The French Riviera is the perfect summer destination to unwind in luxury, explore vibrant cities, and refresh yourself in the Gatorade-blue waters of the Mediterranean. From luxurious towns along the coast to charming villages perched on valley peaks, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
Having visited the South of France twice, my ultimate travel hack is to use Nice as your home base. It’s a lively, well-connected city with excellent public transportation from trains, buses, and trams, that makes accessing surrounding destinations super easy. Staying in Old Nice not only offers more affordable accommodations, but also places you right in the middle of the action: nightlife, a variety of restaurants, fresh food markets, and easy access to the beach are all just steps away.
While Antibes and Cannes are the iconic destinations most people think of, there are so many unique and stunning towns to explore along the Riviera that: a) won’t break the bank b) are just as beautiful than the more famous hotspots.
Jump to:
How to Maximize your time in Nice, France:
📍 Stay in the old town
🍴 Visit the fresh food and flower market on Cours Saleya (Have a picnic on the public beach + get the peaches!!!)
⛱️ Relax at a beach club (keep in mind the beach is all rocks so a lounge chair will make it more comfortable)
🚶♀️ Walk the promenade at sunset
🥂 Enjoy the nightlife scenes in the old town
🪸 Cap de Nice hike for incredible hidden swimming gems and explore then Villefranche-sur-Mer
🇮🇹 Day trip to Ventimiglia, Italy
🏰 Walk up Colline du Château overlooking the city of Nice and the port
🛤️ Day trip to Monte Carlo Monaco
⛪Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption or Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice
Learn about other hidden gems to visit in France
Accessing Monaco & Italy:
One of the biggest perks of basing yourself in Nice is how simple it is to explore two other countries during your trip: Monaco and Italy.
Monaco, famous for F1 races, luxurious yachts and ruled by a prince, is only a 30 minute train ride from Nice. Monaco offers very unique adventures to take on, from navigating the whole F1 track, to walking up and wandering Princes Palace. Monaco is the definition of luxury, so you will need to dress appropriately if you are planning to eat out or go into the casinos.
Although the city itself is very expensive, there are affordable ways to enjoy the small but mighty country. We had such a great time in the country without breaking the bank. If you’re lucky you will also see Charles Lecarc driving through his home city!
Ventimiglia, Italy, only 40 minutes from Nice by train, is a charming Italian town that you must visit during your time along the South of France. It was my first taste of Italy and honestly, it couldn’t have been more perfect. From authentic pasta to meeting locals who truly live the “il dolce far niente” lifestyle, Ventimiglia feels like a luxurious Italian getaway. Relax at the beach clubs, browse fresh food markets, and wander through the charming Old Town.
Cities to Visit along The French Riviera:
1. Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a vibrant, colorful seaside town, just east of Nice full of pure joy. Wander its vibrant streets, lounge on the beach, and admire the yachts gliding into the harbor. One of the best ways to get here is by hiking the Cap de Nice trail, a scenic coastal path with jaw-dropping views and a couple of secret swimming holes along the way. If hiking isn’t your thing, there’s also a quick bus ride available.
More about the Cap de Nice Hike:
The best way to start this hike is by making your way to Le Plongeoir, which is on the opposite side of the port from Old Nice. From there, head toward Jardin Félix Rainaud, just across from Square Théodore de Banville and this is where the trail kicks off!
Discover more breathtaking hikes across France
Once you’re on the path, you’ve got two options:
- You can follow the trail until you reach a hidden swimming spot known as Plage de la Plateforme, a dreamy place to take a refreshing dip.
- Or, if you’d rather keep going, look to your left along the way.
You’ll spot steep stairs carved right into the cliffside. Whether or not you swim, you’ll eventually need to take these steps to continue the hike. The stairs bring you up to the main street, where you’ll find a little grocery store, perfect for grabbing drinks and snacks before continuing.
From there, keep walking until you find another set of stairs that lead back down to the water. Follow the coastal path and you’ll come across another swimming hole, or keep going all the way to Villefranche-sur-Mer!
Honestly, the best way to get the vibe and route down is from my video HERE
2. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is located just beyond Villefranche-sur-Mer along the stunning peninsula. This town is home to Paloma Beach, a hidden cove perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. It’s quieter, chic, and gives you that feeling of stumbling upon a local gem.
3. Menton
Menton is another must-visit city along the Riviera, known for its undeniable beauty and charm. It’s full of vibrant buildings, jetty walkways that offer picture-perfect views of the city unfolding before you, and streets lined with authentic French cuisine. The gardens here burst with life and color, adding to the city’s fairytale feel. I’ve only experienced Menton at night, when the energy was lively and inviting, but I highly recommend visiting during the day, when the sun lights up the town and gives you time to truly explore everything it has to offer.
4. Èze
Èze, although we didn’t have enough time to make it here, was also on our itinerary to explore. A medieval town rested on the top of a mountain, overlooking the french riviera. Known for its medieval background, ancient buildings and unique architecture, add this city to your list of destinations to visit while in the South of France. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is another charming village west of Nice, tucked away in the valleys. Although we didn’t have time to make it there ourselves, it was high on our list. I definitely recommend checking out at least one of these inland villages to get a feel for the unique Riviera lifestyle beyond the coastal towns.
5. Toulon
A bit farther from Nice, Toulon surprised us in the best way. We passed through on our way to Corsica and were struck by its beauty. The city has a relaxed energy and is full of beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and scenic port views. It’s less touristy and more authentically Riviera.
Overall:
When planning your next Euro summer adventure, consider the South of France for the perfect blend of exploration, luxury living, and laid-back unwinding along the Riviera. Au revoir!
ContiTravels 
Leave a comment