When it comes to planning the ultimate 7-day itinerary for the French Riviera, this guide will help you. I spent an extended time exploring the Cote d’Azur this late spring and have narrowed down the best places you can’t miss.
Our time in the South of France on the French Riviera was one of the best parts of our several-week trip through France. The Mediterranean coastline, charming villages, fresh cuisine, and lots to do kept us very busy.
I found myself just loving very slow meals, afternoons at the beaches, and leisure strolls. It felt so contrasting to the busy, fast-paced lives we live back at home. The French Riviera while known for its glitz and glam, doesn’t always have to be like that. In fact, we did this South of France trip with our toddler in tow, showing just how any traveler can visit this region.
The French Riviera is a place to take it all in slowly. Read on to discover the best 7-day itinerary for this iconic French region.
Short on Time? Here’s My Top Tip for the Best Hotels for Visiting the French Rivera:
I would recommend booking all of your time in Villefranche as a home base.
Hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Welcome Hotel, for the best waterfront hotel
- Hôtel le Provencal French Riviera, for the best luxury hotel
- Hotel De La Darse, for the best budget-friendly hotel
Airbnbs in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- 3 Bedroom Duplex with Panoramic Ocean Views, for the best spacious stay
- 2 Bedroom Elegant Apartment, for the best cozy stay
- 2 Bedroom Modern Apartment with Ocean Views, for the best modern stay
Travel Tip: The best way to explore the South of France is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in France is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The French Riviera Itinerary in 7 Days
What to Know Before Planning Your Itinerary
What’s the Best Airport to Fly Into for the French Riviera?
Nice Airport (code: NCE) is the best airport to fly into for the French Riviera. It services the most flights and puts you very close to this entire itinerary. The airport is easy to fly into and depart from, plus there are nonstop flights to Newark if you’re coming from the States.
What is the Best Way to See the French Riviera?
You could do this entire trip by rental car or utilize trains and Ubers. I preferred having a rental for our trip as it gave us so much more flexibility. You could see a lot in a shorter time as you’re not dependent on public transport schedules. So if you’re going for a week, I would recommend a car for the time for ease.
What Do I Need to Know About Renting a Car in French Riviera?
- Do use Discover Cars to Book — They have the best rates and rental options, and you can add full insurance at a reasonable rate. This is my trusted site for booking, which is where we booked our rental car from Nice Airport with a reputable agency (Alamo).
- There are Toll Roads — Be prepared that some highways have toll roads. All have a credit card and a coin option, so keep an eye out for this.
- Extra Drivers Cost More — If two of you drive, you’ll need to pay an additional driver fee by day. For Sixt, it was 10 euros daily.
- Parking Isn’t as Bad as You Think — Don’t be intimated by all the posts that say parking is difficult. Sure it’s busy, but you can easily get spots when you just leave a bit earlier (and not by much) and park for longer.
What is the Best Time of Year for Weather On The French Riviera?
July through September are ideal if you’re looking for the best swimmable weather with warm waters. Keep in mind that the busiest months are June through August. As it’s sunny almost year-round, I would opt for months like April and May or September through November to visit.
How Much Time Is Needed to Visit the French Riviera?
I would recommend a minimum week to do this full itinerary. You could condense it down to 5-days, but honestly, the joy of the French Riviera is the slowness of life on the coast. I think I would even consider 10 days as well (we spent 2 weeks to give an idea.)
Editor’s Note: How I Structured this 7-Day French Riviera Itinerary
When I plan a trip, my goal is to cut down as many transfer days as possible. I picked a single home base and it worked out incredibly. We opted for Villefranche-sur-Mer, where there were dozens of day trips under 30-45 minutes from us. With that said, you could easily make Nice your home base as well (some great new hotels worth considering. Nice also has incredibly easy day trips as well. The itinerary is structured this way, with a single base for day trips.
Day 1: Arrive in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Welcome to the French Riviera. Those turquoise sparkling waters are some of the Med’s best, and there’s no better way than to settle in than by walking by the coast. After checking into your accommodation in Villefranche-sur-Mer, I recommend a charming stroll through the old town down to Plage des Marinieres. A quick dip may be the best thing for your jet lag.
