After spending two weeks on the Cote d’Azur, I’m sharing my travel tips for visiting the French Riviera in the South of France. This region of France is incredible — sparkling blue waters meet dramatic cliff lines, dotted with pastel, charming villages.
It was my first time down to this region, and as a French American, I had put it off for too long. I fell in love with the slow-going, Mediterranean atmosphere that the French Riviera exudes. This trip was extra special as my husband, daughter, and I hunkered down for two weeks in a single town to explore the entire coastline. (Peep in this guide what I wrote about traveling to the South of France with a toddler.)
Throughout our time in the South of France, we visited and revisited favorites. Had long beach days, afternoons popping into hilltop villages, and took numerous day trips. Our home base paid off immensely (more on that below) as a place to both discover and explore from.
Having spent extended time in other regions in France, like our 6-week stint in South of France, time in the Dordogne, and my favorite mountain getaway in Annecy, the Cote d’Azur was vastly different. And while many portions of the Cannes-Nice coastline are known for glitz and glam, what I found was very much slow-going, coastal living.
So if you’re considering planning a trip to the South of France, don’t skip the French Riviera. Plan ahead as it’s undoubtedly a highly visited area (for good reason), and enjoy. This is my French Riviera travel guide.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels to Base Yourself in the French Riviera:
Hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer
I would recommend booking all of your time in South of France as a home base.
- 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
If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera, don’t miss my French Riviera!
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 Travel Guide
Helpful Tips Before Planning Your Trip to the French Riviera
When is the Best Time to Visit the French Riviera?
Summer months will be the best for beach clubs and warmer weather, but with it comes the crowds. I’d opt for late May or September for ideal weather and fewer people.
How Many Days Is Enough to Visit the French Riviera in the South of France?
One full week is the perfect amount to visit the South of France’s coastline and villages. You could stay longer to travel more slowly and take your time. Read my French Riviera for exactly how I’d plan my time in the region.
Is the South of France Expensive?
In consideration with the rest of France, it is not more expensive than say Paris or Bordeaux. It’s on par with vacation prices throughout the Mediterranean. Many think of the French Riviera as high-glitz towns like Cannes or Monaco, but there are many small villages to enjoy along the way.
What’s the Best Way to Get Around in the French Riviera in the South of France?
Public transportation with buses and trains is one way to get around — the French Riviera coast is connected by a single train line for ease. For those wanting more flexibility, I would recommend a car for a portion of your time. We rented a car with Discover Cars and enjoyed not having to be tied to a public transport schedule. Parking was challenging at times but found it easier with an early start to the day.
Where to Stay
When I planned our trip, I did a lot of research to find the best mix of a smaller coastal town that still had a lot to experience and was well-connected. That for me was South of France. It was a wonderful base for our two weeks on the coast. I loved that it was quaint and small, and only 25 minutes from Nice Airport by car which was super convenient as we flew in there.
For where to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer, there are only a handful of hotels. Welcome Hotel right on the water is lovely and in the heart of everything. Another hotel I bookmarked was the price-friendly Hotel De La Darse just over in the Darse Port about a 10-minute walk from downtown. Rooms are simple but most have a wonderful view of the coast. Up on the hill, Hôtel le Provencal French Riviera is another elevated option.
We booked an Airbnb (which I can’t say I 100% loved, wishing I had done a hotel like Welcome Hotel) and suited for our time there.
The Best Places to Go in The South of France
Villefranche-sur-Mer
I fell in love with South of France and was so happy it was our home for the time in the Cote d’Azur. This pastel-colored village which is quite small in size, has so much character. I loved that in a 10-minute walk, you could explore the town, and then be right on the beach with clear waters. It’s one of those must-see villages while on the French Riviera.
Favorite Things in Villefranche-Sur-Mer
- Exploring the village, walking the old streets like Rue Obscure and Rue Volti, and enjoying the sunset out on the port.
- Spending the afternoon at Marinieres Plage, we often grabbed food from the weekly farmer’s market to bring with us.
- Enjoying the restaurants in town like La Mère Germaine, Alma, and daily coffee and pastries at BAKARO.
Read my in-depth travel guide to Villefranche-Sur-Mer, for everything you need to know to make the most of your time there!
Menton
One of the best day trips was to Menton on the Italian border, known as the “Pearl of France.” It’s an idyllic seaside town that has the most lovely shades of yellow across the city. Menton is somewhere in Southern France you don’t want to miss. I’d recommend spending a full day here to maximize everything that there is to do.
Favorite Things in Menton
- Getting the famous lemon tart from Mitron Bakery.
- Strolling the old town (Vieille Ville) and seeing sights like Basilique Saint-Michel Archange de Menton and the square in front, Rue Longue, and La Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs.
- Having a drink along Plage du Marché, one of the many wonderful beaches in Menton to enjoy.
- Afternoon trip to the small mountain village of Sainte-Agnes, great for mountain views.
