The 8 Best Places to Visit in the French Riviera

The beauty and glamor of the French Riviera has captured the hearts of travelers for generations.  This jewel of the Mediterranean is synonymous with glitz, glamor, pristine beaches, fine dining and charming seaside villages.  Yachts dot the coastline, crystal clear waters offer respite from the hot sun and beautiful cobblestone streets make the French Riviera the ultimate summer destination. If you are wondering which places you need to see on your journey here, join us as we reveal the best places to visit in the French Riviera.

The largest city in the Côte d’Azur, Nice is a great home base if you plan on using the train or bus system to explore.  Many arrive in the Riviera through the airport or train station in Nice.  Although a major hub for the region, Nice is also worth exploring. 

Promenade des Anglais is a long boulevard along the city’s stretch of beach. Here you will find locals and tourists alike flocking to find relief from the summer heat in the dazzling blue waters.  Place Masséna is the most beautiful central square in Nice. With a picturesque fountain, it is the perfect place to rest as you enjoy the scenery of old Nice.  Overlooking the sea is Castle Hill.  A short hike up to the top of the hill rewards you with an amazing viewpoint of the city.  Art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Matisse Museum, which is home to the world’s largest collection of Henri Matisse’s work.  Matisse called Nice home during the final years of his life, and Nice is where he undoubtedly found inspiration and beauty for some of his iconic art works.  

Eze is a must see on your trip to the Côte d’Azur!  This hilltop medieval village offers beautiful and historic architecture set high in the hills and dramatic vista points of the Mediterranean Sea below.  Admire the beauty of Notre Dame de l’Assomption, the town’s beautiful bright yellow church built in the 18th century.  Visit Èze’s Jardin Exotique, a charming botanical garden filled with exotic cacti and succulents.  The garden also is known to offer one of the best views in town as it is situated where a medieval fortress once stood.  

With a quiet and quaint old town beautifully preserved, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a must see on your Riviera vacation.  Get lost exploring the cobblestone streets lined with bright colored buildings draped in beautiful flowers.  The Citadel is the perfect place to take in the beauty. This 16th century fortress sits high above the city. Be sure to visit and capture some amazing photographs or sit and admire the serene beauty. 

The surrounding beaches are lovely too, such as Plage des Marinieres, a perfect swimming beach located in the bay.  For travelers who prefer quieter beaches, Plage de la Darse is a more secluded option, surrounded by dramatic cliffs.  This gorgeous town is also easily accessible from Nice, with budget friendly and fast train services.

If you are searching for the most gorgeous pastel backdrop, look no further than Menton – the “Pearl of the French Riviera”.  This amazing town offers a wealth of gorgeous views and great beaches.  If Menton reminds you more of Italy than France, you would be correct as this town sits very close to the neighboring Italian Riviera. Here you can see the Italian influence in the architecture, food and the abundance of lemon trees that grow in the surrounding hills.  The white sand beach of Plage des Sablettes is another must see attraction. Here you will find restaurants lining the shores, a perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the day.

Located just 30 minutes from Nice, Antibes offers a variety of sights, experiences and of course breathtaking beaches.  Perhaps the most famous, thanks to social media, is Plage de la Baie des Milliardaires (Bay of Billionaires), a deep clear blue bay perfect for swimming and spotting the yachts of the rich and famous docking in the distance.  The town of Antibes is full of beauty as well, with historical roots that have seen the likes of Claude Monet, Picasso and F. Scott Fitzgerald being inspired by their visits to the area.  The coastal walk of Sentier du Littoral is a great way to experience the natural beauty that surrounds Antibes or spend your days lounging in the sun at the many other nearby beaches such as Plage de la Gravette, Plage du Ponteil and Plage de la Salis.  

Perhaps most famous for the Cannes Film Festival that the city hosts each year, this vibrant city is not just for the rich and famous.  Stroll along Rue d’Antibes and Boulevard de la Croisette, the main boulevard lined with palm trees and a plethora of shopping and dining options.  Le Suquet, the old quarter of Cannes, offers beautiful medieval neighborhoods and cobblestone streets. You will it is a great place to wander and get lost in the winding streets. 

Pamper yourself with a day at one of Cannes Beach Clubs, where you can rent a chaise and umbrella and relax in the sun and surf.  If you are looking for a quick day trip from Cannes, Île Sainte-Marguerite is only a 15 minute ferry ride that offers historic forts, beautiful beaches and museums.

Perched high on a hill, St Paul de Vence is the perfect quintessential French town.  It is also one of the oldest towns in the French Riviera, inhabited since 400 B.C.  Inside the walled portion of the city you will find adorable winding roads, art galleries and local shops. The Grande Fontaine is the town’s beautiful fountain landmark, which still provides fresh drinking water.  The town also is home to beautiful churches such as Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs and Collégiale Saint Paul. 

Modern Art connoisseurs will appreciate a visit to the Fondation Maeght. This impressive Modern Art Museum is only a scenic 20 minute walk from the town center.  This small but impressive medieval town is so charming, it has seen its share of famous artists, such as Picasso, Matisse and Marc Chagall.  You too can find inspiration and beauty within its walls, St Paul de Vence leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. 

A trip to the French Riviera wouldn’t be complete without visiting the perfume capital of the world, Grasse.  The perfume industry started here in the 18th century and quickly grew to become the town’s central industry.  Visitors will enjoy learning about the town’s history, and all the work that goes into creating new scents.  Take a free tour at one of Grasse’s top perfume houses such as Molinard, Galimard or Fragonard.  The town also is home to the International Perfume Museum. 

Perhaps the most unique experience in Grasse is a chance for visitors to create their own signature scent.  There are a variety of perfume making classes to choose from in Grasse. Spots are limited, so be sure to book in advance.  The perfect souvenir, a hand made scent will provide lasting memories of the French Riviera long after your trip has ended

French Riviera Travel Guide

From the glamorous waterfront in Cannes to the small hilltop town of St Paul de Vence, the French Riviera offers something for every traveller. While the French Riviera is known for its spectacular beaches, there is plenty of other attractions to see and hidden gems worth exploring. We hope you enjoyed our guide of the best places to see in the French Riviera and are inspired to plan your next vacation here!