The French Riviera is the total package. It’s France’s fun in the sun destination.
The Riviera is an intoxicating mixture of sorbet-colored villages, art galleries, and breathtaking coastlines. It’s known the world over for its glamour, beauty, and sunshine.
This sunny sliver of land stretches along France’s southeastern coast from Saint-Tropez to Monaco. And then it rambles a bit inward.
You’ll find see-and-be-seen beaches and boardwalks of Cannes and Monaco, the lavender fields of Grasse, and perfectly preserved medieval villages like Èze and St-Paul-de-Vence.
There’s a whole host of places to explore throughout the summer and beyond. I’ve been to this region twice for extended stays, once as a college backpacker and once as a (much better off) adult.
Depending on your interests, here’s how these cute Riviera towns break down in a few broad categories:
- glamor & beaches: Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Villefranche-sur-Mer
- medieval vibes: Eze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Antibes, Vence
- hidden gems: Vence, Tourette-sur-Loup, Peille
- art: Nice, Antibes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- best base: Antibes, Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer
Beautiful Places On The French Riviera
Antibes
Antibes is one of my favorite Riviera towns. Probably because it offers more than just a pretty beach. It’s a down to earth, easy going town.
Antibes’ old town is a warren of mazy streets and red tile roofs rising above the blue Mediterranean. You can snooze on the beach, amble the old town, and hike along a sea swept trail (Cap d’Antibes Coastal Walk).
Antibes’ cultural claim to fame is the Picasso Museum.
It’s a compact museum in a historic building with a pretty sweet collection of Picasso’s artworks, from when he lived in the town. If you want, you can have a local artist take you on a guided tour.
You’ll see photographs of the artist at work. His paintings, like La Joie de Vivre, are happy. The war was over and Picasso was in love with another artist, Francoise Gilot.
If you’re a history buff, you can also check out the Musée d’Archéologie. It’s a small but interesting museum showcasing Roman and Greek artifacts.
And Fort Carré is 16th century fortress with panoramic views of the coastline.
Not far from Antibes (7 miles) is the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer. This was Renoir’s home during the final 12 years of his life. Not many paintings, but always interesting to visit an artists home.
>>> Click here to book a guided tour of Antibes & Cannes from Nice
Where To Stay: Hotel Miramar
Cannes
Cannes is best known for hosting the Cannes Film Festival, a world-famous event that’s drawn celebrities and filmmakers since 1946. This makes it a sister city to Beverly Hills.
But there’s more to Cannes than just the red carpets and flashing cameras. The city offers a taste of luxury, charm, and Riviera beauty that anyone can enjoy.
It’s like a mini version of the big Riviera city Nice, except with a sandier beach. It’s a good place for strolling, shopping, and lounging on the seafront.
The beaches are almost all private, so you’ll need to rent a spot at a pretty price to tan for your movie premiere. The fanciest shops are on Rue d’Antibes.
A stroll along the 2 mile Promenade de la Croisette is also a must. This scenic boulevard runs along the Mediterranean Sea. It’s lined with designer boutiques, upscale restaurants, and legendary hotels.
Cannes may have a reputation for glitz and glamour, but you don’t have to be a movie star to soak in its magic.
Where To Stay: Carlton Cannes, Hotel Martinez, Hotel Splendid
Cassis
The fishing port of Cassis is one of the most scenic towns on the French Riviera. Pastel-colored houses line the harbor, fishing boats bob in the water, and limestone cliffs rise in the distance.
Once a Roman trading hub, Cassis later built its economy on fishing before morphing into a sought after coastal retreat.
Visitors come for its relaxed atmosphere and lively cafes. This French Riviera town also offers easy access to the Calanques de Cassis, a national park known for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise inlets, and rugged hiking trails.
The town has a glamorous edge with boutique hotels and waterfront restaurants. But it still feels tied to its maritime roots. Strolling along the harbor at sunset. The scent of salt and grilled seafood in the air captures the essence of Cassis.
