The French Riviera is one of my absolute favourite summer destinations, offering an unbeatable Mediterranean charm. From the breathtaking turquoise waters and pristine beaches to the quaint seaside towns and incredible cuisine, this region is truly exceptional. The lush coastline, stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, and the enchanting villages of Provence make it the perfect summer getaway.
The atmosphere here is vibrant, and getting around is a breeze. There’s an endless list of things to see and do, making this place so special. Imagine starting your morning with a warm, buttery pain au chocolat at a local patisserie, spending the day lounging on the beach, and then wandering through old towns in the afternoon. End the day with a delicious dinner as you watch the sunset over the sea—pure magic.
Getting around
The French Riviera is a beautiful destination that offers a variety of options to get around and explore the area. Nice, located in the heart of the Riviera, is a great starting point to discover the region. It is well connected to other towns and villages along the coast, making it easy to plan a day trip or a longer excursion.
One of the best ways to get around the French Riviera is by using public transportation. The bus system in the region is efficient and affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers. A bus ticket to any town along the coast costs only EUR 1.5, and if you plan to travel frequently, a 10-pass ticket is available for only EUR 10, which makes each ride only EUR 1 (in 2018).
Another way to explore the French Riviera is by train. The coastal train line runs from Menton, near the Italian border, all the way to Saint Raphael, covering all the major coastal towns in between. The train is a comfortable and scenic way to travel, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the picturesque towns along the way.
For those who prefer more flexibility and independence, renting a car is also a good option. However, keep in mind that parking can be difficult and expensive in some areas, especially in smaller towns and during the peak season.
Where to stay in French Riviera
Famous for its seafront promenade – Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena and its vibrant port and beaches, Nice was a good base for our one week itinerary. The accommodation options there are pretty impressive, from boutique hotels, guest houses and apartments or vacation homes, all having in common that charming Mediterranean style.
If you’re seeking a tranquil ambiance, Antibes makes for an excellent lodging option with its quaint and romantic historic district, while Saint-Tropez is a great place to stay if you want to indulge in some luxury.
Discover the best hotels in French Riviera with a simple search:
The most picturesque towns of French Riviera
The French Riviera is home to several iconic destinations, such as the glamorous city of Cannes, the chic seaside resorts of Nice and Monaco and the sophisticated St. Tropez. There are also numerous smaller towns and villages, such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, Menton or Eze, to name only a few, that exude a tranquil ambiance and feature gorgeous beaches and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Whether you’re seeking coastal villages or quaint historic towns, this list highlights some of the most scenic towns to visit during a week-long trip along the French Riviera:
- Villefranche-Sur-Mer
- Menton
- Antibes
- Eze
- Beaulieu-Sur-Mer
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Villefranche-Sur-Mer
Villefranche-Sur-Mer remains my favorite town of French Riviera. With its picturesque harbor, idyllic beaches, and quaint old-town feel, Villefranche-Sur-Mer is the perfect place to take in the sights and sounds of the Mediterranean. The picturesque pastel colored houses rising up behind the clear and turquoise water, the romantic walks exploring the old town and the beautiful Marinières beach are just a few of the reasons which make this town so special. The Bay of Angels is a must-see and a great spot for watching the sunset.
Eat & Drinks
Having dinner at one of the many seaside restaurants and enjoying the balmy evening air was the best way to wrap up our day. I loved the moules served with rose at Le Cosmo, the amazing view at Le Mayssa Beach and the ice-cream from Le Glacier 16.
Nearby Beaches
- Plage de la Marinière
- Plage de l’Ange Gardien
- Plage de la Darse
Menton
Menton, well known for The Lemon Festival ( Fête du Citron) which takes place in February and Jean Cocteau Museum, is perhaps the most picturesque coastal town, located right next to the Italian border. A stroll at dusk in the port will reveal an alluring and unique view over the pastel colored houses.
Eat & Drinks
In Menton I loved Crêperie St Michel and ate lots of pizza at Al Vecchio Forno.
Nearby Beaches
- Sablettes Beach
- Borrigo Beach
- Fossan Beach
Beaulieu-Sur-Mer
Beaulieu-Sur-Mer is located between Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Villefranche-Sur-Mer. The atmosphere here was more exquisite and more tranquil than in other towns I visited. “The Rotunda” is one of the masterpiece belonging to Belle Epoque style, the most common architecture of Beaulieu-Sur-Mer.
Promenade Maurice Rouvier leads to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, another exquisite resort where I found some of the most beautiful beaches in French Riviera. It is a 30 minute delightful walk, revealing amazing views over the coastal houses, beaches and the sea.
Nearby Beaches
- Plage des Fourmis
- Plage Petite Afrique
- Plage de la Réserve
Antibes
Antibes fascinates with its cobblestone narrow streets, beautifully decorated with flowers, pretty terraces and cafes. The Spanish painter Pablo Picasso lived in Antibes in 1946, so nowadays there is also a museum, Picasso Museum, dedicated to its artwork.
Eze
Eze, the balcony of Europe, is located high in the hills, offering stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or simply a place to relax and unwind, Eze is the perfect place to visit. There are plenty of things to do here, such as taking a stroll through the old town, exploring the historic fortress of Eze Castle, and visiting the local art galleries and craft shops. From here, you can take the path to the summit of the hill, where you can find the Exotic Garden of Eze.
Favourite beaches of French Riviera
- Marinières beach in Villefranche-Sur-Mer
- Paloma Beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
- Sablettes beach in Menton
- La Petite Afrique beach in Beaulieu-Sur-Mer
Day trip to Provence: visiting lavender fields in Sault
When I am thinking of Provence the first thing that pops into my mind is the ethereal beauty of the lavender fields. Visiting this region during summer is a real delight and a memorable experience. The flowering season is generally from mid June to early July. Around the town of Sault, being a higher altitude region, the flowering season starts later, from early July to early August. On August 15th each year Sault celebrates The Lavender Festival. Since we went on this trip at the end of July, we caught some amazing lavender fields around this region.
Bonjour
Your photos along the French Riviera are breathtaking I have stayed above Villefranche at my Countess friend’ Villa… the views over Cap Ferrat at Nice fill my heart with joy! I must return soon!
Thank you for sharing!
Sending joy
Chef Kate
PS where do you call home?
Thank you. I love Villefranche-sur-mer. It was one of my favorite towns we visited in French Riviera, it has an unique charm and vibe.
Very NICE! 😉
An excellent idea for next holidays! Thanks for sharing:)
This is such an amazing post. It always feels like in order to find a really cool place to travel to you have to go out of the country and this post definitely opened up my eyes! Love this post so much.
Happy that inspires you. Yes, travelling opens the door to new worlds 🙂