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Located in Southeastern France along the Mediterranean coastline, the French Riviera is one of Europe’s most famous vacation destinations. This strip of pristine beaches, luxury stays and glamorous locales was one of the world’s first modern resort getaways. Still attracting the globe’s top celebrities, artists, upper class travelers and curious vacationers, the Cote d'Azur stands strong as one of the world’s ritziest holiday spots. Wondering where to Go in the French Riviera? Running west from the Italian border to the city of Toulon, there are loads of glamorous spots for foreigners to visit in between.
Nice
Start your French Riviera tour is in the area’s largest city of Nice. Serviced by one of the country’s busiest airports, visitors will have no problem accessing the Mediterranean through this major French hub. Filled with ancient cathedrals, amazing museums, gorgeous waterfront promenades and, of course stunning beaches, Nice has something to keep visitors of all ages and interests occupied. Try your best to make it to the weekly Cours Saleya market, a great place to spot some delicious fruits and vegetables, flowers and maybe a few famous locals as well.
A great time to plan your visit to Nice would be between February and March, to catch one of the world’s largest carnivals, the Nice Carnival. Dating back to 1294, this festivity runs for two straight weeks ending on the last day of Mardi Gras. Join the throngs of the millions who attend every year, to enjoy the colors, food, beverages, sounds, entertainment and endless partying of this worldwide event.
Villefranche and Eze
Just east of Nice the communes of Villefranche and Eze are known for their extensive history and stunning seaside locations, just prefect for visitors looking to combine some cultural sightseeing with their Riviera getaways. The main attractions here include Saint Michael’s Church, Saint Peter’s Chapel, the Citadel and the Rue Obscure (in Villefranche) and Eze’s Botanical Gardens, Sainte Croix Chapel and, of course, views of the sea from the top of the hill (Eze’s most famous attraction).
Monte Carlo
Also east of Nice is another of the French Riviera’s most famous destinations: Monte Carlo in the Monaco principality. Equipped with some of the world’s finest hotels, casinos and luxurious resorts, Monaco and Monte Carlo are veritable magnets to the world’s billionaires. Expect to find stunning skyscrapers, opulent villas, palaces, gorgeous gardens and loads of high end shopping in this ultra ritzy destination.
Beaches, Films and Celebrities! From Cannes….
Moving west along the coast from Monte Carlo and Nice, visitors will arrive at one of the most famous names on the entire French Riviera: Cannes. An extremely popular tourist destination, the beaches, hotels, shopping, restaurants and stunning waterfront help make this spot a coastal favorite. Two of the most famous events that take place in the area are the Cannes Film Festival and the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. Hosting the crème de la crème, these events have helped keep Cannes as an important spot on the world’s map.
…to Saint Tropez
Gorgeous beaches, quaint cafés, delicious restaurants and lively nightlife call out at Saint Tropez, yet another nesting spot for the well to do, with yachts, high-end shopping, star-studded villas and glamorous hotels making up the majority of the western Riviera town’s landscape. Beach goers beware: Saint Tropez and many of the French Riviera’s beaches are known for their clothes-optional attitude. Girls, if you’d rather be clothed, bring along your fanciest bikini, as this is where French beauty Brigitte Bardot made the scandalous beachwear socially appropriate!
Antibes: An Alternative Visit
If you’ve had your fill of Cannes but aren’t looking to head west to Saint Tropez, the resort town of Antibes may be the spot for you. Combining museums (Archaeology, Naval and Picasso museums) and parks (Exflora and Eilenroc) with world famous festivals (Jazz, antiques and religious) and beaches, Antibes has something for all tastes and personalities.
Other French Riviera Must-Visits
If you’re not visiting the French Riviera for the first time, and are looking for somewhere a bit less intense to vacation, consult your French Riviera tour guide to pick and choose amongst the alternatives such as the rolling hills of Grasse, medieval village of Old Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, hillside town of Vence or the islands of Iles d’Hyeres!