Where To Stay: Hôtel Les Roches Blanches, THE ADDRESS CASSIS
Eze
Eze is an eye catching village, capping a peak high above the sea. It’s flowery, flawless, and adorably cobbled. And is completely consumed with tourism.
But it’s for a reason. The magnificent state of preservation can’t help but win you over.
Along your hike to the top, you’ll pass perfume outlets, stylish boutiques, and get magnificent views. At the top, you can admire the Garden Eze, which is filled with cacti and exotic plants.
If you can’t resist perfume, you could tour the Fragonard Perfume Factory at the bottom of the village. Just brace yourself for tour buses and crowds.
>>> Click here to book a walking tour
Where To Stay: Château de la Chèvre d’Or, Château Eza
Grasse
Grasse is both the historic and contemporary capital of perfume. And it’s a nice contrast to the super dolled-up towns above the Riviera.
Compared to them, Grasse feels practically unpolished and refreshing real. Yet, the town is still an intriguing collection of cobbled lanes, peekaboo squares, and vertical staircases.
You’ll want to visit the International Museum of Perfume. It’s a well-designed museum that provides a full scan of the history and production of performer from Ancient Greece to present day.
Get your nose ready for a good sniff!
The historic, but still functioning, Fragonard Perfume Factory, will give you more sensorial sensations. The factory offers a 20 minute tour and you can take a whiff in the elegant gift shop.
And then there’s the Fragonard Museum. It’s completely free and air conditioned as a bonus.
There are works by three famous artists who once lived in Grasse — Jean-Honore Fragonard, Marguerite Gerard, and Jean-Baptiste Mallet.
If you are visiting in the summer months and aren’t going to Provence, the Plateau de Calern, just north of Grasse, is known for its wild lavender and other wildflowers.
>>> Click here for a factory tour and perfume making class
Where To Stay: La Bastide Saint-Antoine
Menton
A sun-drenched jewel on the French Riviera, Menton remains one of the best-kept secrets in the south of France. It’s basically a poor man’s Nice and very quiet and peaceful. I adore this French Riveria village!
Sheltered between the mountains and the sea, Menton basks in more sunshine than almost anywhere else in the country.
For centuries, it was ruled by Monaco’s Grimaldi family. This was the same dynasty that Grace Kelly joined when she married Prince Rainier in 1956.
For generations, Menton has drawn visitors with its grand Belle Époque mansions, lush Mediterranean gardens, and a slower, more refined pace.
Its pastel-hued streets spill down to the sea. Fishing boats bob in the harbor and citrus-scented breezes drift from the town’s famed lemon groves.
For a truly unforgettable meal, try to secure a coveted table at Mirazur. This eatery is celebrated for its seasonally inspired, artfully plated cuisine.
Consistently ranked among the world’s best, Mirazur’s menu shifts with the rhythms of nature, using only the finest ingredients at their peak.
Where To Stay: Villa Genesis, Hotel Napoleon
Monaco
The tax haven of Monaco is interesting. It’s technically not part of France, but an independent country.
It’s got high prices and a bit of a Disney-esque atmosphere. And yet it’s a must visit town in the Riviera.
Monaco is perhaps best known as the glittering home of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier. Tragically, she died on one of the scenic roads. If you drive down it, which I’ve done, you may get a tiny chill at the winding and steep nature of it.
You can book a guided walking tour of the town. Or wander off on your own.
A good plan of attack is to start in Monaco-Ville at Palace Square. There, you can take a 30 minute spin around the palace and see the changing of the guard at the Prince’s Palace (if you time it right).
You can also pop into Monaco Cathedral, and see where the famous Grimaldis were married.
Then, wander down to the port area. Finish by gambling away whatever you have left in Monte Carlo’s casino.
The casino was designed by Charles Garnier, of Paris Opera fame. It’s tres chic and the private rooms have a decided James Bond-like feel. I remember being rather intimidated by all the Rolls Royce out front as well.
