A guide to the French Riviera: the best cities, resorts, itineraries and life hacks for travelers. From Nice and Cannes to Monaco and Menton - discover the beauty of the French Riviera with detailed descriptions, tips and inspiration for an unforgettable trip

France’s Mediterranean coast, known as the Côte d’Azur, is a unique blend of glamour, culture, history and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to stroll along the promenades of Nice, admire the yachts in Antibes, experience the atmosphere of the Cannes Film Festival or enjoy the citrus aromas of Menton. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, cultural experiences or partying until the wee hours of the morning, the Côte d’Azur has something to offer.

Here’s a guide to the most interesting cities and resorts on the French Riviera: where to go, what to do, how to plan your itinerary and where to find an alternative to the popular tourist destinations.

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Nice – the heart of the Côte d’Azur

Nice is a true gem of the French Riviera, and the perfect starting point for exploring the region. This city has its own unique atmosphere: on one side there is the elegant Promenade des Anglais, where tourists stroll leisurely to the sound of the waves, on the other side there are the narrow streets of the Old Town with orange walls, flower markets and fragrant bread from bakeries.

Choose the time to climb the Castle Hill - from here you can enjoy one of the best views of the Bay of Nice. The city has many interesting museums: for example, the Marc Chagall Museum with its enchanting frescoes, or the Matisse Museum, which allows you to better understand the work of the artist who lived in this region for many years. For relaxation, both free municipal beaches and comfortable private ones with sun loungers are suitable (rental price - from €25/day).

Cannes - the city of cinema, glamor and beaches

Cannes is more than just the venue for the famous film festival. The pulse of high society is felt here: from the luxury boutiques on the Croisette to the glitter of yachts in the port. However, behind this facade lies another side of the city – the cozy old streets of the Suquet quarter, which rise to the observation platform, from where you can see the sea and the city.

Particular attention should be paid to the Lérins Islands – Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, which are easily accessible by boat. There you can see the ancient abbey, walk along eucalyptus alleys and relax on wild beaches far from the crowds.

Saint-Tropez – luxury on the coast

From a small fishing village, Saint-Tropez has become a symbol of luxury, fashion and nightlife. The city became famous in the 50s thanks to Brigitte Bardot, and since then it has attracted famous and wealthy tourists.

During the day – beaches, in particular the famous Pampelonne, which stretches for several kilometers and is famous for its clubs and restaurants right on the sand. In the evening – cocktails on the decks of yachts, dinner in one of the author's restaurants, or a walk along the embankment with a view of the pink roofs of old houses. If you are looking for a calmer face of Saint-Tropez – take a look at the museum of modern art or the butterfly museum, which will surprise even adults.

Antibes – a city of art and the sea

Antibes – less glamorous, but cozy and authentic. Here you can feel the Mediterranean rhythm of life: a daily fish market, an old port where huge yachts are moored, small cafes with chairs right on the street.

Fort Carré, located on the coast, was built in the 16th century and preserves the spirit of ancient France. And in the former Grimaldi Castle, which now houses the Picasso Museum, you can see not only paintings, but also works created in Antibes. Do not forget to visit the Cap d'Antibes peninsula – one of the most beautiful places on the coast, ideal for walking.

Monaco – the splendor of a microstate

Monaco is a tiny state with a big reputation. Monte Carlo is its heart, where casinos, luxury hotels and Formula 1 racing create a sense of perpetual celebration. But behind the glossy facade lies a cultural wealth: a princely palace with a daily changing of the guard ceremony, a garden of exotic plants, an oceanographic museum with an aquarium once headed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau.

Monaco is an ideal place for a day trip from Nice or Antibes, especially if you want to peek into the world of luxury and haute gastronomy.

Villefranche-sur-Mer – Romance on the Coast

If you are looking for peace, romance and a true Provençal flavor, then Villefranche-sur-Mer is the place for you. It is a tiny town with colorful houses that seem to slide into a deep turquoise bay. Cruise ships stop here, but life still flows slowly.

The beaches in Villefranche are sandy, unlike the pebble ones in Nice, and the water is crystal clear. The train station near the coast makes it easy to get to Nice or Monaco. This is the perfect place for a quiet vacation, dinner with a view of the sea and watching the yachts at sunset.

Menton – the lemon capital of France

Menton is the last city in France before the Italian border. It is often called the sunniest city on the Côte d’Azur, and it fully justifies this reputation. The mild climate, juicy citrus fruits, colorful houses and botanical gardens make Menton ideal for a leisurely but rich vacation.

Every year in February, the Lemon Festival is held here - a bright event with giant figures made of oranges and lemons, music, parades and fairs. The old town is a labyrinth of streets leading to the Basilica of St. Michael and an observation deck with a view of Italy.

How to plan a trip to the Cote d'Azur

The Cote d'Azur is an ideal destination for traveling by train, rental car or even bus tours. To get the most out of your trip, it is better to plan a trip for 7-10 days. Here is an approximate itinerary:

- Day 1-2: Nice

Arrival, acclimatization, walks along the Promenade des Anglais, Old Town, museums, beach relaxation.

- Day 3: Monaco

A day trip from Nice — Monte Carlo Casino, Grimaldi Palace, Oceanographic Museum, Botanical Garden.

- Day 4: Villefranche-sur-Mer

Morning — a walk around the town and the beach, evening — return to Nice or overnight stay.

- Day 5–6: Cannes

A tour of the Croisette, port, old town, excursion to the Lérins Islands, dinner overlooking the bay.

- Day 7: Antibes

Visit to the Picasso Museum, Fort Carré, a walk around Cap d’Antibes, relaxation in the port.

- Day 8–9: Saint-Tropez

A resort for those who want to see a different, luxurious side of the Riviera. We recommend staying overnight — to experience the city not only during the day, but also in the evening.

- Day 10: Menton

To conclude, a leisurely journey east: citrus aromas, historic buildings, sea breeze.

Useful tips for travelers

- When to go? The best time is from late May to mid-October. July and August are the hottest and most crowded months.

- How to get around? It is convenient to travel between cities by TER trains or rent a car for more freedom (but consider the difficulty of parking in Nice or Monaco).

- Budget: accommodation - €120–150 per night (3★), from €400 - premium segment, dinner in a restaurant: €25-40 per person, entrance tickets: museums - €5–15, sunbed rental - from €25/day.

- What to bring? Sun protection, comfortable trekking shoes (especially for walks around Cap d'Antibes), a swimsuit and evening clothes - on the Cote d'Azur this is a separate ritual.

The Côte d'Azur is not only about the sea and the sun. It is a place where glamour coexists with authenticity, where every town has its own soul, and every bay has its own history. It is a journey that gives more than just relaxation: it inspires, calms, and makes you fall in love with life.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during your trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

Buy a reliable travel insurance policy from trusted insurance agents on the Visit World portal!

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