That night for dinner, keep it easy — you can likely stroll in for a last-minute reservation at places like TOSCA or Alma. If you want to kick off your trip with something more formal, book ahead at La Mère Germaine or La Caravelle. And if you need to stretch your legs one more time, my favorite walk was the “La Citadelle” walk that went beyond the point over to La Darse.
Why Stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer?
Simply put, it’s the best of both worlds. It’s like a small village but with enough to do in the village and close to every place you will want to explore. My second contender would be Nice but this is a much larger city with much more going on. So I prefer Villefranche, but Nice would also be a good second option if one of the hotels piques your interest. Both have a main train station.
Where to Stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Hotels
Hotels are limited in Villefranche-sur-Mer which means you need to book ahead. If I had my pick it would be:
- Welcome Hotel, for the best-elevated boutique hotel
- Hotel De La Darse, for a quiet escape within walking distance
- Hôtel le Provencal French Riviera, for the best luxury hotel
Airbnbs
- 3 Bedroom Duplex with Panoramic Ocean Views, for the best spacious stay
- 2 Bedroom Elegant Apartment, for the best cozy stay
- 2 Bedroom Modern Apartment with Ocean Views, for the best modern stay
Where to Stay in Nice
Hotels
In Nice, there are a few notable hotels that must be mentioned if you’re considering Nice as your home base. I would look at:
- Hotel du Couvent, for a chic, design-forward stay
- La Pérouse, for a boutique, luxury stay
- Anantara Plaza-Nice Hotel, for a seafront getaway
- Mama Shelter Nice, for a lively, young stay
- CASA MUSA, for a lived-in, in the mix of it all stay
Airbnbs
- 1 Bedroom Apartment with Balcony in Quartier des Musiciens, for the best Art Deco charm near the Promenade
- 1 Bedroom Apartment with Balcony in City Center, for the best walkable location at a great price
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in Old Town with Panoramic Views, for the best location steps from Place Masséna
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
Day 2: Explore Villefranche-sur-Mer
Stroll into town and make your way to BAKARO, your one-stop (and only stop) for pastries, coffee, and more. It’s where all the locals begin their day with a strong cappuccino. I’d stroll around Villefranche-sur-Mer, have a lazily slow lunch on the waterfront at Olivula, and let the day pass by. It’s your first day on the ground anyway.
I think today is the best day to get in a well-need beach day, so head to Plage des Marinieres to claim your spot on the pebbles. If you’re feeling like you need to change your sights already, I would hop in an Uber and get dropped off 10 minutes away at Plage de Passable. Rent a day bed, order an ice cream, and enjoy.
For dinner come back to Villefranche-sur-Mer and try one of the above you haven’t been to yet (reservation needed.). And Glacier Feracci Vielle Ville is the go-to for your gelato needs.
Travel Tip for Villefranche-sur-Mer: There’s a wonderful weekly market every Wednesday and Saturday around the Jardin François Binon. It’s a steep stroll but a lovely local market that doesn’t feel overrun with tourists.
Day 3: Day Trip to Menton
Pack up your day bag, don’t forget a swimsuit, and make your way towards Italy. Your destination is Menton, also known as the “Pearl of France” and has all things lemon. This pastel-hued coastal village is the last stop before the Italy border and one of the best places to visit on the Côte d’Azur. I’d recommend driving and parking, or you could take the train from Nice.
Stroll through town, and shop the main Rue Saint Michel where all of the city life is happening. I’d pop into the Marché des Halles food hall of Menton to pick up a handful of things to eat for lunch. I highly recommend the lemon tarts from Mitron Bakery. Make your way down to one of the beaches, like the main Plage des Sablettes Ouest, and enjoy a dip.
When the sun lowers, make the climb up the famous yellow stairs, known as the Les Rampes Saint-Michel. From there you’ll see the bell tower of the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange de Menton and one of the most beautiful squares in town. And don’t miss a wander up the historic Rue du Vieux Château and Rue Longue for a charming view.
For dinner, get in line or book ahead at Pizzeria 430gradi for the best Neapolitan pizza you’ll have in the South of France. It’s so good and goes all too quickly. As the sun sets, make your way down to the beach for the infamous view of Menton from Quai Impératrice Eugénie at Vue Panoramique de Menton noted on the map.
