The French Riviera is a smorgasbord of delights. What to see? Here are the top sights that highlight the legendary beauty and diversity of the Riviera.
It snaps, sizzles and pops. Beaches, museums, nightlife, shopping, fine dining; there's no time to be bored no matter when you come. More on the best things to do in Nice.
Don't miss: the Promenade
des Anglais and the Old
Town.
Monaco
In this magical land where the
spirit of Princess Grace still rules, the streets are immaculate, the clothes are couture and the sportscars are the latest model. Visit the Palace where Prince Albert II resides and the Cathedral where Princess Grace is interred. Channel your inner James Bond in the Monte Carlo Casino and admire the massive yachts in the harbor. It's one of a kind.
Don't miss Monte Carlo.
See how to do a day trip from Nice to Monaco
Eze
This fortified hilltop town overlooking the Mediterranean affords magnificent views and the pleasure of wandering its stone streets. Transport yourself back to the 12th century when the village arose. There are medieval villages perched on hills and medieval villages by the sea but there's only one Eze, unique and striking.
Don't miss: Eze's Jardin Exotique which has the best views.
See how to do a day trip from Nice to Eze
The wide bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer is the most stunning on the Mediterranean. Colorful pastel houses line the port which is a popular spot for a stroll. There's a 15th-century Citadelle and a long, sandy beach for relaxation.
Don't miss: the 13th-century Rue Obscure which tunnels under the village.
See how to do a day trip from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer
This ancient town is a bustling center for yachties which keeps the town's flavor decidedly international. There's a delightful old town center to explore including a colorful Provencal market. The beaches are delightful especially on the Cap d'Antibes and in neighboring Juan-les-Pins.
Don't miss: the Picasso Museum
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is a thickly-wooded peninsula known for hosting the world's most expensive real estate. The magnificent and historic villas that dot the landscape are mostly secreted behind tall gates and towering hedges. But it's worth visiting Cap Ferrat for the array of sandy beaches and the carefully maintained walks that take you along the coast and through the pines.
Don't miss: the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Cannes
Stately but fun, Cannes is more than the famous Film Festival. The air of moneyed elegance is intoxicating; admire the yachts offshore, browse the designer stores and wander up Le Suquet hill for a taste of Old Cannes.
Don't miss La Croisette.
See how to do a day trip from Nice to Cannes
Saint-Tropez
A small-town in Provence that has become an obligatory photo
op for every starlet on the make. Sandy Pampelonne beach is paparazzi heaven, closely followed by the former fishing village's sizzling nightlife.
Don't miss the Old
Port.
See how to do a day trip from Nice to Saint Tropez
Train de Pignes
Just sit back and enjoy the swirl of Mediterranean scenery as this train
chugs through the Var valley. Disembark if you wish to explore medieval villages such as Entrevaux (above).
Don't miss the steam
engine that makes a circuit summer weekends.
St-Paul-de-Vence
Yes, it's touristy but there's something magical about this walled city on a hill.
Maybe it's the glorious views or maybe it's the classy souvenirs you
can pick up
Don't miss the Fondation
Maeght, a first-rate museum
of contemporary art.
See how to do a day trip from Nice to St-Paul-de Vence
Of the three "corniches", I prefer the middle road which seems
to me just the right height to appreciate the sinuous coast. There are a number of places along the way to safely pull over and enjoy the views. Buses 602 and 82 to Eze and Monaco also take the Moyenne Corniche. Sit on the right side for the best views!
Don't miss the view of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
To really appreciate the beauty of the French Riviera coast, why not take a boat trip? Here are the best boat trips on the Riviera.
Hi! I'm Jeanne Oliver--tour guide and author and I've been living on the Riviera for years. With my local insights your trip will be easy and fun. And, do check out my book Nice Uncovered: Walks Through the Secret Heart of a Historic City.
