Is the French Riviera Worth Visiting? My Tips & Recs

Planning a trip to France and trying to decide if the French Riviera is worth visiting? You’re in the right place – read on for my tips and recommendations!

A bright colorful city with different buildings going up the city up to a large church steeple.

The French Riviera, or the Côte d’Azur as it’s called in French, is one of France’s most esteemed locations. Located in southern France, along the Mediterranean Sea, the region boasts beautiful beaches, lovely cities and idyllic villages, incredible coastal views and hikes, great food, and a laidback atmosphere.

I absolutely love the French Riviera – I’ve traveled through France extensively, and it remains one of my favorite regions in all of France. I’ve visited the French Riviera 3 different times, staying for nearly three weeks, and I can’t wait to go back again.

In short, the French Rivieria is definitely worth a visit, and in the rest of this guide, I’m going to highlight the top reasons why you should visit, where exactly the French Riviera is, best places to visit and where to stay, and other helpful tips and practical information for visiting.

Where is the French Riviera

So, where is the French Riviera, exactly, and is it the same place as Provence? These terms (Provence and the French Riviera) are sometimes used in seemingly interchangeable ways, so let me explain!

On the map, above, you can see that the southwest region of France is highlighted by red dotted lines and borders. This is the Provence-Alpes-Cote-d’Azur region of France.

Generally just called “Provence,” this area big cities along the coast like Marseilles, Nice, Cannes, and Saint Tropez, as well as the inland cities of Avignon and Aix-en-Provence. And of course, the region is dotted with charming small towns and villages.

Now let’s take a closer look at the region…

The Cote d’Azur is it’s own distinct part of Provence. Here, you can see that the Cote d’Azur (aka the French Riviera) begins at Saint Tropez (which is approximately halfway between Nice and Marseille) and includes the rest of the French coastline to Italy.

The greater Provence area is truly beautiful and definitely deserves a visit, but the French Riviera has a distinct coastal feel and is a unique and special region to spend time in.

What is the French Riviera Famous For?

What makes it so unique and special? Here are 11 things that the Cote d’Azur is known for:

Sun-Drenched Beaches: The Riviera boasts miles of coastline, with beaches ranging from secluded coves to vibrant, sandy stretches along the Mediterranean Sea.
Glamorous Resorts: Iconic destinations like Cannes, Nice, and Saint-Tropez are synonymous with luxury, attracting celebrities and the elite with their upscale hotels, boutiques, and beach clubs.
Artistic Heritage: The region has inspired countless artists, including Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall, who lived and worked here, leaving a legacy of art museums and vibrant cultural scenes.
Historic Villages: Beyond the glitz, ancient hilltop villages like Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence offer a glimpse into the Riviera’s medieval past with their cobblestone streets and adorable alleyways.
Luxurious Yachting: The Côte d’Azur is a premier yachting destination, with marinas filled with lavish yachts, and numerous events and regattas taking place throughout the year.
Traditional Local Cuisine: Provence has many unique local specialties, with a cuisine that is a mix of French, Mediterranean, and Italian, with some Middle Eastern influence. Nicoise cuisine in particular (that is, food from the city of Nice) is particularly delicious and distinctive, and sampling Nicoise specialties like socca, pissaladiere, tarte de blettes, and farcis nicoise is a must.
Lavish Gardens and Villas: The Riviera is home to beautifully manicured gardens and historic villas, such as the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Cap Ferrat, the Promenade du Paillon in Nice, the Jardin Exotique in Eze, or the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden in Menton.
Outdoor Markets: The Riviera is filled with lively outdoor markets, like the Cours Saleya in Nice, the Marché Provencal in Antibes, or the Marché Forville in Cannes, offering everything from fresh local produce to antiques, crafts, and street food.
Perfume Industry in Grasse: Grasse is internationally recognized as the perfume capital of the world, home to fields of flowers and several historic perfumeries where visitors can create their own signature scent.
Charming Old Towns: The Riviera is dotted with enchanting old towns that whisk visitors back in time. Places like the old town of Nice, with its narrow, winding streets, vibrant markets, and pretty squares, offer a glimpse into the region’s past. The old town of Antibes, surrounded by 16th-century ramparts, and the medieval village of Eze, perched high above the sea, are just a few examples of the historical charm that awaits you.
Beautiful Architecture: The Riviera’s architecture captures its varied influences, often luxurious lifestyle, and laidback atmosphere, from the seaside promenades lined with palm trees to the majestic villas overlooking the sea.
Menton’s pastel-colored facades and Italianate buildings reflect its close ties with Italy. Nice’s Belle Époque and Art Deco buildings, like the iconic Hotel Negresco and the opulent Opera de Nice, blend beauty with its laidback lifestyle. Cannes’ La Croisette is lined with grand hotels and casinos, showcasing the glamorous side of the Riviera.

