Mirella Pandjaitan
Aug 27, 2025
Ah, the French Riviera — the very name sparkles like a glass of chilled rosé at golden hour. This glittering stretch of Mediterranean coastline has long been the playground of artists, aristocrats, starlets, and those with an appreciation for life’s finer, more sun-kissed nuances. The beaches are divine, but the cocktail of old-world charm and Riviera chic is a standout. Think hilltop villages dripping in bougainvillaea, yachts that look like Bond villains might be aboard, and the kind of light that made painters lose their minds—in the best way.
But the Riviera’s appeal goes far beyond its glossy surface. This is a place where world-class culture mingles with seaside leisure like old friends. There are jazz festivals, yacht shows, flower markets, and film premieres. And let’s not forget the cuisine—effortlessly fresh, unapologetically indulgent, and always served with a sea view. People come to the Riviera not just to relax, but to revel.
Let’s clear the air, shall we?
Also known by its silkier, more seductive name — the Côte d’Azur — the French Riviera isn’t a formal French region, namely Provence and Burgundy. The Riviera is nestled within the official region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The name “Côte d’Azur” was coined in 1887 by a French writer dazzled by the sea’s shimmering blue as he voyaged from Marseille to Genoa. Can you blame him?
As for its borders, well... To the east, the Riviera kisses Italy just past the pastel dream of Menton. To the south? The sparkling Mediterranean, naturellement. The north ends where the rugged Maritime Alps rise dramatically. And the western edge? That’s a debate as lively as a café terrace in Nice — some swear it stops at Saint-Tropez, others insist it stretches all the way to Toulon.
A riveting Riviera history
This coastline infuses layers. As part of the Provence region and brushing up against Italy, the French Riviera has hosted ancient Greeks, Romans, feudal lords, and royalty. Their footprints remain in stone villages, timeworn castles, and elegant old churches.
By the 18th century, savvy British aristocrats were flocking here to take the sea air and soak in thermal spas. Then came the 19th-century railroads, and with them, Russians and European elites escaping their chilly winters.
But the real glitter arrived between the World Wars. From 1920 to 1940, the Riviera transformed into Europe’s sun-drenched playground for the rich and famous. Once-sleepy fishing towns of Cannes, Antibes, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat turned into hubs of high society, dotted with opulent hotels, casinos, and Belle Époque villas straight out of a fairy tale.
Make Nice your base
Nice is a dream base for first-timers or short stays. It’s central, well-connected, and brimming with charm. From here, day trips are a breeze thanks to a strong public transport network.
Getting around
Bus
Affordable and frequent, buses connect Nice with most towns along the coast. Look for services run by Lignes d’Azur and Zou! One-way tickets and week passes are available.
Train
The TER regional train runs along the coast and is often faster than a car during summer traffic. Most coastal towns have a station, but double-check — sometimes the platform is a bit of a trek from the town centre.
Getting to Nice is half the fun
Glamour from the get-go by air
Your best bet is to fly into Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport, which hugs the sea so closely, you’ll imagine you’re landing on a yacht. It’s the region’s main gateway and connects to Paris, major European cities, the Middle East, North Africa, and North America.
Can’t snag a direct route? No worries — there are over 20 flights daily from Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Once you touch down, hop on the tram to central Nice for a breezy 30-minute ride, or jump in a taxi, bus, or rental car. The A8 highway is right nearby.
By train is for the romantics
Prefer slow travel with scenery? Say you’ve had your fill of croissants, climbed the Eiffel Tower, and politely elbowed your way to the front of the Mona Lisa crowd in Paris, hop on the French rail system’s high-speed TGV as your magic carpet from Gare de Lyon. It’s a six-hour ride, nonetheless, oh-so-scenic. Sip wine, snack on cheese, and stream Cannes Film Festival contenders using the train’s free WiFi. Trains also zip in from Lyon and Marseille, and you’ll arrive right in the heart of the Riviera, ready for croissants and coastal views.
5 best day trips from Nice
The French Riviera is a siren song for every kind of traveller dreaming of beaches, gardens, food, art, or the roar of a Formula 1 engine. It’s equal parts dazzling and down-to-earth, indulgent yet easygoing. Once you arrive, life slows down to the pace of waves lapping gently on the shore.
The Riviera is packed with stunning backdrops for your sunset strolls. We’ve broken down five of the best picks for an ideal escapism.
Antibes
This part of the Rivier is for the artist in you. What’s not to love? Sun-soaked sands, cobbled lanes, and a museum dedicated to Picasso (who once painted in the old château himself). The Marché Provençal is a foodie’s paradise, and Plage de la Gravette is perfect for a swim between sightseeing and gelato breaks. You can go on a train for 19 minutes or drive for about an hour from Nice.
Èze
The hilltop haven in the clouds could be an illustration of a storybook with its medieval village perched dramatically on a cliff; adorned with cobbled lanes, ivy-draped archways, and views that seem too good to be real, just 13 minutes away by train and 25 minutes by car.