Helpful Menton Guides to Plan Your Trip
Day 4: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat & Èze
Begin your day with an early start and head to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. There’s a bus but honestly Uber is so fast and convenient, I’d call one to head to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Book in 2 hours here (tickets reserved in advance recommended) to stroll some of the beautiful gardens in all of France.
Afterward, take an Uber to Plage Paloma (parking is horrendous here) for a few hours of beach time. This was my favorite beach on the coast, and there’s a day club if you prefer to book a bed in advance.
Late afternoon, make your way to Èze by way of the Moyen Corniche. The best secret is to arrive about an hour or two before the famous Le Jardin Exotique closes to have it mostly to yourself sans the tour groups. You’ll only need an hour to visit it. Afterward, stroll through the medieval hilltop, and soak in the charm and views.
For dinner, I’d book ahead at a few restaurant choices. Château Eza and La Chèvre d’Or are your two high-end choices, and we personally loved the simple, yet charming La Taverne d’Antan à Eze.
Travel Tip for Èze: An easy mistake when looking for where to go, don’t confuse Èze Village with Èze-sur-Mer. The village is the hilltop location, and the “sur-Mer” is the coastal village at the bottom by the coast. And the drive between them is a very long mistake.
Helpful Èze Guides to Plan Your Trip
Day 5: Day Trip to Saint-Paul-de-Vence
About 45 minutes north of Nice, the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence is deserving of a full day of exploring. If you’re into the arts, leisure strolls, and incredible food, this is it for you. Start at Fondation Maeght, home to an incredible collection of Miró and Calder pieces.
Afterward, stroll into town and stop in first for lunch at La Colombe d’Or Hotel and Restaurant (a reservation is required). This is one of those trendy yet longstanding spots in the Riviera. It’s utterly private, and chic, and you’ll be glad you booked in.
The town is a minute’s walk after lunch, so begin your time making your way down the Rue Grande that cuts through the heart of it. You’ll find several art galleries, local boutiques, vendors selling regional products, and more. It almost feels like a scene from Beauty and the Beast with the narrow streets.
You can stop into a cafe and catch the views from Chemin de Ronde and Saint-Paul-de-Vence Cemetery. If you have extra time before dinner, go for a countryside drive towards La Colle-sur-Loup, you could even stop in if you like. For dinner, there’s no better spot to book in than Les Remparts.
Day 6: Exploring Nice
Just know that a day in Nice just barely scratches the surface. It’s a large city, so if you have an extra day to give, you could easily spend it here. I’d look at doing a few things, which is why I’m going to break down this day into a list. You’ll see there is a range of activities to choose from.
The Best Things to Do in Nice:
- Stroll through Old Nice (Vieux Nice).
- Snack your way through Marché Aux Fleurs, the open market.
- Spend time at Plage Beau Rivage Beach.
- Hike Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for the best views in town.
- Try the regional “socca” from Chez Thérésa.
- See Matisse Museum (Musée Matisse).
- Stroll around Port Lympia, and grab tapas and wine at Rouge, Restaurant – Bar à vin.
- Have dinner at the iconic Le Plongeoir.
Realistically you cannot do all of these things in one day, but pick a handful that stand out to you. For me, strolling through Old Nice, seeing the market, having lunch in town, and climbing the Colline du Château were some of my personal favorites.
Helpful Nice Guides to Plan Your Trip
Day 7: Relax in Villefranche-sur-Mer or Plage Mala
Depending on how much time you have on your last day, I would relax back in Villefranche-sur-Mer before continuing with your travels. However, if you’re craving one more South of France adventure, I have to point you towards Plage Mala.
It’s a bit of an effort as parking can be tricky and the climb down to the beach has hundreds of stairs, but it is well worth it. This is one of the best beaches in the French Riviera, and the most dramatic. There are two beach clubs you could book in and there is a free public section as well. It would make for a very great final day exploring the French Riviera.
If You Have More Time
If you’re looking to add a few more days or consider other day trips, there are a few more spots. The other popular two places not on here are Antibes and Saint Tropez. Both are wonderful to visit and offer unique experiences in their own way. Saint Tropez is a bit further, at almost a two-hour drive, so you could stop in Antibes along the way.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