Best Places to Visit on the French Riviera

Even though it’s a geographically small area, the French Riviera has an incredible variety of towns and villages to visit. Here are some of the can’t-miss destinations (make sure you click on the links

Cities

A boardwalk with lots of people walking down it leading across the beach at sunset with rows of palm trees going parallel with the ocean — Nice

The view looking from brick buildings to the bright blue beach with the city in the background — Antibes

Nice: A vibrant blend of old-world charm and lively streets, famed for its stunning Promenade des Anglais and rich cultural scene.
Antibes: Known for its old town and luxury yachts, it’s a blend of historic ramparts and chic, sandy beaches.

A street in Cannes with a large tan stone building behind four large palm trees — Cannes

An alleyway with bright orange buildings on both sides with a tall green vine with purple flowers — Saint-Tropez

Cannes: Glamorous and bustling, Cannes shines with its film festival, upscale shopping, and beautiful beaches.
Saint Tropez: A jet-set favorite, offering exclusive beaches, a picturesque old town, and vibrant nightlife.

A huge casino that is lit up by lots of lights on the bottom with large street lights and palm trees covering the garden with a fountain in the middle. — Monaco

Monaco: Synonymous with luxury, from its casinos to the Grand Prix, set against a backdrop of stunning coastal views.

Towns

A bright colorful city off the coast with different buildings going up the city up to a large church steeple. — Menton

A woman in a white dress walks down a colorful alley with lots of bright green plants along the buildings — Villefranche-sur-Mer

Menton: Famous for its lemon festival, Menton boasts colorful buildings and serene gardens by the sea.
Villefranche-sur-Mer: A quiet haven with a stunning bay, offering a slice of tranquility with its quaint streets and waterfront dining.

A stone staircase leading up a small hill with stone cafes and small shops on either side — Eze

A stone alleyway with different lit up cafes on either side with tall plants on one side — Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Eze: Perched high with breathtaking sea views, Eze charms with its medieval village and exotic gardens.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence: A haven for artists, known for its art galleries, medieval walls, and cobblestone streets.

An alley with pink umbrellas covering the top and orange stone shops on either side. — Grasse

A large white ruin looking down at the red roof city below. — La Turbie

Grasse: The perfume capital, enveloped in fields of lavender and jasmine, with centuries-old perfume factories to explore.
La Turbie: Home to the impressive Trophee d’Auguste, offering stunning vistas of Monaco and the coast.

A blue and green sea cove with bright rocks with a dirt path leading throughout the cove — Cap Ferrat

A tree covered hill with a city going up with a tall church steeple at the top with the blue sky in the background. — Mougins

Beaulieu-sur-Mer & Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Luxurious and serene, known for their beautiful villas, gardens, and clear waters.
Mougins: A gourmet destination, surrounded by forests and known for its art galleries and fine dining.

A stone pathway with small houses or cafes on either side with clay pots by the door — Tourrettes-sur-Loup

A stone hill with huge houses on the top of the rocky mountain — Gourdon

Tourrettes-sur-Loup: A picturesque medieval village, famous for its violet cultivation and artisanal crafts.
Gourdon: Perched like an eagle’s nest, offering panoramic views of the Provence countryside and the Mediterranean.

Where to Stay on the French Riviera

A wide pedestrian street with pink and orange buildings on either side with the large trees in the background

Given that the Cote d’Azur is pretty compact and well-connected by trains and buses, it’s very convenient to base yourself in one city and take day trips to explore the nearby cities and villages.

Without question, I’d recommend you stay in Nice during your visit to the French Riviera.

Nice is an incredible city, with a quaint and captivating Old Town, beautiful beaches, a spacious promenade, plenty to see and do, great restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Its central location on the Cote d’Azur, right along the main regional train line, makes getting around very easy to get around.

Here are my top three recommendations for places to stay in Nice – I’d highly recommend booking early, as accommodations tend to fill up weeks to months ahead.

>>Palais Saleya Boutique Hotel: Perfectly situated in the picturesque Old Town, this hotel offers large, modern, and cozy suites.

>>Hotel Florence: This hotel features stylish, modern rooms and enjoys a prime location close to the sea, promenade, Old Town, and the train station.

>>Hotel Suisse: Offering breathtaking sea views from its prime spot at the top of the Promenade des Anglais, this upscale hotel provides spacious rooms and luxurious amenities.

Best Beaches on the French Riviera

A beach going along the coastline with a colorful city in the background with tall palm trees by the people laying on the sand

The French Riviera has some really lovely beaches, and there’s a lot of variety to the beaches (or plages) along the coastline. Some beaches are wide and sandy, such as in Cannes and Juan-les-Pins.

Others, like in Nice are fairly rocky, but are still beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Then there are areas like Cap Ferrat, Cap d’Ail, and Cap d’Antibes, which feature charming rocky coves and inlets and picture-perfect tucked away beaches.

A sandy beach with palm trees surrounding the people sitting on the beach with the sailing boats on the blue water

The beaches in Menton and Antibes are some of my favorites in southern France, because the beach is protected by a rocky jetty, keeping the swimming area shallow and calm.

