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The French Riviera is one of the best places in France for travelers who want beaches, beautiful towns, coastal views, food, and warm weather in one trip. This French Riviera travel guide is written for people planning their first visit or returning to explore more of the Mediterranean coast.
Located in southeastern France, the French Riviera stretches along the Mediterranean Sea near the Italian border. The region has busy seaside cities, small hilltop villages, sandy and pebble beaches, luxury resorts, old ports, and scenic coastal roads. You can spend the morning walking through an old town, relax beside the sea in the afternoon, and visit a viewpoint or waterfront restaurant in the evening.
Most trips start in Nice, the largest city on the French Riviera. Its main sights include Vieux Nice, the Promenade des Anglais, Castle Hill, Cours Saleya Market, and the Port of Nice. Nice also has the region’s main airport and good train connections, which makes it a practical base for day trips along the coast.
From Nice, you can travel east to Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Èze, Monaco, and Menton. Villefranche-sur-Mer has a colorful old town and a sheltered bay, while Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is known for coastal walks and Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Èze is a small hilltop village with wide sea views, and Monaco offers the Prince’s Palace, Monte-Carlo, luxury yachts, and famous gardens. Menton, close to the Italian border, has a historic old town, gardens, beaches, and colorful buildings.
West of Nice, Antibes combines an old town, Provençal market, historic walls, beaches, and the large Port Vauban. Cannes is famous for La Croisette, the Film Festival, luxury hotels, beaches, and boat trips to the Lérins Islands. Further west, Saint-Tropez is known for its old port, La Ponche quarter, Place des Lices, and nearby Pampelonne Beach.
The French Riviera is also worth exploring away from the coast. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the region’s best-known hilltop villages, while Grasse is famous for perfume museums, historic factories, and perfume-making workshops. Gourdon, Mougins, and Vence offer old streets, local restaurants, art, and views across the surrounding hills. Nature lovers can also explore the red rocks of the Estérel coast, the coastal paths around Cap d’Antibes, or the clear water and mountain scenery of the Gorges du Verdon.
Below, you’ll find the best things to do on the French Riviera by city, village, beach, and attraction. The guide includes old towns, coastal walks, markets, museums, viewpoints, gardens, islands, and day trips. You’ll also find practical tips on where to stay, when to visit, how to travel by train or car, and how to plan your route. The French Riviera has many places close together, so choosing the right base can help you see more without spending too much time traveling.
Explore our curated guide to the 1 best things to do in French Riviera, highlighting the must-see landmarks and secret spots that make this country so unique.
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