice rather than Cannes or Monaco — it’s more affordable and has the best food markets. The train沿线 between Nice and Menton has stunning coastal views and each little town has its own character. Villefranche-sur-Mer was our favourite stop. This article captures the Riviera perfectly.