The beaches in southern France can either be public or they can be private beach clubs.

Public beaches are free and available to everyone, and will sometimes have lifeguards, bathrooms, lockers, and other services. However, some public beaches have no facilities or services.

In contrast, beach clubs, which are very common in southern France, have loungers and umbrellas available to rent, as well as beachfront restaurants and beachfront drink service (among other amenities). These clubs are paid and often require reservations in summer.

>>Check out my dedicated post about the best beaches on the French Riviera for more details and information.

Events and Festivals

A 3D elephant made out of oranges and other creations out of the fruit with people walking around.

There are a myriad of festivals and events in southern France, both large and small. Here are some of the biggest events that take place in the region throughout the year:

February: The Lemon Festival in Menton
February/March: Carnival in Nice (date dependent on the year)
March-April: Blossoming flowers throughout the Riviera
May: The Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco, and the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes
July: Lavender fields are in full bloom in nearby Provence
July 14: Bastille Day (France’s Independence Day)
September: Cannes Yachting Festival
November–December: Christmas Markets occur in cities and towns throughout the region

Practical Information & FAQs

Best Time to Visit the French Riviera

A woman sits on a white railing with lots of striped umbrellas and beach chairs lined up to the bright blue beach

The best time to visit the French Riviera really depends on your personal preferences and what aspect of southern France is most important to you. Here’s a quick overview:

Winter is very inexpensive to visit and blissfully uncrowded, but the temperatures can be chillier, you definitely won’t be sea bathing, and some restaurants and services will be closed.

Spring is lovely, with blossoming trees and warmer temperatures, though you may still have chilly days and/or rain. Sea temps are still pretty bracing, but crowds are still lower and prices aren’t at their summer peak yet.

Summer is warm (sometimes even quite hot), sunny, and great for beach days. Crowds and prices are high.

The beginning of fall still has lingering nice weather, but by November it’s pretty chilly again.

How Much Time Do You Need?

You could truly spend several weeks to even a couple of months on the French Riviera, visiting all the little towns, beaches, coastal walkways, and cities, and soaking up the laidback Mediterranean atmosphere.

The minimum amount of time I’d spend on the Cote d’Azur is 3 full days in Nice and some surrounding areas. You can see and do a lot with 7 days on the French Riviera, but could also easily spend 2-3 weeks seeing and doing everything.

Is It Safe?

Yes, the French Riviera is generally very safe. While there are certainly some rougher neighborhoods in the larger cities, these areas are nowhere near where you’ll be spending time as a tourist.

Pickpocketing is going to be your biggest concern, but if you use some common sense (keep your belongings secured in a zipped crossbody bag, don’t leave anything out that can easily be grabbed) you should be fine.

But by and large, you don’t need to be overly concerned about safety when doing anything remotely tourist-related on the French Riviera. I’ve traveled the Riviera with my husband, with my mom, and by myself, and I’ve always felt perfectly safe.

Is It Expensive?

The French Riviera, often seen as a playground for the rich and famous, can certainly be a place to splash out. However, you can also certainly visit the Riviera on a budget and still have an amazing time.

There are a variety of delicious restaurants in all the cities where you can enjoy a fine dining experience, grab a bite at a local restaurant, pick up some food at a takeaway spot, or even stop by the market or boulangerie for picnic fixings.

Every city has public beaches you can visit for free, admission prices to museums and attractions are very reasonable, and you can easily get around by walking or using public transportation (trains, trams, and buses). And you can find 5* accommodations and budget hotels in every city.

That being said, generally speaking, the French Riviera isn’t a *cheap* place to visit, not the way that, say, southeast Asia or South America is a cheap place to visit. But you can certainly visit on a budget, particularly if you visit during the fall, winter, and spring (prices soar in the summer).

How to Get Around

An arched train station with two train tracks and pillars in between the two, with lots of people walking around.

For most of the French Riviera, you can get around really easily just by taking the regional train (SNCF train) and the occasional bus. The train runs along the coast and passes through a variety of small villages and large cities, and is very fast, convenient, and inexpensive to use.

If you’re visiting villages and towns that are inland, you’ll need to take a bus, and that can get a little bit more tricky, as the buses do take longer, come less frequently, and don’t always have a direct option.

If you follow my 3 days in Nice or 7 day French Riviera itinerary, I think you can definitely get around without a car. If you choose to do fewer coastal destinations and more hilltop villages and inland destinations, then a rental car may make more sense for you.

If you think you’ll want a rental car in southern France, book early for best prices and availability. I always use DiscoverCars.com – I like that I can compare prices between different companies and I always know I’m getting the best deal.

Is the French Riviera Worth Visiting – The Wrap Up

I hope it’s obvious from everything I’ve written that I love the French Riviera – it’s a fantastic place to visit and one of my very favorite spots in France. I couldn’t recommend a visit to this idyllic section of southern France more!