THE FRENCH RIVIERA
This guide helps you discover the elegant lifestyle, artistic heritage, and dazzling coastline of the French Riviera, from the glamorous beaches to the charming hilltop villages.
Why Visit the French Riviera?
A-List Glamour: Experience the world-famous allure of Cannes, Monaco, and Saint-Tropez, with their luxury yachts, exclusive casinos, and iconic film festivals.
Art and History: Follow in the footsteps of masters like Matisse and Picasso, visiting a landscape that has inspired generations of artists and is steeped in history.
Stunning Coastline: From the pebbled shores of Nice to the sandy beaches of Cannes, the region offers endless opportunities for swimming, sailing, and soaking up the sun
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit for pleasant weather, warm sea temperatures for swimming, and fewer crowds. You can enjoy the beaches and charming towns at a more relaxed pace.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): You will find the best value on accommodation and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s also the season for fun local events like the Nice Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is perfect for the beach, but the region is very popular. Be prepared for crowds and higher prices, especially in July and August.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Nice
The unofficial capital of the Riviera, Nice is a lively city with a beautiful old town (Vieux Nice) and a famous seafront promenade. Explore its museums, vibrant markets, and colorful streets.
Your Smart Tip: Nice is a fantastic and affordable base for exploring the coast. The city has a great bus and train network, so you can easily take day trips to nearby towns without needing a car.
Cannes & Saint-Tropez
These two towns are the epitome of Riviera luxury. Cannes is known for its film festival and designer boutiques, while Saint-Tropez is a haven of beautiful beaches and celebrity yachts.
Your Smart Tip: For a more affordable way to experience the glamour, visit in the off-season or consider a day trip by ferry from Nice or another nearby town.
Monaco
This independent city-state is a playground for the rich and famous. See the legendary Monte Carlo Casino, the Prince’s Palace, and the spectacular yachts in the harbor.
Your Smart Tip: You don’t need to spend a fortune to experience Monaco. Take a short train trip, walk around the harbor to admire the yachts, and watch the changing of the guard at the palace—all for free.
Charming Villages
The French Riviera is also home to countless picturesque hilltop villages. Discover the medieval charm of Èze, with its exotic garden and stunning views, or the artistic enclave of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Your Smart Tip: The best way to get a feel for these villages is to get lost in their narrow, winding streets. Wear comfortable shoes and take your time to discover hidden art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is Mediterranean, with mild, sunny winters and hot, dry summers. The region gets more than 300 sunny days a year.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: Locals appreciate it when you try to speak a little French. A simple “Bonjour” (hello) or “Merci” (thank you) goes a long way.
Dining: French dining is a relaxed affair. Don’t expect a quick meal. Take your time, and don’t begin eating until everyone at your table has been served.
Tipping: A service charge is usually included in restaurant bills, but it is common to leave a small extra tip (5–10%) for excellent service.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($35–$60), mid-range hotels ($100–$200), luxury ($300+). Prices vary dramatically by season.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($20–$35), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($40–$60 per person), fine dining ($80+). You can save money by dining at a local boulangerie or picking up supplies from a market.
Transport: Train ticket ($5–$15 regional), bus ticket ($2 flat rate), car rental ($40–$70/day).
Activities: Museum entry ($10–$20), beach club day pass ($30+), boat tours ($50+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $80–$120 (hostels, street food, public transport)
- Mid-range: $150–$250 (hotels, restaurants, attractions)
- Luxury: $300+ (boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours)
Getting Around
By Train: A coastal train line connects most of the major towns from Cannes to Menton and is the fastest and most scenic way to get around.
By Bus: The bus network is extensive and very affordable, connecting towns and villages for a low flat rate.
By Car: A car is great for exploring inland villages and scenic mountain roads, but be prepared for heavy traffic and expensive, limited parking in towns.
Must-Try Food
Socca: A thin, crispy pancake made from chickpea flour, best eaten hot and peppery from a street vendor in Nice.
Pissaladière: A savory tart with a thick bread dough base, topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and black olives.
Pan Bagnat: A round bread roll “bathed” in olive oil and filled with a salad of fresh vegetables, tuna, and hard-boiled eggs—the perfect beach snack.
Petits Farcis Niçois: A colorful dish of small vegetables (like zucchini, tomatoes, and eggplant) stuffed with a mix of breadcrumbs, meat, and herbs.
Salade Niçoise: The authentic version of this famous salad contains fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, tuna, and olives, dressed with olive oil.
Daube Provençal: A rich, slow-cooked beef stew made with red wine, vegetables, and aromatic herbs.
Aïoli: A creamy, garlicky mayonnaise served with steamed vegetables, fish, and hard-boiled eggs.
Tourte de Blettes: A sweet or savory tart made with swiss chard, often with pine nuts and raisins in the sweet version.
Ratatouille: The famous Provençal vegetable medley of zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers, stewed together in olive oil.
Tarte Tropézienne: A creamy brioche filled with a light, flavored cream, a classic dessert from Saint-Tropez.
Must-Try Drinks
Rosé de Provence: The region is famous for its crisp, light, and refreshing rosé wines.
Pastis: An anise-flavored liqueur, traditionally mixed with cold water, perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon.
Bellet Wine: A small, high-quality wine region on the hills of Nice, known for its distinct red, white, and rosé wines.
Limoncello: A sweet lemon liqueur, though more Italian in origin, it’s widely enjoyed on the Riviera.
Wines from Côtes de Provence: A diverse range of wines, from easy-drinking rosés to flavorful reds and whites.