If you like car racing, in 2025, the Monaco Grand Prix will be held from May 22 to 25. In the days leading up to this event, you can drive the race course. Or book a guided Formula 1 tour.
>>> Click here to book a guided day tour from Nice
Where To Stay: Hotel de Paris, Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, Hotel Fairmont Monte Carlo
Nice
Nice offers a delightful blend of Mediterranean charm and cultural richness.
Start your visit along the Promenade des Anglais. This is a picturesque 4 mile stretch where you can enjoy sea breezes and people-watching.
Don’t miss the ultra chi chi Hotel Negresco with its distinctive pink dome. Try and have a drink at the wood-paneled 37 Prom Bar and peak into Salon Royal ballroom!
Vieux Nice (Old Town) is simply splendid and seductive. Narrow, winding streets lead to bustling markets, quaint boutiques, and historic squares.
Bougainvillea spills over everything. A good way to get an overview is to book a guided walking tour of the old town.
At Place Rossetti, indulge in a scoop from Fenocchio, a renowned gelateria offering unique flavors like lavender and olive. Nearby, the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate is an over-the-top Baroque interior.
Art enthusiasts will love Nice’s excellent museums. The Musée National Marc Chagall is the best one. It houses the world’s largest collection of Chagall’s dreamlike works.
For a taste of local life, explore the Cours Saleya Market, brimming with fresh produce, flowers.
Where To Stay: Hotel West End, Hotel Suisse
Peille
Peille feels like a secret. Perched high in the hills behind Nice, it’s not the easiest village to reach.
The drive up twists through forests and cliffs. When I visited, it was just me, the sound of church bells, and a few locals going about their day.
Peille dates back to at least the 12th century, and looks like it’s been carved straight from the rock. Steep alleyways wind through weathered stone archways, and houses seem to cling to the hillside as if they’ve always been there.
Unlike more famous spots like Saint-Paul de Vence or Èze, Peille remains blissfully under the radar. As you wander through its quiet lanes, past sun-faded shutters and heavy wooden doors, you’ll tumble into a place time forgot.
Peille isn’t polished, and you won’t find boutique shops or crowds with cameras.
But that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe in the stillness, and just be.
Place Carnot is the village’s main square. From there, you can wander past four quiet religious monuments—the 13th century Sainte-Marie Church, the Chapel of the Misericords (now an oil mill), Chapel Saint-Sébastien (now the town hall), and Chapel Saint-Joseph.
Peille doesn’t try to impress. And maybe that’s why it does.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is one of the best places to visit on the French Riviera. It’s easy to include in a day trip from Nice, along with Menton and Èze. Exploring all three makes for a perfect day in the French Riviera.
This quiet Riveria town sits on Cap Ferret, an exclusive peninsula on the Riviera. It’s often overlooked by tourists.
But it has a lovely “take your time, darling” atmosphere. A string of restaurants line the port, if you want to stop in for lunch.
The main tourist attraction is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. It’s a grand pink mansion with stunning gardens, the ultimate in Riviera extravagance.
You buy your ticket in the gift shop and then pick up an audioguide inside. You’ll see the personal effects and furniture of the Baroness Rothschild. There’s also a 20 minute film about life on the Riviera during the Belle Epoque era.
But the gorgeous gardens are why most people visit. There are 9 lush gardens recreated from locations all over the world, from wild cacti to roses.
Where To Stay: Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat
St-Paul-de-Vence
If you need a respite from the beach, head to the inland Riviera for a rocky escape. The most famous Riviera hill town is St-Paul-de-Vence.
It’s said to be one of the most visited villages in all of France. It boasts views of the sea and Alps. Every cobble and flower pot seems just so.
There are no must sees in the old town. The main thing is to ramble or peak into what seems like a plethora of art galleries.
You can also stop into the artist-decorated La Colombe d’Or or the Cafe de la Place.
