Tourists have been flocking to the French Riviera for about a hundred years now and it was never because of the low prices. Au contraire! The Cote d'Azur was a luxury destination for moneyed European aristocrats long before mass tourism gained a foothold in the mid-20th century. Even though it is not a cheap destination, you can get good value for money if you're cagey. See my budget tips for the French Riviera.
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As in any resort destination, there are three seasons on the Cote d'Azur: high season from June to September, mid-season from March to May and October; low season from November through February. Naturally, prices are at the highest in high season as well as certain festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix and Nice Carnival.
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The cheapest destination on the French Riviera is Nice which has a very competitive accommodation scene covering everything from youth hostels to five-star hotels. In high season you can pay around €55 for a double in a one-star hotel and about €300 for a standard double in a five-star hotel. For hostels expect to pay about €23 per person for a bed in a dorm.
Accommodation in Cannes, Monaco and Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat is more expensive and more geared to the high-end traveller although there are a sprinkling of budget options.
Although you can get a light lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant for only €25 (without wine), you can triple that price at dinner. Beach restaurants are pricey at all hours; salads start at €15. One solution is to grab a sandwich at a boulangerie. A pan bagnat is a filling sandwich of tuna, egg, radish, tomato and lettuce that costs €4.50.
Renting a car on the French Riviera is the most expensive way to get around but it's also the most convenient. Rates start at about €42/day for a sub-compact with a stick shift. Public transport on the French Riviera is much cheaper. The price of a local bus ride is