Begin at the Fragonard Perfume Factory, where you can tour the ateliers and even create your own signature scent. Next, wind your way through the maze of stone streets to the Jardin Exotique, a mountaintop botanical garden brimming with succulents and sculptures, set on the ruins of a medieval fortress. And if you’re up for a challenge, lace up your walking shoes and tackle the Nietzsche Path, a rugged trail leading down to the sea. It’s named after the philosopher who claimed to have had an epiphany here.
Monaco
Take a train for 20 minutes or drive for 35 minutes to what we assume is James Bond’s favourite day trip from Nice. Monaco may be the second smallest country in the world, but it packs more glam per square metre than most entire continents. Home to royalty, roaring race cars, and rows of glistening mega-yachts, this pocket-sized principality is a heady cocktail of wealth and wonder.
Kick off with a sun-drenched promenade along Monaco Harbour—where billionaires park their toys and the Mediterranean sparkles like champagne. Then, head uphill to the Prince’s Palace, the regal seat of the Grimaldi family. Time your visit right, and you might catch the daily changing of the guard. The Oceanographic Museum will sweep you off your marine marvels as it’s perched dramatically on a cliffside and feels part Bond lair, part aquarium paradise.
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Slow down, take a deep breath, and lean into luxury with effortless grace here. This lush little peninsula just east of Nice is all about panoramic paths, hidden beaches, and coastal elegance without the crowds, after a 25-minute drive or a 50-minute bus ride.
Start with a leisurely walk along the Sentier Littoral, a cliffside path where every step offers a new postcard view. Then make your way to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a blush-pink mansion straight out of a French fairytale. Surrounded by nine themed gardens, it’s a fragrant feast for the senses.
Want to explore the coast with a salty breeze in your hair? Book a boat tour to discover secluded bays and caves best reached by water. Or, if you’re feeling sporty, rent a kayak or paddleboard and carve your own route across the turquoise sea. This is the place to feast on the freshest seafood. Or pack a picnic and claim a quiet beach as your own.
Villefranche sur Mer
Tiny but utterly enchanting, Villefranche is a laid-back beauty. It boasts a sparkling bay, sherbet-coloured facades, and waterfront bars ideal for sipping something cold while pretending you live here. Take slow strolls and immerse yourself in the sea breezes. Or, visit the 16th-century Citadel, marvel at Cocteau’s murals in Chapelle Saint-Pierre, and lounge on Plage des Marinières as the water here is as clear as crystal. A train ride is merely six minutes long, while it can take you 25 minutes on the road.
Things to do beyond the beach
1. The Riviera is a creative soul’s playground. Head to Vallauris, where Picasso once dabbled in ceramics for stunning pottery. For blown glass, visit Biot, where master glassmakers perform their magic right before your eyes.
2. Wander in blooming gardens such as Jardin Exotique, Èze; Val Rahmeh, Menton; Princess Grace Rose Garden, Monaco; and Japanese Garden, Monaco.
3. Gawk at architecture. This coast is a living museum. Dive into the Jean Cocteau Museum in Menton, the Maeght Foundation in Saint Paul de Vence, and Villa Ephrussi in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.
4. Browse the markets as these are a sensory feast featuring cured meats, sun-dried tomatoes, wheels of cheese, Provençal herbs, and olive tapenades in shades of green and black, to name a few. Don’t miss the Marché Provençal in Antibes!
5. Relax on the sea for extra fun! Hop on a boat tour, whether for island hopping, dolphin spotting, or just chasing the horizon.
6. Outdoor lovers should get active under the sun by paddleboarding, jet-skiing, sailing, hiking hidden trails to secret coves, and golfing overlooking the sea view.
So, you decide to spare more time?
To rush the Riviera would apparently be a tragic waste of perfectly good bliss. This isn’t a checklist destination — it’s a lifestyle. If you're short on time, aim for at least seven days. A week gives you time to hit the highlights: beach-hopping, market meandering, and museum-gazing.
The sweet spot is 10 to 14 days of seducing your senses. Two weeks lets you have lazy beach mornings, sunset hikes, day trips to hilltop villages, and plenty of time to do absolutely nothing (which, here, is an art form). You’ll leave sun-kissed and serenely smug.
Best time to visit the French Riviera
All year is a “oui”! There’s never a bad time to sit by the sea with a glass of rosé and a wedge of brie. That said, the French Riviera does shine brightest between May and September. The sun’s blazing, towns buzzing, and beaches brimming with bronzed bodies during peak season. But beware: it’s crowded, pricey, and you may need a reservation for everything from dinner to a deck chair.
The French Riviera is also bursting with can't-miss events:
- Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix in May
- Cannes Lions Festival and Les Voiles d’Antibes in June
- Nice Jazz Festival and Vence Nuits du Sud in July
- Menton Music Festival in July or August
- Cannes Yachting Festival, Monaco Yacht Show, and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez in September.
Mid-November to February is offbeat and off-season: Chillier, yes — but not devoid of charm. You’ll find fewer crowds and unique winter festivals. You’ll also find bliss in the Christmas markets. Pack a coat and a sense of adventure.
Mid-March through May and mid-September through October are the Goldilocks Seasons: Spring and Autumn ooze sunshine, thinner crowds, and lower prices. The weather is ideal for everything from cliff walks and open-air lunches to sipping wine beneath vineyard foliage.