The town cemetery offers up a viewing platform. And you can visit the grave of artist Marc Chagall.
The Fondation Maeght, just outside Saint-Paul-de-Vence, is a modern art museum set in a peaceful wooded landscape. The outdoor sculpture garden features works by Joan Miró, Alexander Calder, and Alberto Giacometti.
>>> Click here to book a tour of the Rivera’s medieval villages
Where To Stay: Le Saint Paul, Domaine du Mas de Pierre
Saint-Tropez
The beaches in the South of France are a must, no question about it. And when it comes to the best places to visit, St. Tropez is hard to ignore.
It’s every bit as stunning and glamorous as its jet setting reputation suggests. The gorgeous coastline, fantastic food, and world-class wine make it a perfect summer escape.
The small port town is charming and traffic free. It’s smothered in fashion boutiques and elegant eateries.
As with so many villages in southern France, St. Tropez attracted Parisian artists like Neo-Impressionist Paul Signac.
While you’re there, don’t miss trying the Tarte Tropézienne. This creamy, brioche-like pastry became famous thanks to Brigitte Bardot.
She named it while filming And God Created Woman in St. Tropez. It’s as much a part of the town’s charm as its sun-soaked beaches.
There are no shortage of luxury hotels. And most of them come complete with multi-star Michelin restaurants.
>>> Click here to book a guided day tour from Nice to St. Tropez
Where To Stay: Hotel la Ponche, Hotel de Paris
Tourrettes-sur-Loup
This is an unspoiled and picturesque town, hemmed in by forest. It looks like it might even skid downhill.
The village is beautifully preserved and has narrow medieval lanes and buildings. There’s a smattering of artisan boutiques.
Finish your stroll with a glass of wine on the back terrace of La Cave dee Tourrettes.
Tourrettes-sur-Loup is know as the “City of Violets.” It grows more violets, that end up in perfume, than anywhere else in France. In early March, 10,000 visitors swoop in for the annual Violets Festival.
Vence
Vence sees far fewer tourists than its partner, Saint-Paul-de-Vence. But that only makes its pedestrianized lines a pleasure to stroll.
You can enjoy a quiet drink on a quiet square, inspect an art gallery, and then find the town’s main attraction — Matisse’s Chapel of the Rosary.
The chapel is a 20 minute walk from the old town and offers a 20 minute tour. It’s a modest chapel really, simple and well-lit. And it’s home to a mosaic that Matisse made near the end of his life.
Where To Stay: Château Saint-Martin & Spa
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Just 15 minutes east of Nice, the tiny village of Villefranche-sur-Mer offers you an easygoing slice of Mediterranean life.
The village feels more Italian than French. It’s one of the most colorful towns on the Riviera. And the harbor is filled with luxury yachts.
The old town is a maze of narrow, winding streets lined with colorful houses, small cafes, and local shops. It slopes gently down to the waterfront, where you’ll find a scenic harbor with seaside restaurants.
The town has a relaxed, lived-in feel, with laundry hanging from balconies and locals going about their day. One of its quirkiest spots is Rue Obscure, a covered medieval street that once served as a shelter
The #1 site is the Chapel of St. Pierre. It’s decorated by Jean Cocteau, a Parisian transplant, Surrealist painter, and avant-garde intellectual.
If you have time, the town citadel is worth a visit if you enjoy history and good views. Built in the 16th century, it overlooks the bay and has well-preserved ramparts, a peaceful courtyard, and free museums inside.
Where To Stay: Hotel Welcome
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best towns and places to visit in the French Riviera. You may enjoy these other southern France travel guides:
- 10 day itinerary for southern France
- 1 week Dordogne itinerary
- Hidden gems in Provence
- Hilltop villages of the Luberon Valley
- Historic landmarks in southern France
- Beautiful villages in the Dordogne
- Beautiful villages in Occitanie
- One day in Avignon itinerary
- One day in Sarlat-la-Caneda
- One day in Toulouse itinerary
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