The French Riviera, or Côte D’Azur, is a dazzling stretch of Mediterranean coastline in the south of France. Known for its azure waters, luxurious resorts, and charming towns, this region is a magnet for sun-seekers, celebrities, and anyone with a taste for the good life.

The French Riviera is where the sun shines brighter, the yachts are bigger, and the Mediterranean views are simply magnifique! Join me on a whirlwind tour of this glamorous coastline to help you plan your perfect Côte D’Azur itinerary.

Quick Navigation Links

• Day 1 : Nice

• Day 2 : Eze and Monaco

• Day 3 : Cannes and Antibes

• Day 4 : Menton

• The Regions of Southern France

• Travel Tips and Practical Information

• Extra Activities and Extended Stays

• Famous Films Shot in the French Riviera

ay 1: Exploring Nice

We chose Nice as our base, staying in a cozy Airbnb near the city center. Nice—a city that's not just nice, but downright delightful with its blend of French elegance and Italian flair, the perfect place to start your adventure.

Morning: We kicked off our day with a tip-based walking tour, which is a fantastic way to get acquainted with the city’s history and major sights. The tour is free to book, but a tip of around €10–€15 per person is appropriate. Alternatively, there are multiple guided tours on the Get Your Guide app. These tours last for 2–3 hours and are incredibly helpful for those who wish to get their bearings and visit the must-see spots without the hassle of planning. Some of the places covered in the tour included Place Massena, Promenade du Paillon, Opera House of Nice, Nice Old Town, Cours Saleya Market (where we sampled local delights like socca and Pissaladière), Palais de Justice, Palais de la Préfecture, Place Rossetti, and Promenade des Anglais.

Afternoon: After the tour, we hiked up to Castle Hill (Colline du Château), which offers panoramic views of the city and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. It’s a bit of a climb, but the vistas are worth it. There's also a lift available, although it was out of order during our visit. The waterfall on our way down was a delightful surprise, and the port of Nice looks stunning from above. We then wandered through the charming streets of the Old Town (Vieux Nice), exploring narrow lanes and vibrant markets. We loved getting lost in the narrow streets of Vieux Nice, discovering hidden gems, and soaking in the local atmosphere. I couldn’t resist picking up some souvenirs from the bustling market.

Evening: As the sun began to set, we walked along the famous Promenade des Anglais and relaxed on the pebbly beach. For dinner, we enjoyed an interesting meal at Bocca Nissa, a Mediterranean restaurant, where we pushed our culinary boundaries with dishes like sea bass and shrimp (I admit, back in India, they remove the shell for you, and removing it by ourselves was quite the process). After dinner, we wandered back to our Airbnb via Place Massena, soaking in the evening ambiance of this charming city.

Day 2: Eze and Monaco

Morning: After having breakfast our plan was to catch a bus to Eze, but after a long wait, we found it packed. Luckily, we met another Indian couple at the bus stop heading in the same direction, and we decided to share a Bolt cab ride (€15–€20). Eze, perched on a hilltop, is one of the most picturesque fairytale villages on the Riviera. We started with a visit to the Fragonard Perfume Factory, which is free to enter and includes a guided tour. Then we climbed up to the Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique), which offers stunning views of the Mediterranean (€7 entry, open daily from 9 am to 6:30 pm, but costs and timings may change during different months).

Afternoon: From Eze, we took a bus to Monaco (note that the train doesn’t stop in Eze—the Eze train station is quite far from the village). Monaco greeted us with more luxury cars than a Fast & Furious movie. In Monaco, we visited the famous Monte Carlo Casino and went inside the building to the atrium and decided to skip the main casino area as we didn’t plan on gambling. (Click on the link for a more detailed guide on Casino de Monte Carlo rules and regulations, ID requirements, dress code, pricing, and opening times) Like many tourists, we stopped to gawk at the luxury car parade by the Casino, then strolled through the posh surroundings (entry fee: €17, with ID required, open daily from 2 pm to 4 am). We had burgers for lunch at Steak ‘n Shake—surprisingly affordable in this glamorous city.

Monaco is famous for hosting the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix, a thrilling event that attracts visitors from around the world. Later, we visited the Prince's Palace and enjoyed the beautiful views from the hilltop.

Evening: After witnessing the palace guards perform the sunset flag ceremony, we called it a day and returned to Nice via train, dreaming of the day when we might return to Monaco aboard our own yacht (hey, a traveler can dream, can’t they?).

Additional Tips:

• Visit the Oceanographic Museum (€19 entry, open daily from 9:30 am to 8 pm) for fascinating marine exhibits.

• Check out the nightlife in Monaco if you have time.

Day 3: Cannes and Antibes

Morning: We took a train to Cannes from Nice (€8 onwards, 30 minutes) and joined another tip-based walking tour. While Cannes is famous for its film festival, I found it less charming compared to other Riviera towns. I must admit that I had high expectations from this popular filmy destination but was quite let down by the fact that it was quite dull without the glitz and glamour of the red carpet. However, the tour covered key sights like the Palais des Festivals and La Croisette.

Afternoon: Next, we headed towards Antibes, my favorite spot on the Riviera. We stopped briefly at a beach along the way to enjoy the views and soak in the sun. Antibes stole our hearts with its old town charm and Picasso Museum (almost, but it was closing—timing is everything, right?). Port Vauban’s yachts were so big, we wondered if they came with their own zip code. Falafel, a restaurant in Antibes, served us the best shawarma this side of the Mediterranean, proving once again that great adventures and great food go hand in hand. 

