The French Riviera is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions of France. The dramatic coastline boasts colourful seaside villages, hilltop towns overlooking the vast ocean, and delectable cuisines. While it’s famous for the glitz and glamour of Nice and Cannes, there are many other gorgeous places to discover in the area. If you’re looking for ideas to plan your trip, check out the six incredible places to visit on the French Riviera.
1. Cannes
While Cannes is best renowned for its annual film festival, the glamorous city, which lies on the southeast coast of France, is also home to many beautiful beaches, flashy casinos, and a vibrant sailing scene. If you’re visiting for the first time, stroll through the picturesque boulevard of La Croisette to get your bearings.
When strolling the beautiful streets of Cannes, among the things that will get your attention are the gorgeous architecture. The Town Hall called Mairie de Cannes is one of them. Overlooking the lovely port of Cannes, the beautiful building was constructed over three years and finally completed in 1877. Meanwhile, Palais Bulles, in the suburb of Théoule-sur-Mer, is a vast mansion featuring a series of pink and circular buildings and the private home of famous French designer Pierre Cardin.
Stroll through the picturesque cobbled streets in the neighbourhood of Le Suquet. Lined with pastel-coloured buildings and great restaurants, Le Suquet is a great place to get a feel of the local life while indulging in delectable cuisines.
2. St Tropez
St Tropez is a favourite destination for many celebrities and well-heeled holidaymakers who want to relax and frolic at its stunning beaches. But there’s more to St Tropez than its glamorous vibe. It’s home to a lovely port that’s fun to explore and has some of France’s best restaurants serving delectable oysters and champagne.
Home to one of the world’s most popular ports, St Tropez is a popular stopover for those cruising the Mediterranean. Enjoy a scenic stroll along the quayside and admire the beautiful yachts and sailing boats lining its coast. Stop at one of the cafes and restaurants, a popular place for visitors to hang out and people-watch.
Head to Dominant Saint-Tropez, where you can marvel at the most romantic sunsets. The 16th-century citadel is home to a Maritime History Museum, overlooking the panoramic views of the French Riviera.
3. Côte d’Azur
Cote d’Azur encompasses a long coastline stretching from the town of Menton to the beautiful beaches of Marseille. It’s the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday in France. In fact, there are some stunning villa rentals in Cote d’Azur, ideal for those who want to stay longer and explore many places in the region.
There’s more to discover in Cote d’Azur than its beaches. Head to Provence to check out the famous lavender fields, among the region’s biggest attractions. Wandering through the magnificent plateau of purple flowers is such an incredible experience! Try to visit in July to witness the annual Valensole Lavender Festival.
Those who love nature should hike the cedar forest in Bonnieux, with marked walkways shaded by tall cedar trees that have been there since 1800. It’s a fantastic place for avid walkers and cyclists to soak up the stunning beauty of nature.
4. Nice
Nestled between stunning mountains and sea, Nice is a picturesque city with glittering beaches and lush gardens. The city has long been attracting artists, philosophers, and painters who are attracted to the city’s laidback vibe. From discovering fantastic art museums to relaxing on glamorous beaches and admiring centuries-old buildings, there’s plenty to enjoy in Nice.
A walk through the Old Town of Nice called Vieux Nice is the best way to take in the city’s charm. Its narrow cobblestone streets feature colourful architecture, restaurants, cafes, shops, and art galleries. Stop by Place Masséna, the most prominent square in Nice, with a large fountain decked with statues.
One of the best museums in Nice is The Musée Matisse, housed in a 17th-century villa with a magnificent Genoese-style facade. The museum houses a vast collection of the works of Henri Matisse, a French painter who lived in Nice.
5. Monaco
Monaco is one of the most incredible places to visit on the French Riviera if you love shopping, fine dining, and partying with the rich and the famous. Like most places on the French Riviera, Monaco exudes a glamorous vibe, although it also appeals to any traveller who wants to relax and unwind.
The Montecarlo Casino is one of those attractions you should not miss when visiting Monaco. The iconic building features a spectacular Belle Epoque style, home to the Opera House. Another place worth checking out is the Monte Carlo Cathedral. Built in 1875, it is where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace got married.
For those who love fast cars, try to visit Monaco during the F1 race, which takes place every third week of May. But if you can’t make it to the race, check out the fascinating car collections of The Prince of Monaco, where you can catch a glimpse of over a hundred classic cars, including a rare pink Mercedes Benz.
6. Grasse
The charming town of Grasse is another incredible place to see and is perfect for a luxury romantic weekend. It’s north of Cannes, a short drive from Nice. Regarded as the world’s perfume capital, Grasse is famous for its scenic flower fields, including rows of lavenders, jasmine flowers, orange blossoms, and roses.
A visit to the Perfume Museum is a must for anyone visiting Grasse. It’s where you can learn about the history of perfume and its role in various civilisations. There’s also a botanical garden outside the museum, which visitors can explore.
If the smell of jasmine, roses, and lavender is becoming a bit too much, it’s time to venture into the Old Town and wander around its picturesque streets. Compared to other Old Towns in the South of France, the Old Town of Grasse is a little shabby, adding to its charm.