- Dinner at Pizzeria 430gradi for their famous Napoli-style pizza, followed by sunset from the Vue Panoramique de Menton.
Read my in-depth travel guide to Menton, for everything you need to know to make the most of your time there!
Èze
Perched on a small hilltop that overlooks the entire coast of the Côte d’Azur, the medieval village of Èze is incredible. We arrived late in the afternoon much after most crowds had left and enjoyed the jaw-dropping views which the village is known for.
Favorite Things in Èze
- Walked Le Jardin Exotique (ticketed entry).
- A very simple, but cozy dinner at La Taverne d’Antan à Eze.
- Strolling the village at sunset.
Travel Tip: Consider joining a small group half-day tour that includes Èze, Monaco, and Monte-Carlo to get around.
Read my in-depth travel guide to Èze, for everything you need to know to make the most of your time there!
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
About 30 minutes away from Nice is the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence in the Alpes-Maritimes department. It’s an absolute haven for artists, there is quite a bit to enjoy here in terms of walking around, enjoying a museum, and dining. I loved my afternoon here which went well into the evening.
Favorite Things in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- Visiting Fondation Maeght and seeing all of the Miró pieces.
- Strolling through the village itself, enjoying sights like the Fontaine de Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Saint Paul de Vence Cemetery, and Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs.
- Having a coffee at the famous La Colombe d’Or Hotel and Restaurant (book in for lunch here.)
- Dinner at Les Remparts.
Nice
As one of the largest cities on the coast aside from Cannes or Monaco, Nice has a lot to do. I would concentrate most of the time in the charming “Old Nice” area. This is where most of the best things to do are. A day or two will give you plenty of time to enjoy the old quarter, visit the parks, and ports which make Nice quite famous. Keep in mind that Nice will be the busiest on the coast, so the earlier start the better before the crowds.
Favorite Things in Nice
- A morning at Marché Aux Fleurs to shop the markets.
- Trying the original socca at Chez Thérésa and then a coffee at The Service Course Nice.
- Strolling around Colline du Château and enjoying the views of Ponchettes Public Beach.
- An afternoon in Port de Nice Lympia, strolling around, dining at places like Rouge, Restaurant – Bar à vin, Brasserie de Castillon, and Le Plongeoir.
Travel Tip: One of the things we didn’t get to do was a boat tour that takes you along the coastline. I had bookmarked this 1-hour boat tour that departs from Nice Port as an option for the afternoon. The other tour I had bookmarked was from the famed “NO DIET CLUB” folks who run this incredible 3.5-hour foodie tour that takes you through the classics.
Read 3 Days in Nice, France: The Essential Travel Guide for everything you need to know to make the most of your time!
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Known for its sparkling blue water beaches, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat was one of our go-to places for day trips. There’s quite a bit here to enjoy outside of the town itself, which is why we ended up spending so much time. It’s easy to access by bus as well, so consider that as an option since there is very limited parking. (Uber is also the easiest.)
Favorite Things in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
- An afternoon exploring the gardens at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
- A morning at the beaches, Plage de Passable and Plage Paloma were my favorites.
Other French Riviera Cities
There are many other French Riviera cities and destinations to enjoy, and even other day trips to consider. If you want to experience natural sights like the lavender fields, just head north to Provence. Along the way, stop by Aix-en-Provence, and even add on the Gorges du Verdon, a natural gorge known for its blue waters.
Cannes
Cannes is one of those glitzy Riviera towns that is a historic part of France. Many think of it for the annual Cannes Film Festival, but as a traveler, you’ll enjoy a charming downtown, beaches, and other things to do. Don’t miss views from Eglise Notre Dame d’Esperance, enjoy the historic neighborhood of Le Suquet, and shop along Rue d’Antibes.
Antibes
Another Côte d’Azur gem, Antibes, is another place to add to the itinerary. It’s home to the iconic Provence, which you’ve likely seen photos of. The old streets are full of art and boutiques and home to the Château Grimaldi, a 14th-century palace that was the former art studio of Picasso. You would need a proper day to see all that Antibes has.
Monaco
Known for the Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco itself is worth a pitstop if you’re training along the coast. It could be a good addition to Menton, as it’s right along the way. Remember that Monaco is its own small city-state.
Saint Tropez
One place we didn’t make it to was the small beach town of Saint Tropez. After hearing from a few friends about their time at the beaches and in La Ponche, I wish we had carved out more time to visit.
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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
3 Comments
Wow, what a stunning guide to the South of France! I’m currently planning a trip and working on my France visa London—your tips are just what I needed to finalize my itinerary.
Such a beautiful roundup — your photos and tips make me want to plan a slow, scenic road trip right away.
Your suggestions are just what I need to consider a visit to the south of France to see archeological and oceanic museums along the coast. I have been comparing prices/experiences/ease of travel between solo travel and a cruise, and your experience has moved me to think that I can do what I want to do best, with a solo trip based in one village. Many thanks.