Evening: Port Vauban in Antibes hosts some of the world’s most opulent yachts, boasting the largest port in Europe—larger even than Monaco’s. Strolling past these magnificent vessels was a sight to behold. The nightlife was lively, with myriad bars and restaurants. As night fell, Antibes came alive with twinkling lights and we vowed to return for more adventures in this gem of the Riviera.

Additional Tips:

• Visit the Absinthe Museum (€3 entry, open daily from 2:30 pm to 7 pm) because sometimes, a green fairy is just what your day needs.

• Enjoy the beaches of Antibes, which are less crowded than those in Nice or Cannes.

• Cannes is probably a more exciting visit during the film festival if you are traveling to the French Riviera at any other time I suggest you skip it and do Antibes instead.

Day 4: Menton

Menton is known as "The Pearl of France" for its stunning beaches, pastel-colored buildings, and fragrant lemon groves. The best time to visit is from late May to early September, with a special highlight being the vibrant Lemon Festival in February. As the last village before Italy, Menton offers a unique blend of French and Italian charm. Don’t miss the beautiful Jardin Serre de la Madone, the relaxing Plage des Sablettes, and the picturesque Old Town with its breathtaking views from the Basilique Saint-Michel. Indulge in local delights like Socca and Tarte au Citron while soaking in this hidden gem's serene beauty.

Morning: We took a train to Menton (€6 and upwards, 40 minutes), storing our luggage in Ventimiglia (Italy) as we had an afternoon train to Milan. Menton, known as the "Pearl of France," is famous for its citrus fruits and beautiful gardens. We strolled through the old town, visited the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel (free entry, open daily from 9 am to 6 pm), and relaxed in the stunning gardens overlooking the sea.

Afternoon: After a leisurely lunch, we returned to Ventimiglia to catch our train to Milan, bidding a fond farewell to the enchanting French Riviera.

Additional Tips:

• We found that traveling to Ventimiglia, dropping our luggage, coming to Menton, and then traveling back to Ventimiglia to pick up the luggage left us a little short on time. I recommend taking a whole day to explore Menton. Alternatively, if you are short on time, then you can choose to skip Menton and explore Ventimiglia instead (if you are headed to Italy like we were).

The south of France is divided into several distinct regions, each with its own unique charm:

• Provence: Known for its rolling lavender fields, historic towns like Aix-en-Provence, and delicious cuisine. If you visit during the summer, consider extending your trip to see the lavender fields in full bloom (late June to early August). The scent and sight are unforgettable.

• Côte d’Azur: The glamorous coastline from Saint-Tropez to Menton, encompassing famous cities like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco—where luxury meets the sea, and every moment feels like a VIP experience.

• Languedoc: Less touristy than Provence and Côte d’Azur, with beautiful beaches, medieval towns, and excellent wine regions.

• Train Travel: Always check and validate your train tickets at the yellow machines before boarding. Fines can be steep for unvalidated tickets.

• Travel Times: Nice to Cannes (30 min), Nice to Monaco (20 min), Nice to Eze by bus (45 min). And don’t forget the train: Cannes to Antibes (20 min), Antibes back to Nice (another 20 min). The train journey along the coast ranks among Europe’s most scenic, offering breathtaking sea vistas.

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from April to September when the weather is warm and festivals abound. This area gets a lot of sun and is a popular holiday escape for the French as well. In April, the sun sets around 8 pm, and in summer, the days are even longer, allowing for more sightseeing and the Riviera’s magic is in full swing.

If you have more days to spare, consider these additional activities:

• St. Paul de Vence: Art galleries, medieval magic, and views that belong in a museum (or at least on Instagram).

• Grasse: The perfume capital of the world, where you can visit perfume factories and create your own scent.

• Saint-Tropez: Famous for its beaches and nightlife, ideal for a day trip or an overnight stay.

• Lavender Fields: June to August—when Provence bursts into purple, and your camera roll bursts with envy-inducing photos.

• Sunset Boat Cruise: Wine, snacks, and a sunset that turns the sea into a canvas—all aboard for the most romantic night on the Riviera.

• Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: Explore this stunning villa and its beautiful gardens.

• Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: A picturesque peninsula with scenic walks and beaches.

• Villefranche-sur-Mer: A charming seaside town with a lovely harbor.

• Gorges du Verdon: Often called the "Grand Canyon of Europe," this natural wonder offers hiking, kayaking, and breathtaking views.

The French Riviera has been a backdrop for many famous films, adding to its glamorous appeal. Here are a few notable ones:

• To Catch a Thief (1955): Directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, this classic was filmed in and around Cannes, Nice, and Monaco (IMDb rating: 7.4).

• Ronin (1998): Featuring Robert De Niro, this action thriller includes scenes shot in Nice (IMDb rating: 7.3).

• Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007): This comedy features Mr. Bean’s adventures through Cannes and the Riviera (IMDb rating: 6.4).

• French Kiss (1995): Starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline, with beautiful scenes set in Cannes and Nice (IMDb rating: 6.6).

• The Transporter (2002): Filmed in various locations across the Riviera, including Nice and Cannes (IMDb rating: 6.8).

• Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988): This comedy starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine was shot in and around Villefranche-sur-Mer (IMDb rating: 7.4).

• Heartbreaker (2010): A French romantic comedy filmed in Monaco and Nice (IMDb rating: 6.7).

And don’t forget Bollywood’s love affair with the Riviera:

• Tamasha (2015): Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, with scenes filmed in Corsica and various locations in the French Riviera.

• Befikre (2016): Starring Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor, shot extensively in Paris and the south of France, including Nice and Cannes.

The French Riviera’s blend of natural beauty and cinematic allure makes it a perfect destination for travelers and filmmakers alike.

By sharing my personal experiences and tips, I hope to inspire you to explore this stunning region and create your own unforgettable memories on the French Riviera. Bon voyage!